Where to find affordable and yummy halal eats in Singapore
This list features an array of cuisines from Asian, Western to Malay. These eateries come highly recommended and are guaranteed not to put a dent in your budget.
By John Foo
When do you go when you want quality halal food that’s perfectly priced for the budget conscious? We’ve picked out five spots to try soon.
1. I Am Café
Image: Facebook/ I Am Cafe
Located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Haji Lane, I Am Café is a Muslim owned eatery that’s become of the go to eating spots in the hipster enclave many know as Haji Lane.
It’s not hard to see why. The food – think sandwiches, pastas, burgers and mocktails – are Instagram pretty and the prices won’t put a hurting on your wallet.
But most of all, the food is mighty tasty. We recommend the charcoal grilled Juicy Beef Burger ($14.90) or the Homemade Beef Meatball Pasta ($14.90).
They also serve some top-notch coffee and a selection of finely baked cakes.
2. Badoque Café
Image: Facebook/ Badoque Cafe
Since opening its doors at Simpang Bedok in 2008, Badoque Café has gained a reputation as one of the best halal cafes on the island.
It’s not hard to see why, as the food is delicious and comes in generous portions while the service is always friendly.
But the reason why people flock to the Badoque’s two locations - in Simpang Bedok and Thomson Road – is the value-for-money offerings.
For example, a plateful of beautifully battered and fried oysters – dubbed The Blue Oyster – and a serving of fried chicken wings in a blend of chili and spices will cost less than $15 each.
If you’re in the mood for beef, get the Beef Ribs. They are fall-off-the-bone tender and come in huge portions.
Image: Instagram/ bbq.foodie
Green Sky is one of the few stalls selling halal char kway teow – that heady mix of flat rice noodles, eggs, prawns and cockles – and orh luak (oyster omelette) here.
But we can see why this stall at Bedok Corner Food Centre is a favourite with people from all over the island.
The char kway teow here is full of cockles, bean sprouts – the latter adding an extra crunch – and is extremely tasty. Same goes for the omelette, which is crisy and loaded with plump oysters.
Best of all, it is also value for money as items here start from $5 onward.
Image: Hajah Maimunah Restaurant
If you’re visiting the Kampong Glam area and are in the mood for Malay or Indonesian food, then Hajah Maimunah Restaurant at Jalan Pisang is the place for you.
This place is a favourite of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and it’s not hard to see why.
Hajah Maimunah specialises in nasi padang (steam rice served with various pre-cooked dishes) as well as favourites like grilled chicken, ox’s tail soup and more.
Another recommended dish is the tahu goreng (fried beancurd). This springy soft tofu is fried till it is golden brown and so crispy that it almost crackles when you split it with a fork. Prices are from $5 and upwards.
Image: Facebook/ Jollibee Singapore
The largest fast-food chain in the Philippines now has three outlets here in Singapore at Lucky Plaza, Square 2 in Novena and Changi City Point.
Which is a good thing for us, because this halal certified dining spot probably serves the best tasting chicken on the island.
Jollibee’s two-piece Chickenjoy value meal ($6.95) comes with rice and a drink and is a guilty pleasure.
We’ve made multiple trips to this joint and trust us when we say that the chicken is always perfectly seasoned, deep fried to perfection and extremely addictive. Pair it with the gravy and the experience is nothing short of heavenly.
A warning though: The outlets are always packed, so be prepared to wait.
