Quick answer: Arab Street runs through the heart of Kampong Glam, and the food here pulls from Malay, Indian, Turkish, Lebanese and even Swedish traditions. You come for the murtabak at Zam Zam, the nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah, the charcoal-grilled kebabs at Alaturka, or a relaxed fika (coffee break) at Fika. The stretch works for a quick solo bite or a long supper with friends, with many spots halal and open late.
Zam Zam Restaurant
Zam Zam has been flipping murtabak on North Bridge Road since 1908, and not much about the place has changed—which is exactly why people keep coming. The open kitchen, the clatter of pans, the smell of spiced mince hitting a hot griddle. It is one of those meals that feels like a reward after a long week.
The murtabak is the headliner, crisp and flaky on the outside with a generous filling of mutton, chicken, or sardine. The nasi biryani is fragrant and comes with a piece of spiced chicken or mutton that falls off the bone, and the roti prata is done the old way—no frills, just dough, ghee, and a well-seasoned flat-top. Prices are gentle enough that you can order extra without thinking twice.
You will find a mix of families, office workers, and the occasional tourist who did their homework. Go early for lunch or late for supper; the place gets packed but the line moves. Bring cash, and if you are with a group, chope a table first while someone queues—kiasu, but necessary.
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198677
Phone: +65 6298 6320
Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily
Price: About $6–$10 per person
Zam Zam Restaurant
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
There is usually a queue outside Hjh Maimunah before the shutters even go up, and that tells you everything. This is nasi padang done with a level of care that earned them a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, and they have been at it for years on Jalan Pisang, just off Arab Street.
The drill is simple: pick your rice, then point at what catches your eye behind the glass. The Sundanese Grilled Chicken is smoky and sweet, the Beef Rendang is slow-cooked till the gravy clings to the meat, and the Lemak Siput—snails in a lemak gravy—is the kind of dish you do not see everywhere. They open at 7:30 am and close by 6:30 pm, so this is strictly a breakfast-to-late-lunch affair. Saturdays are especially busy; come on a weekday if you can.
You sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers who all know exactly why they are here. The food is the conversation. It suits anyone who wants a taste of Malay home cooking that hits deeper than the average food court.
Address: 11-15 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199078
Phone: +65 6297 4294
Hours: Mon – Sat, 7:30 am – 6:30 pm
Price: Around $8–$15 per person
Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Nothing on this page is a paid placement. If you know a place that should be here, let us know before the next update.
Alaturka Mediterranean Turkish Restaurant
Walk down Bussorah Street and you will likely catch the scent of charcoal before you see the sign. Alaturka is a Turkish restaurant that takes its grill seriously, and the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand they picked up in 2016 was no fluke.
The menu leans on kebabs—lamb, chicken, adana—cooked over charcoal and served with fluffy rice and grilled vegetables. The Alaturka Platter is the one to order if you are with a group; it lands on the table with a mix of grilled meats, smoked eggplants, and their own homemade yoghurt. Everything is made from scratch, and you can taste the time in it. The room itself is done up with Turkish tiles and lanterns, which makes the meal feel like a proper sit-down occasion rather than a quick bite.
It is a good pick for a birthday dinner or when you have visitors who want something other than local food. Last order is at 10 pm, so pace yourself.
Address: 15 Bussorah St, Singapore 199436
Phone: +65 6294 0304
Hours: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm daily (last order 10 pm)
Price: Mains from about $22
Alaturka Mediterranean Turkish Restaurant
If you enjoy exploring different neighbourhoods, you might also like our guide to restaurants on Club Street in Singapore.
Fika Swedish Café and Bistro
A Swedish café in the middle of Arab Street sounds unexpected, but Fika makes it feel natural. A husband-and-wife team runs this halal bistro on Beach Road, and the white-washed interiors give you that calm, Scandinavian pause the Swedes call fika.
Their Swedish meatballs come with lingonberry jam and creamy gravy—comfort food that does not feel heavy. The Salmon Gravlax is cured in-house, and the Lingonberry Cheesecake is a tart, creamy number that pairs well with a long black. It is the kind of place where you can linger over a late brunch or a quiet dinner without feeling rushed. On Friday and Saturday they stay open till 11 pm, so it works for a post-shopping dinner if you have been exploring the area.
This one suits couples on a date or a small group of friends who want something a little different from the usual Arab Street fare.
Address: 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
Phone: +65 6396 9096
Hours: Sun – Thu, 11 am – 10 pm; Fri – Sat, 11 am – 11 pm
Price: Mains around $18–$28
Fika Swedish Café and Bistro
Kampong Glam Café
Kampong Glam Café sits right on Bussorah Street with a clear view of Sultan Mosque. The tables spill onto the pavement, and if you grab one outside, you are eating with the minarets in sight. It is an uncomplicated, open-air setup that has been serving local Malay and Indonesian staples for years.
The Mee Rebus is thick and savoury, the Nasi Lemak comes fragrant with coconut rice, and the Teh Tarik is pulled properly—foamy and sweet. Prices are low enough that this is a regular supper spot for many. They open from morning till 2 am, so it covers everything from breakfast to a late-night craving. Just note that some sources say they close on Mondays; it is worth checking ahead.
This is your everyday, no-fuss meal spot after walking through the textile shops. Good for solo diners or a quick catch-up that does not require a reservation.
Address: 17 Bussorah St, Singapore 199438
Phone: Not available from sources
Hours: 8 am – 2 am daily (may close Mondays, check ahead)
Price: About $5–$8 per person
Kampong Glam Café
Tabbouleh Lebanese Cafe And Restaurant
Tabbouleh does Lebanese food the way it should be: generous platters of grilled meats, fresh salads, and dips you keep scooping long after the pita is gone. They have a spot on Bussorah Street, and the menu is built for sharing.
Expect hummus and baba ghanoush that taste like they were just blended, grilled kebabs with a good char, and platters that come piled with rice, meat, and pickles. The dining room is simple and unpretentious—nothing showy, just food that is clean and well-spiced. It is a solid choice when you want a meal that feels like a spread without paying restaurant-week prices.
Groups will get the most out of it because you can order a few dishes and pass them around. It is also halal, which makes it an easy pick for mixed gatherings.
Address: 54 Bussorah St, Singapore 199470
Phone: +65 6291 4100
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
Price: Mains around $15–$25
Tabbouleh Lebanese Cafe And Restaurant
All Things Delicious
Tucked inside a heritage shophouse on Arab Street, All Things Delicious is a halal-certified bakery and café that starts the day with scones and tarts and winds down with hearty dinner plates. The space is warm and uncluttered, with the kind of natural light that makes you want to stay for a second coffee.
The scones are baked fresh and arrive with clotted cream and jam. The tarts rotate with what is in season. Come evening, the menu shifts to fuller plates—pastas, grain bowls, roasted meats—so you can have a proper dinner without leaving the café. It is the kind of place that works for a solo afternoon break with a book or a low-key dinner date.
Address: 34 Arab St, #01-01, Singapore 199733
Phone: +65 6291 4252
Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
Price: Bakes from $5, mains around $18–$26
All Things Delicious
Nothing on this page is a paid placement. If you know a place that should be here, let us know before the next update.
For more dining inspiration nearby, check out our guide to restaurants on Amoy Street, or if you are craving something crispy, see Korean fried chicken in Singapore.
How to choose
Arab Street gives you a lot of variety in a short stretch, so your pick depends on the kind of meal you want. Ask yourself:
- Time of day: Hjh Maimunah closes by early evening. Zam Zam and Kampong Glam Café run late. Fika and Alaturka are best for lunch or dinner. All Things Delicious bridges breakfast to dinner.
- Group size: Alaturka and Tabbouleh are built for sharing platters. A solo diner will be comfortable at Kampong Glam Café or Fika. Zam Zam can handle families but gets crowded.
- Dietary needs: Many spots are halal. Fika, All Things Delicious, Tabbouleh, Alaturka, and Hjh Maimunah are all halal-certified or serve no pork. Zam Zam and Kampong Glam Café follow halal practices but check directly for certification status if that matters to you.
- Budget: A meal runs from about $5 at Kampong Glam Café to $30+ per person at Alaturka or Fika. There is something for every spend.
- Vibe: Heritage and hustle at Zam Zam and Hjh Maimunah, laid-back café at Fika and All Things Delicious, streetside casual at Kampong Glam, a proper sit-down at Alaturka and Tabbouleh.
Most places do not take reservations, so plan to arrive early for the busiest spots. Cash is still king at some, especially Zam Zam and Kampong Glam Café.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Must-Try Dish | Price Signal | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zam Zam Restaurant | Indian-Muslim | Murtabak | $ | Families, quick hearty meals |
| Hjh Maimunah | Malay (nasi padang) | Beef Rendang | $ | Those after genuine Malay home cooking |
| Alaturka | Turkish | Alaturka Platter | $$ | Group dinners, celebrations |
| Fika Swedish Café & Bistro | Swedish/halal | Swedish Meatballs | $$ | Dates, quiet catch-ups |
| Kampong Glam Café | Malay/Indonesian | Mee Rebus | $ | Solo diners, late suppers |
| Tabbouleh Lebanese | Lebanese | Grilled Meat Platter | $$ | Groups sharing, casual dinner |
| All Things Delicious | Bakery/café (halal) | Fresh Scones & Tarts | $$ | Afternoon tea, easy dinner |
Summary
Arab Street is a short walk packed with flavours from across the region and beyond. Whether you want a century-old murtabak recipe, a nasi padang that earned a Bib Gourmand, or Turkish kebabs straight off the charcoal, there is a table waiting. The charm is in the mix—old and new, local and international, all within a few shophouse blocks.
All details were correct at the time of writing. Hours, prices, and menu items can change, so do confirm with the business before heading down.
Frequently asked questions
Which restaurant on Arab Street is best for a big group?
Alaturka Turkish and Tabbouleh Lebanese both serve platters designed for sharing, and their dining rooms can accommodate groups comfortably. Alaturka’s Alaturka Platter is a solid centrepiece for a group dinner.
What time does Hjh Maimunah close?
Hjh Maimunah closes at 6:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. It is a daytime spot, so go for breakfast or lunch, not dinner.
Are all the restaurants on Arab Street halal?
Many are halal-certified, including Hjh Maimunah, Fika, All Things Delicious, Alaturka, and Tabbouleh. Zam Zam and Kampong Glam Café follow halal practices, but check with them directly if you need certification.
Is there a place for a quiet coffee and cake?
All Things Delicious is a heritage shophouse café with freshly baked scones, tarts, and good coffee. Fika Swedish Café is also a calm spot for coffee and a lingonberry cheesecake.
Which restaurant has the longest history?
Zam Zam Restaurant has been around since 1908, making it the oldest on this list. The murtabak recipe has been passed down for generations.
Do any of these places open late?
Kampong Glam Café stays open till 2 am, and Zam Zam is open daily until 11 pm. Fika extends to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.