Bugis is home to a myriad of artsy finds and indie boutiques - a place where you'll never fail to find something new and different each time you visit ? It's also home to a variety of halal cafes around Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, Arab Street and more! So you can indulge in a yummy day out of food and fun, before popping over to the mosque so you won't miss your prayers. So here's your complete list of halal cafes in Bugis - both old and new - perfect for your next trip there with fellow makan buddies ? P.S.Check out these 8 hidden gems in Bugis you might not have known about!
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1. Mother Dough
Here's one cafe you'd want to hang out at for a chill afternoon - Mother Dough located along North Bridge Road. Trust us when we say the pastries here are to die for! We absolutely love their Almond and Chocolate Croissant. One bite into this crusty and flaky croissant will leave you wanting more!
Prior to setting up Mother Dough bakery here in Singapore, their baker, Naadhira spent 4 years in New York perfecting the art of bread-making. Although there's limited seating, the atmosphere here is perfect for a cuppa or two and you can always keep running to the counter to order more.
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out moreP.S.Check out our full guide on what to see, eat and do in Bugis!
2. Grill Ninety Nine
Located along Arab St opposite the Landmark Hotel, Grill Ninety Nine is probably one of the newest cafes to spring up in the Kampong Glam area.
If you're a meat-lover, then this is the place for you! One of Grill Ninety Nine's recommended dishes is their Ribeye Steak which is grilled to perfection. Their steaks also come with homemade mashed potatoes and salad. Craving for more meat? Order their Angus Beef Ribs or Lamb Shank for a filling meal!
If you're a fan of burgers, you'd want to have your burger fix here! Challenge yourself bigger with the Jawbreaker which consists of three layers of handmade beef patties! Definitely something only a burger lover can handle.
What's great about Grill Ninety Nine is their Raclette cheese which you can choose to have over your main course for that cheesy goodness! Don't leave Grill Ninety Nine without savouring their decadent cakes, soft serves, mocktails and frappes either. Get your fill of ondeh-ondeh and red velvet cake or indulge in some waffles with ice cream to end your amazing meal!
Halal status: Halal-certified Find out moreP.S. Planning to shop after you cafe-hop? Make sure youstop by these top shopping spots in Bugis for the best bargains!
3. (working title)
(working title) used to be located at Arab St, but moved to its current spot along North Bridge Rd in early 2019 with a revamped menu too! The small space is cosily decorated, making it a great space to just hang out with your friends and enjoy the ambience while you dig into your meal and more!
One of the burgers that we really enjoyed was the Baaa-ger. The lamb patty is flame-grilled and topped with provolone cheese, garlic aioli sauce. Do take note that Working Title at North Bridge Road will be closed from July onwards.
On the lighter side, their Truffle Tater Tots, Bandung Latte and Ribena Wings are favourites from the old location that remain on the menu and will definitely pique your appetite for later. Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
4. Chix Hot Chicken
Chix Hot Chicken made waves when it first opened, and for a very good reason. Here, the draw of the cafe is not just the food but also the owner. Co-owned by our first Singapore idol, Taufik Batisah, this cafe prides itself on being the first to offer halal Nashville Hot Chicken!
It's not just fried chicken as their Nashville Hot Chicken is breaded and coated with one of the world’s “spiciest peppers”, the ghost pepper, and has a crispy hot finish. There are 3 levels of spice you can choose from for your chicken – mild hotness, extra hotness and insane hotness ? Spice lovers, you'll definitely want to challenge yourself to this!
You can also have your chicken in a burger. Get their Soul Sliders – 2 boneless chicken burgers served with slaw, pickles and pink mayo. If their spicy chicken is not for you, a milder version, The Original, uses buttermilk fried chicken made from spices inspired by New Orleans.
Don't miss out on their Sunday breakfast menu with amazing treats like Chicken & Waffles Sandwich, and the Breakfast Slider! Looks like we know where our next Sunday brunch spot is going to be.
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
[P.S. Planning to visit Singapore on a budget - or looking forward to a staycation that won't burst your budget? Be sure to check outthese 8 affordable hostels in Bugis!]
5. All Things Delicious
Located in a conservation shophouse along historic Arab Street, All Things Delicious is a bustling bakery cafe serving freshly-baked goods, hearty breakfast sets and the most delicious rice bowls!
Make sure you order their Shakshouka from the all-day breakfast menu - a Middle-eastern stew rich with peppers and spices, topped with two poached eggs, and with a side of sourdough bread.
Apart from brunch, they have a variety of heartier dishes perfect for lunch or dinner - try the creamy Mushroom Stroganoff with Steak or Roast Beef With The Works for a truly satisfying meal. And of course, don't leave without sinking your teeth into their signature Bread and Butter Pudding and other fresh bakes! P.S. If you have a birthday party, anniversary, or any special event coming up make sure to check out All Things Delicious's Celebration Cakes too!
Halal status: Halal-certified Find out more
6. Limaa Cafe
Limaa serves hearty AND healthy meals which are guaranteed to satisfy your tummy without all the guilt ? Choose from their wide range of breakfast sets, sandwiches, pasta and yummy sides!
Credit: Limaa Cafe
One of their recommended dishes is the Open-faced Avocado Toast - definitely a treat for all you Avocado lovers! Make sure you pair this with their yummy sides like Tender Beef Nachos or Honey Buffalo Wings.
Credit: Limaa Cafe
You can't say you've been to Limaa without trying out their Acai Smoothie Bowl too! Organic Acai berry pulp is blended with frozen bananas and yoghurt, then topped with granolas, chia seeds and other fruits - it's such refreshing and healthy treat. #HHWT Tip: If you're at Limaa for dinner, take a pick from their scrumptious mains like their Lamb It Up lamb loin, Salmon Laksa Pasta and more!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
7. The Mad Sailors
The Mad Sailors is the place to be if you’re craving for British fusion grub! They've just renovated and reopened during the COVID-19 period with a new menu that puts their own spin on classic British dishes.
Try the classic Fish & Chips that comes with fresh Atlantic cod, fingerling potato, tartar sauce, and mushy peas! Meat lovers will adore The Roast which comes with Aged Bull Ribeye, Yorkshire Pudding, Mushy Peas, and so much more. Don't miss out on their sweet options too! The Chocolate Torte comes with Valrhona Chocolate and Vanilla French Bean Gelato for a luxurious post-dinner treat.
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
8. Lina's Cafe
A visit to Lina’s Café at Jalan Pisang is more than just having a delicious meal – it’s a sign of solidarity for friends with autism. This autism-friendly eatery aims to raise awareness about autism visibility by providing a safe space for children with autism and their families. Inclusivity is a key feature here where special needs children will never be judged or be faulted for if they become “disruptive” or break anything in the café!
One of their crowd-favourites is this Mak Timah's Special Mee Rebus! Is this Mee Rebus with pasta, you might wonder? Yes! The cafe serves fusion Malay-Western food that'll make you feel warm and cosy all over. Their menu has a range of dishes so there's something for everyone. Kids will have a blast dining on the Fish and Fries, Creamy Chicken Pasta, and Kway Teow Goreng!
Lina’s Café also serves speciality teas and localised bubble tea like Teh Tarik with tapioca pearls, Alishan Milk Tea, and all-day breakfast sets, amongst other things. Come down and show your support for this café and their awesome mission to spread awareness on autism!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
9. I Am...
At the entrance of the iconic Haji Lane, you're bound to spot I Am… - an Amsterdam-inspired cafe. You'll see a replica of the "I Amsterdam" structure outside the restaurant and a big wall photograph depicting the canals in Amsterdam.
One of the things that's striking about I am is its extensive variety of burgers - with flavours like charcoal grilled, buttermilk chicken, Cajun spice, satay and more. If you're in for a huge meal, get their Ribs, with awesome flavours like garlic BBQ and maple chipotle. The cafe has also started serving brunch meals with specials brought over from its sister cafe, & Why, which shut its doors recently. Tuck into hearty breakfast sets (complete with sausage, turkey bacon and scrambled eggs), Eggs Benedict and more! From its location to its unapologetically huge servings of rainbow cakes and main dishes, you just can’t miss this open concept cafe!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
10. Fika Swedish Café and Bistro
It may be rare to get a taste of authentic and halal Swedish cuisine in Singapore other than at the well-known Fika. Beyond getting your meatball fix, head down to try out fascinating Swedish dishes with intricate names (don’t worry, the menu states what to expect).
For example, they serve Räksmörgås (shrimp and egg sandwich) and Pytt i panna (sautéed diced beef, potatoes and onion with egg and pickled red beets). If you're visiting with a friend, try the Smörgåsbord platter which serves 2 and includes a variety of cold and hot items!
Not to forget - leave some space for some Swedish cakes and pies! Their Swedish Pancakes are topped with ice-cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauces, fresh berries, and icing sugar. ? There's also a selection of fresh cakes and pastries that rotates daily so make sure to check with the cafe for what's on offer today. Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
11. The Malayan Council
The Malayan Council is a cosy café to chill out with your friends. Known best for their ondeh-ondeh cake (served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream!), this is the ideal hangout for delectable eats while catching up with loved ones.
The Malayan Council mainly serves Malay-Western fusion food, and in generous portions at that! You can easily save costs by sharing a meal with someone, so be sure to try their astounding Roti Kirai Beef Ribs. The juicy, tender ribs drizzled with savoury sauce are served alongside Malay net pancakes and salad – a feast fit for a king! Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
12. Afterwit
Afterwit, the quaint little halal Mexican café along North Bridge Road that everyone’s been taco-ing about! (Pun intended) Serving up a variety of unique tacos, cheesy quesadillas and ever so filling burritos, this café is a must-visit.
What’s really interesting about Afterwit is that they infuse local flavours into classic Mexican cuisine. Some flavours include briyani and wasabi mayo shrimp burritos, tom yum shrimp quesadillas and more. The rich and unique flavours will totally blow you away! Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
13. Tash Tish Tosh
Nestled in a line of shophouses along Kandahar Street is the ambient Tash Tish Tosh! Known best for their buffalo wings, this cozy cafe serves American food with a Malay twist.
Credit: Tash Tish Tosh on Facebook
Bring your foodie friends here for a feast of meat! Among their wide variety is the Tash Toolang Stew, a mutton bone marrow stew rich with local herbs and spices. Slurp up the rich gravy, and indulge in a hearty meal that will leave you speechless. Can't miss out eggs in your meal? Order the Tashookah to have a runny egg crown atop your stew. Otherwise, they have a couple of ribeye steaks you can dig in to! Or for a real treat get the Battleship which has Tashookah and Toolang on pizza dough that slowly soaks up all that gravy goodness.
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
14. Tipo
Where else can you get halal, fresh handmade artisanal flavoured pasta? At Tipo of course! This eatery at Kampong Glam proves that Italian food doesn’t have to be pricey. A concept by The Black Hole Group, Tipo has a modern look with pastel colours and black walls with wooden furnishings in their café. With affordable prices starting from $9.90, the best part is that you get to customise your own pasta, from the type of pasta you prefer to what proteins and sauces you want. Did you know that they make their own pasta too?
The types of pasta available are Fettucine, Fusilli and Spaghetti with a variety of pasta flavours and toppings. For a light option, you could pick Squid Ink Spaghetti, with mussels, or a different combination of Beetroot and Garlic Fusilli. There’s also coffee (roasted beans by Dutch Colony Coffee Co.!) and homemade iced teas to complete your Italian meal. Definitely, the perfect place to go to satisfy your pasta cravings!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
15. Squisito
Blink and you might almost miss this small Italian eatery along Bali Lane. Squisito's menu delivers traditional Italian cuisine in a casual dining fashion - perfect for lunch with your BFFs, or a special evening out with that special someone.
If your heart is set on freshly-made pasta, opt for their chef's recommendations including Lasagne, Gnocchi de patate with truffle (gnocchi with creamy mushroom truffle sauce) or Ravioli All' Aragosta (lobster meat ravioli served with prawn bisque). The pasta is freshly prepared every day, and you can tell with every slurp! Their thin-crust pizzas are also perfect for sharing, with classics like Margherita to flavours like the Speciale di Carne pizza (topped with turkey ham, bacon and beef sausage) and Vesuvio pizza (packed with beef sausage, beef meatballs and chilli) that cater to locals' spice-loving tastebuds!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
16. Royz et Vous
Known for their fine dining, Royz Et Vous never fails to impress us with their delicious food that takes cafe dishes to a luxurious level. Their cosy and intimate atmosphere makes it a great place for a special meal - whether you're celebrating an event, or just making some time over the weekend for a long-overdue catch-up session!
If there are 2 dishes you have to try here, it has to be their Beef Short Ribs and Smoked Duck. Did you know that their ribs are braised for 9 hours before they’re marinated and rubbed with a secret in-house recipe? This is one dish that’ll definitely melt in your mouth. Don't forget to complete your meal with their decadent desserts!
Halal Status: Muslim-owned Find out more
17. 100labs
100labs is the latest (and hottest) halal gelato spot in Kampong Gelam at the moment, and are famous for their Oomph Waffles! Chewy and buttery with a slight crispy crunch, the waffles are so popular that they've even sold out of the batter before the cafe closes. ? Top your waffles with gelato flavous like Sea Salt Caramel, Earl Grey Fig, or Hojicha Green Tea. They've even added savoury dishes to the menu recently so you can now get dinner and dessert all in one spot! Sink your teeth into their Leh-Chak Beef Burger Pow! Pow! made with an Angus beef patty lathered with spiced tomato chilli minced beef sauce. It's even served with their secret 100labs sauce and a side of nacho cheese! Halal status: Muslim-owned Instagram
18. Kulon
Halal Indonesian food in Singapore isn't hard to find, but you've never had Bakmi the way Kulon serves it up before. This small eatery along Bali lane specialises in authentic Bakmi that tastes just like what you might get in Java. With dishes like Bakmi Sambal Ijo, Bakmi Sambal Merah, and Bakmi Empal their hearty bowls are perfect for a mid-week energy boost to get your spirits up.
For something new, try their range of burgers too - the same yummy authentic flavours with a unique twist! Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
19. ASAP & Co.
What could be better than treating yourself to all-day brunch or freshly smoked meat at a steakhouse? How about a halal eatery that combines both! ASAP & Co. is the latest halal brunch spot to open in Singapore's Kampong Glam, and they have a combined steakhouse-dessert bar concept so you don't have to choose between sweet or savoury anymore.
Credit: ASAP & Co.
With everything from Baby Dutch Pancakes Banana Brulee to their signature Prime Grade USDA Angus Flanken Short Ribs to house-smoked Black Angus beef, they have just what you need from brunch to dinner (and everything in-between). Make sure to try the Cempedak Creme Brulee before you leave! Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
20. Overrice
If you've been searching for a halal snack pack to tide you over, look no further because Overrice is Singapore's very own answer to the famous chain The Halal Guys! Their bowls are filled with basmati rice, lettuce, tomatoes, pita bread, and your choice of chicken, pulled beef or falafel. Their Arab Street outlet has an extensive menu that includes mouth-watering snacks like the Overrice Fries, Buffalo Chicken drumsticks, and even desserts like brownies, Okieco's banana pudding and strawberry cheesecake 'shooters' for a bite-sized treat.
Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
21. IndoBowl
There are many things in life that we find absolutely comforting. For most of us, it happens to be a bowl of Indomie. If you think you’ve tried every possible Indomie combinations, wait till you see what this cafe in Singapore has in store! IndoBowl is the first halal Indomie cafe in Singapore that's perfect for weekday lunches and weekend hangouts.
Credit: IndoBowl on Facebook
Order a bowl of Indomie Dendeng, and you’ll be served with mouthfuls of deliciousness. Shining the spotlight on dendeng balado, also known as spicy beef jerky in Indonesia, you’ll realise how tasty it is when enjoyed together with a sunny side up. The cucumber slices are there for a reason because the sambal really packs a punch!
Credit: Royz et Vous
If you're dining in a small group, take the opportunity to enjoy the Indomie Mumbo Jumbo to the fullest. A massive Indomie platter that is perfect for four people, it includes lip-smacking chicken, lamb, beef and seafood. Topped with sunny side ups, cucumber slices and spicy sambal, you’ll definitely be having an Indomie party at your table! Their menu also includes Indonesian sides and desserts like Sate Ayam Madura, and Roti Panggang Coklat Keju. Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
22. Rumi The Poets Cup
If you're just looking for a quick drink to refresh you on a hot day, pop by Rumi The Poets Cup to get a sip of their signature iced teas and coffees. This bazaar mainstay finally opened a physical store in Kampong Glam, and the exclusive menu even includes new items like fruit-inspired mocktails and the literary-inspired 'Frizantea' selection made with brewed tea and sparkling water!
Halal status: Muslim-owned Instagram
23. Broti
Another bazaar favourite that's made the leap to a brick-and-mortar store in 2020 is none other than Broti! This halal milk tea brand is known for its rich and creamy Masala Tea and Thai Milk Tea - and they've added new flavous to the in-store menu too. Sip on Earl Grey Milk Tea, Gula Melaka Milk Tea, and even light and refreshing Lychee Soda as you window shop down Haji Lane. Halal status: Muslim-owned Find out more
BONUS: % Arabica
If you're a fan of coffee, you wouldn't want to miss getting some coffee from this world-famous coffee store which originated from Kyoto. Coffee fans in Singapore waited eagerly in anticipation before its opening in June this year and our advice is to head here early in the morning as there might be a queue!
At Arabica, the menu might be simple with mainly Espresso, Macchiato, Caffe Latte and Americano but one sip and you can possibly taste the depth and richness of the coffee ? But what's special is that you can select your own coffee beans and it'll be freshly roasted on the spot for you! This is something that you can't get at many other coffee shops out there. You can also request for a single origin or blended coffee too ? Halal status: The coffee at Arabica does not contain alcohol or animal derivatives. They do plan to sell some croissants but we are unable to verify its halal status. We advise you to visit at your own discretion. Instagram
So the next time your friends plan a catch-up session or outing in Bugis, show them this list! Remember to come with an empty stomach though - you'd want to make full use of your time here ? Happy food-hunting! [P.S. If you're looking for more places to have a satisfying meal with your loved ones, check out our list of top 7 halal BBQ steamboats in Singapore under $20!]