As one of Asia’s most globalized cosmopolitan cities with strong expatriate communities, Singapore offers varied culinary options pooled from around the world.
These restaurants take it one step further by incorporating elaborate decorations or atmospheric concepts which transport you overseas.
Whether you are a traveler wanting to experience Singapore’s multi-cultural dining scene or a Singaporean looking for a quick hideaway or if you are trying to impress your date, this guide may just be for you!
[Image Credit: pxhere]
Africa: Kate UTU
Owner Mr. Kurt Wagner’s eclectic upbringing across Liberia, Kenya and South Sudan can be seen in the loving details of hand-crafted African furnishings across this three-floored restaurant. If you love fiery African cuisine, there are some truly exotic options. We also love Bidibado “Abracadabra”—an espresso cup dabbed with organic peanut butter, roasted almonds and pink peppercorns.
12 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089265
Argentina: Panamericana
Inspired by the iconic Pan-American Highway, this restaurant brings together the best cuisine from 14 North, Central and South American countries. At the heart of it is the Argentinian Asador vibe, with farm-to-fire grilled premium meats, all while you imagine its Sentosa Golf Club backdrop as the Southern Cone coastline.
27 Bukit Manis Rd, Sentosa Golf Club, 099892
Australia: Five Oars Coffee Roasters
This Melbourne-inspired rustic industrial cafeteria incorporates earthly tones and red-bricked walls to great effects, with the owners having curated an impressive collection of aromatic bean varietals from Brazil, Colombia to Ethiopia!
6 Upper East Coast Rd, Singapore 455200
Botswana: Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari
This beloved pastry joint has reinvented itself with its under canvas concept after the founder’s trip to Botswana, peppered with vintage rugs and taxidermy butterflies. Most of the menu incorporates herbs and spices grown from the garden of the leafy neighborhood, further expounding the naturalistic vibe.
130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
Caribbean: Lime House Caribbean
Great music, spine-tingling rum and laid-back vibe jazz up the succulent fine-dining options of Caribbean fish cakes, baby back ribs, slipper lobster cocktail and the signature Jamaican jerk chicken.
2 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089260
China: The Dragon Chamber
Hidden behind a beer fridge of the Long Tang Kopitiam, this speakeasy amasses unconventional age-old dishes not typically found in your regular Chinese restaurants. How unusual? There are the firecracker chicken and maple fritters, spiny lobsters, or if you are feeling super adventurous, how about a herbal soup made from crocodile penis?
2 Circular Rd, Singapore 049358
Cuba: La Boca Bistro Bar
Burst of colors greet you a you step into this joint at the heart of the atmospheric Kampong Glam, immediately reminding you of the briny island breeze. Classic fares include the fried salted cod fish, crispy plantain and pull goat curry.
749 North Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 198717
England: Café de Nicole’s Flower
Feel the pulse of the English countryside as you dip into your all-day brunch and desserts against the blooming flowers. Seasonal variations bring cherry blossom in spring, Christmas decorations at year-end and many other themes!
224 Telok Kurau Rd, #01-01, Singapore 423836
[Image Credit: pxhere]
Finland: The Summerhouse
Set against the green neighborhood of Seletar, enjoy edible garden dining at the Instagram-friendly Garden Domes. If you have ever wondered how it feels like to be under the roof of an igloo dome in the Arctic Finland town of Rovaniemi, your dream is coming true here.
3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
France: Merci Marcel
While Merci Marcel has 5 branches now due to its popularity, the Bohemian-styled Tiong Bahru outlet is one of its most creative—beautifully fitted with mustard mosaic, citrus-toned palette and a glasshouse garden patio.
56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68, Singapore 160056
Germany: Frieda
Fringed with palm trees beneath a glass atrium, the relaxing Frieda Garden truly turns on the charm after 5pm with its Happy Hour selection. Make sure you try the sinfully delicious pork knuckle, veal schnitzel or pretzel dumplings.
13 Stamford Road Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski #01-87 and #01-K1, K2, Singapore 178905
Greece: Blu Kouzina
Savor sumptuous Greek culinary at this thematic restaurant. Dishes are prepared with Hellenic wines and extra virgin olive oil specially sourced from family-owned Olive Grove Estate in Messinia, Greece.
10 Dempsey Rd, #01-20, Singapore 247700
Hawaii: Beriwell
Set along the breezy East Coast Road with bright furnishings, coconut tree paintings, wooden tables and rattan chairs, you will be forgiven to mistake this place as a part of Honolulu. Beriwell serves healthy acai bowls, believed to be rich in antioxidants, amino acids, fibers, vitamins and minerals.
19 East Coast Road #01-01, Singapore 428746
Hong Kong: Legendary Hong Kong
Mimicking the retro-inspired narrow streets of Mongkok, this eatery has head-hunted 8 established chefs across Hong Kong to bring the iconic roast duck, dim sum, noodles and traditional “bing sut” closer to Singapore.
63 Jurong West Central 3, #03-80 Provisional, 2 Shopping Center, Jurong Point, Singapore 648331
[Image Credit: Cathay Pacific]
India: Firangi Superstar
Ornate decorations taking cue from India icons will bring back memories for those who have visited the Land of Maharajas. Check out the Old Railway Room which brings back the Darjeeling train nostalgia, or the Jungle Lodge inspired by Rajasthani tiger safari.
20 Craig Rd, #01-03, Singapore 089692
Indonesia: Bumbu Restaurant
Soak in the loving old-world ambiance with Peranakan antiques and photographs curated by the owner himself. Classic Indonesian fares such as tahu telor and beef rendang will satiate your appetite, with unique twist of halal Thai dishes thrown in for good measures. Bumbu means spices in Indonesian, and you will know why after you experience the richness of the taste!
44 Kandahar St, Singapore 198897
Iran: Shabestan
Soak in the loving Experience award-winning Persian gastronomy along the breezy Robertson Quay riverside. Ingredients are cooked with the finest Persian herbs and spices, such as saffron, olive oil, pomegranates, prunes, raisins and nuts.
80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-13, Singapore 239013
Ireland: Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
Literally built in Dublin back in 1996 before it is shipped across the ocean in 40-foot containers for being reassembled in Orchard Road, this is as close as you can get to Ireland in sunny Singapore. The wide selection of beers, wines and spirits are perfect for post-hard work drink with your friends or colleagues!
442 Orchard Road #01-02 to 05 Claymore Connect, 238879
Israel: North Miznon Singapore
Helmed by Jerusalem-born Masterchef Eyal Shani, this brightly-lit restaurant puts a fine dining twist to traditional Israeli food. Say goodbye to dirty hands, diners can savor inspiringly arrayed seafood platter or the signature naked heirloom tomato mosaic.
110 Amoy St, #01-01, Singapore 069930
Italy: Amò
Feast on artisanal pastas, antipasti and some of the best pizzas in Singapore—with light crush paired with natural leaven, semolina and extra virgin olive oil. Occupying two shophouses, soak in the post-industrial chic aesthetic.
33 Hongkong St, Singapore 059672
[Image Credit: nekotank]
Japan: KOMA
Set at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands, truly upscale gourmet and sushi bar with dramatic decoration forms the hallmark of this restaurant, starting from the looming torii gates, footbridge, fan-like structures across the ceiling, down to the tiniest details of hand-folded origami cranes as chopstick holders!
2 Bayfront Ave, # B1 – 67, Singapore 018972
Malaysia: Baba Chews Bar and Eatery
A modern reinterpretation of Peranakan culture, the loving details of geometric tiling and wooden features harken tribute to this unique Straits culture. The food itself is a stunner, fusing traditional Peranakan cuisine with modern all-day brunch culture!
86 East Coast Rd, Katong Square, Singapore 428788
Maldives: Ocean Restaurant
How do you like the idea of dining with giant manta rays and sharks swimming beside you? Southeast Asia’s first underwater dining will lift your taste buds with its responsibly sourced fresh seafood. The aquarium panel tables are especially popular and need to be booked 1-2 months in advance.
Equarius Hotel, 22 Sentosa Gateway, B1M, #B1-455 & 456, 098136
Mexico: Lucha Loco
Heeding inspiration from the playful Lucha Libre culture and the tropical blue-hue bars in Tulum, this is the perfect place to down an exciting glass of Aztec and Mayan-themed cocktails concocted from 100% blue agave tequilas and mezcals.
15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598
Morocco: La Fez Bakery & Cafe
Painted in rose pink and adorned with palms in reminiscent of Moroccan red clay cities like Fez and Marrakech, this trip to North Africa is suitable for both the sweet-toothed dessert hunters and the Instagram lovers.
01-03A 907 East Coast Rd, Singapore 459107
Nepal: Gurkha Palace
Get swept into the Himalayan mountains as you imagine yourself sitting in a cozy mountain lodge by the lap of the Earth’s highest peaks. Lovers of authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisines will be delighted with the dish varieties served here.
51 Chander Rd, Singapore 219548
New Zealand: Open Farm Community
Miss the Zealandia farms? What about an urban farmland, a horticultural hub and an open-concept restaurant rolled into one? After your brunch at this Michelin Plate 2021 restaurant, remember to stroll down the gorgeous vegetable and fruit orchards.
130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
[Image Credit: pxhere]
Peru: CANCHITA Peruvian Cuisine
Peru has fast emerged as the culinary capital of South America. Tucked along Singapore’s prettiest enclave in Dempsey Hill, tread into the lush Amazonian forest while you sample experiential Latin American fares accompanied by upbeat salsa music.
9A-9B Dempsey Rd, Singapore 247698
Portugal: TUGA Singapore
Breathe in the bustling aroma of curated Portuguese fermented grapes across the country’s 14 wine regions. The space carefully blends Portuguese food, wine, music and art for a fully immersive experience evoking the true soul of Portugal, much like the term TUGA suggests.
#01-15 Dempsey Rd, Block 8, Singapore 247696
Russia: Shashlik
A Russian feast with a Hainamese twist, where the chefs reinterpreted the timeless recipes of Mamochka Liber. All served within the easy convenience of the Orchard Road.
545 Orchard Road, #06-19 Far East Shopping Centre, Singapore 238882
Spain: Sabio By The Sea
Fancy a taste of the Spanish riviera? Get whisked into one of Singapore’s first tapas bar with fresh ingredients sourced from Spain and across Asia, complemented with imported Spanish wines, beers and spirits. Perfect for sunset set amidst the backdrop of the Sentosa Cove’s private yachts.
31 Ocean Way, #01-02, 098375
South Korea: Kreams Krafthouse
In Kreams Krafthouse, you can experience perpetual autumn akin to living the life of your favorite Korean dramas! Even better, you get to enjoy delicious sweet treats, Kreamy Krafts and fruit-infused soju while doing so.
32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Sri Lanka: Kotuwa
Named after Colombo’s central business district, this casual eatery bring the sights, sounds and tastes of Sri Lankan streets and markets into reality. Helmed by Chef Rishi Naleendra whom is reputed among the town’s finest cooks, the exceptional crab curry and poricha erachi are to-die-for.
2 Dickson Rd, First floor within Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore 209494
Sweden: Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
Swedes are among the world’s heaviest coffee drinkers, thus forming the fika culture of coffee drinking. Warm your belly with home-cooked, traditional Swedish food and pastries while admiring its sleek, contemporary Swedish design.
257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
Switzerland: COUCOU Authentic Swiss Restaurant and Bar
Feel your mountain spirit as you cozy up in the interior which resembles an Alpine ski cabin. The famed rosti is definitely a must-try, but also check out the sensational malakoff which is characteristic of Western Switzerland.
9 Craig Rd, Singapore 089669
[Image Credit: Tris_T7]
Thailand: Tamarind Hill
Housed in a colonial bungalow atop the forested Labrador Nature Reserve, the rustic-luxe decoration provides a quiet respite from the busy city as you indulge in over 100 different award-winning Thai and Shan cuisines, as well as house-infused gins and cocktails.
30 Labrador Villa Rd, Singapore 119189
Turkey: Sultan Turkish Restaurant
Star Chef Jamaal has built a strong reputation in Singapore for a few decades, culminating in the country’s most fame Turkish restaurants. Bite into the succulent shawarma and kebab which are sure to keep your stomach happy. Authentic cuisine, hospitable staffs and intricate decorations—what more can you ask for?
30 Bussorah St, Singapore 199448
USA: OverEasy
Modeled after retro Brooklyn diner with red leather boots and classic tiling, fill your stomach with homely American classics ranging from mac and cheese, burgers, chicken wings and steaks. It does not hurt that it is tucked on a premium address with a view of the Marina Bay.
1 Fullerton Road #01-06 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
Vietnam: The Orange Lantern
Much like its name suggests, at the core of this restaurant is the analogy to the pedigree of Vietnamese silk lantern and bamboo frame craftmanship with heritage over five centuries. Its award-winning specialties include BBQ beef in betel nut leaves, beef noodle soup and avocado shake.
1 Maritime Square, #01-98, Centre 099253
What are your favorite restaurants that feel like they are in another country?
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