Singaporean Food Down Under
Adapted from Source
Australia’s a favourite destination for many Singaporeans – be it for further studies, family visits or simply for a low-budget getaway. Whether you’re studying overseas or having an extended visit, chances are you’ll find yourself missing home – and its delicious food – at some point.
To get you through your hometown hankering, here’s a list of restaurants and cafes all over Australia that serve uniquely Singaporean dishes – so you can get a slice of home even while Down Under.
P.S. There’s also a halal section!
1. The Old Raffles Place
Source: @sndie
At The Old Raffles Place, even the dishes are named after specific parts of Singapore – such as Tampines Black Pepper Beef with Snowpeas ($22) and Kranji Crispy Lemon Chicken ($18). If you’re there with a group, you’ll want to try the restaurant’s namesake – The Old Raffles Family Platter ($28) which consists of calamari, spring rolls, prawns and lobak.
Address: 68-70 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Phone: +61 03 9417 4450 or +61 03 9419 3092
Website
2. Kreta Ayer
Named after the road along Singapore’s Chinatown, Kreta Ayer serves an extensive menu of affordable SG dishes. There’s plenty to choose from, including specialties like Kreta Ayer Spicy Winglet ($11.80) and Kreta Ayer Spicy Squid ($14.80) – both of which have a little spicy kick.
For lovers of durian, be sure to also try the Kreta Ayer Deep Fried Durian Ice Cream ($8.80), their dessert specialty.
Address: 466 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, New South Wales 2032, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9663 3888
Website
3. Alex Lee Kitchen @ Spice Alley
Source: @alice_and_about
You’ll know that a Singaporean restaurant abroad is 100% legit when the chef himself hails from the lion city. Alex Lee of Alex Lee Kitchen is a renowned Singaporean chef and his restaurant is famous for its Katong Laksa ($13) and Chatterbox Chicken ($15) – the latter of which is his take on Mandarin Orchard’s famous chicken rice.
The restaurant is part of Kensington Street’s Spice Alley, where you can find other eateries that exclusively offer hawker-style Asian food. Designed to look like a typical Asian street, it’s the closest you’ll get to having a meal at Simpang Bedok or Kampong Glam while you’re away from home.
Address: 18-20 Kensington Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9281 0822
Website
4. Little Singapore Restaurant
Source: @phyllisxo
There’s nothing little about the spread at Little Singapore Restaurant where you can look forward to all-time favourites like Curry Puffs ($7.80/piece) and Spring Rolls ($7.80/piece) as starters before feasting on Bak Kut Teh ($14.50) and Roast Duck with Rice ($15.50).
Source: @sarjoyn
You’ll be glad to know that they also have an entire menu dedicated to bubble tea! It’s more Sweet Talk than it is Koi or Gong Cha but the flavours will definitely pique your interest – among which are Indian Cinnamon Milk Tea ($3.80) and Taiwan Dahu Strawberry Black Tea ($3.50), concoctions that you won’t find in Singapore.
5. The Malaya
Source: @peterhadinata
If you’re up for splurging a little bit, The Malaya is a great option. With a killer view to boot, you’ll have a dining experience that’ll make you feel like you’re eating at a fancy hotel in Singapore.
Have a feast – the restaurant’s Signature Banquet Menu ($69 per person, minimum of 2 people) may seem costly, but it’s worth the price, especially for generous portions of dishes like Spanner Crab San Choy Bow, Kapitan Chicken, Coconut Beef Rendang, Otak Otak and more.
Address: 39 Lime Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9279 1170
Website
6. Panda In The Kitchen
Source: @yvonnevonn
At Panda in the Kitchen, you will find a selection of Singaporean-Chinese dishes at relatively affordable prices that’ll make you feel like you’re right back home. Customers often go for the Sizzling Kung Po Chicken ($14.80) and Braised Pork ($15.80) for a quick yet filling lunch.
For some pasar malam feels, be sure to get their Fresh Squeezed Sugarcane Juice ($5) as well.
Address: Southport Central 2, 5 Lawson St Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland, QLD 4215, Australia
Phone: +61 07 5660 9116
Website
7. Malay Chinese Takeaway
Source: @justaboy
All that you need to know about Malay Chinese Takeaway is that it has what’s claimed to be the best laksa in Sydney, as attested by many. Choose from a variety of Laksa – such as Skinless Chicken ($9.70), Beef ($8.70), Seafood ($11.50), Vegetable ($8.70) and many more.
From time to time, they offer Assam Laksa too. It runs out fairly quickly, so if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some, you might want to get an additional bowl for – wait for it – takeway.
Address: Shop 1, 50-58 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9231 6788
Website
8. Spencer Village Food Court
Source: @dhiva.shini
Spencer Village Food Court is an international food court that prides itself in offering Southeast Asian delicacies from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and more. To sate your local food cravings, get some Yong Tau Fu ($6) and Dim Sum Dumpling ($5) from the Fook Kee stall or Roti Canai ($5) from Suzie’s Roti and Paratha House.
It doesn’t have “food court” in its name for naught – the tables and chairs, storefronts and even the floor tiles will give you that old school kopitiam vibe.
Address: 200 Spencer Road, Thornlie, WA 6108, Australia
Phone: Varies
Website
9. Peranakan Place
At Peranakan Place, you’ll get the complete experience – the restaurant is intricately decorated with distinct Peranakan-style furniture and decor.
The Baba-Nyonya are known for their homely and vibrant nature, so having your meal here will feel like you’re eating at home, with traditional dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak ($31.90) and Babi Pongteh ($18.90) and even Pulut Hitam ($6.90) for a sweet, creamy finish to your meal.
Address: 139 Parramatta Road, Auburn, New South Wales 2144, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9737 8989
Website
10. Kevin’s Place
Source: @lovefromkrista
If you miss the chill vibes of eating along ECP, you’ll enjoy dining at Kevin’s Place. You may choose to dine indoors but the open space outside has been the choice of many couples and groups looking to enjoy their meals with a view – especially of the evening sky.
Their Five Spices Calamari ($16) appetizer is a favourite among customers – along with their Malay Style Sambal Fish ($25) and Sizzling Beef Steak Hot Plate ($29.50). If you’re missing some homemade goreng pisang, they’ve also got Banana Fritters ($9) to satisfy your cravings.
Address: 79 Victoria Street, Mackay, Queensland 4740, Australia
Phone: +61 07 4953 5835
Website
11. Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab Restaurant
Source: @elaineooong
Like us, Australians go gaga for chilli crab. There, they get to have their share of it at Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab Restaurant. The price of Chilli Crab here is a bit hefty – $197.50 – but it’s reasonable given the relative size of the crabs available. There are also plenty of other dishes but the seafood dishes are undeniable standouts.
Quench your thirst with a bottle of Tiger Beer ($8), but if you’re more of a cocktail kind of person, then opt for the Singapore Sling ($18), an iconic Singaporean favourite invented in the +65 itself.
Address: 188 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9281 5565
Website
12. Temasek Restaurant
Source: @bjp29m
With a name like Temasek Restaurant, there’s little doubt that you’ll get anything other than authentic Singaporean cuisine. On their menu you’ll find exactly what you would at a standard Singaporean hawker centre – with dishes like Sambal Belacan Kang Kong ($17.80) and Assam Seafood ($27.80).
Their desserts are on point as well – you’ll be hard-pressed to find Sago Pudding ($5) and Grass Jelly Drink ($5) anywhere else. There are also vegetarian options available, so even if you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be able to enjoy their nasi goreng and hor fun.
Address: 71 George St, Parramatta, New South Wales 2150, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9633 9926
Website
13. Alice’s Makan
Source: @alicesmakan
Alice’s Makan serves food that’s primarily inspired by Malaysian culture but since Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine tend to overlap, the restaurant deserves a spot on this list. They serve favourites like Mee Goreng ($11.50) and Char Kway Teow ($13) and get this – you’ll get to personalise your own meal where you choose your own meat, noodles and sauce.
Everyone who’s been here raves about the kuih selection – their specially-made Kuih Lapis ($5) and Kuih Dadar ($5) even rival those you’ll find back home.
Address: 580 George St (Cnr of Bathurst St), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 02 9262 7771
Website
Halal
14. Jimmy’s Recipe
Source: @jimmysrecipeofficial
In Australia, it’s difficult to get food that’s both Halal and affordable – but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Jimmy’s Recipe. At almost half the price of what other restaurants usually offer, their Hainanese Chicken Rice ($8.80) and Murtabak ($6.80) will help keep your local food cravings at bay without burning a hole in your pocket.
You can also get your fill of Laksa here – choose from Chicken ($7.80), Beef ($7.80), Vegetable ($6.60) and Seafood ($8.80).
Address: 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney, Australia 2000
Phone: +61 02 9267 2288
Website
15. Neptune Palace
Source: @neptunepalace
An award-winning restaurant, Neptune Palace offers a varied Chinese cuisine menu, from various meats to live seafood and even vegetarian options. Enjoy some Epok Epok ($10/two pieces) and Spring Rolls ($8/two pieces) before digging into mains such as Kari Lamb ($29.80), XO Chilli Prawn ($34.80) and Sayur Goreng Belachan ($21.80).
Note: This restaurant serves alcohol.
Address: Gateway Building Level 1, Pitt St & Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9241 3338
Website
16. Mamak
Source: @pinkbowlangel
Mamak – a term coined after roadside stalls that sell Indian-Muslim street food – originates from Malaysia but dining here will feel familiar nonetheless. It’s got all the typical mains but what will interest you most is their roti menu. Have Roti Canai ($7.50 for plain) your way – With Egg ($8.50), Planta ($8.50) or Kaya ($10). Or have it as Roti Bom ($11) or Roti Tisu ($12.50) – it’ll feel as if you’re at Singapore’s very own Prata House.
That’s not all – there are also feel-good desserts like Ais Kacang ($7.50) and Cendol ($7.50) to wash it all down.
Find a list of their outlets here.
Website
17. Nasi Lemak House
Source: @foodora.au
No prizes for guessing what Nasi Lemak House is acclaimed for. Like the kind you can get from Changi Village, their nasi lemak comes in an assortment of combos – with Fried Chicken ($11.80), Fried Calamari Rings ($12.40), Vegetarian/Tofu Puffs ($11.90), Beef Rendang ($11.80) or Chicken Curry ($11.80). You even get to choose from 3 types of sambal – Traditional, Kelantan or Kerabu.
They make home deliveries too so you can avoid the typically long queues and have your nasi lemak – or any of their other dishes like char kuay teow and nasi goreng – delivered right to your doorstep.
Address: 115 Grattan St, Carlton Vic 3053, Australia
Phone: +61 03 9348 1572
Website
18. Mama Wong’s Kitchen
Source: @halalfoodmelbourne
At Mama Wong’s Kitchen, you’ll get dishes that have an added homecooked feel. Their mouthwatering selection of dishes include Satay Chicken Skewers ($7.50/three pieces) which come with their homemade peanut sauce, and their extra spicy Keow Teow ($11).
They also have a variety of Asian curries like Green Curry, Masaman Curry and their very own Mama Wong’s Spicy Chilli Sauce ($14.50+) – a mix of tomatoes, zucchini, chili capsicum, eggs and string beans.
Note: This restaurant serves alcohol.
Address: 164 Sydney Road, Coburg, Victoria 3058, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9383 4196
Website
A Taste Of Home Away From Home
Admit it – when you’re away, sometimes it’s the food that you miss most about home. If you’re the kind to heed your parent’s advice about learning to prepare your own nasi lemak or chicken rice – good on you! If you’re not, or even if you’re just tired of cooking for yourself, let this list help you settle any cravings you may have for local food.
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