One thing which most Muslim Singaporeans can commiserate over is the struggle in finding last-minute places to break our fast. The clock strikes and you either hear a distant azan from someone’s phone or get a text from your family at home telling you that’s it’s time to buka puasa – unfortunately, you’re still waiting for a table.
After a long day at school or work, you owe it to yourself to not delay your iftar. From Korean-fusion to traditional Malay cuisine, we’ve put together a list of 12 different Halal restaurants in the West so that you’ll never have to overtime your fast ever again.
Unless it’s a buffet, Halal Japanese restaurants are hard to come by in Singapore. Isuramya Japanese Restaurant & Marketplace is one that offers authentic Japanese cuisine with ingredients exclusively air-flown from Japan. You’ll want to give their Spicy Miso Ramen ($12.80) a try or their Teriyaki Chicken Don ($8.50) if you prefer rice for dinner. Sashimi ($6++) is a prerequisite, of course – from tuna to salmon, you’ll be treated to only the freshest cuts available.
If you’re planning on staying in instead, why not prepare your own Japanese meal? The restaurant doubles up as a marketplace where you can get items like freeze dried ramen, katsu curry and takoyaki flakes. At home or outside, your Japanese fix for this Ramadhan is pretty much settled.
Store No.: #04-19
Telephone: 6262 3008
Website
Ayam penyet has become a common staple of Singaporean food culture so you’re likely to have it at least once this fasting month. As a popular staple amongst Singaporeans, Ayam Penyet President serves the classic dish at just $6.90, along with a slew of other Indonesian dishes like Tahu Telur (Fried Bean Curd, $6.50) and Karedok (Fresh Vegetables in Peanut Sauce, $5.90).
The sambal that comes with the dishes pack one helluva punch so you’ll definitely want to try their special Avocado Juice ($4.50) to balance it out. Or perhaps indulge in one of their more interesting concoctions – Soda Gembira (Happy Soda) and Mega Mendung (Mega Cloudy), both at only $1.90.
Enjoy 10% off bill discount with a minimum purchase of $10 in a single receipt by showing this article to the cashier upon ordering. Valid until 30th June 2017.
Store No.: #01-05
Telephone: 6734 0786
Website
Nando’s is a reliable go-to for all things chicken but few know about the secret behind their flavourful chickens – they’re marinated for 24 hours in special PERi-PERi Sauce before being ready to be served as part of popular dishes like Espetada ($17.90) and 1/4 Chicken with 2 Sides ($14.90).
Their Afro-Portuguese – not British! – inspired dishes are varied and plenty but for fast-breaking with a friend or your family, you’ll want to try their Sharing Platters, available in sets suitable for groups of 2-6 people ($15+ per person). There’s the Full Platter (Whole Chicken + 4 Regular Sides, $44.90) and Wing Platter (10 Chicken Wings + 4 Regular Sides, $35.90) among others.
Store No.: #03-07/19
Telephone: 6684 5387
Website
There’s naan better than Spice 101 when it comes to both North and South Indian-style cuisine. As the name suggests, it’s no-frills dining from the the clean-cut setting of the restaurant right down to their menu. You can expect classic dishes like Murtabak and Thosai and several bento sets of Briyani and Naan.
There are vegetarian options as well if you’re planning to eat out with your mates – with vegetarian versions of their Briyani and Naan sets available. You’ll also appreciate the fact that they provide online orders for self-pickup or delivery – enjoy their prata and vadai in the comfort of your own home.
Store No.: #B1-11, JCube
Telephone: 62624519
Website
Get some authentic Vietnamese food when you dine at The Orange Lantern. Finalist for Best Asian Casual Dining in 2014 and 2015, the restaurant serves familiar favourites like Special Beef Noodle Soup ($11.90) and Rice Paper Rolls ($8.90 for 3) that comes with their special nước chấm (dipping sauce). The all-time classic Mango Salad ($7.90) is a must-try too.
But if you’re looking to mix it up, try one of their fusion dishes – Saigon Laksa Noodle Soup and Vietnamese Tom Yum Fried Rice, both at just $9.90 – you’ll definitely get a little taste of Southeast Asia on your plate.
Store No.: #02-52
Telephone: 6896 2640
Website
With a name like Food Lovers Only (FLO), you can expect the restaurant to serve food that you’ll find hard to resist. They specialize in fusion dishes that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Their tantalizing Tom Yam Prawn Pasta ($15) and Korean Beef Pasta ($17) are combinations that you won’t want to skip on.
And if you’re willing to try something a little bit more unconventional, there’s also d’Orange Pasta ($14) – a mix of orange slices, prawn, basil and parmesan cheese that surprisingly works. Their drinks are worth a try too – Mango Mint Fizzy Drink ($5.50) and Iced Butterscotch Roasted Almond Latte ($7) will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Check out @flo.foodloversonly to find out more.
Store No.: #02-15A
Telephone: 6896 1396
Website
No need to travel all the way to Hong Kong to experience the joy of their street food – Streats Hong Kong Cafe has you covered. Dishes like HK Carrot Cake with XO Sauce ($7.50) and Famous HK Fried Beef Noodles ($10.80) will make you feel like you’re right there at Hong Kong itself – sans the bustle and hubbub of their busy streets.
There’s also unique items on their menu like Chicken Siew Mai Burger with Cheese & Fries ($10.80) and Salted Egg Yolk Pumpkin Fries ($7.80) which you’d be remiss not to try.
Store No.: #02-17/17A
Telephone: 6564 6471
Website
Seoul Garden HotPot is a popular choice among Singaporeans and for good reason – they have a wide variety of Korean favourites like bibimbap and and japchae – halal versions of which are hard to find in Singapore. Here, you can happily dig into dishes like Kimchi Bokkeum Bap ($12.90++) and Korean Stir-fried Seafood Glass Noodle ($11.90++).
Not to be confused with their parent franchise that does buffet dining, this particular chain specialises in hotpot, with favourites like Ginseng Chicken HotPot ($15.80++) and Premium Seafood HotPot (Choice of Miso or Kimchi Jjigae Soup Base, $14.80++). You’ll want to wash it all down with some soothing drinks too – their menu has Free Flow Cinnamon Tea (Cold/Hot, $3.30++) and refreshing picks like Iced Lime Tea ($4.20++) and Iced Peach Tea ($4.20++).
Store No.: #01-112
Telephone: 6566 8339
Website
Source: @hajjahmariamcafe
Nothing beats breaking fast with your closest friends or your entire family – kampong style. Hajjah Mariam Café serves Nasi Ambeng – beloved for the variety of dishes that you can get on one single dulang (tray). Depending on the number of people in your party, you can choose from a range of sizes – they have standard and premium (comes with additional dishes) versions of Solo, Duet and Jumbo Ambeng with prices ranging from $8-$34.
They also have usual suspects like Mee Soto ($4.90) and Nasi Lemak ($5.50) if you’re in the mood for other types of traditional Malay food. On normal days, the store is known to be fully-packed during peak hours so come early if you want to secure a table for the evening.
Store No.: #B2-08
Website
If you enjoy the tummy-filling goodness of Old Chang Kee, then you’ll be able to appreciate what Curry Times has to offer. As their name suggests, there’s plenty of good old curry to be had here. From Curry Chicken ($8.50) to all-time favourite Curry Fish Head ($29.90), you’ll have more than your fair share of curry. Be sure to also try bestsellers Dry Laksa Goreng ($8.50) and Ngo Hiang ($8.20).
Their desserts won’t disappoint either. Try their special mix of Coffee Chendol ($4) or Bandung with Basil Seed ($3) to go along with your meal. Then top it all off with some Bubur Cha Cha ($5) to give your entire meal the added old school feels.
Store No.: #02-08
Telephone: 6369 9609
Website
No need to go all the way to Johor to enjoy Malaysian cuisine – PappaRich will save you the trip. From fried rice to char kway teow, the menu presents an extensive list of dishes to satisfy your street food cravings. You’ll definitely want to try their Nasi Lemak ($10.90) – the fried chicken and sambal are richly flavoured and distinct from most others. Other favourites include Pappa Prawn Mee ($10.90) and Pappa Char Kway Teow ($9.90).
Or perhaps be a bit unorthodox and have breakfast for your evening meal instead. Their variations of roti canai – mind you, not roti prata – are must-trys. These include Canai with Chicken Curry and its dessert counterpart Pappa Canai with Vanilla Ice Cream and Banana.
Look out for their Ramdhan set meals to be revealed this upcoming month!
Store No.: #03-06
Telephone: 6358 2232
Website
Seafood never goes out of style – Fish & Co. can attest to this with their ever-dependable assortment of seafood dishes. Their Westgate brunch offers a truly unique menu. Here, you can order dishes like Scallops with Peanut Butter and Tomato Cheese ($6.95/3 pieces) and Mussels with Marinara ($13.95+).
They are known for their international selection of fish and chips and this is reflected in their platter dishes as well, which includes ‘Oppa’ Korean Style Broth-Pot and Caribbean Cajun Broth-Pot. The servings are generous too – their Seafood Feast for 4 includes 8 different types of seafood in one gigantic platter.
If you prefer to replicate any of their dishes at home, you can even purchase the fresh raw seafood from their Westgate outlet.
Store No.: #01-03
Telephone: 6266 4235
Website
For a greater peace of mind this Ramadhan, make sure you make your iftar plans early to avoid disappointment. Amidst fasting and inevitable preparations for Eid – baju raya shopping and spring cleaning come to mind – you’ll often find yourself either hanging out with mates or eating out with the family. Keep this list close so that you’ll be prepared when the time comes.
You don’t have to make your way downtown to break your fast or even brave the Geylang bazaar crowds to do your hari raya shopping – when you have malls like JCube, IMM and Westgate – all in close proximity – there’s plenty that you can get done in the comfort of your own neighbourhood. From retail stores offering the latest fashions and home necessities to a variety of cafes and food stalls to grab some late-night grub – or next morning’s sahur – you’ve got everything you need throughout the entire month and beyond.
This post was brought to you by CapitaLand.
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