With its myriad of aesthetic cafes and gyms, Tanjong Pagar is a lunch break lover’s dream. And with so many popular spots around its MRT, it may be a little overwhelming to decide which exit to pick for your adventure around town.
So we did the legwork for you and came up with a handy Tanjong Pagar MRT Station exit guide, sorted by nearby gyms and F&Bs to drop by during your next visit.
Table of Contents
To make things easier for you, we ran a search on Google Maps for the best food places and gyms within a 5-minute walking distance from each MRT exit. While the station technically has 10 exits, we’ve merged some of them to prevent overlapping popular amenities and eateries.
| MRT Exit | Nearby highlights |
| A | Icon Village Mall, fitness gyms & popular F&B brands |
| B/F | Spanish & Italian eateries |
| C | International Plaza, Michelin ramen & gym studios |
| D/E | Skywater Residences, pay-as-you-wish Indian restaurant & Peranakan eatery |
| G/K | Amoy Street Food Centre & international eats |
| H | Springleaf Tower, sweet pastries & coffee cafes |
| J | Guoco Tower & Maxwell Food Centre |
Exit A leads out to Guoco Tower’s Starbucks and faces Oasis Hotel. You’ll catch the underpass to Cecil Street through Guoco Tower as you go up the escalator leading to the surface.
Icon Village is a one-stop shopping mall located 5 minutes away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. The mall is full of casual eateries and gym studios, perfect for any office worker hoping to stretch out their lunch hour.
Crediting its recipe roots to a renowned KL restaurant known for its extraordinary nasi lemak, Dickson Nasi Lemak has been a massive player in Singapore’s local food scene for this beloved dish.
Conveniently located in Icon Village, this popular Nasi Lemak joint draws steady crowds with its Malaysian-style nasi lemak. A must-try is their signature Ayam Goreng Perempah ($11.80).
Another Icon Village food haunt not to miss is IM JAI by Pun Im, a Thai restaurant founded by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Vincent Pang.
Their lunch menu features hearty Thai fare like their Tom Kha Pla ($18.80), which comes with premium ingredients like Spanish mackerel and green papaya, and the IM JAI Bento ($18.80), a generous spread featuring green curry chicken, pomelo salad, braised pork belly, coconut kaffir lime rice, and green peppercorn chilli relish – you definitely won’t be leaving this spot hungry.
Aerial Arts Collective is an aerial circus and fitness studio offering something a little different from your usual pilates class. The studio offers aerial classes for anyone, with difficulty levels ranging from beginners to advanced learners.
Single class drop-ins start from $37.50, and there’s a 1-hour trial session where you can try out the 3 apparatus on offer – silks, hoop, and hammock – all in one class. If you’re looking to switch up your workout routine, check out their classes on the Aerial Arts Collective website.
For some downtime that still lets you break a sweat, Yoga Movement is a solid pick. The studio has everything you’d want post-workout, from shower rooms to hair dryers, and even towels for rent if you happen to forget yours.
A single drop-in is priced at $39, while class packages start from $49 for 2 starter classes, with a validity of 1 month, and go up to $429 for 20 classes that you can use over 6 months. Check out Yoga Movement’s official page for more information.
Another fitness hideout to add to your list, MethodX offers group fitness classes including HIIT, circuit training, and CrossFit. For those with their eye on the upcoming HYROX, you’ll be glad to know that the gym is an official HYROX training club with HYROX-certified equipment to get you ready for game day.
A single drop-in at their open gym is priced at $22, while unlimited access to all classes for a week goes for $79. Check out MethodX’s official website for more information.
Although they’re 2 different exits, we merged Exits B and F to avoid repeating locations since they’re located close to each other. Exit B leads to Maxwell Chambers, while Exit F takes you to Capital Tower.
For a treat-yourself-day, head down to Otto Ristorante for a luxurious Italian fine dining experience. Located in Maxwell Chambers, the restaurant’s dishes are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Expect authentic antipasti (from $16), pasta dishes with gold-tier ingredients like Wagyu beef and Hokkaido scallops (from $36), and beautifully plated desserts like their White Chocolate and Star Anise Parfait ($18) and their Spiced Tart with Pistachio Ganache and Quince Jam ($18).
Pura Brasa is a grill restaurant that serves Spanish cuisine and is located right outside Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit B. The original restaurant opened its doors in 2010 in Barcelona, with Pura Brasa at Tanjong Pagar being its 7th outlet, so you can be well assured that their offshoot menu is the real deal.
You’ll be well entertained watching the chefs work their magic behind the open-concept grill as you tuck into tapas starting from $11, Grilled Octopus ($37), and Charcoal-Grilled Poussin ($28). Their authentic flavours make this spot a go-to lunch spot for anyone seeking a taste of Spain in the CBD.
You’ll reach International Plaza in no time from the MRT since Exit C leads you right to the entrance of this building. This place is a popular lunch pick among office workers with its variety of F&B services to suit a range of budgets, as well as fitness gyms.
Chances are, you’ve already heard of Brothers Ramen before this list came about. This home-grown ramen eatery, fittingly started by 2 brothers, has made a name for itself in the local culinary scene with their own unique ramen recipe.
First-timers should definitely try their signature chicken-stock Brothers Ramen ($14.90), while those who love thick noodles can go for Megamen Ramen ($13.90), which features chewy noodles in a tonkosu, or pork bone, broth.
Image credit: ENISHI JapaneseRamen via Google Maps
Enishi Ramen is a hole-in-the-wall ramen shop tucked away on the second floor of International Plaza, best known for their signature dan dan noodles and dashi-based ramen.
The restaurant’s small space may make for a humble first impression. However, with its own Michelin Bib Gourmand award in the 2016 Hyogo Michelin guide, Enishi is certainly nothing to scoff at.
I tried their Dashi Noodles (from $18.80), and found that the broth was surprisingly light and rich at the same time, without being overly salty. My noodles came with a generous helping of meat and an egg as well.
If you’re a first-timer, it’s highly recommended to order their Dan Dan Noodles (19.80), which come with shredded chashu, minced pork, onions, pickles, mizuna, and an onsen egg. Your noodles come with a mini bowl of soup – so no worries about it being too dry for your liking.
I came as a solo diner and was immensely heartened by fellow diners following posters on the wall encouraging diners to keep their phones away to fully enjoy their meal – 10/10 for wholesome vibes.
Anytime Fitness is a mainstay in the Singapore gym scene, which is unsurprising given its whopping 128 branches across the island that operate 24/7. With its fuss-free gym services and round-the-clock access, it’s a popular pick for office workers and night owls looking to work out at odd hours.
The convenient location of this outlet in International Plaza means you’re fresh out of excuses to skip gym day after work. A standard 1-month membership starts from $158, and students can enjoy discounted rates from $98/month.
Muscle Lab is a sports massage therapy centre offering services like cold plunges, cupping therapy, and facilitated stretch therapy. Their therapist team boasts a diversified background in sports therapy, including clinical sports massage, orthopaedic manual therapy, stretch therapy, and sports coaching and movement – so you’ll be in good hands.
For a quick refresh, check out their 30-minute cold plunge session ($29), or opt for their 60-minute sports therapy session ($129) for muscle recovery.
Although Exits D and E are 2 separate exits, we’ve combined them since they’re located pretty close to each other. The difference between the two is that Exit E leads straight into Skywaters Residences, while Exit D leads outside the property.
For now, Exit E is closed for renovations, so you’ll want to use Exit D instead to get to nearby spots.
One of the more unique spots on this list, Annalakshmi Restaurant is a pay-as-you-wish Indian vegetarian joint located in Downtown Gallery. Diners will be treated to a buffet spread serving North and South Indian home-cooked favourites like briyani, poori, appam, and vegetable stew.
The unique pay-as-you-wish concept means there are no fixed prices here. Instead, the restaurant operates on the Hindu philosophy “Atithi Devo Bhava” – meaning “guest is God”, where no visitor should be turned away, regardless of financial ability.
Cherki is a Peranakan fusion restaurant located in Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. The restaurant serves Peranakan dishes with a Western twist, featuring mains like Duck Confit “Itek Sio” ($30) and Peranakan Pesto Nasi Ulam ($16).
Check out their daily “Tingkat” lunch set ($20.90) which is available from 12pm to 2.30pm and includes a main, 2 sides, house achar, crackers and sambal, and a drink.
BFT is an Australian-founded strength training studio where, instead of open gym drop-ins, the studio conducts 50-minute organised classes.
There are 14 programme types to choose from, including Strength, Power, Beast Mode, and High Intensity Resistance Training. Bookings should be made in advance and are subject to slot availability; check out their complete class schedule on the BFT Tanjong Pagar website.
Think of it as an adult P.E. class, where each session has you trying out different stations tailored to the class’ fitness goals. A screen at the front of each class displays your heart rate and lesson progress – just the right amount of friendly competition to keep everyone motivated.
Drop-in sessions start at $40/class, while an unlimited membership is priced at $79/week.
STRONG Pilates is a step up from your usual pilates studio. It’s a pilates studio that combines pilates, cardio, and strength training into one workout session on their exclusive Rowformer and Bikeformer machines – part reformer pilates bed, part spin bike or rower.
There are 5 classes to choose from, each with its own difficulty level, including Strong Loaded, which involves pilates with heavier weights, Strong Body, a full-body workout with low impact movements, and Pilates Only, with a focus on mobility and balance training.
Single classes are $45, and an unlimited pass starts from $89/week.
We’ll be combining Exit G and K into one point, as both exits lie in close proximity to each other, with Exit G leading out to Telok Ayer Park, and Exit K leading directly into Frasers Tower.
To reach Exit K from the MRT, you’ll have to walk through a long underground pedestrian linkway. The underground trek should take you about 2 minutes from the gantry.
Amoy Street Food Centre is another hawker centre option if you want a change of scenery from Maxwell Food Centre.
A crash course on crowd favourites at this popular hawker centre: there’s Spicy Wife, famous for their generous portions of nasi lemak (from $6.50), Han Kee Fish Soup, which sees long queues for their healing Sliced Fish Soup ($6), and Pho Hanoi, which is popular with the lunch crowds for their pho (from $11.60), especially on rainy days.
Walking up to Awesome Cafe may get you a little confused. The overhead signage with traditional Chinese words which, translated, read “Chung Hwa Free Clinic” doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place, but pays homage to the cafe’s past life as a TCM hospital before its 2014 revamp.
Today the space is a cosy, eclectic eatery serving up international grub like their Spicy Thai Beef Wrap ($18), French Shredded Duck Confit Awesome Burger ($28), and Oven-baked Salmon Papillote ($29).
Opened by celebrity chef and MasterChef judge, Eyal Shani, Mizon Singapore is an Israeli bistro known for serving Mediterranean fare. The bistro has made a name for itself internationally, with 10 outlets worldwide in cities like Paris, New York, and Melbourne. Its Singapore branch marks its first step into Asia.
There are 2 ways to eat here: with or without a pita, the soft leavened flatbread that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Be sure to check out their signature pitas (from $15) and their famous Whole Grilled Cauliflower ($16).
Rounding up our international eats near this exit is Muchachos, the go-to spot for San Francisco-style burritos. This burrito joint is conveniently located within Frasers Tower, and with delicious mains under $20, Muchachos should be an easy pick for lunch in the CBD.
Be sure to drop by on Taco Tuesdays, where their tacos go for just $3 each, which is a steal given that they’re usually priced between $5.60 and $6.70.
Revolution shouldn’t be an unfamiliar name to most locals. This homegrown indoor cycling studio has only grown in popularity since the city’s spin craze took off after the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to its vibrant community and high-energy classes featuring curated song hits.
Known for their electrifying spin classes, they have their own branch in Frasers Tower, perfect for a workout session after clocking off work. The studio’s sleek interiors and club-like lighting turns every ride into a party, and with amenities like locker and shower rooms, you’ll leave fresh after class for an actual night out.
A standard package of 10 classes goes for $360, while student package prices start from $220.
Exit H leads to the entrance of Springleaf Tower and can be accessed through an underground linkway from the MRT. If you aren’t up for cafe hunting, you’ll find a McDonald’s conveniently located within Springleaf Tower, just a minute’s walk away from the exit.
Any Tanjong Pagar local with a sweet tooth should be pinning Dalaland Bakery on Google Maps. This bakery prides itself on its Swiss rolls that are baked fresh daily without preservatives, margarine, or artificial substitutes.
Matcha lovers should make a beeline for their Uji Matcha Slice ($8.90), or for something fruitier, try out their Lychee Rose Slice ($8.50) and Mango Citrus Slice ($8.50). The bakery functions more as a takeaway shop than a cafe, so it’s a great stop if you’re craving a treat on the go.
Double Shot Coffee is a fuss-free takeaway coffee joint located in EON Shenton. The coffee spot specialises in single-origin coffee, using beans from the likes of Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Mexico.
While you wait for your order, you can perch on one of their small benches outside, but don’t expect plush couches – this spot is more grab-and-go spot than study cafe.
You’ll find your classic caffeine fix items on their menu, like Double Shot Espresso ($4), Long Black ($5), and breakfast bites like their Butter Croissant ($3.50) and their Pain Au Chocolat ($4).
Image credit: Ruyang Jiang via Google Maps
Abseil stands out for its minimalist and peaceful ambience. Although a little smaller than your typical cafe, its menu packs a punch with its signature artisanal drinks and house-made dacquoise, a delicate French meringue-based dessert filled with cream in the middle.
This hideaway is a lovely spot for solo cafe hoppers looking to get away from the crowds. Check out their signature drink, Abseil ($8.50), an iced long black with a milk foam topping. And you definitely can’t leave without trying their dacquoise (from $7), which comes in flavours like Earl Grey, Injeolmi, Matcha, Passionfruit, and Pistachio.
Exit J seems to be the golden child of Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, an underground exit to B2 of Guoco Tower, which is near key locations in the area like Maxwell Food Centre and other popular restaurants. If you’re looking for a one-stop destination, chances are Exit J will be your best bet.
Maxwell Food Centre needs no explanation. Just a 5-minute walk from Exit A, this culinary paradise is home to beloved legacy hawkers like Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake, and more. It’s no wonder that even powerhouse celebrities can’t resist making a stop here during their visits to Singapore.
Even if you didn’t manage to snag those new T’Way Air budget flights to Jeju, you can still get a taste of Korea just 4 minutes away from Exit A.
Tonshou specialises in Korean tonkatsu cutlets, a spin on the Japanese version where the cutlets are instead charcoal-grilled after being breaded and fried. If you’re feeling a little carnivorous during your lunch break, check out their Katsu Sando Set ($19), or for something a little more luxurious, get their Hokkaido Kurobuta Special Rosu Katsu Set ($37), a premium cut that’s only sold in limited daily quantities each day.
Previously known as Dopa Dopa, Dopa is an ice cream parlour known for their artisanal gelato. Their Tanjong Pagar branch is conveniently tucked away in Tanjong Pagar Plaza, just a 5-minute walk from Exit A.
Each scoop is made in-house, with a single scoop going for $5.50, and premium flavours for an additional $1. Don’t miss out their Tanjong Pagar-exclusive flavours while you’re there, featuring Momo Sencha and Pecan Praline.
P.S.: We ranked the best pistachio gelatos in Singapore, and spoiler alert, Dopa came in first – all the more reason to check this place out.
Image credit: Eatbook
Here’s another spot if you want a quick trip to the land of pasta. Fortuna is Singapore’s first Sicilian-Neapolitan restaurant, dishing up handcrafted pastas and artisanal pizzas. Located just around the corner from Dopa, it’ll be easy to grab a slice of Italy right after your gelato fix.
Although the original Fortuna does hail from Sydney, their Singapore branch brings serious Italian cred – their master pizzaiolo, Giorgio Sorce, was ranked among the world’s top 100 pizzaiolos in 2023.
Everything here is as authentic as it gets, from classics like Margherita Pizza ($24) and Antipasti from $18 to their extravagant “1000” Layer Lasagna ($38) – just what you need to round up your Italian adventure in Tanjong Pagar.
One look at Champion Bolo Bun’s golden, crackly-topped bolo buns should be enough to see why this spot went viral when it first opened its doors in 2021. Just a 5-minute walk from Exit A, it’s a convenient location for those seeking out a pre-lunch snack. The buns are freshly baked every 15 minutes so you’ll always be getting warm buns straight from the oven.
Try out their Classic Bun with Butter ($5.50) or their Breakfast Bun ($7) for something more filling.
Touted as “the most affordable Korean pocha” on Google Maps, Hankang Pocha has made a name for itself with their menu featuring mains under $20.
This casual eatery serves Korean meal staples like Kimchi Stew ($12), Jajangmyeong ($12), and Hot Plate Pork ($14). With their quality dishes and wallet-friendly prices, it’s easy to see why the restaurant is usually bustling with diners.
Formerly known as Kreams Krafthouse, Cafe Kreams transports its diners to an autumn paradise with dreamy maple trees and cosy vibes. Located in Maxwell Chambers, this Korean-inspired cafe is a perfect spot for when you want to take work outside without the sticky humidity.
The cafe serves savoury mains like Beef Bolognese ($18), and Ribeye Beef Steak ($24). For something lighter, check out their Breakfast Set ($15.50) with a choice of a cake and beverage.
Japan Rail Cafe has certainly broken boundaries as the world’s first Japan railway and travel-themed cafe founded by East Japan Railway Company.
Diners will be treated to popular Japanese dishes like Curry Rice (from $19) and Kaisen Avocado Don ($19). There are even craft sakes available on the menu to pair with your Japanese meal. With its regular themed events, like its recent Monster Hunter collab in May, you should definitely keep your eye on this space.
Virgin Active @ Guoco Tower
Virgin Active is a fitness studio offering more than your typical gym. Here, you’ll get to enjoy premium amenities like an outdoor pool and salt, ice, and steam rooms. The fitness centre has a range of exercise classes suited for a variety of fitness training, like Yoga, Reformer Pilates, and BodyPump.
Membership prices start from $37/week and their popular Long Termer membership starts from $62/week and includes unlimited class and club access.
Check out Virgin Active’s official website for more information.
Tanjong Pagar seems to have everything for everyone, whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a post-lunch gym session, or just a quick coffee run. With this guide you’ll be able to confidently lead every “where to eat” debate with your friends and show up to the best spots in the CBD every time.
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Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, Yoga Movement Tanjong Pagar, Marcos via Google Maps
Photography by Shannon Chow.
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