Update: Botanico has moved to The Summerhouse.
Singapore Botanic Gardens has always been a popular spot for families to have a picnic on a weekend afternoon, or for long strolls to pass time. If you are feeling lazy and don’t want to whip up a meal, there are many hidden food gems nearby as well. From spots for your romantic date to cheap food for students on a budget, here is a list of Singapore Botanic Gardens food places that will be able to fill you up.
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Opened in 2001, Halia is a mainstay at the UNESCO park. The halal-certified restaurant is best known for being one of the best garden restaurants in Singapore, as it is surrounded by the lush greenery of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Come for their sets or all-day menu, which stars fusion Western dishes. We recommend the former, which starts at $55++ for two courses, and includes options such as Freshly Shucked Irish Oyster and Akaroa Salmon Fillet.
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Halia is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Botanico
Situated at The Garage, Botanico focuses on using fresh produce, especially local herbs. Their menu is filled with Western classic dishes, twisted with Asian flavours. This is reflected in dishes like their Cold Laksa Capellini ($25++), where the laksa is dressed up with tiger prawns and tobiko, and their soy-glazed Wagyu Beef Cheek ($40.50++) served with an Asian pesto. Do note that the restaurant mainly has set menus, such as a five-course Dinner Set ($90++ per person).
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Botanico is not a halal-certified eatery.
Taking over where The Bakery by Woodlands Sourdough used to be is Micro Bakery & Kitchen. This hidden gem near Singapore Botanic Gardens offers a variety of baked goods. From toasts to sourdough bread, carb enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice! Highlights include their Grilled 4 Cheese Sandwich ($16+), which comes with tangy sauerkraut and house-made tomato jam.
Read our Micro Bakery & Kitchen review!
Address: 10 Jalan Serene, #01-05, Serene Centre, Singapore 258748
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 8am to 4pm, Sun 8:30am to 4pm
Tel: 8339 4133
Website
Micro Bakery & Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @mikoshiro
Nasi lemak lovers will definitely be familiar with Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak. You can get the Royal Flush ($6.50), which consists of an egg, fried chicken wing, otah, bergedil, ikan bilis, basmati rice and fragrant sambal chilli. PM Lee personally hosted Indonesian President Joko Widodo here in 2014, and the Sultan of Brunei never fails to dapao this nasi lemak when he is in Singapore! Be prepared to queue as there is always a long line at the stall.
Tel: 9843 4509
Selera Nasi Lemak is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @abery
Bukit Timah is known for being an atas neighbourhood with expensive food. However, there are many affordable options that are suitable for those on a budget as well! Located right beside Curry Wok is another zi char contender—Yong Chai Chicken Rice ($5.50). Besides chicken rice, they serve other zi char dishes!
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Yong Chai Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @paulina.oktari.halim
There are several bakeries near Botanic Gardens MRT Station, and Simply Bread is not to be missed. Once you enter the shop, you will be pleasantly greeted by the aroma of baked goods wafting in the air. My personal favourite is their Sticky Buns ($3). The fluffy buns are coated evenly with a thick cinnamon glaze. Even so, these goodies aren’t overly sweet, making them a great afternoon treat. If you aren’t a fan of desserts, do try their very popular bread loaves!
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Simply Bread is not a halal-certified eatery.
Originally located at a market in Toa Payoh, Hom Aroy Thai Food opened their second branch in 2020 at Coronation Shopping Plaza. Nestled in a corner on level three, they serve up a variety of Thai dishes. Try their delicious Pineapple Fried Rice ($7) for a filling meal. Their Thai Green Curry ($8) is creamy and smooth, making it a great addition to the rice. Pair it with a refreshing glass of Thai Milk Tea ($3)!
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Hom Aroy Thai Food is not a halal-certified eatery.
FBG, previously known as Fat Belly, is a steakhouse hidden within Serene Centre. For a special occasion, get your hands on dishes such as charcoal-grilled Black Opal F1 Wagyu Onglet (200g) ($48++) and 2GR Full Blood Wagyu MS 8/9 ($68++). If you are a fan of desserts, there are items such as the Burnt Chocolate Mousse ($16++) and Tiramisu ($18++) to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Check out our Fat Belly review!
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FBG is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @layliano
Tucked away in a corner of Coronation Shopping Plaza, My Cosy Corner has been selling their renowned popiah since 1988. As someone who once studied along Bukit Timah Road for six years, I would often order the Popiah ($2.80) after school to satisfy my cravings. It is always packed tightly with ingredients, including crispy garlic bits that add a crunch to it. Beneath the thin layer of skin is a fragrant chilli sauce that never fails to add a kick. My Cosy Corner sells other classic dishes such as Mee Siam ($6) and Laksa ($6) as well.
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My Cosy Corner is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @mookies27
Atlas Coffeehouse is a highly popular cafe for brunch near Botanic Gardens MRT Station. Treat yourself to the likes of their French Toast with Many Berries ($20++), where house-made brioche french toast is topped with a fresh yoghurt cream and a berry medley. For savoury brunch, their Wurst Rosti ($20++), where rosti is served with organic eggs and a cheesy frankfurter.
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Atlas Coffeehouse is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @prairie.sg
PRAIRIE By Craftsmen is an idyllic courtyard cafe styled like a glasshouse. Lush, yet minimalistic, the beautiful decor is matched by the hearty brunch fare. Choose from the likes of the Prairie Breakfast ($22++), with sourdough toast and the full monty of breakfast items: pork sausages, bacon, eggs, and eggs, or the Shredded Duck Risotto ($24++), coated in a luscious sage and cream sauce. For drinks, their Dirty Matcha (from $8++) is a must-order, a unique combination of matcha and coffee.
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PRAIRIE By Craftsmen is not a halal-certified eatery.
Bee’s Knees is the casual sibling to Botanico. Here, casual European fare is given an Asian upgrade, and all items are available at nett prices to boot. Highlights include their Spicy Duck Loaded Fries ($19), topped generously with a duck fat spicy mayonnaise, and Bee’s Knees “Heart Attack” Burger ($28), where a fatty, calorific double beef patty is layered with bacon, confit onions, and many more flavourful goodies.
Check out our Bee’s Knees review!
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Bee’s Knees is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @willcookwilleat
Relish by Wild Rocket may have expanded to Japan and Taiwan, but we’re lucky to still be able to enjoy their modern-fusion take on Singaporean cuisine. Some examples of the dishes served here include a Hae Bee Hiam Spaghettini ($22.80+), Iberico Secreto Satay ($14.50+), and a Fish Collagen Broth Udon ($18.90+).
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Relish by Wild Rocket is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @gninethree
Appropriately named after its location in Crown Centre, Crown Bakery & Cafe’s menu is nothing short of extensive, with sandwiches, brunch plates, mains, pasta, and even desserts. If flipping through the menu after your exercise has got your head spinning, go straight for their Eggs Royal Rumble ($17+), where a serving of poached eggs and brown butter hollandaise sauce with smoked salmon and honey-baked ham sit atop their signature buttermilk waffles.
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Crown Bakery & Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @choupinette_singapore
A cosy French cafe that’s been around since 2022, Choupinette serves up quintessential brunch food including sandwiches, egg dishes, and pasta. If you can’t decide what you want, head straight for the Weekly Lunch Set ($26), which comes with soup or salad and your choice of main: Croque Monsieur, Eggs Benedict, or the Daily Special. You also get a cup of coffee or tea with your meal.
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Choupinette is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @sticky.rice.sg
Hidden within the Botanic Gardens’ Gallop Extension is Pangium, a tasting menu-only restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Malcolm Lee. The Peranakan restaurant only offers Lunch or Dinner, with dishes including zhnged-up ngoh hiang, mee suah kueh, and bolo buns. Reservations are necessary as Pangium is often fully booked up to a month in advance! Prices vary according to the menu.
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Pangium is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @winelevigrub
If your posse has a diverse palate, Fusion Spoon will satisfy everyone’s cravings with their variety of local, Western, and Japanese offerings. The extensive menu is affordably priced with most mains below $10 nett including Nyonya Laksa ($7.30), Chicken Yaikiniku ($8), and seafood Pizza ($9). There’s also a Korean ice kiosk where you can enjoy a generous bowl of bingsu from $7.30 with flavours such as Kiwi and Chocolate Banana.
Website
Fusion Spoon is not a halal-certified eatery.
Dine amidst the lush greenery and serene ambience of the Botanic Gardens at Prive. They’re an all-day dining venue with an al fresco area that’s perfect for bites and drinks on a balmy afternoon, or an indoor area if you prefer seeking respite from the weather. The menu here combines international fare with Asian flavours. Their Chilli Crab Shakshuka ($23++) is one such example—available till 5pm daily, this dish combines the Turkish egg and tomato dish with local chilli crab sauce. P.S.: They’re pet-friendly too!
Website
Prive is not a halal-certified eatery.
One part Italian deli and one part bistro, Da Paolo Gastronomia’s Bukit Timah outlet offers a unique dining experience near the Botanic Gardens. You can get a wide selection of pizzas by slice, healthy brunch dishes, as well as paninis pasta here. If you just want a quick bite, look to their fresh bakes, which include pastries and cakes. Finish off your time at Da Paolo by grabbing some of their deli items to go. They have ready-made gourmet pizzas, pasta sauce and such to elevate your next at-home meal.
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Da Paolo Gastronomia is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @original_botak_jones
The Original Botak Jones is a beloved Western food franchise in Singapore. Founded in 2003 by Bernie Utchenik, affectionately known as “Botak”, this eatery quickly gained popularity for their delicious and generously portioned Western dishes, from stacked burgers to moreish deep-fried sides. Their Botanic Gardens outlet is located within the atas food court, Sprouts Food Place, at Cluny Court, and it’s where you can get all their popular menu items. If you’ve never dined at Botak Jones before, order the Botak’s Beef Burger ($17.50), which comes with a house-made beef patty and the works—sliced cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Website
Original Botak Jones is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @roia.sg
Taking over the colonial building that used to house now-defunct Corner House is Roia, a fine-dining restaurant helmed by chef Priyam Chatterjee, who hails from India. Haute French cuisine and culinary techniques with botanical influences are the modus operandi at Roia, where menus differ according to seasonality. This is definitely one for special occasions or a treat-yourself meal. Be sure to book online to secure yourself a table.
Website
Roia is not a halal-certified eatery.
The next time you are around Singapore Botanic Gardens and don’t know where to eat, fret not! There are many options for you to choose from and you will definitely find something suitable for your taste buds. For more food in the area, check out our Bukit Timah Korean food guide.
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