Unless you’re working at one of the offices around the area, this part of the CBD near the Downtown MRT station might be the last place you’ll head to for food. However, the beautiful skyline and the lack of people on weekends lured me to check out what food gems it hides. Here is a list of Downtown food places to visit the next time you’re looking for somewhere new to eat at.
Qi – House of Sichuan is a one Michelin-starred restaurant from Hong Kong, and they serve a variety of ma la dishes guaranteed to plunge you into a spicy, tongue-tingling frenzy. If you’re there with a group of ma la lovers, be sure to get Braised Garoupa Fish Fillet in Chili Oil Soup ($40++ for small, $50++ for large). This giant bowl features thick fish slices, mushrooms, and sweet potato noodles under an avalanche of chillies.
Check out our full review of Qi – House of Sichuan!
Address: 8A Marina Boulevard, #02-01, Marina Bay Link Mall, Singapore 018984
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 6634 8277
Image credit: @cheekeongfoo
Avorush is an avocado-focused cafe featuring food that not only looks good and tastes good, but is also good for you. If to #eatclean is your resolution this year, spoil yourself with their menu of avocado toasts. Go Back To Basics ($5.50) with some sliced avocado, chilli flakes, and lemon juice atop a slice of sourdough, or get it dressed up with Double Barrel ($7.50), an open-faced sandwich with ham, mozzarella, smashed avocado, and a basil dressing.
Address: 12 Marina View, #02-23, Asia Square Tower 2, Food Garden, Singapore 018961
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am to 8:30pm, Sat 9am to 3pm
Tel: 8251 4776
Website
Image credit: @chefmandypan
Durian fans rejoice! DB Bistro & Oyster Bar serves a one-of-a-kind Durian “Royale” Soufflé ($18++), not only during the durian season but all year round. This king of fruits is also cleverly paired with the queen of fruits, mangosteen, in the form of a sorbet. The Original db Burger ($48++) is one unique burger you must try – it is a burger patty stuffed with foie gras and short ribs.
Check out these other unique soufflés!
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-48, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 5pm, 5:30pm to 11pm, Sat 11am to 5pm, 5:30pm to 11pm, Sun 11am to 5pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6688 8525
Website
Image credit: @littlereddothq
If, like me, you’re a foodie on a budget, Seng Kee Local Delights at Lau Pa Sat is here to save you. You can find local favourites such as Fried Kway Teow ($4), Laksa ($4), and Hokkien Mee ($5) at this one-stop hawker stall to settle all your local food cravings. Be prepared to wait in line, as it has a persistent queue that grows especially long during lunch hours.
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Stall 10, Lau Pa Sat, Singapore 048582
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 1am
Image credit: @artemis.sg
Bring a date or your girl posse to Artemis Grill to dine with a majestic view of Marina Bay. What’s great about this place is that their menu is full of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Highlights include Pasture-Fed Beef Tenderloin ($62++) that comes with black pepper jus, bone marrow, and red wine shallots, and Iberico Pork Loin ($40++) that comes with tomato salmorejo puree and pork jus, both of which are available for lunch and dinner.
Check out our list of gluten-free cafes!
Address: 138 Market Street, #40-01, CapitaGreen, Singapore 048946
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11:30am to 10pm, Thur-Fri 11:30am to 12am, Sat 6pm to 12am
Tel: 6635 8677
Website
Image credit: @entertainingreviews
Living Botanica has a variety of fancy drinks great for an after-lunch indulgence or a midday boost. With a recipe of thick New Zealand cream cheese along with low-fat milk, enjoy the mix of this savoury cheese topping and sweet tea with drinks such as UJI Matcha Cheesiato ($5.80) and Peach Oolong Cheesiato ($4.80). Health junkies can also opt for drinks such as Classic Green ($5.20), a juice of kale, spinach, and pineapples, or Yakult Booster ($4.80) with apple or orange juice.
Address: 8 Marina Boulevard, #B2-37, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 7pm
Tel: 6634 2330
Website
There are many food gems in the area around Downtown MRT Stations. These spots range from atas restaurants to homely mom-and-pop eateries. Bring a date here for a romantic night out, or have a swift but hearty meal by yourself.
If you’re looking for more places around the CBD to have lunch at, check out these Tanjong Pagar food places or Amoy Street food stalls!