25 Orchard Food Gems To Visit For Crispy Thai Pork Belly, Personal Hotpot And More

15th May 2023

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Best food in Orchard

Meeting up with my friends in Orchard for a meal used to mean eating at Genki Sushi. But as the food writer among my group of friends, they started asking me for recommendations instead. If you’re always looking out for new places to dine on Singapore’s shopping belt, here’s our list of 25 Orchard food gems!

P.S.: if you’re popping over to Somerset, we also have a 313@Somerset food guide, and a 111 Somerset food guide too.

1. New Station Snack Bar

Image credit: @imsohhungry

Nothing seems to go wrong with salted egg yolk, and New Station Snack Bar does a smashing version of Salted Egg Pork Rice ($7). Redolent of curry leaves, the creamy and savoury sauce adds depth to the juicy fried chicken. Don’t worry about the dish being jelak, as the hints of chilli padi cut through the rich gravy with a fiery kick. If you aren’t a salted egg fan, they’ve also got a signature Marmite Chicken Rice ($6.50) and other zi char dishes.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-95, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 8:45pm
Tel: 6734 2862
Website
New Station Snack Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.

2. Da Shi Jia

Seafood white bee hoon is a dish most of us have heard of or tried at least once in our life. Da Shi Jia has changed the game by adding big prawns into white bee hoon that is simmered in prawn stock. For $18.80, you can get yourself a plate of their Wok-Fried Big Prawn White Bee Hoon.

Expect three fleshy and springy big prawns, drenched in a flavour-packed gravy that comes with strong wok hei. One more good thing is that you’re able to request a small dish of pork lard to give your white bee hoon an extra oomph.

Check out our Da Shi Jia review!

Address: 89 Killiney Road, Singapore 239534
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6732 1085
Website
Da Shi Jia is not a halal-certified eatery.

Big Prawn Noodles At Da Shi Jia

3. Kissajin

Kissajin, founded by the Les Amis group, offers affordable omakase in the heart of Orchard. The sleek restaurant pairs moody, dark wood furnishings with warm light and subtle Japanese elements, creating a vibe that’s perfect for intimate dates or casual business lunches. There are two omakase menus: lunch ($68++ per person) and dinner ($98++ per person). The former offers seven courses, made with seasonal ingredients, from seafood to Wagyu beef. On our visit, our meal encompassed a Salmon Yakimono, a thick Prawn Agemono, and a Wagyu Curry donburi bowl, before finishing off with a Cream Anmitsu—a classic Japanese jelly dessert.

Read our Kissajin review.

Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-11, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 9635 0963
Website
Kissajin is not a halal-certified eatery.

4. My Favourite Cafe

While I seldom visit Lucky Plaza, that is not the case now with the discovery of My Favourite Cafe.

Have your own pick of ingredients for your bowl of yong tau foo, before you’re charged accordingly. One thoughtful gesture by the chefs is that they’ll put your deep-fried ingredients in a separate bowl to prevent them from turning soggy in the soup. Like most yong tau foo stalls, My Favourite Cafe offers both soup and dry versions. The fried meatballs and braised mushrooms are must-haves here!

Check out our My Favourite Cafe review!

Address: 304 Orchard Road, #06-046/047, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm
Tel: 6734 6935
My Favourite Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.

My Favourite Cafe Review: Affordable And Tasty Yong Tau Foo At Orchard Road

5. I Want My Noodle

Another low-key but good restaurant to check out in town is I Want My Noodle, which serves up Indonesian bak mie. Some of their interesting dishes are My Lor Bah Noodle ($13.90) and My Truffle Oil Noodle ($10.90). The former comes with a gigantic slab of Japanese-style braised pork belly, while the latter wafts with the aroma of truffle oil, matched with their springy noodles.

Check out our I Want My Noodle review!

Address: 1 Scotts Road, 03-14/15, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208|
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Tel: 6235 2331
Website
I Want My Noodle is not a halal-certified eatery.

Hidden Noodle Joint In Orchard Serving Truffle Bak Mee And Bak Chor Mee | I Want My Noodle

6. Kim Dae Mun

Image credit: @low_winnie

Yet another lesser-known locale along Orchard Road, you may have walked past Concorde Hotel on your way to Plaza Singapura. Here lies Kim Dae Mun, an affordable Korean joint run by a whole family of Koreans! The Bibimbap here is priced at just $9, and their Tender Sliced Beef is $11.

Top up $1.50 to get a bowl of red bean rice, rather than plain white. If you like Korean pancakes, the Garlic & Chives Pancake at Kim Dae Mun costs only $4.50!

Address: 100 Orchard Road, #01-03A, Concorde Hotel, Singapore 238840
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 8pm
Tel: 6737 6857
Website
Kim Dae Mun is not a halal-certified eatery.

7. Nantsuttei

Although I’m a huge fan of ramen, I don’t eat it frequently as the prices at most popular ramen shops can easily go over my budget. When the cravings hit, however, Japanese ramen restaurant Nantsuttei saves the day with their affordable Nantsuttei Ramen ($12++). The broth at Nantsuttei is slightly darker and bears a strong garlic flavour. Even at such an affordable price, you can expect a decent portion of ramen with chashu.

Check out our Nantsuttei review!

Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #07-12/13, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 9:30pm, Sun 11am to 2:45pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
Tel: 6337 7166
Website
Nantsuttei is not a halal-certified eatery.

Nantsuttei - Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen At $10.80++

8. Gudsht

Decked out in neon lights and colourful murals, Gudsht is a Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant concept boasting affordable booze and bites in Somerset. Start off with their classic Curry Karaage Don ($10.90+), which has three levels of spice to choose from. For those who prefer noodles, opt for Udon ($11.90+) instead. Pair your meals with their Jim Beam Highballs, available by the tower ($49+) or glass ($8+). For more eats in the area, read our Orchard Central food guide.

Check out our Gudsht review!

Address: 8 Grange Road, #01-04, Orchard Cineleisure, Singapore 239695
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 12am
Tel: 8683 3052
Website
GudSht is not a halal-certified eatery.

GudSht Review: Neon-Lit Bar In Orchard With Shinjuku Vibes Has Jim Beam Highball Towers And Curry Dons

9. Mrs Pho House

Mrs Pho House is the place to go if you want to eat authentic Vietnamese food. Prawns, shallots, crushed peanuts, and a leafy mint garnish the visually appealing Pomelo Salad ($18+). The prawn crackers served also go well with the salad. For something more filling, go for the classic Bun Cha ($15.90+), which comes with rice vermicelli, grilled pork and meatballs, lettuce, fish sauce, and pickled vegetables on the side.

Check out our Mrs Pho House review!

Address: 391 Orchard Road, #B2-36A, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9666 1357
Website
Mrs Pho House is not a halal-certified eatery.

Mrs Pho House Review: Vietnamese-Style Hot Pot And Grill Restaurant In Orchard

10. Eggslut Singapore

The famous American egg sandwich specialist, Eggslut, first opened in Singapore end-2021, and since then, it has become a staple dining destination along the Orchard Road stretch. Queues have died down now, so you’ll have no trouble getting your hands on their famed sandwiches, including the Fairfax Sandwich ($12), made with cage-free scrambled eggs, chives, caramelised onions, cheddar, and Sriracha mayo. Have this alongside their Fresh Orange Juice ($5), a zesty, not-too-sweet cup of OJ.

Read our Eggslut review.

Address: 6 Scotts Road, #01-12, Scotts Square, Singapore 228209
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Eggslut is not a halal-certified eatery

11. Mr Holmes Bakehouse

Mr Holmes Bakehouse is a must-visit if you enjoy cruffins or croissants. They first opened in San Francisco in 2014, and expanded to Singapore in July 2021. There are plenty of options here, including Singapore’s exclusive Yellowpink ($7.50++) croissant, which features mildly sweet curd and ruby chocolate stripes. There are three sandwich options if you prefer something savoury: Tomato & Pesto Melt ($13++), Bacon Habanero ($13++), and Pulled Pork ($16++).

Check out our Mr Holmes Bakehouse review!

Address: 9 Scotts Road, #01-01/02/03, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
Tel: 6334 0308
Website
Mr Holmes is not a halal-certified eatery

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12. Sen-ryo

Known for their affordable yet high-quality Japanese fare, Sen-ryo is a restaurant chain that first launched in Tochigo before expanding to Hong Kong and Singapore. Their lunch menu starts at a reasonable price of $15.80++. For a more upscale dining experience, consider the Sen-ryo Premium Bento ($23.80++), which includes an assortment of premium assorted items, miso soup, and rice. To make your own maki roll, get the Sen-ryo DIY Hokkaido Uni ($58++), which comes with fresh uni, ikura pearls, and cucumber.

Check out our Sen-ryo review here!

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #03-14, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6974 6782
Website
Sen-ryo is not a halal-certified eatery.

Sen-ryo Review: Famous Japanese Restaurant In ION, With Luxe Bentos From Just $15.80++

13. Le Matin Patisserie

Le Matin Patisserie has come a long way since its days as a pop-up and online-based bakery. Their full-fledged ION Orchard cafe offers diners an all-day selection of refined desserts, pastries, and savoury dishes. The menu is split into brunch, available from 11am to 3pm, and dinner and desserts, from 6pm to 10pm.

The Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs Croissant ($34++) is a popular, indulgent dish that has made its rounds on social media. An ultra-flaky croissant is sliced, then filled with creamy scrambled eggs, black truffle aioli, truffle paste, and 8g worth of shaved truffle. For sweets, try the Roasted Hay & Pecan Tart ($9++), a treat that’s midway between baklava and a pecan pie.

Read our Le Matin Patisserie review.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard #B2-49, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 8030 7303
Website
Le Matin Patisserie is not a halal-certified eatery.

14. Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill

For some Middle Eastern fare, check out Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill in Wheelock Place. Kebab lovers will enjoy the Shish Taouk ($28++), which features grilled chicken cubes on a skewer, served with saffron rice and salad. Patrons can add on the Homemade Harissa Chilli Sauce at an additional $2++.

The restaurant’s signature Sultan’s Delight ($42++) is also worth a shot. This classic Ottoman dish stars tender lamb cooked with fresh tomatoes and thyme in a stew, and is accompanied by smoky eggplant with cheese.

Address: 501 Orchard Road, #02-04/05, Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 6262 6400
Website
Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill is a halal-certified eatery.

15. Tempura Tendon Tenya

Tempura Tendon Tenya takes pride in serving high-quality tempura rice bowls at reasonable prices. It is also semi-automated as they use a robot server as opposed to actual servers. Begin with the Tenya Tendon ($8.50), which combines Aomori Masshigura rice and their signature tare sauce. You can also get the Tori Tendon ($9.90), which is a Singapore-exclusive dish that includes karaage, chicken breast tempura, pumpkin, sweet potato, and a tempura soft-boiled egg.

Check out our Tempura Tendon Tenya review!

Address: 181 Orchard Road, #B1-01, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm (last order at 9:30pm)
Tel: 6509 6838
Website
Tempura Tendon Tenya is not a halal-certified eatery, but uses no pork or lard.

Tempura Tendon Tenya Review: Famous Japanese Tempura Don Under $15 In Orchard Central

16. TO.GO Soup

Image credit: ToGo 雪耳猪肚鸡汤

If you’re ever in the Orchard area on a rainy day, treat yourself to a comforting bowl of soup. Head down to To.Go Soup, a quaint restaurant specialising in herbal soup that’s affordable, comforting, and delicious. Those who enjoy broths that are rich and peppery can go for the Lotus Root Pork-Ribs Soup ($6.80). Alternatively, we recommend the White Fungus Pig Stomach Chicken Soup ($6.80) for something filling yet clean-tasting.

Address: 150 Orchard Road, #01-150, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 8892 0053
Website
To.Go Soup is not a halal-certified eatery.

17. French Fold

After opening their first outlet at Telok Ayer, French Fold brings their crepes and galettes to their second outlet, which is located in Orchard. You’ll definitely be spoiled for choice dining here, as they have over 20 items on the menu. For classics, go for the No. 4 ($17), which has sauteed mushrooms, ham, Comte, and a sunny-side-up. If you’re into desserts, get their No. 13 ($7), made with French butter and sprinkled with brown sugar and lemon zest.

Check out our French Fold review!

Address: 390 Orchard Road, #01-02, Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
Opening hours: Mon 8am to 11pm, Tue-Thurs 8am to 12am, Fri-Sat 8am to 12am, Sun 8am to 11:30pm
Website
French Fold is not a halal-certified eatery

18. TAG Espresso

Homegrown coffee brand TAG Espresso has opened a botanical-themed cafe on the second floor of Ngee Ann City. Here, you can get a variety of their barista-brewed beverages, including unique takes on lattes. Their Kaya Pandan Latte ($9++), for instance, is a signature drink made with a layer of pandan essence, and a slick of kaya atop. The cafe also offers a substantial selection of bites, including the har jeong kai-esque Shrimp Paste Pork Belly ($14.90++) and classic Fish and Chips ($24.90++). For more eateries in the mall, check out our Takashimaya food hall guide.

Check out our TAG Espresso review.

Address: 391 Orchard Road, #02-11, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6908 2374
Website
TAG Espresso is not a halal-certified eatery.

TAG Espresso: New Orchard Cafe With Kaya Latte, Har Cheong Pork Belly And More

19. Dont Yell At Me

Take a break from all of the food in Orchard and indulge in Dont Yell At Me’s drinks. This quirky bubble tea cafe, originally a pop-up store in Taipei, has expanded to multiple outlets internationally. Their best seller, Winter Melon Chrysanthemum Tea With Sweet Potato and Taro Pearls ($5.60), is known for its light and refreshing aftertaste with a hint of floral notes from the chrysanthemum. For an IG-worthy shot, get their Cherry Blossom Thé Au Lait ($7.50)—a three-layered drink exclusive to their Singapore outlet.

Check out our Dont Yell At Me review!

Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #02-24/12A, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm to 9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am to 10pm
Website
Don’t Yell At Me is not a halal-certified eatery.

Dont Yell At Me Review: Taiwanese Bubble Tea Cafe With Layered Drinks Including Tiramisu Cheese Foam

20. Kra Pow Thai Restaurant

Image credit: @limkohpi

Kra Pow Thai Restaurant is where you can find affordable and tasty Thai food. They are best known for their Minced Pork Drunkard Noodle ($9.80+), which features stir-fried flat rice noodles with chunks of pork, basil, and Thai bird’s eye chilli. This dish is said to pack a punch, so if you can’t handle spice, we recommend going for the Chicken Chunk Thai Style Fried Rice ($8.60+) instead. Alternatively, the Crackling Pork Belly ($19.70+) comes highly recommended, as it stars crispy skin with thick, fatty layers of pork. Do note that there are limited portions of this dish served daily.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #03-26/27, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228123
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 6734 1946
Website
Kra Pow Thai Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.

21. Puncak Best Noodles

Image credit: @nur_shah_y

For my fellow Muslim friends who would like to try Chinese cuisine, check out Puncak Best Noodles. This casual eatery has been open for several years, and many patrons claim that they have the cheapest and best halal noodles in Singapore—-just as their name suggests.

A must-try dish is the Honey Dew Chicken Noodle ($5), which we recommend accompanying a side of Fried Wanton for $6. Besides noodles, you can also try the Claypot Rice, which comes in either seafood, chicken, or beef options from $7.60 onwards.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-94, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: Wed-Fri, Sun-Mon 11:30am to 9pm, Sat 11:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6738 4348
Website
Puncak Best Noodles is a halal-certified eatery.

22. Gyu Nami

At $10, you’ll score yourself an indulgent bowl of the Signature Wagyu Roast Beef Donburi at Gyu Nami. The beef is served medium-rare in large, tender slices, and is topped with a sous vide egg. You can make it a set meal at an additional $2, which comes with miso soup and mochi for dessert.

For a non-beef option, go for the Unagi Don ($12) instead. It sees a thick slab of unagi glazed in teriyaki sauce, paired with Japanese pearl rice.

Address: 277 Orchard Road, #B2-06, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 8pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 8pm
Tel: 9684 3412
Website
Gyu Nami is not a halal-certified eatery.

23. Surrey Hills Grocer

Surrey Hills Grocer, a popular Australian-style cafe, opened their ION Orchard outlet late last year. The cafe offers a wide selection of dishes beyond the usual brunch staples, including plated mains, fresh doughnuts, and artisanal cocktails. We recommend starting your meal with the Triple Truffle Fries ($16++), a levelled-up take on the popular appetiser with truffle aioli on the side. We’re also fans of the hearty Roast Chicken with Grapes and Pepper Jus ($35++), with an extra-creamy potato puree that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.

Read our Surrey Hills Grocer review.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #05-02, ION Orchard, Singapore 237973
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 8801 6427
Website
Surrey Hills Grocer is not a halal-certified eatery.

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24. NBCB

The cheekily named NBCB, which stands for “Nothing But Cheese Burgers”, offers affordable burgs and sides in the heart of Orchard Road. Burgers are priced from just $8.90, though their most popular item, the DCB ($15.90) is worth splurging on—thanks to its generous size, you really get your money’s worth. Add on their Kantang Of The Day With Truffle Mayo Dip ($7.90), where skin-on fries come served piping hot with a side of truffle mayo. The laidback diner also offers milkshakes in local flavours, from Pandan Coconut to Horlicks, for $4.50.

Read our NBCB review

Address: 181 Orchard Road, #04-23, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9pm
Website
NBCB is not a halal-certified eatery.

NBCB Review: $8.90 Brioche Burgers, Horlicks Milkshake And More In Katong

25. Da Long Yi

Singapore has a fair few legit Sichuan mala hotpot locations, but Da Long Yi is one of the OGs. The refined restaurant serves up a hearty Butter Mala steamboat broth made with beef tallow, which you can then enjoy with a variety of traditional Sichuanese hotpot sides, including tripe, native vegetables, and more. Prices vary depending on the portion, but expect to spend around $50 a person.

Address: 181 Orchard Road, #08-08, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 12am
Tel: 6509 0002
Da Long Yi is not a halal-certified eatery.