With malls popping up one after another at Paya Lebar, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of aircon to access some good food. As the newest and largest mall in the area, Paya Lebar Quarter has a whopping 160 F&B stores. Together, the Paya Lebar Square and PLQ food spots add up to a long, intimidating list.
If you suffer from serious indecision when it comes to food, this list of must-try grub in these malls will point you in the right direction.
Table of Contents
Image credit: COLLIN’S
For family-friendly meals that’ll please the crowd and not break the bank, pay a visit to COLLIN’S. The casual Western grill house has recently revamped their menu to feature hearty Western staples and all-new fusion classics, as well as a specially curated wine menu. Start off the meal with their Crispy Szechuan Mala Chicken Wings ($9.50++), where chicken is marinated with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chilli for a shiok, spicy kick. For mains, choose between pastas, seafood dishes, and their grilled meats, including their famed Signature Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs ($20++ for half a slab), starring fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs brushed with a smoky barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, dig into meats from the Reserve portion of their menu, and tuck into dry-aged steaks, as well as more premium cuts.
To make the meal sweeter, enjoy 7% cashback when you use Shopback Pay to foot the bill at COLLIN’s. On top of this deal, you can keep your eyes out for COLLIN’s vouchers at Shopback’s upcoming 11.11 sale and stand to save even more on meals. Deals include purchasing a dining voucher of $50 value for only $45, getting 1% cashback on your voucher purchase and many more!
Find out more about Shopback’s 11.11 dining deals here!
Unit number: #B1-01
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6970 2195
Website
COLLIN’S is not a halal-certified eatery.
Enjoying Japanese yakiniku doesn’t always need to be a group activity or carry a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for affordable, quick, and solo dining, Yakiniku Like has got you covered.
For the budget-conscious, I recommend getting their set meals, which start from under $10. Each meal comes with a protein of your choice, rice, soup, and a salad. While the set menu is value for money, check out their a la carte items for more premium meat options such as the Karubi 100g ($4.90) beef that is beautifully juicy and melty. If you’re a fan of barbecue but dislike the fuss, head here for a speedy yakiniku fix!
Check out our Yakiniku Like review!
Unit number: #B1-28
Opening hours: Daily 11 am to 10pm
Website
Yakiniku Like is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @mischievous__hodophile
With its chic, modern interior and wooden accents, Wursthans Switzerland serves up Swiss cuisine and rosti in hearty portions. The restaurant prides itself in traditional Swiss favourites such as their signature Pilatus ($19.90), a Swiss version of a schnitzel. A piece of chicken is pounded and tenderised till thin and then coated in a batter and grilled till crisp.
Their customer-favourite is their Build Your Own Swiss Meal (from $15.90) where you mix and match your favourite protein, sides, and sauces with a rosti.
Unit number: #01-39
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 3:30pm, 4:30pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 9pm
Website
Wursthans Switzerland is not a halal-certified eatery.
With outlets around the world in Japan, Hong Kong, and even Barcelona, Kanada-ya has finally opened its first outlet in Singapore. A must-order is their Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen Special. Priced at $18.90++, the bowl comprises a generous portion of belly chashu, a wealth of toppings such as nori, wood ear fungus, spring onions, and a taste of their rich 18-hour pork bone broth.
The ramen joint has also brought over their wildly popular Truffle Ramen Special ($26.90++) from their flagship outlet in London. The flavours of this noodle dish are so potent that it has been compared to a cream of truffle soup. However, the restaurant only prepares 20 bowls of this truffle ramen in a day, so head down early to avoid disappointment.
Check our Kanada-Ya review!
Unit number: #03-30
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Kanada-Ya is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @jimmymonkeycafe
People who frequent the West might recognise this cafe tucked away in One-north that’s always buzzing with liveliness. Fortunately, Easties will no longer be left out, because the popular Jimmy Monkey Cafe is finally swinging its way over to Paya Lebar.
The cafe not only has an adorable monkey plushie mascot, but also has quirky dish names. Named after the Marvel character, The Hulk ($16++) is a sourdough toast topped with a generous dollop of avocado and creamy feta cheese. The cute Cheesy Vegemite Toast Soldiers ($14++) are toast fingers slathered with Vegemite and cheese, served with soft-boiled eggs for dipping.
If you drop by their new outlet, don’t forget to try their aromatic coffee brews made from their custom-built Slayer coffee machines.
Unit number: #01-10
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10:30pm
Tel: 6290 4749
Website
Jimmy Monkey Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Tipsy Bird’s Facebook Page
At Tipsy Bird Gastrobar, expect live music entertainment next to your platter of juicy well-aged steaks or fancy chai tow kway, with cocktails on the side. This estaurant and bar serves up a selection of high-end Western fare such as Grass-Fed Tomahawk Steak (1kg) ($118++) and Nagano Pork Rack (300g) ($28++).
Also on the menu are elevated local favourites such as the Moonlight Truffle Beef Hor Fun ($25++) which is a dish perfumed with the aroma of truffle, and topped with slices of Wagyu striploin beef.
Unit number: #01-08
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm to 1am, Sun 12pm to 11pm
Tel: 8879 6057
Website
Tipsy Bird Gastrobar is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @fudexperiments
This famous beef noodle chain from China has over 100 years of history under its belt and specialises in extra thin, hand-pulled noodles. With the opening of its second outlet in Singapore, Western Mahua Noodles is now serving their halal, handmade la mian in the East.
Their most popular dish by far is the Signature Bone Broth Beef La Mian (from $10.30), which also has a spicy version. They use three kilograms of bones to stew one kilo of soup to achieve a deeper body, and the extra-thin noodles aid in soaking up the aromatic broth. If you prefer more flavour infused into your soup, try their Braised Beef La Mian (from $14.30), which carries a rich dark soy sauce flavour to complement the fatty pieces of beef.
Unit number: #B2-28
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:15pm
Tel: 6970 5188
Website
Western Mahua Noodles is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @andrea_abl
Hailing from Taipei’s Shilin Market, the Taiwanese cafe Fong Sheng Hao has opened its first local outlet in Paya Lebar, bringing traditional charcoal-grilled toast to Singapore. Get a hearty breakfast fix with their toast sets, such as the popular Patty With Egg Cheese ($8), which features a thick cut of minced pork patty and a generous helping of melty cheese, sandwiched between two pillowy slices of grilled milk toast.
If you’re just dropping by for drinks, try their Fong Sheng Signature Milk Tea ($4.70) which has a smooth, roasted black tea flavour. It’s only slightly sweetened to allow the tea’s aroma to shine through.
Unit number: #B2-04
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm
Website
Fong Sheng Hao is not a halal-certified eatery.
This family-run halal cafe in IMM has finally arrived in the East, bringing all their customer favourites to Paya Lebar. It’ll be hard to not over-order here with their large portions of the impressive Penang Kway Teow ($8.50) and Claypot Beef Hor Fun ($8.90). Their classic Nasi Pattaya ($8.90) makes for a quick wholesome lunch, coming with fragrant vegetable fried rice topped with large shelled prawns and bouncy omelette.
If you love spice, their sambal belachan is a must-try, to spike your dishes with a strong kick of spice and a bite of tartness.
Unit number: #B2-31
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6569 5001
Website
Red Ginger is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @chichasanchen.sg
CHICHA San Chen is definitely one of the strongest contenders for best bubble tea in Singapore, in my book. Aesthetic-looking cups aside, I was truly won over by their signature Dong Ding Oolong Tea ($3.20), which is made from high-quality roasted tea leaves, giving it a deep, slightly bitter tea body and a lingering, sweet oolong aroma.
I suggest topping this drink with fresh milk ($1.50) to add richness, and of course, some chewy pearls ($0.50) to properly complete the cup of bubble tea.
Unit number: #02-27
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
CHICHA San Chen is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Image credit: Bonchon
Bonchon is your one-stop for Korean food in PLQ. They are best known for their double-fried chicken, available in soy garlic or spicy marinades, but serve an extensive selection of other Korean dishes too—from bibimbap to kimchi fried rice. One thing to note is that all the sauces here are sourced from Busan for added authenticity. Most of their menu is priced under $15!
Unit number: #02-09
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Bonchon is not a halal-certified eatery.
Get your legit Thai milk tea fix with ChaTraMue, where all their drinks, soft serves and more are made exclusively with Thai cha yen from the brand’s plantations. Choose from over 20 different menu items, including the classic red or green Thai milk teas (from $5.60). If you’re not big on tea, chocolate and coffee beverages are also available.
Unit number: #01-38
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Website
ChaTraMue is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Run by MasterChef Singapore judge and esteemed chef Damian D’Silva is Rempapa, a new restaurant that aims to elevate local favourites with inventive flairs. This is definitely not one of those places that’ll charge you an arm and leg for ‘atas’ chicken rice—all the twists are cleverly done, and worth the price. Their Sri Lankan Chicken Curry and Tomato Chutney with String Hoppers ($16++) is one example. The local breakfast of curry and putu mayam are put together to create savoury magic, with a fruity, rich gravy and chicken leg served alongside.
Read our Rempapa review.
Unit number: #01-01/02/03
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am to to 10:30pm
Tel: 9459 1603
Website
Rempapa is not a halal-certified eatery.
If you’re looking for a cafe to unwind with friends or get some work done, try Paris Baguette. Their PLQ cafe spans 2,400 square feet, with space to seat 80 comfortably. Look forward to bakes and desserts, including their popular Royal Pudding ($4.80), as well as a dine-in menu, and a wide array of fresh bakes. Don’t skip on their milk cream cheese buns, which come with filling made from premium Korean cow’s milk. Each is priced from $2.90.
Unit number: #01-03/05/06
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Tel: 6719 2054
Website
Paris Baguette is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Image credit: @thatgluttonn
Get your sashimi fix at Donburi King, a cosy Japanese eatery specialising in seafood donburi bowls. The Chirashi Don ($25.80++) features a towering bowl of swordfish, salmon, red tuna, and octopus, while the Chutoro Don ($33.80++) is a limited-time special that’s packed with thick slices of fatty tuna belly. If you’ve got room for sides, consider getting the Tako Yaki Ball ($4.90++), Ebi Fry ($4.90++), or the smooth and silky Chawanmushi Truffle Oil ($7.90++).
Unit number: #03-26
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Tel: 6611 6657
Website
Donburi King is not a halal-certified eatery.
London Fat Duck specialises in roasted Irish ducks, which are also known as the Wagyu of ducks. Here, a quarter duck costs $21++, while half a duck costs $41++. A whole duck will set you back $78++. The restaurant also offers deboning services, which start from $6++ per duck.
Their roasted ducks are marinated in a secret sauce that’s made in-house and are said to be juicy with just the right amount of fat. Don’t forget to dip the meat in their plum sauce for an extra tang!
Unit number: #B1-16/17
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6972 3825
Website
London Fat Duck is not a halal-certified eatery.
If you’re a fan of spicy Indonesian food, look no further than Papa Ayam, the first battered fried chicken brand in Singapore that allows sambal enthusiasts to choose their preferred level of spiciness, from Level 1 to Level 15.
Go for the Ayam Geprek Original ($6.90), consisting of a crispy fried chicken slathered with a generous amount of sambal, or the Ayam Geprek Indomie ($7.50), which is essentially the same dish, but served with noodles instead of rice.
If you fancy eating for free, take on Papa Ayam’s spicy challenge and finish an upsized portion of Level 27 in under five minutes. Successful challengers will also earn themselves a spot on the restaurant’s wall of fame!
Read our Papa Ayam review.
Unit number: #B2-K3
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 4pm, 5pm to 9pm
Tel: 9726 1300
Website
Papa Ayam is a Muslim-owned eatery.
Fluff Stack is known for being one of the few halal-certified souffle pancake cafes in Singapore. All their cloud-like pancakes are made to order, which means that waiting times can be around 15 minutes per dish. Still, the cloud-like pancakes are worth the wait, and at Fluff Stack, you get to enjoy them with a number of different toppings and sauces. Popular picks include their Strawberry Cheese Souffle Pancakes ($14.50) and Hazelnut Chocolate Souffle Pancakes ($16.50).
Read our Fluff Stack review.
Unit number: #B1-K3
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11am to 9:15pm, 11am to 9:45pm
Tel: 9617 3166
Website
Fluff Stack is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @flashcoffee_sg
By now, you will probably recognise Flash Coffee for their idiosyncratic yellow decor, and cups adorned with their striking pink logo. They’ve over 250 stores in the region, with over 30 in Singapore, including one in PLQ. Most of their beverages start under $5, a huge steal for specialty coffee in Singapore. Hits include their Melaka Latte (from $4.80), laced with gula melaka syrup, or their Avo Latte (from $5.80), which nods to Indonesian es alpukat, an avocado-coffee shake.
Unit number: #01-K5
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8am to 8pm, Sat 9:30am to 9pm, Sun 9:30am to 8pm
Tel: 9617 3166
Website
Flash Coffee is a halal-certified eatery.
Another popular place to get your BBT fix is Playmade. Unlike other BBT joints in Singapore, Playmade is known for making a variety of different flavoured pearls by hand. Flavours include Pink Cactus, Black Sesame, Burnt Caramel and more. Most of the tea flavours here are your standard bubble tea array, but Playmade also regularly has seasonal drinks that are a must-try. Prices average $6 a drink.
Unit number: #B2-K5
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6502 7856
Website
Playmade is not a halal-certified eatery.
Singapore is chock full of burger joints, but hotdog specialists are few and far between. Super Sub is one of the latter. At its PLQ outlet, you can get sausages with a variety of toppings, from Chicken Pesto ($8.50) to Yuzu Crab ($8.50), and even Truffle Egg Mayo ($8.50). Toppings here are very generous, so you’ll definitely find yourself stuffed. All orders are served with tortilla chips but you can add on dips for $3.
Read our Super Sub review.
Unit number: #01-K2
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 9pm
Tel: 9742 3095
Website
Super Sub is not a halal-certified eatery.
This cosy eatery tucked away in the basement of Paya Lebar Square serves affordable Taiwanese food including wholesome rice bowls and deep-fried snacks. Their highlight item would definitely be the Taichung Braised Pork Rice, sold at only $5 nett. The dish is true to its Taichung roots, coming with a generous serving of small, fatty bits of braised pork belly, sour pickled mustard greens, and a marinated hard boil egg.
For an easy takeaway snack, try their XL Chicken Chop ($4.80) that is double-fried for extra crunch, and then coated with a liberal sprinkling of their addictive seasoning powder.
Check out our 5 Little Bears review!
Unit number: #B1-09
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6702 1098
Website
5 Little Bears is not a halal-certified eatery.
Chicken Run serves up spicy fusion cuisine in claypots, best for the days when you’re craving some heat and warm comfort food. This place is great for those who love to customise their meals, as their menu offers an extensive list of add-on items and enough options for you to individualise each claypot.
Come by during lunch to enjoy their lunch special: Laksa Pot with rice at $10.90+. A word of caution: choose your spiciness level carefully, because this broth brings both intense flavour and numbing heat.
Check out our Chicken Run review!
Unit number: #02-18/19/20/K4
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6702 1373
Website
Chicken Run is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @kajiken_singapore
From ‘gan mian’ and dry ramen to Japanese bak chor mee, Kajiken’s maze soba dish has been given many titles by customers over the years. As the pioneering restaurant to bring this unique style of ramen to Singapore, Kajiken is known for its Original Mazesoba Nagoya Style ($13.80++) which comes with springy dry noodles, spicy minced pork, and a gooey soft-boiled egg nestled in the middle.
Break the oozy yolk before giving the noodles a good, long mix. The rich yolk will combine with the savoury ramen sauce and coat the noodles. Each mouthful delivers a spicy kick from the minced pork, followed by soft noodles, and finished with a fresh crunch from the spring onions. With their free noodle top-ups, this is a definite must-try for noodle fans!
Unit number: #01-86
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6844 9915
Website
Image credit: Tofu Magician SG
One up your bubble tea cravings with these novel soy milk drinks by Tofu Magician Singapore. Hailing from China, this drinks franchise sells house-made soy drinks topped with QQ mochi balls, in a selection of flavours. If it’s your first time trying the brand, get the Original ($6.20), served cold or warm. Otherwise, flavours such as Black Sesame ($6.20) and Matcha ($6.20) are also available.
Unit number: #01-51
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
Tofu Magician SG is not a halal-certified eatery.
The last and most well-known of the Keisuke clan is Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King. With several Ramen Keisuke restaurant variations open around Singapore, this one at Paya Lebar specialises in the classic Tonkotsu Ramen ($11.90++), and meat-loaded ramen. For a full taste of what the famous ramen chain has to offer, get the Niku King Spicy Shoyu Ramen ($12.90++) which comes with large slices of chashu, Japanese onsen egg, sprinklings of bonito flakes, and spicy broth.
Read our Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King review.
Unit number: #01-04
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6341 6123
Website
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @kita.fam
Delibowl is an eatery that has gotten a fair share of buzz for being a halal restaurant selling traditional Sichuan dishes. The crowd-favourite Mapo Tofu ($7.95) features rice topped with silken tofu, fermented beans, and Sichuan peppercorn. For something different, try their Butter Chicken ($8.95) or Sichuan Style Fried Eggplant ($9.95).
Unit number: #01-77/80
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Tel: 9382 5685
Website
Delibowl is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Monster Planet
Monster Curry goes halal at Monster Planet, where diners can enjoy Muslim-friendly renditions of all the brand’s XXL curry plates, sans pork, lard, and alcohol. Enjoy jumbo curry plates with customisable levels of spice from $13.80, or feast on their broader menu, with fusion dishes such as pasta, ramen, and even pizzas.
Unit number: #01-57
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 2987
Website
Monster Planet is a halal-certified eatery.
You can find many places selling Thai food, but Lotus Thai Restaurant does it well. The Mango Salad ($7.80++), a quintessential Thai appetiser, is said to be fragrant and tangy. The thinly julienned mango slices soak up the sauce for a pleasantly sour and sweet aroma. This balance of tart and sweet is very characteristic of Thai cuisine, and shows up most evidently in the clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($12.75), which is accompanied by a kick of spice.
Lotus Thai is the place to head to if you’re in the Paya Lebar area and craving some classic Thai flavours.
Unit number: #02-13/14
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6386 7228
Website
Lotus Thai Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
For the uninitiated, rou ga mo refers to a popular street snack from the Shaanxi province in China. These Chinese “hamburgers” can be found at Qin Ji Rougamo, which is located in the mall’s basement, right next to the escalator. Priced from $5.50, the rou gao mo are baked fresh upon order and come in different fillings such as pork, chicken, vegetables, and black pepper beef.
The stall also offers a number of noodle dishes, including the Sour & Spicy (Potato Noodle) With Minced Pork ($8.80) and Cold Noodles Skin ($6.50), which are two best-sellers.
Read our Qin Ji Rougamo review.
Unit number: #B1-08
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6970 9567
Qin Ji Rougama is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @plantzmanz
You can now bring your vegetarian or vegan friend to Saute Sushi, the first 100% plant-based kaiten sushi concept in Singapore. Plus, they’re also halal-certified!
Take a pick from their main sushi menu, featuring Abi Avocado ($12.90++) and King Oyster Mushroom ($3.20++), or go for their hearty rice or noodle bowls. The Saute Tomato Stew Ramen ($10.90++) comprises a bowl of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables in a red tomato stew, while the Teriyaki Abi Fry ($10.90++) sees a plant-based fried “ebi” sitting on top of fluffy Japanese rice.
Address: #B1-19
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 8870 3565
Website
Saute Sushi is a halal-certified eatery.
Whether you’re here for hours of shopping or just passing through, the assortment of food options within these Paya Lebar malls is more than enough to satisfy everyone’s appetites.
For more food gems in the east, we have our cafes in the East guide. If you’re sticking to the area around Paya Lebar, then eat your way through out KINEX food guide, and our Joo Chiat and Katong food guide!
Featured image adapted from @ennzziezz, Tofu Magician SG, @thatgluttonn, and @andrea_abl
This post was brought to you by Shopback.
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