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Things to do Chinatown
If you’re looking for a taste of the orient, there’s no need to travel all the way to China – Singapore’s Chinatown has everything you could possibly want, and more.
This vibrant neighbourhood is packed with delicious delicacies, talented craftsmen, world-class restaurants, and unique hawkers, providing for all of the people’s needs. Whether you’re in the mood for some traditional Chinese medicine or a new pair of shoes, you’ll be sure to find it in Chinatown. And with the recent upgrading of shophouses and new developments, there’s even more reason to visit this modern-day oasis.
So next time you’re in Singapore, be sure to head on down to Chinatown – you won’t be disappointed!
Things to do Chinatown: Restaurant
1. Burnt Ends
| Key Services | Barbecue restaurant |
| Address | 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-04, Singapore 249671 |
| Website | https://burntends.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6224 3933 |
| eat@burntends.com.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday: 6–11PM Wednesday to Saturday: 11:45AM–11PM |
Burnt Ends is a unique Singaporean barbecue restaurant. As a result, Burnt Ends is jam-packed with customers every night, thanks to its fantastic cuisine and distinctive concept. A huge double-door oven burning apple and almond wood at the heart of this restaurant adds a smoky flavor to the food.
The long counter is ideal for groups of less than six people, with a front-seat view of the action. There’s everything from pulled-pork burgers to a whole char-grilled redfish, as well as smoked ice cream for dessert.
Key Differentiators
- Australian-style BBQ restaurant
- Open kitchen
- Counter seating
- Lively, stylish space
Customer Testimonial
The food is excellent – unique and delicious! Would like to give special commendation to Thomas and Damien for the excellent service, how they took care of our dining experience, and ensured we really enjoyed our night here at Burnt Ends! Love the the ambience, the warmth and the service! definitely will be back! It’s worth every penny!
Joycelyn Tan
2. Yixing Xuan Teahouse
| Key Services | Traditional teahouse |
| Address | 78 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088499 |
| Website | https://www.yixingxuan-teahouse.com/ |
| Phone | +65 6224 6961 |
| hello@yixingxuan-teahouse.com | |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Thursday: 10AM–8PM Friday & Saturday: 10AM–9:30PM Sunday: 10AM–7PM |
Yixing Xuan Teahouse is a picturesque old-fashioned shop-house facade located in the center of Chinatown, where visitors can sample some of the best Chinese tea and appreciation classes. Their tea specialists will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the tea industry or allow you to try on different flavors. They’ll also give you a deeper knowledge of the history and culture of tea drinking and its customs.
This quaint teahouse serves delicious dim sum and a nice range of Chinese cuisine, including the spectacular tealeaf chicken – which is one way to turn their best feature into a highlight.
Key Differentiators
- Learn about Chinese culture, arts and the history of tea
- Range of premium teas
- Preparing tea the traditional way
Customer Testimonial
attended a 2-3 hour workshop here with my girlfriends. we all had a great time here as the owner taught us how to differentiate the types of tea leaves & appreciate their qualities. it was a nice touch with the dim sum dishes they provided at the end and they went really well with the tea
Cherie Neo
3. Yum Cha
| Key Services | Dim sum restaurant |
| Address | 20 Trengganu St, #02-01, Singapore 058479 |
| Website | https://www.yumcha.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6372 1717 |
| chinatown@yumcha.com.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Friday: 10:30AM–8:30PM Saturday & Sunday: 9AM–8:30PM |
Yum Cha is the best choice in Chinatown for all-day dining. Yum Cha, which translates as “drink tea,” is the quintessential Chinatown dining experience on the second floor of an ancient shophouse. It is recognized for its dim sum offerings, which are also available in a daily high tea buffet.
Key Differentiators
- First started out in 2000
- Offer a unique dim sum dining experience
- Dim sum tea house concept
Customer Testimonial
Quite nice place to have lunch with colleagues. Usually waiting time is less if you go with big group. Went twice and had fried olive rice with different kind of dumplings. Staff is really friendly and kind enough to serve to your dish. Price is not cheap, but not expensive.
Chathuranga Pathirana
Apart from food, there are some nice photographs of Singapore back in the day.
4. Latteria Mozzarella Bar
| Key Services | Italian restaurant |
| Address | 40 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089618 |
| Website | https://www.latteriamb.com/ |
| Phone | +65 6866 1988 |
| info@latteriamb.com | |
| Operating Hours | OPEN DAILY Lunch: 12 noon to 2:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm to 10:30pm |
Lattaria, a restaurant that serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Chinatown, includes 11 types of Italy’s best soft cheese into its wonderfully Mediterranean menu devoid of pizza. This sunny yellow eatery is a genuine taste of Tuscany in the middle of Chinatown, with room to dine both indoors and outside.
The menu is typical for a southern restaurant, with such options as homemade gnocchi served with fresh pesto and calamari salad, but the standouts are the dishes that use the restaurant’s name to great effect.
Key Differentiators
- Slice of Southern Italy
- Traditional Italian cuisine
- Offers the freshest Mozzarella and Burrata cheeses
Customer Testimonial
Quiet nice Italian joint tucked away amidst the hectic area of Duxton. Ambience was amazing and romantic, outdoor seats are definitely a must go for.
Foods ordered were the latteria platter which was super value for money and fried calamari which was fried and seasoned to perfection, absolutely enjoyed our experience here
Ho Jerome
5. Kok Sen Restaurant
| Key Services | Singaporean restaurant |
| Address | 30 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089137 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/koksenforyou/ |
| Phone | +65 6223 2005 |
| cwong080@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:15 PM 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
The restaurant offers a number of distinctive dishes, including the Big Prawns Bee Hoon Soup, Big Prawns Horfun, and Kung Pao Frogs Stir-Fried with Dried Chilli. The bee hoon is the one dish that will really capture your attention. Its orange-red broth has a strong prawn flavor with spicy that makes it more appealing.
This dish includes thick bee hoon, chye sim, and huge prawns. The hor fun is another must-try, with silky rice noodles immersed in a wok hei-rich sauce.
Key Differentiators
- Chinese Zi Char Restaurant
- Great customer service
- Exceptional dishes
Customer Testimonial
It’s been a while since I’ve been back and I’ve forgotten how good this ZhiChar place is.
Every dish we had was amazing. I particularly liked the Bittergourd Pork Rib dish, which has amazing wok hei and balance. The claypot Yong Tau Foo was also exceptional.
Ben C
6. DM Chicken
| Key Services | Restaurant |
| Address | 191B New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059423 |
| Website | https://dmchicken.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6909 2758 |
| dmc@dmchicken.com.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 11:30AM–12AM |
A 100 cm DM Chicken + DM Prawn platter is available at DM Chicken! To meet smaller groups, they also have 50 and 75 cm platters.
The hotpot platter contains Korean fried chicken and fries, two sets of lamb chops, a plate of squid ink balls, and a bowl of fruit salad. Customers may also select from the Hotpot and BBQ buffet or their own a la carte Hotpot and BBQ menu.
Key Differentiators
- Multiple foods and sauce
- Offers delivery
- Special recipes
Customer Testimonial
The staff there, all of them, are helpful, friendly. We tried the buffet and is very good for value. But most of all, the quality is good but not cheap food. Our family are all happy and they all said will recommend this restaurant to others. We missed the exit, it is not exactly on the main road but just check the bumblebee statue you will find it.
Philip Tse
7. Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee
| Key Services | Hawker stall |
| Address | 531A Upper Cross St, #01-58, Singapore 051531 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/raytay6767/ |
| Phone | +65 9278 0415 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee is located in Hong Lim Food Centre, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It uses a three-generation-old family recipe that has been constantly improved until now, resulting in a dedicated consumer base that keeps returning for more.
The restaurant’s curry chicken noodle dish is a wonderful comfort food, with big pieces of chicken breast in the flavorful broth for a hearty sensation. For those wanting more, their bigger version comes with a larger serving and allows you to pick your favorite chicken parts.
Key Differentiators
- Food Stand
- Confort Food
- Three-generations family recipe
Customer Testimonial
I don’t mind queueing when comes to good hawker food. Heng Kee Curry Chicken Noodles will always pop up in my mind when we talk about “Curry Chicken.” One of the best in Singapore
Mighty Foodie
8. Red Star Restaurant
| Key Services | Cantonese restaurant |
| Address | 54 Chin Swee Rd, #07-23, Singapore 160054 |
| Website | https://redstarrestaurant.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6532 5266 |
| Operating Hours | Breakfast/Lunch (Monday to Saturday) 8.00am to 3.00pm (Sunday & Public Holiday) 7.00am to 3.00pm Dinner (Monday to Sunday) 6.00pm to 10.00pm |
Talking about dim sum, which is everyone’s favorite form of Chinese cuisine. Red Star Restaurant has a classic atmosphere with vintage decorations and pushcarts. Aside from dim sum, the Cantonese cuisine on the menu consists of fried yam pots stuffed with scallops, prawn, and cashew nuts, as well as crispy thin suckling pig skin served with seasoned jelly thin strips.
Key Differentiators
- Bustling
- Informal landmark spotlighting
- Traditional Cantonese cuisine & dim sum
Customer Testimonial
Old school restaurant with push cart ladies bringing piping hot dim sum to your table. Expect long waiting time during peak period. Really good quality dim sim, especially the siew mai (whole prawns inside), char siew sou (flaky and fragrant skin) and custard bao ( rich flavour).
Jerome Giam
9. Esquina
| Key Services | Spanish restaurant |
| Address | 16 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089267 |
| Website | https://esquina.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6222 1616 |
| info@esquina.com.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Lunch Service: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm – 2.30pm (last seating 2pm) Dinner Service: Tuesday to Thursday: 6pm – 10.30pm (last seating 9.30pm) Friday & Saturday: 6pm – 11pm (last seating 10.30pm) |
Esquina is a stylish Spanish tapas bar situated at the junction of Jiak Chuan Road. Carlos Montobbio, a Barcelona-born Head Chef who has been trained by several Michelin-starred chefs, runs this successful two-story eatery. Customers can anticipate a wonderful dining experience from start to finish, with Esquina’s Spanish Omelette and Grilled Spanish Octopus as notable options.
Key Differentiators
- Intimate restaurant
- Plating elegant Spanish dishes
- Inventive, contemporary twist.
Customer Testimonial
If you like Spanish food and appreciate good quality food, this is the place for you! Everything is full of flavour and presented in a beautiful way. Sit at the chef’s table to see the kitchen in action, it’s truly inspiring and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Blerta Toska
10. Yum Cha Chinatown
| Key Services: | Chinese cuisine, dim sum tea house concept |
| Website: | https://www.yumcha.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 20 Trengganu St, #02-01, Singapore 058479 |
| Phone: | +65 6372 1717 |
| E-mail: | chinatown@yumcha.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 10:30AM – 10:00PM Tuesdays – Fridays; 9:00AM – 10:00PM Saturdays – Sundays |
Yum Cha Restaurant was founded in the heart of Chinatown. Yum Cha opened in 2000 on Temple Street in Chinatown, with the goal of reintroducing the dim sum tea house idea in a shophouse setting, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs for a vintage vibe. Yum Cha Restaurants, located away from the hustle and bustle of city life, provide a one-of-a-kind dim sum dining experience, whether for lunch or supper. Their Chinese cuisine is what makes them known for having the finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Unique dim sum tea house setting
- Relaxing environment
- Quality food
Customer Testimonial:
“The food is great! Just that the waiting time for the food is quite long. The quality of the food is good, filled generously. Will be back again.”
Joshua Hoh
11. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
| Key Services: | Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, pork ribs speciality, salted vegetables and sliced dough fritters. |
| Website: | https://songfa.com.sg/ |
| Address: | #01-04 133 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059413 |
| Phone: | +65 6443 1033 |
| E-mail: | contact@songfa.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11AM – 9PM Daily |
They’ve come a long way from one street food cart. Nonetheless, their pushcart emblem reminds people of what they stand for: an authentic Bak Kut Teh experience: succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs; hot, flavorful, spicy-peppery soup; and a 1960s roadside eating environment. Bak Kut Teh’s tradition goes on in its purest form at Song Fa. Song Fa is honored to have received the Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for the past five years. We have been designated as a Made With Passion brand by the Singapore Brand Office and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Key Differentiators:
- Proudly serving traditional bak kut teh since 1966
- Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for 5 years
- Made With Passion brand by Singapore Brand Office and Singapore Tourism Board
Customer Testimonial:
“My only second time trying out BKT and they actually serve free flow BKT refill!!?!?! Wow. Even though Im not a fan of BKT but I really enjoyed my meal here. And my favourite pig trotters!”
Kong Wen Sheng
12. Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
| Key Services: | Wide selection of local Singaporean food and Asian cuisine |
| Website: | |
| Address: | 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531 |
| Phone: | +65 6554 7120 |
| Operating Hours: | 24 Hrs. Daily |
The Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ‘Hong Lim.’ Although Hong Lim Market and Food Mall is not as well-known as Maxwell, Chomp Chomp, and Old Airport Road, this two-story food centre near Chinatown MRT delivers a variety of Singapore’s finest foods. It is currently regarded as a must-see location for low-cost Michelin-starred dinners. Their wide range of Asian cuisine and local dishes has gained them the distinction of having the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- A variety of Singapore’s finest foods
- Affordable Michelin-starred meals
- Near Chinatown MRT
Customer Testimonial:
“Both Chicken Curry noodles at level 1 and 2 are delicious. There are many nice local foods here. Good place for breakfast and lunch.”
Cher Lee Kiat
13. Haikee Brothers
| Key Services: | soy sauce chicken, dim sum, soup, and claypot dishes |
| Address: | 133 New Bridge Rd, #02-39, Singapore 059413 |
| Phone: | +65 6244 4408 |
| E-mail: | tfbbq@tenderfresh.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily |
The brand’s origins may be traced back to Hainan Island, where founder Mr. Wong Si Han was born. He moved to Singapore in 1959 to establish a family and began serving his distinctive soy sauce chicken rice on Upper Cross Street. The fort is now controlled by siblings Joseph and James Wong, who are third generation company owners. Haikee Brothers combines old flavors with modern twists to create an experience that is sure to stir appetites. Their signature soy sauce chicken rice has earned them the title of greatest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Founded in 1959 by Wong Si Han
- Origin from Hainan Island
- Specializes in soy sauce chicken rice
Customer Testimonial:
“Reasonable priced, food and fast service, clean and neat chicken noodles restaurant in Chinatown Point. Highly recommended and the portion is good. Delicious soy sauce chicken or roasted pork noodles.”
John Tan
14. Chinatown Food Street
| Key Services: | Local and Asian dishes |
| Website: | https://chinatownfoodstreet.sg/ |
| Address: | 41 Smith St, Singapore 058953 |
| Phone: | +65 6225 3633 |
| E-mail: | chinatownfoodstreet@select.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily |
The revitalized CFS, located on Smith Street in the heart of Chinatown, aims to provide the most genuine Singapore eating experience for both residents and tourists. CFS provides a broad array of local treats, from a tantalizing dish of Char Kway Teow to sticks of delectable Satays, with renowned food from local cultures all represented on one street. CFS offers a taste of ancient Chinatown with street hawker stalls, shophouse restaurants, and adhoc street kiosks, as well as al-fresco eating along the street. Their extensive menu of local cuisines has won them the reputation of Singapore’s best Chinatown food.
Key Differentiators:
- center of chinatown
- local food vendors
- tantalizing dishes
Customer Testimonial:
“Chinatown’s maze of narrow roads includes Chinatown Food Street, with its restaurants serving traditional fare like Hainanese chicken rice, noodles and satay. Souvenir shops.”
Thilina Madusanka
15. Chinatown Complex
| Key Services: | Local and Asian cuisine |
| Website: | https://chinatown.sg/shop/chinatown-complex/ |
| Address: | 335 Smith Street #02-127 Chinatown Complex Chinatown, Singapore 050335 Singapore |
| Operating Hours: | 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily |
Originally utilized by Japanese military police during the Japanese occupation, the location was later home to “death houses” and brothels until it was evacuated in the 1960s. Construction work began in 1975, and the site evolved into what it is today: the beating heart of Chinatown. People may also enjoy a superb variety of award-winning dishes at astonishingly low costs at the enormous facility. For starters, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle originated in Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. Their inexpensive and broad variety of local and Asian cuisines has earned them the title of finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Award-winning dishes
- Low prices
- Evolving market
Customer Testimonial:
“One of the cheapest Michelin Starred meal you can have in Singapore. The Hawker centre is really crowded during lunch hour but it’s worth the wait.”
Alan Tanv
Things to do Chinatown: Dessert
16. Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
| Key Services: | Wide Dessert selection |
| Website: | https://www.meiheongyuendessert.com.sg/ |
| Address: | #B2-32/33, Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road |
| Phone: | +65 6538 3892 |
| E-mail: | meiheongyuen.sg@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours: | 12:00PM – 10:00PM Daily |
Mei Heong Yuen Dessert is the idea of Connie and Clara Lee and is inspired by the legendary FARMER BRAND groundnuts. It specializes in various types of pastes and steamed egg pudding. Its peanut paste is aromatic and carefully milled to provide a smooth texture with no peanut fragments. It’s a fantastic dessert for completing up a good meal because it’s sufficiently sweet without being overbearing. Their extensive selection of Asian desserts has earned them the reputation of having the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Aromatic and smooth peanut pastes
- Specializes in a variety of pastes and steamed egg pudding
- Carefully milled to provide a smooth texture
Customer Testimonial:
“The dessert is delicious and not very sweet. Love the mango roll so much thanks for the recommendation given by the staff. Highly recommended”
Sally Lee
17. Tong Heng Confectionery
| Key Services: | signature egg tarts, handmade pastries |
| Website: | https://tongheng.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 285 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058833 |
| Phone: | +65 6223 3649/+65 6223 0398 |
| E-mail: | tonghengpastries@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours: | 9AM – 6PM Daily |
Tong Heng is a well-known bakery noted for its handmade traditional pastries. Tong Heng was founded in 1935 with a simple goal in mind: to share their passion for classic pastries, such as their signature diamond-shaped egg tarts, with the rest of the globe. Their classic pastries are among of the most well-loved in Singapore, having been modernized yet being created with devotion. Tong Heng’s egg tarts, like other local favorites, are dairy-free and a symbol of excellent baked products appreciated by both locals and visitors. Their local bread and pastries are what set them apart as the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Traditional handmade pastries
- Unique egg tarts
- Popular with locals and tourists
Customer Testimonial:
“I can’t even put into words how much I loved this place. I was in Singapore for a week and came here 4 times. The egg tart is so warm and delicious. I also tried the bbq pork pasty which was good.”
Tang Shijie
18. Tong Heng
| Key Services | Traditional Cantonese Pastries |
| Address | 285 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058833 |
| Website | https://tongheng.com.sg/ |
| Phone | +65 6223 3649 |
| info@tongheng.sg | |
| Operating Hours | Open 9am – 6pm daily |
If you’re a fan of egg tarts, you’ve probably heard of Tong Heng’s famous egg tarts. The use of pork lard in their egg tarts distinguishes them from the competition because it gives the crust extra flakiness. The custard is delicate and wobbly, and when you bite into the tart, it surely satisfies your tastebuds.
Key Differentiators
- Traditional Chinese Pastries
- Founded since 1935
- Freshness and timeless tradition of handmade pastries
Customer Testimonial
Must try their walnut cookie!!! Egg tart is their usual star and reason why we keep coming back. Recently, we discovered that their walnut cookie is amazingly good. Crisp and very fluffy texture. Bought for friends and they are loving it too.
2 versions you can get, all the same taste wise – in a gift tin or individually wrapped. Walnut cookies in tin are vacuum packed (~4 months shelf life) and contains 6pcs. They are slightly smaller in size to fit the tin, whereas the individually walnut cookie are sealed and can last 5-7days.
Joshua Hoh
Things to do Chinatown: Shop
19. 100 AM
| Key Services | Lifestyle mall |
| Address | 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027 |
| Website | http://100am.com.sg |
| Phone | +65 6534 6248 |
| 100am@amaraholdings.com | |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
The 100 AM (pronounced as ‘em’) lifestyle mall is in the west of the Central Business District. The goal of 100 AM is to provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with a wide range of retail, lifestyle, and dining options that are suited to the rapidly changing lifestyle of everyone.
20. AK Handicrafts (TSSF 9)
| Key Services | Handicrafts |
| Address | 9 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058463 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/kathmandu.Sg/ |
| Phone | +65 8138 7830 |
| kathmandu.sg9@gmail.com | |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
AK Handicrafts is a manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of genuine Nepalese goods based in Singapore’s Chinatown.
21. Choo-P Leathercraft
| Key Services | Leather store |
| Address | 334 Kreta Ayer Road #01-08, Singapore 080334 |
| Website | https://choo-p-leathercraft.business.site/ |
| Phone | +65 9683 6611 |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
They are suppliers of leathercrafting equipment and accessories. Also offers customized made leather products that are available in a wide range of sizes. Of course, they also offer leather workshop courses.
Things to do Chinatown
All in all, whether you are looking to find something to do or just want to travel, Chinatown Singapore is the best place to explore. With its vibrant culture and diverse range of attractions, there is something for everyone in this unique neighborhood.
So what are you waiting for? Come and discover the sights and sounds of Chinatown Singapore today!
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