While Paya Lebar translates into “wide swamp” and Geylang is known for its dingy premises, real foodies know that these vibrant sister neighbourhoods also harbour a treasure trove of culinary delights. Whether you’re in the mood for mouthwatering seafood, tantalising noodles, or fragrant rice dishes — Paya Lebar and Geylang have it all! So grab your appetite and prepare for a tasty trip because you’ll be racing down to join the queues after reading this! 🏃

The best food in Paya Lebar

01 • Coexist Coffee Co.

(Photo: Coexist Coffee Co.)

Start your day with a cuppa from Coexist Coffee Co. For those searching for good Paya Lebar coffee, this expansive 2-storey cafe serves a great morning brew with the main-character vibes to accompany it. Coexist Coffee Co. even offers tasting sets to work out your taste buds. Try out their Risk Taker set, which includes 3 different blends of Ristretto shots. 

Once your appetite stirs awake, dig into their Chicken French Toast, which blends sweet and savoury flavours perfectly. Fusion food fans should give their Laksa Fish N’ Chips a whirl. This dish combines the best of both worlds — with laksa cream sauce drizzled over a halibut fillet coated with crispy golden batter.

📍 Address: 11 Eunos Road 8, #01-02, Singapore 408601
⏰ Opening hours: 8:30am – 9pm daily
📞 Contact: 8916 0780
🌐 Website: Coexistcoffee.co
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

02 • Papa Ayam

(Photo: Papa Ayam)

If you’ve been looking for good halal food in Paya Lebar, your hunt ends here. At Papa Ayam, you can enjoy an authentic Indonesian meal from its halal-certified kitchen.

The restaurant is the first in Singapore dedicated to ayam geprek (crispy fried chicken with sambal). Papa Ayam takes pride in cooking up its tender and flavourful chicken topped with fresh, aromatic sambal prepared using a good old-fashioned mortar and pestle.

You can choose your preferred spiciness from Level 1 to Level 15, so there’s something for everyone — from those who can’t handle spice to those who love setting their tongues on fire. 🔥

📍 Address: Paya Lebar Quarters Mall, #B2-K3, Singapore 409049
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm, daily
📞 Contact: 9726 1300
🌐 Website: Papaayam.com
🍴 Halal status: Muslim-owned

03 • Knots Cafe & Living

(Photo: Knots Cafe & Living)

Give the tai tai lifestyle a whirl and nibble at a camembert cheese board while perusing furniture and flowers at this tranquil cafe.

The cafe’s rustic elegance, wicker furniture, and cascading plants are Instagram-worthy, and the menu is also a delight.

Some of their highlights include the hearty Knots Waffle Brekkie, which comes with a pillowy buttermilk waffle topped with sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and baked tomatoes. They also take the classic French toast further by adding popcorn chicken, fruits, smoked strawberry maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

📍 Address: 160 Paya Lebar, #01-07, Singapore 409022
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 9am – 9pm
📞 Contact: 6817 0383
🌐 Website: Knotscafeandliving.com
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

04 • Tipsy Bird Gastrobar

(Photo: Tipsy Bird Gastrobar)

After dessert, it’s time to start the party! Head down to Tipsy Bird at Paya Lebar Quarter and treat yourself to one of their signature Ferris Wheel shots while enjoying the live entertainment.

Their refreshing salads are the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for something light yet flavourful. From the classic Caesar salad to the watermelon caprese salad with pesto, each bite is a burst of freshness.

For those who crave a taste of local cuisine, Tipsy Bird has got you covered with the aromatic Moonlight Truffle Beef Hor Fun, a traditional Singaporean dish with an atas twist.

💡 Pro tip: Please skip the wheels if you’ll be consuming alcohol

📍 Address: 1 Paya Lebar Link, #01-08 Paya Lebar Quarters, Singapore 408533
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 1am | Sun, 12pm – 11pm
📞 Contact: 8879 6057
🌐 Website: Tipsycollective.com/tipsybird
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

05 • Chimichanga

(Photo: Chimichanga)

For something more unique — check out this vibey Mexican restaurant that has drawn hundreds of stellar reviews for its friendly crew and authentic Mexican cuisine that’ll transport you to the vibrant eateries of Cancún.

Be prepared to sink your teeth into the Borracho (“drunk” in Spanish) Fish Tacos, which come in a generous portion and are bursting with flavours. With a beer-battered fish fillet that boasts a satisfying crunch, complemented by tangy-cum-spicy jalapeno mayo, this coastal delicacy is truly a standout dish that’s unmissable.

If you’re a big eater, indulge in the juicy buffalo wings and crispy-melty chicken quesadillas filled with delectable cheese. End off your feast with a serving of sinfully sweet churros that can be dipped in a gooey chocolate sauce.

📍 Address: 10 Paya Lebar, #01-37 PLQ Mall, Singapore 409057
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 12pm – 11pm | Fri, 12pm – 12am | Sat to Sun, 12pm – 11pm
📞 Contact: 6015 0280
🌐 Website: Chimichanga.sg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

06 • Fuel Kitchen

(Photo: Foodpanda)

Serving only breakfast, brunch, and lunch, this quaint and cosy cafe is perfect for a solo date or small gathering with close friends. It’s also known for letting you make your own pasta! Choose from different bases like penne, farfalle, or spaghetti, then pick your sauces, add-ons, and toppings. Then add a cup of coffee for that punchy pasta-coffee combo.

If you’re in a hurry, grab a rice bowl on the go. You won’t be disappointed by the popular Salmon Mentaiko. This dish comes with well-seasoned salmon cubes smothered in creamy, rich mentaiko (pollock roe) sauce, crunchy tobiko (flying fish roe), creamy avocado, and a hint of seaweed.

📍 Address: 339 Upper Paya Lebar, Singapore 534953
⏰ Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, and Sun, 9:30am – 5:30pm | Fri to Sat, 9:30am – 8:30pm
📞 Contact: 8732 7519
🌐 Website: Facebook.com/fuelkitchensg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

07 • Kucina Italian Restaurant (halal)

(Photo: Kucina Italian Restaurant)

Want to take that special someone out for a delicious treat? Kucina will put you at complete ease with its elegant setting and extravagant food options that’ll make you feel like an emperor.

For an exquisite and filling meal, go for the famous Beef Wellington. The tender meat is perfectly seasoned and double-wrapped in rich mustard mushroom pâté and soft buttery pastry. Every ingredient in this dish comes together to give an explosion of flavours in your mouth.

Don’t forget to save some space for dessert! Ice cream fans can’t afford to miss their rich vanilla gelato. But the real highlight is the vanilla affogato, which features hot espresso poured over ice cream.

💡 Pro tip: For a more intimate dining experience, check out the restaurant’s Privato option, which gives you and your loved ones a dedicated space to host private events.

📍 Address: 11 Tanjong Katong, #B1-09/10, KINEX 437157
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm daily
📞 Contact: 6493 2154
🌐 Website: Kucinaitalian.com
🍴 Halal status: Halal

08 • A Hot Hideout

(Photo adapted from: Foodpanda)

A Hot Hideout has a special story. It started as a humble eatery that was founded in 2020 by a small group of students from NTU. Today, you’ll find 5 outlets across Singapore, each with countless rave reviews.

What sets it apart from other mala restaurants is an unwavering emphasis on high-quality meats and broth. Patrons swear by the restaurant’s collagen soup, which is known to be incredibly flavourful and slurp-worthy, all while being light and easy on the tummy. You’ll also love the classic assortment of ingredients to add to your soup, like fried potato, scrambled egg, and luncheon meat.

Regardless of your spicy level, you’ll love the idea of cooling down with their refreshing and fragrant Thai Milk Tea which is rather a rare combo with mala dish, yet still works like magic.

📍 Address: 11 Tanjong Katong, #01-45/46/70/71/72 Kinex Mall, Singapore 437157. See other outlets.
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 9:30pm daily
🌐 Website: Ahothideout.com
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

The best food in Geylang

01 • Mutiara Seafood

(Photo: Mutiara Seafood)

Everyone knows Jumbo Seafood. Now, this beloved chain can be enjoyed by more people with the opening of Mutiara Seafood, their first halal-certified restaurant.

Their signature chilli crab, which promises meaty claws and robust flavour, is a must-try. The thick, spicy-sweet gravy is perfect for dunking your mantou buns. Their other signature dishes include fragrant fried rice, claypot prawns with vermicelli, and Malay-style fried noodles. 

Don’t worry if you’re that friend who’s squeamish around seafood. Their menu includes dishes like Ayam Panggang Kecap (Indonesian grilled chicken) and Kambing Panggang dengan Lada dan Sos Madu (baby lamb rack grilled with pepper and honey sauce).

📍 Address: 1 Engku Aman Turn, #01-02 & #02-02/03, Wisma Geylang Serai, Singapore 408528
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm daily
📞 Contact: 6816 3030
🌐 Website: Mutiaraseafood.com
🍴 Halal status: Halal

02 • Sia Kee Duck Rice

(Photo: Sia Kee Duck Rice)

Run by 3 brothers, this no-frills coffeeshop stall serves up delicious and affordable plates of duck rice. The ducks are roasted to perfection, with crisp skin and tender meat. There’s no menu — all you have to do is let one of the brothers know what part of the duck you want, how many people are eating, and whether you’re sharing a platter or prefer individual plates.

The star of the show at Sia Kee Duck Rice is the thick, savoury sauce used in everything they cook. Akin to perpetual stew, their father started this sauce in a clay cauldron over a charcoal fire and has been stewing for 44 years (for real)! The stew’s intense herbal flavours keep people returning to the stall today.

📍 Address: 659-661 Lor 35 Geylang, Singapore 389589
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Fri, 11:30am – 4pm
📞 Contact: 9690 6606
🌐 Website: Instagram.com/siakeeduckrice
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

03 • G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood

(Photo: G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood)

This is the place for frog porridge in Geylang. G7 serves tender frog meat marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings before being cooked in a broth rich with herbs and spices. The frog meat then goes into a comforting porridge that serves as a neutral base to complement the bursting flavours of the frog meat and broth. Finally, a dash of fried garlic, spring onions, and lime are added for that tangy kick!

For those not used to eating frogs, G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood also offers the standard zi char fare, with over 200 dishes on the menu. 🤯 What’s more, they’re open until 3am — so you know where to go when looking for supper in Geylang! 🦐

📍 Address: 161,163 Geylang Lorong 3, Singapore 389239
⏰ Opening hours: 3pm – 3am daily
📞 Contact: 6848 4161
🌐 Website: G7liveseafood.com.sg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

04 • San Shu Gong Private Dining

(Photo: San Shu Gong Private Dining)

For authentic Chinese food in Geylang, drop by San Shu Gong. This popular private dining restaurant recognised by the Singapore Michelin Guide is known for delicious Teochew and Cantonese dishes.

One of their signature dishes is the wok-fried Cai Pu Kway Teow with XO Sauce. The smoky aroma is strong and enticing — think umami — while the kway teow is soft and chewy. Pair this dish with their crispy and tender Oyster Omelette, which is fried to golden-brown perfection and comes with a generous helping of oysters.

Don’t forget to try out their highly-rated Deep Fried Sea Cucumber with Superior Abalone Sauce. It’s braised and deep-fried to soak up the savoury abalone.

Go ahead and make your reservation now — we know you want to. 😋

📍 Address: 135 Geylang, #01-01, Singapore 389226
⏰ Opening hours: 12pm – 1pm, 6pm – 7:45pm, 8pm – 10:30pm, daily
📞 Contact: 6741 0344
🌐 Website: Facebook.com/sanshugong.sg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

05 • J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant

(Photo: J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant)

Over 3,000 glowing reviews. Visited by the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Recognised by the Michelin Guide. There’s a reason why J.B. Ah Meng has snaking lines every night — as this unassuming eatery boasts some of the best seafood in Singapore, and that’s no exaggeration.  

Their killer cuisine? The White Pepper Crab, which is stir-fried to heavenly goodness with Sarawak white pepper, ginger, and spring onions.

Another fan favourite is their Fried Bee Hoon, which can be paired with the crab. Although this dish is simple, it doesn’t compromise authenticity and taste. You won’t be able to get enough of its combo of dried shrimp, sliced squid, and soy sauce.

📍 Address: 534 Geylang, Singapore 389490
⏰ Opening hours: 5pm – 2am daily
📞 Contact: 6741 2418
🌐 Website: Facebook.com/JB-Ah-Meng-Restaurant
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

06 • Banh Mi Thit by Star Baguette

(Photo: Expat Choice)

Who said delicious food has to be expensive? At this humble Vietnamese eatery, you’ll find plenty of their signature banh mi options that’ll satisfy your cravings without emptying your wallet. The banh mi here is as close as what you’ll find on the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Choose from an array of fresh and tender meats like chicken, pork, or beef. If you’re picky with veggies, they can even exclude some for you. The baguettes are crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle and with generous fillings. Your taste buds will definitely be in for a treat.

📍 Address: 534 Geylang, Singapore 389490
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 10am – 9pm
📞 Contact: 6909 8340
🌐 Website: Facebook.com/banhmithitsg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

07 • Tasvee Restaurant (halal)

(Photo: Eat App)

Are your late-night cravings keeping you up? Don’t go to bed hungry! Head down to Tasvee Restaurant for fresh breads, hot curries, and more. The 24-hour restaurant continues to garner great reviews for its top-notch service and for serving piping hot meals even past midnight. 

You can’t go wrong with their crispy yet soft prata, which is paired with savoury fish, lentils, or chicken curry. We also recommend treating yourself to their creamy butter chicken — its gravy is generously infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander to create a deep flavour. Equally impressive are the cubes of tender chicken that come soaked in the gravy.

📍 Address: 454 Geylang, Singapore 389413
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24/7 daily
📞 Contact: 6747 4574
🌐 Website: t.ly/doqx5
🍴 Halal status: Halal

08 • Thirteen BBQ Bar

(Photo: Deliveroo)

A hidden gem for barbeque lovers, this restaurant is widely known for its impressive selection of tasty, binge-worthy smoked meats. It’s also known for making customers feel at home with its friendly service and cosy vibe.

There’s no doubt that this eatery has mastered the art of grilling. Each skewer is individually cooked upon order with a secret powder that makes the flavours pop. Another best-selling dish is the fried noodles, which have a smokey tze char aroma and pair perfectly with the meat skewers, giving you an unforgettable trip to flavour town.

📍 Address: 27 Lor 13 Geylang, Singapore 388670
⏰ Opening hours: 3pm – 1am daily
📞 Contact: 9807 9967
🌐 Website: Instagram.com/thirteenbbqbar
🍴 Halal status: Not halal

(Featured photo adapted from: Coexist Coffee Co., Tipsy Bird Gastrobar, G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood, and Mutiara Seafood)

Feast away!
Amanda 🥘