Your day-to-night foodie map to Keong Saik Road

Singapore has made a name for itself as one of the culinary capitals of the world, and Keong Saik Road is the latest hotspot drawing crowds for its innovative eateries and stylish drinking establishments.

Singapore has seen rapid growth over the last decade, and the expansion of its food scene is no exception. With a foundation of traditional Malay, Indian and Chinese food vendors, the city-state is now a kaleidoscope of restaurants, bars and cafes that reflect the modern-day multicultural face of this island.

This variety is probably best on display at Keong Saik Road. Filled with trendy hotels, bistros, bars and a sprinkling of boutiques, this part of Chinatown is a must for anyone visiting or wanting to experience a different part of town. Set aside a day to amble down the street and sample the delicious fare from these recommended spots for each of your meals.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast or brunch

Chic and polished, Saturday brunch at The Study is the highlight of any culinary week. The British influence is evident in the Big English Breakfast, scones with a choice of jams and the Marmelado cocktail with rhubarb marmalade and vodka. If you don’t make it for the boozy brunch, then make sure you have lunch or dinner.

The comfy interiors of The Study

For a traditional Singaporean-style breakfast, head to Tong Ah Eating House for kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. Kaya is a popular Southeast Asian spread made with coconut milk, eggs and sugar. Try dipping the toast into the runny yolks for an experience like never before. And while you're at it, why not add a sprinkling of soy sauce and pepper on the eggs for a tasty combination? This long-standing eatery is open from 6.30am on weekdays (but closed on every other Wednesday), and is popular among young professionals from nearby offices. 

Kaya toast with soft boiled eggs

Snacks to swoon over and take with you

No matter how heavy a breakfast you've had, you'll definitely want to make room for some light bites as you explore the area. Open daily, Bread & Hearth specialises in handcrafted bread and pastries baked daily using traditional European methods. Try their coffee and fresh-out-of-the-oven treats such as croissants, pain au chocolat and tarts.

Chill out with comfort food for lunch

The contemporary Australian menu at Luxe has something to suit everyone from the pork and fennel sausage roll and portobello mushroom burger to the grilled barramundi with rojak flower beurre blanc sauce. The interior is clean and cool, making it the perfect location for a long, relaxed lunch.

Enjoy the cool, cosy vibes at The Luxe

For a more casual setting, Muchachos has you covered. Serving up burritos you can build to your own taste, the Mexican-style eatery also has tacos, nachos, quesadillas and burrito bowls. The burritos are huge in portion and can be customised with your choice of meat, toppings and salsa. If you're looking for something light, order the 'burritino'.

Spice it up at Muchachos

Stylish dinners with a twist

A great way to begin your evening, Neon Pigeon has a menu of small plates of modern Japanese dishes, including edamame-rich Tokyo hummus, tuna tartare and miso buttered baby shrimp. With its urban street-chic vibe attracting young crowds for social drinks and casual dinners, this place is as hipster as it gets. Pair food with Japanese cocktails and craft beers or with tasty tipples such as Had’da Smoke, a rosemary-infused sweet cocktail, or Pika-2, a spicy citrus mix.

If you really want to get adventurous with your dinner, check out Lollapalooza. The menu at this trendy restaurant changes daily based on best available produce. The result is a feast of experimental elegance, with the chef finding innovative ways to create unique, signature delights with the produce of the day.  

Best bars to be seen at

How can a day ever be good without ending with some drinks? Luckily Keong Saik Road leads you in the right direction at the end of the day. There's Potato Head Folk, the local branch of Bali's famous Potato Head beach club. Offering a three-in-one dining concept, take your pick from Three Buns burgers, the intimate and elegant cocktail lounge Studio 1939 and a rooftop tiki bar for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Something of an institution in Singapore, The Library is a cocktail bar in the speakeasy tradition, a throwback to the time when illicit liquor establishments thrived in the Prohibition Era in the US. Entry requires a password, which can be obtained from sister establishment, The Study, next door or through Twitter. Enjoy great drinks, music and vibes.

31 Bar & Kitchen serves a good selection of main courses plus an extensive range of whiskeys. The drink offerings include a basic cocktail menu and a comprehensive list of wines, beers and spirits. If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and chat over something on ice, this is the place for you.

Singapore has made a name for itself as one of the culinary capitals of the world, and Keong Saik Road is the latest hotspot drawing crowds for its innovative eateries and stylish drinking establishments.

Spend a casual and fun evening with friends at 31 Bar & Kitchen

While many foodies like to plan their culinary journeys ahead, the beauty of this vibrant neighbourhood is that it is filled with delightful places to eat, drink and be merry at every turn. Simply start your day with an empty stomach and ask your taxi driver to alight you at the beginning of Keong Saik Road to enjoy everything this colourful corner of Singapore has to offer.