Cuca’s Picks: SINGAPORE
Over the years we have shared countless times with Cuca’s customers our favourite restaurants from every city we know. The truth is that people in search of the tastiest food from around the world seem to trust chefs’ picks when choosing food, and since everyone asks our humble opinion, we have decided to start a proper “Our Picks” section where we give you our recommendations on where and what to eat. Go ahead, try for yourself and share these lists as you please, but just because we may help you find a new favourite, please don’t forget about your first love, Cuca!
Singapore was our home for 4 years and a place we keep close to our hearts and our tummies! The city is full of great restaurants. Some of the best simple yet tasty dining is done in the “Singapore Hawker Centers”. If you pass by one, just look for the stalls with a queue and get in line. Anybody in line will be happy to tell you what you should order and why.
The list of restaurants below are our favorites for price and value. Singapore is very expensive, but these ones became our must-eat regular spots. Get hungry and enjoy!
List updated on January, 2026
Yum Cha
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Yum Cha is a true old-school dim sum institution. Open for decades, this is the kind of place that has been quietly serving perfectly executed, classic Cantonese yum cha to generations of regulars. No trends, no reinvention — just proper technique, familiar flavors and the comfort of tradition done right. It’s the real deal.
Price: $$
What to order: Stick to the classics — Har Gow, Siu Mai, Char Siu Bao and anything steamed.
F.O.C.
This place serves great modern Spanish style small plate dining. Hip, funky and delicious. One of our absolute Singapore favorites. It sits beside 28 Hong Kong Street Bar, which makes a great combo of drink and dinner.
Price: $$$
What to order: Anything cooked in their specialty Josper oven.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
With a few locations, this place has outstanding French pastry, bread and café-style food.
Price: $
What to order: Kouign Amann which means “cake butter” and it is ridiculous.
Din Tai Fung
A Taiwanese chain restaurant that always seems to get a Michelin star for their well-made classic dumplings. We find the Din Tai Fung branches in Singapore even better than the original one in Taipei! Lunch is easier than dinner to grab a table and experience what they are famous for.
Price: $$
What to order: Xiao Long Bao and seaweed salad. This salad sells out fast so be early!
Garibaldi
A refined yet completely unpretentious 1 Michelin star Italian restaurant that delivers serious cooking without the stiffness of traditional fine dining. The room feels relaxed, the service is polished, and the kitchen focuses on precision and quality ingredients. A hidden advantage here is their weekend brunch — exceptional value for the level of food coming out of this kitchen. A classic that continues to perform.
Price: $$$$
What to order: Weekend brunch. Pace yourself through the starters and save room — the pastas are where they truly shine.
Mustard
This place serves lesser known Indian Bengali and Punjabi dishes. It’s less coconut and more flavorful. The restaurant is very simple but the food is made fresh and tastes delicious.
Price: $$
What to order: Choose everything you don’t know and have never had. Meat dishes are better than seafood.
Jade at Fullerton
The place serves a secret unassumingly great weekend dim sum brunch called Jade’s Dim Sum Treasures. The venue is an icon and the food is fantastic. Make sure to book ahead. Some of the best classic style Chinese Yum Cha.
Price: $$$
What to order: Weekend brunch.
Otto
This place is real Italian food with slick service. No frills or gimmicks, they do very little very well. Do reserve as the place is small and order the set lunch for a hard-to-come-by great deal in Singapore.
Price: $$$
What to order: Risotto is a specialty.
28 Hong Kong Street
Don’t judge a book by its cover. This unassuming entrance becomes one of the world’s best classic bars. Go for a pre-dinner drink as later on it gets busy and tables are hard to come by.
Price: $$
What to order: Stick to the classics. They are perfect!
J.B. Ah Meng
Worth the journey, this simple yet well executed Chinese style “street food” eatery is absolutely delicious. Photos of big name chef’s adorn the walls and long queues highlight its fame among foodies in the know.
Price: $$
What to order: J.B. San Lou MeeHoon.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
A gem of a find! This place serves some of the classics you will find around town as well as some incredible signature creations. Expect perfect well executed Chinese style cooking with relaxed open air canteen vibe.
Price: $$$
What to order: Golden Pearl Roll, Moonlight Horfun, Chili Crab.
Revolver
A fiery collision of modern Indian soul and wood-fire swagger. Revolver takes the warmth of tandoor, the punch of spice, and the theatre of open-flame cooking and crafts an unapologetically bold dining experience. Expect music with a beat, chefs who cook with passion and dishes that hit hard the senses.
Price: $$$$
What to order: 6 Course Set lunch (Mon-Friday is a steal at $89)
