The best restaurants Singapore City

What costs extra

In Singapore, most restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge, to which the 9% GST (Goods and Services Tax) is applied. Depending on the establishment, these charges are either already included in the listed price ("nett") or added as an extra ("++"), which can be confusing when comparing menus. So be careful. There's no need to leave a tip - service is already counted. But it's always appreciated. Another local habit is to bring wet napkins or peanuts at the start of the meal, which are charged for even without a request. This may come as a surprise, but just refuse them politely if you don't want them.

The local way

Singaporeans love to eat, and it's a real national passion! An infinite number of flavors are on offer, to the delight of your taste buds.

Enjoying a meal in a food court is a real moment of sharing with the locals, whether it's during a lunch break or in the evening after a shopping spree in a mall. All Asian cuisines are represented: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, not forgetting a few Western options. Please note: food courts are air-conditioned spaces set up in shopping malls, while the more authentic hawker centers are open-air with simple fans.

In the early morning, indulge in kaya toast (toasted bread with coconut milk jam) and a cup of kopi (local coffee). In Little India, try a chilled lassi with an Indian pastry. Singaporeans are early risers, having lunch around 11:30 a.m., a snack at 4:30 p.m. and dinner by 6 p.m., which explains why some restaurants close early.

Don't be surprised either: here, dishes don't always arrive at the same time, and it's not uncommon for your plate to be cleared when your table-mates haven't finished.

To be avoided

To each his own, but don't fall into the common tourist trap of ignoring local brands. Of course, it may seem reassuring to turn to a well-known international chain, but you won't gain much by doing so. The best way to discover a country is to explore its culinary specialties! In Singapore, you can do so with complete confidence: hygiene is beyond reproach, even in the hawker centers.

Kids

Children are kings in Singapore, you can take them everywhere. Extra chairs are often available and several restaurants offer a menu specially concocted for the little ones.

Smokers

Anti-smoking rules are particularly strict in Singapore. Throwing a cigarette butt or other litter on the ground can cost you at least S$300 in fines, and up to S$1,000 for a repeat offence. Restaurants and bars are entirely non-smoking, although some terraces have dedicated smoking areas. In public spaces, the ban applies to many places (parks, bus stops, building entrances). Clearly marked smoking areas are available: look out for them before lighting up.

Tourist traps

As in many countries, take the time to compare restaurants and menus in busy areas, as some will inflate their prices to take advantage of the tourist windfall. You may come across a few touts at the entrance to an establishment, but be aware that touting (soliciting customers on the street) is in principle forbidden in Singapore. It is therefore customary for restaurants to limit themselves to displaying their menus at the entrance, with no direct solicitation (in principle).