A Muslim-owned izakaya adorned with Japanese paraphernalia and a hidden garden oasis serving ginger-infused dishes is just a few of the halal gems you will discover in the heart of Singapore. With a dizzying array of halal options, you’ll never have to eat in the same place twice.

Cajun on wheels

Prepare your plastic bibs, because things are about to get messy at Cajun on Wheels. This halal restaurant in Plaza Singapore serves Louisiana-style seafood that arrives at your table in a bucket. Pour in its contents and enjoy crabs, shrimps, mussels, and more, dipped in a sauce of your choice – we recommend the chili egg sauce which is also used for the famous Singapore chili crab.

Then take a look at the Singaporean version of the White House. Meaning “palace” in Malaysian, Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore and was erected for the first time in 1867. The grounds are open to the public on Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, the feast Labor and National Day, so plan your trip around these dates if you want to take a closer look.

Plaza Singapore. 68 Orchard Rd # 03-92, Singapore 238839. +65 6341 9665.
Every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Halia

Lush greenery protects this quaint restaurant from the main road, making it a private dining experience away from prying eyes. The Halia is nestled in the middle of the ginger garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is home to over 250 varieties of ginger, among other plants and flowers. The spicy root is interpreted in different ways in the many Halia dishes, from the lemongrass and ginger salad to the prawns and the ginger flower vinaigrette, including its Ginger Garden dessert.

Explore the rest of the garden after your meal. You can follow one of the hiking guides online or take part in a guided tour by NParks volunteers which takes place every Saturday (except the 5th Saturday of the month) to discover the abundance of plant species native to this region.

Singapore Botanic Gardens. 1 Cluny Road (Ginger Gardens), Singapore 259569. +65 8444 1148.
Mon-Fri 9 am-10pm; Sat & Sun 10 am-10pm.

Islamic restaurant

Majestic portraits of sultans embellish the walls of the Islamic restaurant in Singapore, proof of the many royalties and dignitaries who have patronized the establishment since its opening about a century ago. The restaurant is not only popular with the nobility, but it is also common to see multigenerational families flocking to the restaurant to taste their nasi briyani (Indian spicy rice dish with meat or vegetables). This carbohydrate dish is not for people on a diet – it comes with a curry of your choice: chicken, mutton, fish, vegetables or shrimp, and is topped with a crisp papadum (fried Indian cracker ).

Islamic restaurant. 745 North Bridge Road # 01-01, Singapore 198713. +65 6298 7563.
Every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Harāru Izakaya

With artistic impressions of the alleys of Tokyo decorating the walls and traditional tatami mats on the floor, Harāru Izakaya recreates an authentic Japanese experience.

This Muslim-owned Japanese gastropub focuses on meat dishes, such as its popular wagyu beef with garlic sauce grilled over a charcoal fire. Lunch offers are limited to four types of rice bowls – beef, unagi (freshwater eel), salmon, and chicken – so come during their Singapore dinner service to discover a range of delicious offerings.

As night approaches, Haji Lane takes on a different personality. Street musicians line the street, strumming acoustic pop tunes on guitars and serenading the crowd with soft voices. Pull up a chair or sit on a roadside stop. It’s time to get lost in the music.

Harāru Izakaya. 16 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199437. +65 6291 5373.
Every day from noon to 11 p.m.

StraitsKitchen

With a range of essential local dishes Singapore, StraitsKitchen lets you tick all the boxes with its buffet. The Halal-certified restaurant has five live kitchens that prepare dishes like satay (grilled skewered meat), laksa (spicy noodle soup based on coconut milk), and roti prata (flatbread from South India), which will keep you coming back for more. We recommend that you wear loose clothing – you are sure to feel stuffed to the brim.

After your meal, take a stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore’s glamorous shopping center teeming with luxury labels and affordable finds. Get local souvenirs unique to TANGS, where you’ll find a selection of independent local brands.

Grand Hyatt Singapore. 10 Scotts Road Lobby Level, Singapore 228211. +65 6732 1234.

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m .; Sat & Sun 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.