Telok Ayer is an absolute gem for both locals and travellers when it comes to culinary experiences. Its food scene is a delicious collision of old-world charm and modern flair, where heritage hawker stalls sit side by side with stylish cafés and creative fusion restaurants. Curious about the Telok Ayer food scene? Here's your ultimate guide to the must-try bites!
Sat, 31 May 2025
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Nestled on the edge of Chinatown and right in the heart of the CBD, Telok Ayer offers a mouth-watering blend of tradition and trend. By day, it’s a bustling hub of office workers and café-hoppers. By night, it transforms into a lively enclave filled with bars, late-night bites, and tucked-away dining gems. This vibrant district has become one of Singapore’s most exciting food spots, drawing in locals and travellers alike with its ever-evolving charm.
Culture of Telok Ayer
Telok Ayer food’s rich identity comes from its blend of immigrant roots, religious plus cultural diversity, gentrification, and culinary creativity. Each community contributed its own flavour and over time, that heritage has evolved to include minimalist brunch cafés, Korean barbecue joints, and inventive fusion kitchens. The result is a food scene that isn’t just diverse; it’s dynamic and deeply rooted in Singapore’s multicultural spirit.
Singapore
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10.0/10
Marina Bay
SGD 47
SGD 38
Umami10. Source: sethlui.com
A stylish spot blending Japanese and European flavours, Umami10 centres its menu with dishes featuring shellfish, mushrooms, and cheeses. The open kitchen bar adds a warm, interactive vibe, and the space doubles as an art gallery showcasing local talent. Diners rave about the fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative plating. Visitors mentioned that the top picks include the Yuzu Sorbet with Crispy Iberico, Truffle Pitan Tofu, Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs, and Sou-Vide Wagyu with Black Vinegar.
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30pm–10:30pm | Sat: 5:30pm–10:30pm | Closed on Sundays
French Fold Telok Aye
Located near Thian Hock Keng Temple, this all-day dining spot is popular for its French crêpes, specialty coffee, and late-night cocktails. It’s a cosy place to unwind at any hour whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, a midday treat, or dinner. Brunch is especially well-loved, securing its spot as a favourite among Telok Ayer cafés. While some dishes shine, the overall experience can be a little inconsistent.
Opening Hours: Sun - Wed: 8.00 AM - 11.00 PM | Thurs - Sat: 8.00 AM - 12.00 PM
Smith Street Taps
Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown Complex hawker area, Smith Street Taps is a favourite pub among craft beer lovers. This casual open-air stall is well-loved for its changing selection of local and international beers on tap, serving everything from light lagers to hoppy IPAs and seasonal brews. Also, the laid-back, buzzy vibe makes it the perfect place to unwind with a cold pint while soaking in the energy of the hawker centre. The best part? You can enjoy a pint of Seasonal Beer No.1 at up to 40% off with a dining voucher from Traveloka!
Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Fri: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Sat: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: Closed
When you’re done strolling through the city, you can stay at these hotels for a relaxing break.
Source: sotbbq.sd
SOT Korean Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with bold flavours, warm hospitality, and a cosy, modern setting. This new Telok Ayer food establishment puts a fresh spin on tradition by using gamasot (large iron cauldrons) for grilling, infusing meats like beef brisket, LA Galbi, and intestines with rich, smoky depth. Diners can also enjoy comforting stews like Jjim-Dak and Dak-doritang, while staff handle the grilling so you can simply relax and savour the meal.
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: Lunch 11:30 - 15:00, Dinner: 17:30 - 22:00
Fourgather Thai Casual Dining. Source: Weekender.com
Originally a home-based Thai food delivery service, Fourgather has since transformed into a vibrant eatery within Amoy Hotel Singapore. It offers a delicious blend of traditional and modern Thai street food, all served in a cosy, retro-inspired space with plenty of charm. Crowd favourites include the rich Lava Egg Rice with chunky crab meat to comforting Pinto Thai Rice Porridge. Refreshing drinks like Thai Chrysanthemum and Butterfly Pea Lemonade Soda complement the meal. The menu is also vegan-friendly, with options such as meatless pineapple fried rice and custom tom yum soup.
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 11:30am–3:00pm, 5:30pm–11:30pm | Sun: Closed
Singapore
AMOY by Far East Hospitality
•
8.5/10
Chinatown
SGD 438
SGD 388
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is famous for its silky poached chicken, aromatic rice, and punchy house-made sauces. Its signature dish has earned praise from food lovers around the world, including the late Anthony Bourdain, who declared that the rice was so good it could be eaten on its own. Long queues are common, but the flavour-packed experience is well worth the wait.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
ASAP & Co
A Muslim-owned steakhouse is known for its wood-smoked dishes and premium cuts, including Rubia Gallega, Miyazaki Wagyu, and Porterhouse steaks. The menu also features starters, burgers, pastas, and indulgent sides. It has received accolades like Best Halal Restaurant 2024 and Most Promising Chef at the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Liao Fan Hawker Chan is the world’s first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin Star, famed for its signature soya sauce chicken rice and noodles. The chef’s dedication to quality and accessibility shines through, shaped by humble beginnings and decades of culinary experience. It’s a must-try for anyone craving a taste of Singapore’s iconic hawker fare. You can get 20% off when you purchase the Traveloka Recommends voucher and enjoy Hawker Chan’s Signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, complete with Char Siew, Roast Pork, and a Braised Soy Sauce Egg.
Opening Hours: Daily 10.30 am–7.30 pm
Singapore
[Traveloka Recommends Exclusive Set] World's First Michelin-Starred Hawker: Liao Fan Hawker Chan @ Chinatown | Singapore
Chinatown
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Urban Roti & Grill
Urban Roti offers a standout Indian dining experience, blending traditional North Indian recipes with modern techniques. Known for exceptional quality, especially the naan that is often praised as the best in town, the menu features favourites like grilled prawns, lamb shank, biryani, curry, and tandoori dishes. Beyond dine-in, this Telok Ayer food establishment also provides catering and home delivery for special occasions, making it easy to enjoy rich Indian flavours anywhere.
Opening Hours: Sun - Fri 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM | Saturday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Source: myawesomecafe.com
Housed in a beautifully restored traditional Chinese clinic, My Awesome Café combines Asian and French flavours in a space full of nostalgic charm. Loved for its cosy atmosphere, it serves everything from hearty breakfasts to indulgent desserts, along with a wide range of drinks. The menu caters to all tastes, offering vegetarian options, sharing plates, and even late-night bites.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Sat–Sun: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
There’s no doubt that food hunting is one of the most exciting things to do in Singapore, especially in culturally rich areas like Telok Ayer. Even better when you can enjoy great deals and discounts on delicious food. The best part is.. you can find plenty of food and drink deals in Chinatown, Telok Ayer, and beyond through Traveloka. How brilliant is that?
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