Middle Eastern Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore

Middle Eastern food covers the cooking of countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and the Gulf states. Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore usually serve dips, grilled meats, flatbreads and plenty of sharing plates. This guide explains the dishes, how to order and where to go.

What to order

Mezze

Mezze are small plates shared at the start of a meal. Order several and eat them with warm bread.

• Hummus: a smooth dip of chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon and garlic.
• Baba ghanoush: a smoky dip of grilled aubergine and tahini.
• Labneh: thick, tangy strained yoghurt, often topped with olive oil.
• Falafel: fried balls of ground chickpeas or broad beans with herbs.
• Tabbouleh: a fresh salad of parsley, tomato, mint and bulgur wheat.

Mains

• Kebabs: meat grilled on skewers. Kofta kebabs use minced lamb or beef with spices.
• Shawarma: thin slices of meat cut from a turning spit and wrapped in flatbread.
• Manakish: a round flatbread baked with za'atar, cheese or minced meat on top.
• Mixed grill: a platter of grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb and kofta, made for sharing.
• Shakshuka: eggs cooked in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, often eaten at brunch.

Spices and desserts

Look out for za'atar, a mix of dried thyme, sesame seeds and sumac. Sumac is a tart, red berry spice. For dessert, try baklava, thin layered pastry with nuts and syrup. Kunafa is another favourite, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup.

Where to eat Middle Eastern food in Singapore

Bugis and Kampong Glam

Artichoke is a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bugis & Kampong Glam area. Kampong Glam is the historic Malay and Muslim quarter. Its streets also have many casual Turkish and Arab-style eateries. Pair a meal with a visit to Sultan Mosque and the shops of Kampong Glam & Haji Lane.

Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar

Fat Prince is a Middle Eastern restaurant in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar. This area has many restaurants close together, which suits a dinner out with friends.

Related pages

Much of this food overlaps with Mediterranean cooking. See Mediterranean and Greek for more dips, grills and seafood. For spiced rice dishes and breads from South Asia, see Indian.

Tips for visitors

• Order to share. For two or three people, pick four or five mezze plus one or two grilled dishes.
• Use bread as a spoon. Tear off a piece of flatbread and scoop up the dips with it.
• Check halal status. A Middle Eastern menu does not always mean halal food. If you eat halal, look for the MUIS halal certificate. See Halal Food for more.
• Vegetarians do well. Hummus, falafel, salads and grilled vegetables are meat-free. Ask about stocks and cooking fats.
• Book at weekends. Popular places fill up on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekday lunches are usually quieter.
• Dress for the area. If you visit a mosque before your meal, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Know rough costs. A sharing dinner often costs around S$40 to S$90 per person. Prices change, so check menus first.

FAQs about Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore

What is mezze?

Mezze are small dishes shared at the start of a Middle Eastern meal. Common ones include hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and salads.

Is Middle Eastern food halal in Singapore?

Not always. Some places are halal-certified and others are not. Look for the MUIS halal certificate at the restaurant.

Is Middle Eastern food spicy?

It is usually well spiced but not very hot. Chilli sauces are often served on the side, so you can add heat if you like.

Where should I go for Middle Eastern food in Singapore?

Kampong Glam is a good place to start, with casual eateries and sit-down restaurants. Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar also have options.

Is hummus vegan?

Plain hummus is usually vegan, as it is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon and oil. Some toppings, such as meat or yoghurt, are not.