Southeast Asian Restaurants in Singapore

Southeast Asian restaurants in Singapore: what to expect

Singapore sits in the middle of Southeast Asia, and its food borrows from all its neighbours. Southeast Asian restaurants in Singapore bring these flavours together under one roof. One menu might mix a Malaysian curry, an Indonesian sambal and a Thai-style salad. Some places stay close to home-style cooking. Others take classic dishes and serve them in a modern way.

The region includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, as well as Singapore and Brunei. Each country has its own food. Even so, many dishes share the same building blocks.

Flavours and ingredients to know

Southeast Asian cooking often balances heat, sourness, sweetness and salt in one dish. These ingredients appear again and again:

• Lemongrass: a tall grass with a fresh, lemony smell, used in curries and soups.
• Galangal: a root related to ginger, with a sharper, peppery taste.
• Coconut milk: gives curries and desserts a rich, creamy body.
• Shrimp paste: called belacan in Malay, it adds a deep, salty flavour.
• Tamarind and lime: add sourness to soups, curries and salads.
• Fresh herbs: Thai basil, mint, coriander and lime leaves are common.
• Chilli: often pounded into sambal, a spicy paste served on the side.

Dishes you may see on the menu

• Rendang: beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices until almost dry. It is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
• Satay: grilled skewers of meat served with a peanut sauce.
• Laksa: a spicy noodle soup, often made with coconut milk.
• Tom yum: a hot and sour Thai soup with lemongrass and prawns.
• Pho: a Vietnamese rice noodle soup with a clear, spiced broth.
• Nasi lemak: rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, egg, peanuts and small fried fish.

Where to eat Southeast Asian food in Singapore

Fiz is a Southeast Asian restaurant in the Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar area. It is a good choice if you want to explore the flavours of the region in one meal. See Restaurants in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar for more places nearby.

Restaurants that focus on one country

To go deeper into one cuisine, try these:

• Thai: Jai Thai is in Bugis and Kampong Glam. Un-Yang-Kor-Dai is in Marina Bay and the CBD.
• Vietnamese: Madame Saigon is in Marina Bay and the CBD.
• Malaysian: Seroja is in Bugis and Kampong Glam.
• Nasi padang: this rice meal comes from Padang in Indonesia. Rumah Makan Minang and Warong Nasi Pariaman serve it in Bugis and Kampong Glam.

The Thai, Korean & Asian page lists more options. For Nyonya cooking, which blends Chinese and Malay traditions, see Peranakan restaurants.

Tips for a Southeast Asian meal

• Share your dishes. Most Southeast Asian food is meant for the table. Order a few plates and some rice.
• Ask about spice. Heat levels vary a lot between dishes. Staff can suggest milder choices.
• Tell staff about allergies. Peanuts, shellfish and shrimp paste are common, even in sauces.
• Check for pork if this matters to you. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Book ahead. Smaller restaurants fill up at dinner and at weekends.
• Know the price range. A casual meal costs far less than a modern tasting menu. Prices change, so check the menu before you go.

Many of the same flavours turn up at hawker centres for much less money. Read Malay Hawker Dishes to Know Before You Order before your first visit. To learn more about the region's cultures, visit the Asian Civilisations Museum by the Singapore River.

FAQs about Southeast Asian restaurants in Singapore

What counts as Southeast Asian food?

It covers the cooking of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. A Southeast Asian restaurant often mixes dishes from several of them on one menu.

Is Southeast Asian food very spicy?

Some dishes are hot, but many are mild. Chilli is often served on the side, so you can control the heat.

What should I order on my first visit?

Try a curry such as rendang, a fresh salad and some grilled meat with rice. Share them so everyone can taste a bit of each.

Where can I find cheaper Southeast Asian food?

Hawker centres sell many regional dishes at low prices. See Hawker Favourites for well-rated food centres and stalls.