I Am Cafe has gained widespread popularity since their opening, attracting diners by the dozen to their humble, airy space at the head of Haji Lane. Their unexpectedly good food is what brings diners back again and again, especially for their perfectly battered and fried fish and chips and their simple beef burgers. Perfect for small group gatherings, there's even a great vegetarian option -- the pesto portobello burger. Split a decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel slice to end off your meal!
*Halal-certified
The term "hipster" might be a wee bit overused by now but ROUSE actually does check all the boxes for being a hipster cafe, complete with "brick" floors. This Muslim-owned spot makes good coffee with their house blend, specially roasted by Dutch Colony Coffee Roasters. The menu is rather interesting as well - think curry crab burger with sweet potato fries, beef-wrapped asparagus with pumpkin mash, and smoked salmon with poached eggs and a quinoa patty. It's a lovely space to chill at, even if you're just looking for a quick pick-me-up.
*Muslim owned, halal-certified suppliers
While some feel the briyani here is overpriced ($8 for chicken, $10 for mutton), and the place is a little run down, it is definitely worth a visit. This dum briyani is cooked and served traditionally, without any curry, but every bit aromatic. It's also healthier with the omission of ghee, so you can feel a tiny bit less guilty. If you're there on a Sunday, Monday or Thursday, opt for the kid goat briyani, tender meat without gamey flavour, under a pile of fragrant rice and fried onions. Photo by Michel Lu
Next door to the famous Zam Zam, and just a couple of years younger, Victory is a strong contender for the title of Best Murtabak. At $7 onwards, you get extra egg and mutton on top of your murtabak. If you are a really big eater, go for the $10, and the $15 for a family-sized portion. The chicken and mutton murtabaks here are equally good, come here if you can't decide and want to eat both! Photo by Ras S R
Open since 1921 and known as the best briyani restaurant for many years past, Islamic Restaurant has a long history. Having moved down the street, the restaurant retains its old world charm with photos of famous patrons over the years, and allows you to dine comfortably in air-con. Go for the mutton over the chicken briyani, tender meat with beautifully light, fragrant, high-quality basmati rice. The fish and prawn briyani are good too. While it is arguably no longer the best, it is an excellent briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan
Probably the most famous place to get murtabak in Singapore, this century-old restaurant serves up some massive murtabaks. Adding an extra kosong prata at the base and additional minced mutton on top, this murtabak needs to be shared (or not, if you're a big eater). Go for the chicken, full flavoured, well-spiced and tender, or the deer if you're adventurous! If you're sharing, go ahead and order some briyani too. Photo by edwyn c.
If you like well-spiced and extremely generous portions of rice and meat (ok who doesn't?), then Blue Diamond will hit the spot with its heady masala. They cook their chicken and mutton briyanis traditionally in a dum style, which flavours the rice immensely. Also try their Kottu Roti here, a Sri Lankan dish of chopped up prata fried with onions and meat, almost like a murtabak. Finish off with a nice cup of masala tea! Photo by Jeremy Tan
Middle east | western cuisine creamy pasta. Taste good but too much vege and floral taste that dont taste good with pasta.
The meatballs pizza was awesome. The cheese was as generous as the Surf N Turf. The meatball tasted homemade as the meat was fresh & it is really made up of meat as compared to the processed ones in the supermarket.
C H E E S E! The wraps was good thou more cheese is needed. The cheese fries in a cup were drenched in cheese, just the way I liked it
Want some great comfort food and not have to pay service charge? Then you should try the hearty portions of grilled meat, fish and chips, pasta, and calamari at this quaint eatery along Bussorah St. It's homely, cosy setting and simply comforting food draws in the crowds, so expect to queue for a bit! *Halal-certified
