Kampong Gelam is more than a district—it’s a crossroads of culture, scent, and taste. For anyone curious about Middle Eastern cuisine, this area delivers bold, time-honored flavors shaped by centuries of migration, trade, and tradition. From smoky kebabs to comforting dips and spiced rice dishes, here’s what you should try when eating your way through Kampong Gelam.
1. Kebabs Beyond the Ordinary
Grilled meats are at the core of Middle Eastern food culture, and Kampong Gelam showcases the best variations.
- Shish Kebab: Marinated chunks of lamb, chicken, or beef skewered with vegetables like tomatoes and onions. The marinade often includes yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices that soak deep into the meat.
- Adana & Urfa Kebabs: Originating from Turkey, Adana kebab carries more heat with chili flakes, while Urfa tones it down. Both are made from hand-minced lamb and grilled on wide skewers.
- Doner Kebab (Shawarma): Thin slices of spiced, marinated meat shaved from a rotating spit. Served in pita or rice platters, the seasoning hits deeper than most fast-food versions.
- Kofta Kebab: Minced meat patties seasoned with onions, parsley, and spices. Some are shaped like cylinders, others flattened, depending on their regional roots.
Where to get it:
- Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant: Recognized by Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, their Karisik Kebab (Mixed Grill) combines Adana kebab, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and more. Their Turkish flatbread (pide) adds a chewy, toasty touch.
- Arab Street & Bussorah Street: Restaurants lining these streets emit that unmistakable scent of sizzling meat over charcoal. Follow your nose and pick the busiest one.
2. Mezza Platters and Shared Bites
The mezza tradition thrives on sharing—perfect for group dining or solo sampling.
- Hummus: Chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Some versions are smooth as cream; others keep a little grit for texture. A drizzle of olive oil and warm pita completes it.
- Falafel: Crispy on the outside, moist inside. These chickpea or fava bean fritters carry flavors of parsley, cumin, and coriander.
- Baba Ghanoush (Moutabal): Roasted eggplant mashed with tahini and lemon. Smoky, creamy, and often topped with olive oil and pomegranate seeds.
- Tabbouleh: A parsley-heavy salad with tomatoes, bulgur, and mint. Dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil, it refreshes between richer bites.
- Warak Enab: Grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, simmered until tender.
Where to get it:
- Beirut Grill: Specializing in Lebanese fare, their falafel, moutabal, and tabbouleh keep things light yet flavorful.
3. Turkish Classics That Go Beyond Meat
Turkish food holds its own with its baked goods, soups, and appetizers.
- Pide: Turkish flatbread shaped like a boat, topped with minced lamb, cheese, spinach, or sausage. Crisp edges, soft center.
- Lahmacun: A paper-thin dough base topped with a minced meat mix of tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Roll it up with greens and a squeeze of lemon.
- Ezme: A spicy tomato and pepper dip served cold.
- Haydari: A thick yogurt dip seasoned with garlic, mint, and dill.
- Mercimek Çorbası: Lentil soup, warm and filling.
- Künefe: A dessert of shredded pastry filled with melty cheese, soaked in syrup, and served hot.
Where to get it:
- Alaturka: Go beyond kebabs and try their full Turkish menu—pide, soups, and dessert included.
- Derwish Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant: Known for its set meals and warm hospitality. Ask about the daily soup.
4. Murtabak: Kampong Gelam’s Local Star with Middle Eastern Roots
Though found across Southeast Asia, Murtabak traces back to the Arabic word mutabbaq—meaning folded.
- What It Is: Pan-fried stuffed flatbread, loaded with minced meat, egg, onion, and sometimes garlic. Served with curry gravy.
Where to get it:
- Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant: Since 1908, this place has built a name around mutton murtabak. Huge portions, rich curry, crispy edges.
- Victory Restaurant: Just across the road from Zam Zam. Some prefer its more delicate balance of spices.
5. Aromatic Rice Dishes: Nasi Padang & Nasi Briyani
Kampong Gelam connects different regional kitchens through shared spices and methods.
- Nasi Padang: Originating from Indonesia, it’s served buffet-style. Pick your rice and load on stews, grilled meats, vegetables, sambal, and coconut-rich gravies.
- Signature dishes:
- Beef Rendang: Deeply flavored slow-cooked beef.
- Ayam Lemak Cili Padi: Spicy chicken in coconut gravy.
- Sambal Goreng: Tofu, tempeh, and long beans in chili paste.
- Nasi Briyani: A dish of long-grain rice spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron, layered with marinated meat.
Where to get it:
- Hjh Maimunah Restaurant: Another Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient. Quality ingredients, carefully spiced dishes, and a rotating menu of Padang favorites.
- Islamic Restaurant: Operating since 1921, this spot is famous for its traditional Nasi Briyani. Expect fluffy basmati rice, tender meat, and a side of dhal.
6. Lebanese Flavors and Mediterranean Variants
For those who enjoy lighter flavors and olive oil-rich dishes, Lebanese cuisine offers variety.
- Mixed Grills: Served with toum (garlic sauce) and fresh salads.
- Kafta: Ground beef or lamb kebabs with parsley and onions.
- Fatayer: Small savory pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat.
Where to get it:
- Beirut Grill: The menu balances grilled meats with herby dips and crisp salads.
- Oud Restaurant Singapore: With an ambiance built around Middle Eastern culture, they serve a curated mix of Halal Mediterranean favorites.
7. Side Sips and Sweet Touches
- Turkish Coffee: Strong, dense, and unfiltered. Sip slowly after the grounds settle.
- Mint Tea: Hot and sweet, often poured with flair.
- Ayran: A savory yogurt drink that cools the palate between bites.
- Teh Tarik: Local “pulled tea” with a creamy finish that pairs well with spiced dishes.
Tips to Round Out the Experience
- Go beyond Arab Street: Haji Lane and Bali Lane host fusion concepts, coffee shops, and lesser-known eateries.
- Outdoor seating: Bussorah Street’s pedestrian path makes for a scenic evening meal with views of Sultan Mosque.
- Set meals and platters: Mixed grills and mezza sets are great for tasting multiple dishes without committing to full portions.
- Ask the staff: They’ll often suggest something off-menu or explain the origin of a dish.
- Check for live performances: Some venues occasionally host Middle Eastern music or dance.
Kampong Gelam presents Middle Eastern cuisine with pride and depth. Each bite tells a story carried through generations, served hot on a plate in one of Singapore’s most historic quarters.
