Singapore’s Kampong Gelam district carries more than architectural charm and textile shops. Behind the bright shophouses and mosque minarets, the streets hum with the aroma of frying dough, brewing tea, and spiced meats. Street snacks here aren’t just convenient; they’re heritage passed through generations, folded into banana leaves, grilled on open fires, and ladled from steaming pots.
If you’re hungry for flavours that tell stories, here’s a handpicked list of street eats and food stalls that deserve a spot on every walking route through Kampong Gelam.
Icons That Still Draw Daily Crowds
Before venturing into the lesser-known, the classic stops must earn your attention. These food stalls have survived on taste alone and built reputations that span decades.
1. Singapore Zam Zam
Famous For: Murtabak and Biryani
Since 1908, this North Bridge Road institution has fed loyal customers with thick, pan-fried murtabak stuffed with spiced minced meat and egg. Each slice is a meal. Their mutton biryani offers a generous plate of fragrant rice balanced with tender chunks of meat. It’s not just filling—it’s legacy on a plate.
2. Hjh Maimunah Restaurant
Famous For: Nasi Padang
Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Hjh Maimunah offers a self-serve line of traditional Malay dishes. Crowd favourites include:
- Beef Rendang slow-cooked until it breaks under a spoon
- Sundanese Grilled Chicken with a smoky, caramelised skin
- Tahu Telor fried tofu towered with egg and drizzled with spicy-sweet sauce
- Roti Kirai lacy turmeric crepes often paired with rich chicken curry
Tea That Deserves a Queue
No meal in Kampong Gelam is complete without Teh Tarik, the frothy “pulled tea” poured with dramatic flair.
3. Bhai Sarbat Stall
Famous For: Teh Tarik
Located on Bussorah Street, this humble stall almost always has a line. Their Teh Tarik is rich, creamy, and balanced between strong tea and condensed milk. The pull-and-pour motion adds aeration and a layer of froth that’s almost a dessert on its own.
4. Kampong Glam Café
Famous For: Local dishes and Teh Tarik
Located on the corner where you can people-watch the foot traffic of Bussorah Street, this café serves fried noodles, prata, nasi lemak, and its own version of Teh Tarik. No frills, no fuss, just reliable flavours and a direct view of Sultan Mosque.
Noodle Bows That Speak Fluently in Broth
Inside the nearby North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre, stall owners stir up flavours with near-military precision. Among the standout options:
5. Soon Huat Prawn Noodles
Famous For: Prawn Mee
Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this stall delivers umami-packed broth with a mix of yellow noodles and vermicelli. Topped with sliced prawns, pork ribs, and shallot oil, it’s warm, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
6. Shan Yuan Teochew Kway Teow Noodle
Famous For: Bak Chor Mee
This stall runs 24 hours, slinging out bowls of minced meat noodles for both night owls and early risers. With vinegar-tossed noodles, liver slices, and soft fishballs, it’s a Singaporean comfort food favourite with strong roots.
Snacks Whispers Only Locals Know
Now to the side alleys and stalls that don’t shout with signs or branding but keep regulars coming back.
7. Overrun.SG
Famous For: Chendol Soft Serve
A dessert stall with flair, Overrun.SG serves chendol in a cone. Think pandan jelly, gula melaka syrup, and coconut milk whipped into soft serve. Their rotating specials include flavors like Ondeh Ondeh, Blueberry Biscoff Pie, and Durian Chendol.
8. Fikri Pisang Goreng
Famous For: Fried Banana Snacks
Situated on Jalan Gelam, this stall offers hot banana fritters with crispy skins and gooey centers. It’s street snack perfection—cheap, cheerful, and addictive.
9. Mother Dough
Famous For: Almond Croissants
A Muslim-owned bakery near the edge of the district, Mother Dough elevates the pastry game. Their almond croissants are golden, flaky, and never overly sweet. Freshly baked in small batches, they vanish fast.
Global Tastes, Local Lanes
Kampong Gelam isn’t stuck in time. It welcomes fusion and new flavours into its heritage canvas.
10. Banh Mi Khong
Famous For: Vietnamese Banh Mi
Serving baguettes with crunchy crusts and soft, warm insides, Banh Mi Khong fills them with pickled vegetables, grilled meats, and pâté. Each sandwich is wrapped and served to-go, ideal for roaming eaters.
Seasonal Surprises Worth Waiting For
Every Ramadan, Kampong Glam transforms. The streets bloom with stalls offering limited-time dishes you won’t find any other month.
11. Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar
Famous For: Over 100 rotating vendors
Stalls line the streets selling:
- Rainbow cheese toasties
- Flavoured Ramly burgers
- Traditional kueh in neon colours
- Thai milk tea in lightbulb-shaped bottles
The bazaar runs for a few weeks leading up to Hari Raya and attracts food lovers from across the island.
Tips for Street Food Hunting in Kampong Gelam
1. Bring Cash: Some of the smaller stalls still prefer paper money.
2. Arrive Before Peak Hours: Queues build fast, especially at lunch and dinner.
3. Walk Between Streets: Try Bussorah Street, North Bridge Road, Jalan Kledek, and Jalan Pisang.
4. Share Dishes: Go with friends and sample more without overstuffing.
5. Check for Pop-Ups: During festivals, food stalls appear that are only active for a few days.
Kampong Gelam doesn’t rely on flashy marketing or food courts with polished seating. Its culinary draw lives in the sizzle of frying tofu, the slow pour of Teh Tarik, and the patience of a queue that knows what’s coming. Each stall holds its own reason for being, whether through taste, history, or craft. And each bite is worth the hunt.
