The Best Places For Middle Eastern Food In Singapore
From Egypt to Turkey, these big, bold, colourful flavours never disappoints
By guoxiongho -
With thousands of years of history and culture and a land area spanning Africa, Asia and Europe, the Middle East is a region that has introduced many amazing flavours and dishes now beloved across the world. Some notable Middle Eastern dishes you would recognise include the bean dip hummus to the sticky and sweet baklava. There's no need to take a plane to satisfy your curiosity and cravings, though, as many restaurants in Singapore serving up Middle Eastern food. Here are 10 places to get them:
Established in 2009, Beirut Grill is one of the few Middle Eastern restaurants in the Sultan Mosque vicinity and serves up Lebanese food. There's a plethora of selections here - from tabbouleh and fattoush to grilled kebab platters and kunefe. So grab a friend or two and enjoy the food as you soak up the vibes in the Arabic-themed lounge in vibrant decor.
Beirut Grill is at 72 Bussorah St, Singapore 199485. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
For an authentic taste of the flavours of Persia (modern-day Iran), head to Shabestan at Robertson Quay. Under executive chef Hany Moustafa, the restaurant is known for dishes such as Lamb Kubideh (grilled ground lamb), Shandiz (grilled lamb chops), Ghormeh Sabzi (stewed lamb with sun-dried limes - pictured) and Bahala Polo Machicheh (stewed lamb shank). And once you're done with the savouries, end the meal with cool saffron ice cream or Faludeh Shirazi (falooda).
Shabestan is at 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-13 The Pier at Robertson, Singapore 239013. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Long-time fans of Sofra would have followed them all the way from the original Shaw Towers location to the current Marina Square premise. Since 1999, Sofra has been serving delicious and authentic Turkish food with fan favourites such as hummus, grilled meat kebab platter, sesame bread (lavash), kunefe, and Turkish chocolate pudding.
Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant is at #03-129A, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Kazbar is the place of reprieve for a quick lunch or post-work meal and drinks for those working in the Central Business District. Executive chef Kamel cut his teeth in Dubai before moving here and continues to stay true to his Middle Eastern and Lebanese roots while cooking with ingredients sourced from the region. Pick from a variety of mezze (dips), Kofta Kebab (grilled lamb) and Shish Taouk (grilled chicken) and more before washing it down with a cocktail or two.
Kazbar is at 25 Church St, #01-03, 25 Capital Square 3, Singapore 049482.
Don't let the name throw you off — Atas Turkish Kebabs is a hidden gem in Fortune Centre. Sitting alongside a slew of Japanese and vegetarian food options, the establishment is known for hearty Turkish food with affordable pricing. Falafels, kebabs in various iterations and with various sides, mezze, dips, starters and desserts await you as you make the difficult choice of choosing.
Atas Turkish Kebabs is at 190 Middle Road, #01-10 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979.
Fat Prince touts itself as a place for modern Middle Eastern food — specifically kebabs and cocktails. Consequently, there is a wide offering of proteins ranging from pork and beef to kingfish and octopus to go alongside Turkish pide (flat bread) or walnut sourdough. Oh, and don't forget to pick a cocktail or two. Teetoalers aren't forgotten here too as there is a list of non-alcoholic beverages made with the same love and intention.
Fat Prince is at 48 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079317. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Named after the Turkish port city, Marmaris is a little haven for Arabian food in the Little India district. Rice lovers can pick between biryani and mandi made with an assortment of proteins while bread lovers can enjoy their grilled meats, shawarma and falafels with flatbread, hummus and Mutabbal (eggplant dip).
Marmaris Restaurant is at 111 Dunlop St, Singapore 209430. Click here for more information.
Byblos is another restaurant located around the Sultan Mosque. Helmed by chef Mohamad Slim, Byblos proudly serves up authentic Turkish and Mediterranean mezze and main courses. Fan favourites include the hummus, kibbeh, moussaka (eggplant casserole) mezze as well as the mandi, mixed grill, lamb kofte and Byblos Beef Steak.
Byblos is at 14 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199435. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Formerly at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives, chef Khaled Elelimi continues to incorporate his training in Ayurveda into his cooking at Pistachio. The halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grill consequently prides itself on serving up wholesome meals that include biryani, tagine, couscous, grilled meats and a bevy of desserts such as Baklava, Belila (wheatberry porridge) and Um Ali (Egyptian bread pudding).
Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill is at #02-04/05 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880. Visit its website for reservations or more information.
Artichoke is the brainchild of MasterChef Singapore judge Bjorn Shen. The restaurant opened its doors in 2010, focusing on creating Middle Eastern food that broke the conventional rules. As a result, you can expect inventive twists to classic dishes as such hummus, baba ghanoush (eggplant dip), grilled meats and more. If you can't decide, get the Big AF (Artichoke Feed - pictured) for a semi-curated menu.
Artichoke is at 161 Middle Rd, Singapore 188978. Visit its website for reservations or more information.