30 Bugis Food Places In Singapore For Affordable K-BBQ, Famous Kaya Buns And More

Bugis food guide

Good Bugis food is like a cherry on the cake for me. I’m often in this part of town for the boutiques, and a little food break in between my hunt for the best bargain deals at the shopping malls is inevitable. Fortunately, the quest for a good meal proves to be an easy task in this food and clothing paradise, with the array of hawkers, restaurants, cafes and more at Bugis+, Bugis Junction, and Haji Lane area that’s near Bugis MRT Station. Here are some of my favourite Bugis food places to hit up and refuel for part two of an intense shopping spree.

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1. Eleven Finger

Look no further than Eleven Finger for a hearty plate of curry rice! There’s an interesting story behind the name of this stall. Turns out, the owner of Eleven Finger has an extra finger! One meat and vegetable costs $3, while a small add-on such as an egg would cost $0.50 extra. Some recommended ingredients include Chap Chye, Tau Pok, Curry Chicken, Fried Egg and Braised Pork Belly. Come early if you’re hungry, because queues start forming even before the store opens for business.

Read our Eleven Finger review. 

Eleven Finger Scissors Curry Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.

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2. Mrs Pho

Get transported to the streets of Hanoi at Mrs Pho, a hidden gem of a Vietnamese joint. A bowl of Sliced Beef and Brisket Pho ($10.80++) is served piping hot, with tender beef slices and brisket simmering in a wholesome, flavourful broth. If you’re looking to grab a small bite, try sides such as Mamma’s Lucky Meat Balls ($3.80++), skewered meatballs marinated in a delightful sauce. It also comes with a peanut dip, although you might be too busy savouring the meatballs to try it. Another alternative would be their Fresh Summer Roll ($5.80++), fresh spring rolls stuffed with vermicelli, pork, prawns and lettuce.

Read our Mrs Pho review. 

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Mrs Pho is not a halal-certified eatery.

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3. Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant

Unagi lovers should definitely not miss out on Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant. Fresh eel is grilled right before your very eyes, so you can be sure this place takes pride in its quality servings. We tried their Hitsumabushi ($29.50+), which consisted of smoky unagi marinated in salty-sweet tare arranged atop plump Japanese short-grain rice. Apart from rice bowls, Man Man also offers Umaki ($14.10+), pillowy pan-fried, rolled egg with a slice of unagi wrapped in its core. What sets the egg apart from regular tamago is that it’s actually more savoury than sweet!

Read our Unagi Tei Japanese Restaurant review.

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Unagi Tei Japanese restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.

4. Una Una

Another unagi restaurant on the list, Una Una is a cheaper alternative to Man Man Unagi. Located at Bugis+, the restaurant serves one of the cheapest Hitsumabushi in Singapore at only $11.80++ for a small serving. Get the double portion, which is priced at $20.80++, if you’re looking to share. Aside from unagi bowls, you can also find other Japanese dishes such as sashimi and sushi rolls.

Read our Una Una review.

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Una Una is not a halal-certified eatery.

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5. IndoBowl

Image credit: @indobowlofficial

IndoBowl, Singapore’s first Indomie-themed cafe, gets what this well-loved instant noodle brand is all about. Most of us have spent many a night slurping down a pack (or two) of Indomie for a guilty supper, but IndoBowl ups the sinful factor with their mammoth Indomie Mumbo Jumbo ($56.90++). The platter grabs the spotlight with a mountain of kecap manis-glazed noodles before delivering the knockout punch with its assortment of grilled meat. Consider your Indomie dreams fulfilled with this impressive set.

Read our IndoBowl review.

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Indobowl is a halal-certified eatery.

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6. Belle-ville Pancake Cafe

For all the hype surrounding Gram Cafe & Pancakes, Belle-ville Pancake Cafe remains my top pick for a satisfying and IG-worthy tower of souffle pancakes. One of their popular items is Matcha Red Bean Pancake ($13.20++ for four, $18.20++ for eight), which is a glorious combination of matcha, red bean, and black berries. To get that extra splash of colour, and a dose of fruity sweetness, fork out that extra dollar and treat yourself to the Strawberry & Mixed Berry Pancake ($12.90++ for two, $16.40++ for four) instead.

Read our Belle-ville Pancake Cafe review.

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Belle-ville Pancake Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.

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7. Box n Sticks

Nestled on a quiet stretch in Kampong Glam, Box n Sticks has become a preferred night haunt for many with their chill vibes and cosy ambience. If that isn’t reason enough to visit this cosy izakaya for a relaxing post-work tipple, most of their dishes also taste superb with a pint of beer. 

Pair their beer or sake with their signature Spicy Aburi Seafood Maki ($18.90+), which features a sushi roll crammed with torched salmon, prawn tempura, and crabstick. A dash of house-made chilli sauce caps off this kaleidoscopic treat, cutting through the richness of the seafood and fizziness of the beer with its tangy bite.

Read our Box n Sticks review!

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Box n Sticks is not a halal-certified eatery.

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8. Say Seng Cooked Food

Image credit: @followlin

Grab a quick meal at Albert Centre Food Centre and you’ll notice an unmistakable queue snaking around Say Seng Cooked Food. The hands behind this old-school eatery are tirelessly working during lunch hours, chopping down slab after slab of braised pork belly with methodical precision. A splash of savoury braised sauce then washes over this Lor Bak ($5), sealing off a meaty treat that goes perfectly with a plain bowl of white rice. Simple comfort food at its best.

Say Seng Cooked Food is not a halal-certified eatery.

9. New Rong Liang Ge

Image credit: @aiohpue

New Rong Liang Ge not only stands as one of Singapore’s best spots for sio bak, but also one of the most affordable as well. A plate of Char Siew Rice only sets you back $3 here while their Char Siew & Roasted Pork Rice is priced at $4. If these cheap dishes don’t give your dollar a good stretch, their selection of double-boiled soups surely does the trick. Priced as low as $2.50, these warm bowls of soup taste best on a rainy day.

New Rong Liang Ge is not a halal-certified eatery.

10. Supreme Pork Chop Rice

Churning up affordable plates of Taiwanese fare, Supreme Pork Chop Rice frequently pops up on the lunch list of CBD workers. Just as the name suggests, this hidden gem in Bugis prides themselves on their mouth-watering Pork Chop Fried Rice ($5). Their pork cutlets offer a resonant crunch with every bite, unfurling in a burst of garlicky and cinnamon-ey accents. 

Read our Supreme Pork Chop Rice review.

Website
Supreme Pork Chop Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.

11. Chef China Hua Chu

Image credit: @michellelim_star

Chef China Hua Chu has unusual decor with its outer space theme. Enjoy an assortment of Sichuan skewers with their astronaut mascot which roams around the restaurant during peak hours. If you’re dining in a large group, share their Dahua Fat Intestine ($18.80++) or Chongqing Spicy Chicken ($16.80++), bound to set your tongue on fire with the copious amounts of dried chilli. Chef China Hua Chu is also a great spot for supper in town, as it opens till 3am daily.

Read our Chef China review.

Website
Chef China is not a halal-certified eatery.

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12. Husk Nasi Lemak

Husk Nasi Lemak takes the coconut rice dish to a whole new level with their modern and fusion interpretation of the typical nasi lemak elements. The highlight of the Signature Chicken Cutlet Set ($9.80) is the crispy chicken cutlet, which features a juicy slab of thigh meat coated in a batter perfected in Taiwan. That same batter is used as a garnishing to add more crunch. Enjoy the ajitsuke tamago with their house-made sambal for a sweet and spicy kick. If you like your chicken grilled instead, opt for the Grilled Chicken Set ($9.80), which is inspired by Thailand’s grilled pork skewers. The chicken thigh is beautifully caramelised, thanks to the sweet marinade.

Read our Husk Nasi Lemak review.

Website
Husk is a halal-certified eatery. 

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13. Overrice

Another halal-friendly eatery on this list, Overrice serves Mediterranean-style rice bowls and pita pockets. The Pulled Beef Signature Bowl ($13) is a crowd-favourite here, with fragrant basmati rice served with slow-cooked pulled beef and fresh vegetables. The bowl is doused in a “secret white sauce” which reminds us of a blend of Greek yoghurt and mayonnaise. For a lighter option, taste the Chicken Pita Pocket ($7), which features chicken and shredded lettuce in a toasted pita. Portions here are generous, as pita bread is also offered as an accompaniment to the rice bowls. 

Read our Overrice review. 

Website
Overrice is a halal-certified eatery.

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14. June Bakery

June Bakery’s Orh Nee Tart ($1.30) is elusive. The bakery is only open four days a week, and is often sold out by 1pm. But if you manage to get your hands on one of their tarts, you will understand why they’re so popular. The tart is filled end-to-end with smooth yam paste that’s not overly sweet; while their crust of choice is a savoury and buttery shortcrust. These no-frill tarts are usually snapped up in the dozens by nearby office workers, so visit the bakery early to avoid disappointment! Pro tip: place an order with the shop owners in advance to secure a box of these delights!

Read our June Bakery review. 

Address: 7500A Beach Road, #B1-321, The Plaza, Singapore 199591
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am to 2:30pm
Tel: 9731 3002
Website
June Bakery is not a halal-certified eatery.

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15. The Padangton

Newly opened in 2023, The Padangton has food with influences from Padang, a city in Indonesia. They are best known for their Lamb Shank Rendang Padangton ($27++), which features a crispy pastry packed with tender lamb shank rendang—think beef Wellington, but with a delightful twist! There’s also the Pulut Sushi Rendang Padangton ($12.50++): yellow glutinous rice stuffed with beef rendang, and topped with fried grated coconut. If it helps, the eatery is located across The Ramen Stall! 

Read our The Padangton review!

Website
The Padangton is a halal-certified eatery.

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16. Mahmud’s Tandoor

Founded by an Indian-Pakistani couple, Mahmud’s Tandoor is well-loved for their tandoori chicken burgers. Their Crispy Doori Burger ($10) is a must-try; you get a slab of deep-fried chicken thigh meat that is evenly marinated with tandoori spices and doused in harissa mayonnaise, and a slice of cheese packed between two brioche buns. Alternatively, get their OG Burger ($10) if you prefer tender chicken thigh meat that is baked instead of fried. We also recommend getting their Masala Fries ($12) to go with your burgers.

Check out our Mahmud’s Tandoor review.

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Mahmud’s Tandoor is a Muslim-owned eatery. 

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17. Bulgogi Syo

Bulgogi Syo offers a unique three-step grilling K-BBQ that has meat seared, torched, and flambéed. Their most popular specialty is the Angus Beef Tenderloin ($35.50++). Chunks of juicy beef are seared and torched before they are served, and you get to see how they are flambéed. Pork belly lovers can also opt for their Duroc Pork Belly ($20.90++), a spicy dish with bits of seaweed that help to zhng up the savoury flavour. 

Read our Bulgogi Syo review. 

Website
Bulgogi Syo is not a halal-certified eatery. 

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18. Ume San 100

Hidden behind a row of Japanese vending machines, Ume San 100 is where you can get the most extensive range of Japanese plum wines in Singapore. A good pairing with your alcoholic drinks is the Wagyu is the New Black Chahan ($22++), a charcoal-stained fried rice dish served with Wagyu cubes and tobiko. Otherwise, try their Angry Asari Soup Ramen ($16++), comprising a milky tonkotsu broth with a miso base, springy noodles, Asari clams, and ajitsuke tamago AKA ramen egg. 

Read our Ume San 100 review.

Website
Ume San 100 is not a halal-certified eatery. 

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19. Shinfuni

Image credit: @shinfuni_sg

Located in Bugis Junction is Shinfuni, a Taiwanese bakery with a good selection of bakes to choose from. An item that sells like hotcakes is their Shinfuni Signature Hokkaido Cream Apple Pie ($3.80), a buttery pastry filled with Hokkaido cream and apple chunks. For something simpler, opt for their Golden Horn Croissant ($2.20), which features a golden crust with bits of sesame seeds.

Read our Shinfuni review!

Address: 200 Victoria Street, #B1-K04, Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10am to 9:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6530 3551
Website
Shinfuni is not a halal-certified eatery. 

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20. Pancake & Waffle Place

Pancake fans will love Pancake & Waffle Place, where you get s’mores waffles and pancakes served with smoked salmon and sour cream. From their pancake selection, Tiger Prawn ($20.90++) is a popular choice among customers. Three thick pancakes are topped with tiger prawns, then doused in a creamy and mildly spicy sauce. If you’re a waffle to pancake kinda foodie, give their Ham & Cheese Waffle ($22.90++) a shot. You get buttery waffles and ham drenched in hollandaise sauce, then topped with a fried egg as the final touch.

Read our Pancake & Waffle Place review.

Website
Pancake & Waffle Place is a halal-certified eatery.

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21. Artichoke

Image credit: @artichoke_sg

Artichoke offers Middle Eastern-inspired food in the arts and heritage district, and is the place where you can dine while enjoying soul and hip-hop music. For seafood fans, there’s the Fish Pastirma ($16++), which features hamachi with caper leaves and a variety of spices. Else, there’s also Green Harissa Prawns ($38++), which is served with cream and burnt onions. To end off your meal on a sweet note, you must try their 3 Cheese Kunefe ($22++), a glorious combination of blackcurrant ripple ice cream, honey rose syrup, and pistachio.

Website
Artichoke is not a halal-certified eatery.

22. Huevos

Image credit: @huevossg

Known for serving tasty and wallet-friendly Mexican food in Bugis, Huevos is the place to sort your cravings. For those going in a group, we recommend their Loaded Nachos ($19+), a beautiful mess of chicken, guacamole, cheese, pickled jalapenos, and onions. To go with your nachos, get their Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas ($16+) or Al Pastor Pork Quesadillas ($16+). You can pay an additional $3 for an extra blanket of cheese to make your quesadillas even more moreish and flavourful.

Read our Huevos review.

Website
Huevos is not a halal-certified eatery.

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23. YY Kafei Dian

Dubbed one of the best kopi stalls in Singapore, YY Kafei Dian offers Hainanese-style coffee along Beach Road. It’d be a pity to leave without trying their Kaya Bun ($1.60), which comprises toasted house-made buns with a sweet kaya spread anda slab of salted butter for a rich and savoury finish. Don’t forget to pair your bun with a cup of Kopi Bing ($1.90) or hot Kopi C ($1.70), which is known to be a best-seller.

Read our YY Kafei Dian review.

Website
YY Kafei Dian is not a halal-certified eatery.

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24. PerghChicks 

Previously a pasar malam stall, PerghChicks has since opened a permanent store at Haji Lane. This restaurant specialises in ayam percik, which is a rare find in Singapore. Their Nasi Kukus Volcano ($12.50+) is great for those with a penchant for spice. This dish features a turmeric-infused chicken covered in a dense gravy, and a side of spicy sambal. Another must-try is their Percik Wings ($20+), which features a special house-made percik sauce that includes coconut cream, cashew nuts and more. 

Check out our PerghChicks review. 

Website
PerghChicks is a Muslim-owned eatery.

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25. Keen’s Bagelry

Listed as one of the best bagel places in Singapore, Keen’s Bagelry has bagelwiches AKA bagel sandwiches, with influences from Japan and New York. For something on the lighter side, get their Hashstack Bagel ($13.50), which consists of scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and truffle mayo. Else, get their Saitama Bagel ($17.50) for something more substantial. This colourful creation has smoked salmon, sunny side up, cheddar cheese, and house-made garlic aioli all stacked neatly between fresh bagels. And here’s a fun fact: the cafe was launched by a university student!

Read our Keen’s Bagelry review.

Website
Keen’s Bagelry is not a halal-certified eatery, but uses no pork or lard.

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26. Whiskdom

Once a home-based business on Instagram, Whiskdom is now a popular bakery with four stores across the country. If you’re a fan of tea-flavoured treats, get their Matcha Cocoa Brownie ($6.50) or Hojicha Lava ($6.50). The former is a hot favourite among many patrons thanks to the combination of rich matcha flavour and white chocolate bits. On the other hand, the latter boasts a strong hojicha-flavoured ganache with a generous amount of chocolate lava within. 

Read our Whiskdom review.

Website
Whiskdom is not a halal-certified eatery, but uses no pork or lard.

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27. Cornercove

If you’re on the hunt for the best acai shops in Singapore, you should pay Cornercove a visit for DIY acai bowls with unlimited toppings. Even better, the ingredients here are all-natural with no sugar added! After you’ve decided on a Regular ($9.90) or Large ($14.90) bowl, you can choose your base that ranges from Acai and Pitaya to Matcha and Coconut. We recommend their Tropical Paradise to beat the sultry weather; this bowl stars a pretty combination of passionfruit, peach, and mango. To elevate your acai bowl, you can add a huge scoop of Blue Chia Pudding or Raspberry Chia Pudding. 

Read our Cornercove review.

Website
Cornercove is not a halal-certified eatery, but uses no pork or lard.

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28. Chin Chin Eating House

Image credit: @smileasiaeducationcentre

Chin Chin Eating House is one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore. Here, they specialise in Hainanese chicken rice. A set of chicken rice costs $6, and comes with your preferred chicken parts, and a warm bowl of chicken broth. Their kampong chicken meat is known for being tender and juicy, so we recommend getting their Half Chicken ($14) or Whole Chicken ($28) to share with your family or friends. 

Read our Chin Chin Eating House review.

Website
Chin Chin Eating House is not a halal-certified eatery.

Chin Chin Eating House: Old-School Hainanese Eatery With Famous Chicken Rice In Bugis

29. Co Hai Banh Mi

Image credit: @chubbzles

The next time you’re on the search for the best banh mi in Singapore, add Co Hai Banh Mi to your list of Vietnamese restaurants to visit. Their Co Hai Baguette ($12) is made using house-baked bread, and includes BBQ pork, ham, pork floss pate, and pickled vegetables. You can also try their Sliced Beef Noodle Soup ($10) for a rich broth simmered for more than 12 hours. If you prefer rice to noods, opt for their Rice With BBQ Pork Chop, Egg Meatloaf & Sunny-Side-Up ($12.50) instead.

Read our Co Hai Banh Mi review!

Website
Co Hai Banh Mi is not a halal-certified eatery.

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30. Joo Bar

Image credit: @nomnombytnt

Another Korean restaurant on this list is Joo Bar, where you can try a variety of rice wine AKA makgeolli. With a wide range of 12 flavours to choose from, we encourage you to get their Makgeolli Sampler Set ($35++) to try as many as possible. Each set comes with five flavours: Mango, Mixed Berries, Strawberry, Yucha, and Original. A good pairing with your rice wine would be the Wagyu Kimchi Fried Rice ($28++), which features Wagyu slices and a sous vide egg, or Kimchi Mac & Cheese ($18++). 

Read our Joo Bar review.

Website
Joo Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.

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What to eat in Bugis

From small bites to filling meals, these eats in Bugis are sure to satisfy you. If, like me, you’ve come to this part of town to restock your wardrobe, remember that a happy belly makes a happier shopper! 

For more good food in Bugis, check out Mookata for affordable buffet with free-flow Thai milk tea. Alternatively, head down to Tom’s Palette, an ice cream cafe that recently reopened with 36 gelato flavours. 

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