You’ve only got an hour, so make the most of it with our guide to the best lunch spots in Singapore’s CBD.
Flanked by towering skyscrapers, Singapore’s Central Business District (aka CBD) isn’t just a place for work. It’s also home to popular cafes, swanky restaurants and amazing local food. So say goodbye to sad desk lunches in your stuffy, freezing office as we give you the full lowdown on the best lunch spots in Singapore’s CBD
Where to get a good lunch in Singapore’s CBD
1. Muchachos
If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican food, look no further. Muchachos serves gut-busting burritos that’ll have you stuffed for the whole day. Get yours with proteins like fish, steak, or chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the beef tongue quesadilla. We swear by the breakfast burrito, which is stuffed with eggs, hashbrowns, and breakfast sausage with a side of syrup. It’s sweet and savoury in all the best ways! P.S. Don’t discount the cheeseburger, either.
Muchachos, #01-01, Frasers Tower, 182 Cecil Street, Singapore 069547
2. Catfish Izakaya
Classic Japanese izakaya fare made with the best Asian ingredients: that’s the name of the game at Catfish Izakaya. It’s a vibey resto dishing out fusion cuisine. The set lunch will get you the most bang for your buck, with a starter, main, and dessert. But if you’re still feeling peckish, check out other menu items like the seafood pajeon-miyaki (a Korean-Japanese pancake), whole grilled fish, and yaki udon claypot.
Catfish Izakaya, 5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261
3. The Prince
In the mood for Middle Eastern food? Stop by The Prince, a chic spot that serves inventive takes on Arabian classics. If you can take an extended afternoon break, get the four-course lunch set. You’ll begin with hummus or baba ganouj, followed by salad, fingerling potatoes or cauliflower. Next, choose your kebabs from options like braised lamb leg, grilled chicken, and battered fish. Finally, end with the olive oil kusa cake for dessert.
The Prince, 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
4. Chico Loco
One bite and you’ll go absolutely loco for Chico Loco. This Mexican joint serves guilt-free comfort food where you’re encouraged to drop the cutlery, use your hands and get gloriously messy. Its menu encompasses a mix of breakfast items as well as salads and sandwiches. But the piece de resistance has to be its flavour-packed spit-roasted chicken.
Chico Loco, 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922
5. Sarnies
Hankering for a good cuppa? We’re proud to share that Sarnies never disappoints. All beans are roasted in-house, so you get a fragrant brew every time. Don’t forget to check out its lunch menu. It serves up delish Aussie-style grub like steak and eggs, tuna melts, and giant bowls of salad. Our favourite is the Pimp My Breakfast which allows us to build our breakfast plate. A warm sesame bagel with half an avocado and smoked salmon? Yes, please.
Sarnies, 136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601
6. Gold Ocean Curry Fish Head
Combining cai png (Chinese mixed rice) faves and its authentic fish head curry under one roof, this eatery has a loyal following amongst locals. Fill up your plate with squid, sweet and sour pork and kang kong, and drench your rice with the creamy fish curry. You won’t regret it. Heads up: the queues can get pretty insane, so go for an early (or late) lunch!
Gold Ocean Curry Fish Head, 181 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068629
7. Common Man Coffee Roasters
Breakfast for lunch? Say no more. Common Man Stan slings out plates like eggs benedict, brioche french toast, fluffy pancakes and egg white scramble with sauteed kale, all day every day. Coffee is a must at this cafe; just take your pick from fast, cold and slow brews. Our fave? Hands down, the nitro honey oat latte.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, 11-12 Stanley Street, Singapore 068730
8. Pagi Sore
A popular lunch spot for the CBD crowd, Pagi Sore offers satisfying meal packages, so you can get the most out of the Indonesian dishes it offers. These include tahu telor (tofu omlette), ikan asam pedas (fish in tangy asam sauce), ayam goreng Java (Javanese-style fried chicken) and more.
Pagi Sore, Far East Square, 88 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048470
9. Bochinche
This is our go-to spot for a juicy steak. Expect a variety of modern Argentinian dishes that accompany masterfully prepared steaks, both wet and dry-aged. Start your meal with beef or corn empanadas, and red snapper ceviche. Next, pick your choice of steak, which comes with fragrant salt, chimichurri, creamy horseradish, and mustard for you to savour. The carb-lover in us can’t say no to extra portions of the crispy and fluffy chips garnished with garlic and parsley.
Bochinche, 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413
10. My Awesome Cafe
With its Chinese medicinal store facade and charming interior made up of random bits and bobs, My Awesome Cafe is absolutely endearing. The great range of salads and sammies makes for a satiating, healthy lunch. Plus the space is so vibey, perfect for both a casual lunch or a get-together with friends at night over drinks.
My Awesome Cafe, 202 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068639
11. Pasta e Formaggio
Pasta e Formaggio is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places. This tiny Italian spot has rotating value-for-money weekday lunch sets. From lasagne to linguine arrabiatta, and even spaghetti alla carbonara. You can always expect something different every day. Plus, it comes with a drink and a choice of garlic bread, soup or salad.
Pasta e Formaggio, multiple locations including Oxley Tower and Collyer Quay
12. Rappu
If you want omakase-style handroll sushi at wallet-friendly prices, hop over to Rappu. This bar lets you indulge in a six-course sushi meal, filled with ingredients like amberjack, tuna belly and more. If that’s not enough, add on a sake pairing or sip on refreshing Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Rappu, 52 Duxton Road, Singapore 089516
13. Amoy Street Food Centre
If you’re working at Tanjong Pagar, there’s no way you haven’t had lunch here. With two storeys of diverse hawker choices, Amoy Street Food Centre is a good lunch spot in Singapore’s CBD. We’ve had our share of great Thai food, decent pasta, hearty congee, assorted noodle dishes and more – it’s all about discovery!
Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
14. Maxwell Food Centre
Ah, Maxwell Food Centre. This massive dining enclave is home to over 100 food stalls, all with a focus on different specialities. There’s chicken rice from Tian Tian (the late, great Anthony Bourdain was a fan), wholesome congee from Zhen Zhen Porridge, roasted meat from Fu Shun Shao La Mian Jia and others. Just be prepared to chope your seats before ordering as the place tends to get packed during lunchtime.
Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
And there you have it, our fave lunch spots in Singapore’s CBD.
