No two visits to Singapore are ever the same. Neighbourhoods evolve, menus shift, and familiar flavours return in unexpected forms. It is a place where a charcoal-grilled stall and a skyline-view bar can sit on the same street, each telling a different side of the story. Few understand this rhythm better than Chef Manjunath Mural, a two-Michelin-starred chef, trained in Singapore’s kitchens, rooted in Indian culinary tradition, and shaped by the city’s ever-changing food landscape. Looking to go beyond the obvious? Let this lead your next Singapore itinerary.
Ask any local where to begin your day in Singapore, and chances are they will point you to Ya Kun Kaya Toast. This iconic heritage brand has been serving quintessential Singaporean breakfasts since 1944 and remains a beloved institution for foodies seeking an authentic taste of the island’s traditions. For Chef Manjunath, stepping into Ya Kun is like pressing pause on the modern rush. There is something about the marble-top tables and the unmistakable smell of toast being crisped that slows everything down.
His go-to here is their signature kaya toast with butter, two perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and a steaming cup of kopi. The kaya is velvety and fragrant, coconutty, pandan-rich, and just sweet enough, slathered generously between slices of razor-thin toast. What makes it unforgettable is the cold, salted butter that starts to melt into the warm kaya the moment one bites in.
And while the original is hard to beat, he always nudges adventurous eaters towards the kaya peanut toast. It is indulgent in all the right ways. Alternatively, he suggests trying their steamed version, which substitutes the toast with pillowy-soft bread.
Location: Multiple outlets across the city
Timing: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm (Mon–Sun)
Pro Tip: For the most authentic experience, head there in the morning when locals line up for their kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. It is peak time, so expect a bit of a wait. Go closer to the afternoon for the same classic flavours, minus the crowd.
Rahmath Cheese Prata in Toa Payoh, one of Singapore’s residential heartlands, may look unassuming, but it is the kind of place that wins you over with every bite and an experience as local as it gets. Chef Manjunath has returned here countless times, always greeted by the scent of dough hitting the griddle and a queue forming even before the shutters lift.
Their signature cheese prata is a must: crispy edges, soft centre, and oozing melted cheese. It arrives hot, steam escaping as one tears it open, the rich curry clinging to every fold. Made fresh to order, nothing here sits around. It is one of those rare finds you stumble upon once and keep returning to.
Location: 74 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310074
Timing: 5:45 am – 2:20 pm (Sun–Fri) | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm (Sat) | Monday closed
Pro Tip: Get there early, Rahmath’s pratas sell out fast, especially on weekends. Aim for a morning visit to beat the queue and get your prata fresh off the griddle.
For those who find themselves in Tanjong Katong seeking a quieter pause from the city’s buzz, Seng House is where Chef Manjunath recommends going. This sunlit café strikes just the right balance of modern charm, but what draws him in is the way it thoughtfully weaves Hainanese flavours with warmth and intention.
The Big Breakfast Bash is his go-to. Toast with house-made kaya, soft eggs, and fried luncheon meat, crisp at the edges and deeply savoury. The kaya is less sweet, more nuanced, and ties it all together beautifully.
When he’s in the mood for something lighter, the avocado and burrata on sourdough—with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil—is fresh, balanced, and quietly satisfying. The café is also pet-friendly, adding to its laid-back, easy-going vibe. Seng House is where tradition and modern taste sit side by side—comfortably on the breakfast table.
Location: 214 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437007
Timing: 8:00 am – 10:30 pm (Mon–Sun)
Pro Tip: Skip your usual latte and try one of Seng House’s specialties, The black tiramisu offers a rich, dessert-like twist, while the espresso tonic is light, zesty, and perfect for Singapore’s weather.
There’s a quiet comfort in a good plate of nasi lemak, and Ponggol Nasi Lemak gets it right every time. With multiple outlets across Singapore, it is a trusted name for bold, familiar flavours done well.
The coconut rice is soft and fragrant, rich without being heavy. The real joy is in building your own plate. Chef Manjunath typically orders crisp chicken wings, a ladle of vegetable curry, and stir-fried long beans for balance.
The sambal pulls everything together. It is smoky, spicy, and just sweet enough to make one reach for another bite. Some say nasi lemak is meant for breakfast, others claim it belongs at dinner. When it tastes like this, any time is the right time.
Location: Multiple outlets across the city
Timing: 11:30 am -10:00 pm (Fri – Wed), Thursday closed
Pro Tip: If you are new to nasi lemak, check out the menu online before you go. The wide range of sides can be overwhelming to choose from on the spot. Planning ahead helps you build the perfect plate without feeling rushed at the counter.
Indian Saaga brings the richness of North Indian cuisine into a space that feels both relaxed and refined. It’s the kind of place made for long family lunches or slow conversations with friends, where the smoky scent of tandoor-grilled kebabs drifts through the air like a memory from the streets of Lucknow or Delhi.
For Chef Manjunath, the Lamb Biryani is the dish to order. It arrives steaming, with fragrant basmati rice laced with saffron, clove, and cardamom. Hidden beneath is a lamb shank, fall-off-the-bone tender and soaked in a deep, spiced marinade. Paired with cooling raita or savoured on its own, it is the kind of dish that quiets the table.
If you’re in Singapore and craving a familiar taste done right, Indian Saaga delivers.
Location: 38 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218555
Timing: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (Mon-Sun)
Pro Tip: Indian Saaga fills up fast, especially on weekends and for group meals, so book ahead to avoid the wait and get the table you want.
One can’t talk about iconic Singapore lunches without mentioning Hawker Chan. Chef Manjunath still remembers the first time he saw those rows of roasted chickens behind the glass – golden, glistening, and impossible for him to ignore.
Once the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall, it built its name not on the hype, but on flavour. The chicken is marinated overnight, braised in a secret soya sauce, and served over rice cooked in chicken fat and stock. Every bite is rich, savoury, and deeply satisfying.
The star may be gone, but the queues remain—and so does the taste that made it a legend.
Location: There are multiple outlets across the city, but if you want to visit the Michelin Star-awarded stall, you’ll need to go to the Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre.
Timing: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm (Mon – Sat), Sunday closed
Pro Tip: While rice is the classic choice, you can also try the soy sauce chicken with noodles for a lighter option. The springy egg noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, giving the dish a unique kind of satisfaction.
When the weekend rolls around and Chef Manjunath is in search of a dinner spot, he heads straight to Newton Food Centre. It is a place alive with history and energy. The diversity here is staggering. What he finds most charming is the atmosphere, chaotic in the best way. It is buzzing with families, tourists, and old friends crammed around shared tables. The hawkers greet with warm familiarity, and every bite feels like a tribute to Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural food story.
His personal pick, though, is the Hokkien mee, noodles stir-fried in a rich seafood broth, layered with the deep, smoky notes of wok hei (a distinctive charred aroma and flavour that comes from cooking over high heat in a well-seasoned wok). It’s messy, soulful, and packed with flavour. He suggests pairing any of it with a tall cup of freshly pressed sugarcane juice, and one will have the perfect finish to a night at Newton.
Location: 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495
Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Mon–Sun)
Pro Tip: Newton gets especially busy after sunset, so arrive a little early to snag a good seat and avoid the dinner rush. If it’s your first time, do a quick walkaround before ordering; each stall has its own specialty, and part of the fun is finding the one that speaks to your cravings.
Tucked in a quiet corner of Alexandra, KEK (Keng Eng Kee) Seafood is Chef Manjunath’s go-to for honest, comforting seafood. This family-run zi char spot has been around for decades, known for wok hei and big, bold flavours that speak of old-school Chinese cooking with a distinctly Singaporean heart.
The Claypot Vermicelli Crab is the standout. It arrives bubbling in a claypot, the glass noodles slick with peppery crustacean stock, soft but never soggy, soaking in every bit of flavour. The Salted Egg Crab hits with a rich, grainy sauce clinging to every crevice, while their Chilli Crab brings that sweet-heat balance, accompanied by fluffy mantou on the side to mop it all up. KEK doesn’t try to be fancy. It’s the kind of place where plastic chairs, shared tables, and finger-stained napkins mean you’re in for something good.
Location: Multiple locations across the city
Timing: 11 am – 2 pm | 5 pm – 10 pm (Mon – Sun)
Pro Tip: Crab dishes take time to prepare, so if you’re planning to order the Claypot Vermicelli Crab or Chilli Crab, call ahead to reserve your crab and avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
It is Singapore’s only plant-based restaurant to earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand and redefines what vegetarian food can feel like. The setting is serene but never stiff, the service warm, and the plates endlessly thoughtful.
Chef Manjunath highly reccomends the Crispy Crackling Yammy Roll. It looks delicate but delivers texture, golden and crunchy on the outside, silky within. Inside, there is a mix of mushrooms and fresh greens, all brought together with flavours that feel both Thai and Peranakan in spirit. Every bite carries a gentle sweetness and earthiness, like the chef wants you to slow down and really notice what is happening.
Location: 76 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079331
Timing: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm | 5.30 – 10 pm (Mon – Sun)
Pro Tip: If you’re new to plant-based dining, go for Whole Earth’s set menu. It’s a curated way to sample their best dishes without the guesswork, so you can explore new flavours without worrying about what to order.
Amrith is a fresh addition to Singapore’s bar scene, brought to life by the team behind The Song of India. The name—meaning ‘nectar of the gods’—sets the tone for a space where Indian flavours meet inventive mixology. Amrith combines bold flavours, well-crafted drinks, and an easy-going atmosphere. It’s a spot Chef Manjunath often returns to when he’s craving something flavourful with just the right touch of flair.
For bar bites, the Fish Koliwada is a must-try. Lightly battered, perfectly spiced, and crisped to perfection, it’s comforting, nostalgic. The menu strikes a balance between elevated Indian dining and laid-back bar snacks, making it ideal for a casual evening out or a relaxed after-work drink.
Location: 38A Race Course Road, Singapore 218555
Timing: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm (Mon-Thu) | 11:30 am – 11:30 pm (Fri)
Pro Tip: To truly experience the essence of Amrith, try the Lime Lemon Breeze cocktail, for a zesty, refreshing hit that pairs perfectly with the Fish Koliwada.
Tucked along Amoy Street, Native stands out for its deep commitment to regional ingredients and sustainable practices. Everything from the spirits to the furniture is locally sourced or handcrafted.
Chef Manjunath usually starts with the Oolong Highball—a deceptively simple drink with layered tea tannins, a bright citrus lift, and a clean, satisfying finish. What he appreciates most is how Native’s cocktails quietly pay tribute to Indian influence, whether it’s Indian rum in the mix or familiar flavours like tamarind and jaggery that instantly evoke a sense of home and nostalgia.
Don’t miss the Sweet Potato Mash with Papadums either. It’s a smart, satisfying plate where soft sweet potatoes meet curried pistachios, and a drizzle of gula melaka and tamarind adds just the right hit of sweet-sour complexity to pair with a drink.
Location: 52A Amoy Street, Singapore – 069878
Time: 6 pm – 12 am (Mon – Thu) | 6 pm – 1 am (Fri – Sat) I Sunday closed
Pro Tip: Ask the bartenders about the local ingredients—they forage and source many from within Southeast Asia, and each cocktail has a story rooted in culture, history, or heritage.
Inspired by Tokyo’s stand-up sushi joints, Standing Sushi Bar delivers high-quality, healthy, and affordable dining in the heart of the city. It is where Chef Manjunath goes for fresh, no-fuss sashimi and an easy round of drinks.
The sashimi here has that melt-in-your-mouth freshness that one would expect from a premium omakase spot, without the hefty price tag. The salmon and swordfish are cut thick, served cold, and exactly the way he likes them. He suggests pairing that with a chilled glass of Junmai sake, and one has got a light, clean, and surprisingly indulgent bar bite experience. They also offer a solid range of Japanese sake, beers, and other drinks that match effortlessly with the food.
Location: Marina One #B2-47, 5 Straits View, Singapore 018935
Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm (Mon – Sat) | 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Mon – Fri) | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Sat)
Pro Tip: Visit on a Wednesday to take advantage of their 50% off sushi rolls offer, it is one of the best mid-week deals around.
