21 Arab Street Food From Turkish Kebabs to Rice Bowls and Desser

IKEA is not the only place to go to to get your Swedish food fix! You’ll find Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro at the end of Arab Street, serving up more than just yummy meatballs. On the menu are halal Swedish classics like Toast Skagen, Korvstroganoff and Smorgasbord. And if you’re in it for a sweet treat, don’t leave before trying the much raved about lingonberry cheesecake!

Overrice is Singapore's answer to the famous chain The Halal Guys, serving up a variety of affordable, halal Mediterranean-influenced rice bowls. The signature bowls and pita pockets come with pulled beef, chicken and falafel options, and it is completed with two sauces that accompany your meal. Drench your bowls with both the creamy white sauce and fiery hot red sauce for a memorable feast!

Going to Arab Street without getting some Middle Eastern food should be classified as a crime. House of Kebab is where you’ll find authentic Turkish and Lebanese food that’ll hit all the right spots. Sink your teeth into their Signature Lamb Chop, or order their traditional salad Tabbouleh if you’re going healthy. Did we also mention that they’re open till 1am? Nothing like a hearty shawarma after a drinking session!

Nestled within the historic Arab street, Nasrin Restaurant serves up traditional Turkish cuisine for locals and visitors. Choose from its mouth-watering appetisers, signature dishes and chef specials, including its popular kebabs. The menu is extensive and could easily be mistaken as a restaurant you’ll find in Istanbul! 

Need a coffee fix? Head over to Japanese coffee brand % Arabica, where you can get a classic Cafe Latte, or go for the sweeter Spanish Latte which is mixed with condensed milk to balance out the acidity. The space is bright and welcoming with a limited seating capacity, and it’s a great place to watch the hustle and bustle of Arab Street while taking a short break.

Nestled within the bustling enclave of Kampong Gelam, The White Label is a unique dining destination where diners can enjoy an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of the city, and take your time to savour classical French cuisine made halal. Indulge in The White Label’s unique French Malayan cuisine and rediscover nostalgic local flavours presented in classical French cooking techniques!

As the name suggests, this charming bakery-cafe whips up bakes and dishes that are nothing short of delicious. With an all-day breakfast until 5pm, savour the hearty Shakshouka, the Nourishing Breakfast and Roast Pumpkin on Sourdough. Or, go for their scones and pastries with toppings like gula melaka and orange cranberry!

For those unfamiliar with machi machi, it hails from Taiwan and made its name in the East district with its hand-shaken drinks. The bubble tea brand is known for their extensive menu and diverse flavours of bubble teas such as cream cheese foam, creme brulee, fruit teas and lattes. Apparently their cream cheese teas are so good, they are even dubbed the “Cheese Tea God” by the Taiwanese media! Head over to their outlet at Arab Street for a try.

Pop by this snack shop that specialises in different types of traditional lemper (a savoury Indonesian snack made with glutinous rice and meat). Flavours range from beef rendang and mutton satay to spicy tuna and spicy chicken, and even a plant-based version for vegetarians! You’ll also find classic Malay desserts like ondeh ondeh and kueh lapis.

Set with a picturesque backdrop of the majestic Sultan Mosque, this award-winning boutique Arabic lounge serves up some of the finest Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. All key spices and herbs are imported from the finest shops in Lebanon, making it that much more authentic! Entice your senses with their famed mouth-watering mezza infused with olive oil, spices and herbs. Other crowd favourites include the Mixed Grill Kebab Platter and the Sizzling Kefalotyri Cheese with Caramelized Onions. On weekends, witness their bellydancer dance to the beat of Arabic music while you dine, indoors or alfresco!

Delight in mouthwatering signature dishes such as Lamb Mandi, Chicken Mandi, Mixed Grilled Seafood, and Wara’n Inab at the quaint and cosy Tabbouleh Lebanese Cafe and Restaurant. For sharing, go for the mezze platter that comes with creamy yoghurt and warm pita bread!

Just a 3-minute walk from the cultural landmark of Singapore Sultan Mosque, Byblos offers an exceptional Turkish & Mediterranean dining experience ready to awaken your senses. The menu is freshly prepared with the finest ingredients imported directly from Turkish & Mediterranea, and you’ll surely enjoy the signature recipes of charcoal-grilled dishes such as Byblos Mixed Grill, Lamb Kofta and Byblos Beef Steak. The Lamb Mandi and Chicken Kabsa also come highly acclaimed!

The Straits Teppanyaki offers both Asian and Western-style dishes like The Straits Salmon Fillet, crunchy chicken skin, or halal wagyu beef grilled on a Japanese teppanyaki-style hotplate. Sit back, relax, and watch the master chef grill your meal to perfection right in front of your eyes!

Located in one of the oldest heritage areas, The Malayan Council is a restaurant where the west meets Malaya. The restaurant offers a variety of Malay dishes bearing Western influences such as Lemak Chili Padi, Asam Pedas, Sup Tulang, and Masak Merah. Classic Malay dishes are elevated in a way that they are still rustic, but elegant at the same time. For something a little more unique, why not check out The Malayan Council for your next romantic date!

Run by the same folks behind The Malayan Council, The Fortune Cookie brings yummy fusion dishes and halal Chinese cuisine to all. The Peking duck, a staple in Chinese cuisine, is best enjoyed with the Lotus Duck Rice. Another decadent twist on a local dish is the Beef Ribs Bak Kut Teh. Stewed in a mixture of herbs, spice and Chinese Yam, the ribs are doused in traditional sauce. Also, you have to get the restaurant’s famous Fortune Cookies. Customised to contain a mixture of English lines, popular Singlish phrases as well as well-known Malay proverbs in English, these fortune cookies are specially crafted to spark conversations.

Flying Monkey will offer diners delectable dishes of contemporary pan-Indian cuisine served tapas style, as well as classic international cocktails with an Indian twist on flavours. Try their best-selling small plate dish – Galouti Kebab. The word 'Galouti' means to melt in one's mouth, and this dish truly lives up to its name.This was achieved by mincing the meat no less than 13 times, then marinating the meat with certain spices and unripe papaya. Other tapas signature dishes include Tandoori Chicken, Tulsi Cod, Calamari and crispy Truffle Naan ($14) served with paneer mousse and pear chutney.

Alaturka Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant prides itself on being the purveyor of fine Mediterranean, Turkish, and Middle Eastern dining. Be treated to impeccable Turkish hospitality while you feast the extensive menu. You’ll find hot and cold appetisers, pide, kebabs, mains, desserts, and more. The Meze Tabagi is a great introduction to the cuisine, with an assortment of popular mezes and a side of hot Turkish lavas bread. For mains, specialties include the Adana Kebab, Kuzu Pirzola, and the classic Moussaka. Choose from the wide range of Turkish breads to go along with the protein-heavy dishes too, from classic sourdough to ones topped with melted cheese!

Another great restaurant for classic Turkish dishes, kick things off with the Karisik Kebab Maxim. This indulgent culinary creation features a magnificent feast of succulent lamb, beef, and chicken kebabs with a side of butter rice and vegetable salad. For the health-conscious food lover, their Chicken Shawarma Sandwich will do the trick. Stuffed with sliced shawarma chicken, lettuce, and pickles, the sandwich is lightly drizzled with garlic sauce and lightly toasted. 

Positano Risto offers a gastronomic adventure with authentic Italian flavours made halal. Indulge in juicy Short Ribs, Angus Ribeye, and their legendary Mac & Cheese. Other wows include their Super Supreme Calzone, a thin-crusted Roma Style pizza, baked to absolute perfection, topped with Turkey Ham, Pepperoni Strips and Burrata. Feeling super hungry? Dive into their enormous serving of their Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine!

Savour the magic of Middle Eastern cuisine at this quaint little spot. Tucked away amongst the plethora of haunts serving up kebabs and koftas, you might easily miss this gem! Modelled after the souks of Arabia, there are some of the best dishes Andalusia has to offer here. From rich kebabs to light sweet teas, you can be assured to get them all under one roof. Diners looking to get a taste of Moroccan cuisine are sure to love Deli Moroccan for its generous portions, warm service, and pocket-friendly prices.