The time for celebration is nigh. It’s been a gruelling yet rewarding few weeks for the Muslims in our community, who have been engaging in the spiritual affairs of Ramadan. But in time to come, it will all come to a hilt—as Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the holy month. Of course, as with any festive celebration, it’s a special time for loved ones to gather together, and bask in the throes of a hearty, fulfilling spread.
There’s no denying the appeal of a homemade meal during Hari Raya—think essential menu items such as rendang, a slow cooked, spice-led beef offering or sayur lodeh, a vegetable dish cooked with coconut milk and turmeric often served with ketupat, glutinous rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. Yet in our time-starved age, one may find that a sumptuous feast can equally be had at some of the finest restaurants and Halal dining spots around town. And whilst some may understandably cater to more familiar taste buds, others might see the value in simply enjoying a different cuisine altogether.
In recent years, collectives like the Black Hole Group have attempted to bring these flavours to a curious crowd, crafting well-travelled menus and eclectic fusion fare more accessible to the needs of Muslims here—from homemade pasta to tapas-style menus. Other restaurants and hotel buffets such as Peppermint and StraitsKitchen have also taken the lead in ensuring that the sentiment of good food on the table can indeed be shared with anyone and everyone.
Be it whether you’re searching for a last-minute reservation idea for your last few days of Iftar, you’re bringing the Raya festivities out of your family home, or are simply on the lookout for the next place to suggest visiting with your diverse squad, Vogue Singapore has you covered. Below, we highlight the best Halal spots in town to consider a trip to next.
1 / 5
StraitsKitchen
Under the continued helm of chef de cuisine Nelson Wong, the familiar taste of home is executed with perfection as the array of dishes is drawn from the best of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Nyonya cuisine.
Look forward to a dedicated station for delectable popiah to be made à la minute, or the simple delight of freshly-fried keropok and sambal belacan for a kick of heat. Meanwhile, steaming hot dishes like a plate of carrot cake, slow-boiled winter melon soup, or fragrant bowl of laksa also seek to satiate the local palate.
Just for the month of Ramadan however, a special Iftar menu has been whipped up, featuring an extensive menu emboldened with a Middle Eastern touch. Aromatic dishes such as a capsicum stuffed with spiced rice, dill, tomato, and minced beef or a hearty Arabic dish of jasmine rice cooked with shrimp, barramundi, and warm spices pay homage to the Middle East’s vibrant culinary heritage. Whilst more familiar dishes such as earthy Ayam Buah Keluak or Sup Ayam Palembang are more attuned to our local comforts.
There’s nothing quite like a fully-stocked dessert section filled with all the authentic favourites, from goreng pisang and sago gula melaka to a vibrant selection of kueh, but if you’re visiting within the month of Ramadan, look forward to the Date Bazaar, that features an intriguing selection of premium dates that have been sourced from the Middle East and Africa.
StraitsKitchen, 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt, Singapore 22821
2 / 5
Éla
Taking the mantle of serving up solid Greek fare is Éla—one of the latest establishments under the Black Hole Group, known for other Muslim-friendly restaurants dotted across the island. The general word of advice at Éla? Visit with a crowd. Its standout table offerings are best shared, starting off with a gloriously abundant Farmhouse Platter of flavourful lamb and beef kebab skewers, refreshed with a tangy onion tomato salad and chilled tzatziki on the side.
Start your meal strong with some toasted pita paired to any of its delicious homemade dip flavours, be it its creamy cod roe, or spicy, cheesy feta. Éla makes a mean case for its delightfully chewy octopus: brightened by a heaping dose of lemon zest on the side. For a suitably Greek dessert, opt for the baklava, a flaky pastry filled with chopped walnuts.
33 Jln Sultan, #01-09/10, Singapore 198965
Enquiries: 8613 3711
3 / 5
Oud Restaurant
Wood fired restaurants have been all the rage, and Oud is a formidable entry in the scene. Helmed by founder-chef Indra, heaps of fun await at Oud Restaurant, which fires up the grill for some delicious meat cuts and finger-lickin’ good snacks.
Open your meal with its satisfying array of appetisers, such as its signature Oud Fries, which sees bite-sized beef, salmon and tuna tartare for the taking. Opt for the Truffle Panni Puri, a literal burst-in-your-mouth heaping of flavour that will invigorate the senses, or some Krispy Fried Cauliflower that is bound to hit a spot. Seafood lovers can look forward to a Grilled Octopus, plated on a bed of creamy potato espuma and smoked paprika. But of course, a meal at Oud would be far from complete without its selection of succulent meats. We’ll recommend the Oudgrilled Lamb Ribs; a piquant curry glaze giving it a welcome spice kick that brims with old school charm.
48 Kandahar St, Singapore 198899
Tel: +65 9727 3048
4 / 5
Peppermint
Formerly known as Aquamarine, the buffet-led establishment now called Peppermint maintains its space in the heart of town, housed within Park Royal Collection Marina Bay. Bringing forth a farm-to-table concept with sustainability at its forefront, the restaurant’s new menu offerings now include plant-based options and the use of locally-sourced ingredients, which bring out the authentic flavours of their fresh harvest.
When at Peppermint, seafood lovers should indulge as they please, be it with a plateful of delectable sashimi slices or fresh oysters. For mains, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice, as the buffet spread is home to a wealth of culinary options, spanning open roast grills to rich Indian and Indonesian fare.
Peppermint, 6 Raffles Boulevard Level 4, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore 039594
Enquiries: [email protected]
5 / 5
Picanhas'
Named after the underused cut of beef from the rump cap muscle of a cow, Picanhas’ is essentially an ode to the depth of flavour the cut offers. Popularised in Brazil, it is commonly barbecued on the spits and over an open fire. In an attempt to fulfil this experience to a tee, one can opt for a bar seat within their space on Club Street—for that front row seat to the sizzle on the grill.
Keeping the menu simple yet substantial, their steak-led options are undeniably where they shine—think the Queen of Steak dish, where the meat is slow cooked and served medium-rare alongside a dollop of binchotan butter. For more fill in your meal, go with the Picanha Don: where a sizeable serving of fork-tender steak is centred onto a bowl of butterfly pea rice, laid with a textural mesh of caramelised onion, pickled cabbage and onsen egg.
Their sauces make more difference than one might think, and the Chimichurri boasts a splendid swirl of mint, vinegar and cilantro for dipping your cuts into. Choose from a selection of sides to complete the meal—from buttered shiitake mushrooms, to a creamy spinach dish mixed with nutmeg and served cold.
Picanhas’, 90 Club St, Singapore 069458
Enquiries: 9754 1909
