Middle Eastern Restaurants in Singapore: What to Know Before You Book
- Fat Prine
- Aug 22
- 5 min read
Middle Eastern Restaurants in Singapore: What to Know Before You Book
Whether you’re craving a smoky grilled kebab, a bowl of creamy hummus, or a cocktail laced with saffron and mystery, one thing’s for sure: Middle Eastern food in Singapore is having a moment.
From the heritage-rich kitchens of traditional Levantine eateries to the sleek, contemporary spots reimagining regional dishes — there’s more to explore than ever.
If you've been typing things like "middle eastern restaurant near me"Â or "best middle eastern food in Singapore", this guide is for you. Here's everything you should know before booking that table.
What Makes Middle Eastern Cuisine So Special?
Middle Eastern food is more than just a collection of dishes — it's a celebration of culture, hospitality, and history. Drawing from countries like Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and more, this cuisine is full of bold spices, fresh herbs, smoky meats, and vegetarian staples.
Expect ingredients like:
Tahini, sumac, pomegranate molasses
Freshly baked breads (pita, manakish, lavash)
Slow-cooked meats, grilled skewers
Chickpeas, eggplant, lentils, and yogurt-based sauces
It’s the kind of food that brings people together — whether you’re dining as a family, on a date, or just hungry and curious.
Types of Middle Eastern Restaurants in Singapore
Depending on what you’re looking for, Singapore’s Middle Eastern restaurant scene offers several different vibes:
1. Traditional & Homestyle
These restaurants lean into comfort — think long menus, big portions, and recipes passed down through generations. You'll often find family-run places serving up tabbouleh, falafel, lamb stew, and warm bread right out of the oven.
2. Modern & Elevated
Places like The Prince take a more contemporary approach. The food still speaks to its roots, but there’s a creative twist — unique plating, fusion influences, and drinks that go beyond mint tea. These restaurants tend to be more atmospheric, perfect for date nights or special occasions.
3. Quick & Casual
You’ll also find fast-casual spots serving Middle Eastern wraps, rice bowls, or mezze platters. Perfect for lunch breaks or takeaway, these places focus on accessibility without sacrificing flavor.
What to Order If You're New to Middle Eastern Food
Here are a few starter-friendly dishes that are both delicious and beginner-approved:
Hummus – Creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, and olive oil
Shish Tawook – Grilled marinated chicken, usually served with garlic sauce
Fattoush – A fresh salad with crispy bread, vegetables, and tangy dressing
Kebabs – Grilled meats, often lamb or chicken, spiced and served hot
Baklava – A layered pastry soaked in syrup and filled with nuts
If you're dining with a group, order a few mezze (small plates) to share — it’s the best way to sample a bit of everything.
Where to Find Great Middle Eastern Food in Singapore
You can find solid Middle Eastern food across the island, but a few neighborhoods stand out:
Tanjong Pagar
Known for its food scene, Tanjong Pagar is home to several standout Middle Eastern restaurants. It’s a great place to explore after work or on weekends, especially if you’re in the mood for something unique and flavorful.
Try this: The Prince — a modern Middle Eastern restaurant that blends traditional flavors with contemporary flair. Expect moody interiors, thoughtful cocktails, and dishes that surprise as much as they comfort.
Arab Street / Kampong Glam
This area carries the cultural heartbeat of the Arab world in Singapore. You'll find everything from Turkish grills to Lebanese cafés, plus plenty of spots to grab a strong cup of Arabic coffee.
Try this: Byblos Grill for homestyle Lebanese dishes like grilled meats and mezze, or Alaturka for a cozy Turkish feast with hearty mains and fresh bread.
Orchard & CBD
For something more upscale or centrally located, check the CBD for stylish takes on Middle Eastern dining — great for business lunches or date nights.
Try this: Artichoke, just a short walk from Orchard, for Middle Eastern-inspired plates with a playful twist, or Shabestan along Robertson Quay for a Persian spread of kebabs, stews, and fragrant rice.
A Closer Look at The Prince — Modern Middle Eastern, Reimagined
In the heart of Tanjong Pagar, The Prince offers a very different take on Middle Eastern dining — one that feels at once familiar and entirely new. While many Middle Eastern restaurants stick close to tradition, The Prince leans into transformation.
It’s a space that feels more like a mood than a restaurant — low lighting, textured walls, soft music, and the scent of spice in the air. The menu reads like a conversation between cultures: grounded in Middle Eastern techniques, but expressed through contemporary plating and thoughtful reinvention.
You might start with coal-charred eggplant, layered with tahini and date syrup. Follow it with lamb ribs dusted in za’atar, tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork. The ingredients are recognisable — but the combinations surprise you.
The Prince also sets itself apart with its cocktail program, which draws inspiration from the region’s botanicals. Drinks feature elements like rosewater, saffron, preserved lemon, and spiced infusions — each glass carefully crafted to complement the food rather than overpower it.
This is not just a place to eat — it’s a place to linger, to explore, to be curious. Whether you're celebrating something special or just in the mood to discover something new, The Prince offers more than a meal — it offers an experience.
How to Choose the Right Spot for You
When browsing restaurants, here are a few things to consider:
Menu variety – Are you vegetarian? Want to try specific regional dishes like Persian stews or Turkish meats?
Atmosphere – Are you looking for a relaxed family meal, or something a bit more curated and intimate?
Drinks & desserts – Not all Middle Eastern spots serve alcohol, but if you’re in the mood for cocktails, find a place like The Prince that offers modern mixology alongside classic flavors.
Location – Proximity matters. If you're searching "middle eastern restaurant near me", Tanjong Pagar, Kampong Glam, and Orchard are great places to start.
Why Middle Eastern Cuisine Works for Everyone
It’s bold, it’s comforting, it’s healthy-ish — and it works for all kinds of diners. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or just hungry, you’ll likely find something you love.
It's also a deeply communal cuisine — the kind where you pass plates, dip into shared bowls, and linger at the table longer than you meant to. That’s part of the charm.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Spices
If you’re looking for something different from your usual sushi, burgers, or pasta nights — Middle Eastern food in Singapore is absolutely worth exploring.
From traditional flavors to reimagined experiences, the city offers something for every kind of diner. Whether you’re after a comforting shawarma wrap or an artfully plated feast under moody lights, there’s a restaurant here waiting for you to sit down and stay awhile.
Start your journey in Tanjong Pagar, and don’t skip The Prince. Book ahead — tables fill fast when the food’s this good.