Singapore, with its interesting mix of countries and flavors, is a great place for foodies who want to try new and exciting things. Behind the busy streets and well-known hawker centers are hidden gems that call out to adventurous eaters with the promise of exotic food. In this culinary journey, we'll find the top 5 restaurants in Singapore, which are known for serving unique and exotic food that can't be found anywhere else.
In these places, the food story goes beyond the limits of custom, tantalizing taste buds and going against the grain. These places change what it means to eat out by combining innovation and taste in a seamless way. As we get ready for this epicurean journey, get ready for a trip that will take your senses to new places of taste and creativity.
Key Consideration Factors
At Steriluxe, we fully understand how important it is to give our readers accurate, reliable information. So, we carefully go through our curation process to make sure we find the best companies in a given area. Google and Facebook reviews are one of the most important things we look at when making our choices. By asking real customers what they think, we can make sure that our reviews are honest and reliable. These reviews give us a big picture of how happy a company's customers are and how good its service is.
Best Exotic Food Singapore
boCHINche (Argentinian)
Have you heard about how great boCHINche is? This one-of-a-kind restaurant has a way of bringing out the best in Argentinian food that no other place can match. Here, the main goal is to let the tastes of each food shine through. Imagine going on a culinary adventure that honors custom while adding a modern twist. At boCHINche, the different parts of a meal are put together like a culinary symphony, where each part works well with the others to make a wonderful experience that doesn't overpower.
>> Company Details
| Website | https://www.bochinche.com.sg/ |
| Address | 27 Club Street Singapore 069413 |
| Contact | +65 6235 4990 |
| Operating Hours |
Lunch - Monday to Friday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Dinner - Monday to Thursday: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Friday to Saturday: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm |
>> Why We Admire It
- A convergence of tradition and innovation on the plate.
- Adherence to the innate allure of ingredients.
- Culinary artistry speaking through elegant simplicity.
>> Testimonial
"Chill BYOB night. Naveen made us feel at home. Chimichuri was great with the tender beef, serving staff was very attentive. Overall great atmosphere – relaxed and not uptight, with great and easy food." - Charlene (Google review)
Shabestan (Persian)
Get ready to be enchanted by Shabestan, a real gem that goes beyond just food and has stunning views of the Singapore River. Imagine this: The food at Shabestan, which looks out over the pretty Singapore River, is just as good as the view. Mohammad Hosseini's charcoal grill creates a symphony of flavors in the Kebab Barg, which is a work of art. Imagine tender lamb fillets marinated in saffron and herbs and kissed by the heat of the fire. This is a true sign of a chef's skill.
>> Company Details
| Website | https://www.shabestan.sg/ |
| Address | 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-13. The Pier @ Robertson. Singapore 239013 |
| Contact | +65 6836 1270 |
| Operating Hours | Daily from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
>> Why We Admire It
- Flavors elevated with smoky authenticity.
- Culinary craftsmanship by Mohammad Hosseini.
- A distinctive touch of Persian seasoning.
>> Testimonial
"Excellent service as always a big shout out to Anu, who is excellent at his work! Keep up the great work!" - Erum (Google review)
Lime House (Caribbean)
Step into the world of Lime House, a Caribbean paradise where lively fun and easygoing charm meet. When you walk through the door of Lime House, it's like you're entering a place where you can both relax and be excited. The lively music and laid-back atmosphere make it easy to have a good time. Lime House's ability to give traditional Caribbean meals a fresh new twist while staying true to tradition is what really draws people in.
>Company Details
| Website | https://www.limehouse.asia/ |
| Address | 2 Jiak Chuan Road Singapore, Singapore 089260 |
| Contact | +65 6222 3130 |
| Operating Hours |
Tuesday & Friday: 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm Weekends: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm |
>> Why We Admire It
- A hub for lively and informal mingling.
- An expedition through reinvented Caribbean classics.
- A comfortable and unpretentious Caribbean experience.
>> Testimonial
"Absolutely loveddddd the food here. Baja fish tacos, plantain lasagne, plenty of vegan-friendly options here!! Place is actually pretty run-down with bar seats almost split open, so that’s my only qualm. Drinks are decent but not fantastic. Service was slightly patchy. Definitely go for the food more than everything else." - Jamie (Google review)
Beirut (Lebanese)
Lebanese food is a beautiful tapestry of tastes from all over the world. Imagine a trip where fresh olive oil, sweet herbs, and energizing lemon all meet. This is what Lebanese food is all about. When you eat from the House Beirut Platters, you can enjoy a variety of tasty foods. The Mixed Grilled Kebab, which comes with Arabic rice and tasty meats and veggies that have been grilled, is a feast for the senses. Lamb chops and kebabs are given with tasty vegetables and Arabic rice to round out the meal.
>>Company Details
| Website | https://www.beirut.com.sg/ |
| Address | 72 Bussorah St, Singapore 199485 |
| Contact | +65 9069 1925 |
| Operating Hours |
Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm |
>> Why We Admire It
- Savory lamb chops and kebabs.
- Aromatic allure of Lebanese cuisine.
- Seamless fusion of international flavors.
>> Testimonial
"A bit further down the road from the more crowded food areas, but well worth the extra distance. The chicken kebab lunch special was excellent, the apple tea was also wonderful, and the staff are very attentive." - Jason (Google review)
Aloha Poke (Hawaiian)
Aloha Poke gets praise for giving Hawaiian Poke a new meaning by adding a personal touch that shows what it's all about. This place captures not only the tastes but also the spirit of Hawaii, making an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a warm Hawaiian home. Aloha Poke takes you to the heart of a Hawaiian taste adventure, with custom bowls and a warm atmosphere that make you feel at home with every tasty bite.
>> Company Details
| Website | https://www.alohapoke.com.sg/ |
| Addresses |
78 Airport Boulevard 05-200, Singapore 819666 8A Marina Boulevard, #B2-46, Singapore 018984 3 Gateway Drive #01-09, Singapore 608532 |
| Contact |
+65 6214 3378 +65 6634 0730 +65 6252 7996 (Respective Locations) |
| Operating Hours |
Multiple locations (refer to their website) |
>> Why We Admire It
- The fusion of individuality and tradition.
- Bowls embodying the spirit of Hawaii.
- A flavor-filled voyage in every bowl.
>> Testimonial
"I have been eating at Aloha Poke regularly and the quality is very consistent. For those who want a substantial protein portion in their bowl, I recommend the protein top-up. Tuna is okay good all the time and excellent some days, but if you value consistency I recommend the salmon. They have been putting less and less vinegar in their rice which makes it more plain and less sour. I personally prefer a sour sushi rice but that’s for you to decide!" - Pierre (Google review)
Popular Exotic Foods You Can Find in Singapore
Singapore has a wide variety of delicious foods that show off its mixed history. The Hainanese Chicken Rice is a well-loved favorite that combines soft poached chicken with fragrant rice that has been cooked in chicken broth. The famous Chilli Crab gets people's attention because it has a spicy tomato-based sauce that wraps tender crab meat. This dish is best eaten with mantou buns. Laksa, which is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk and prawns and fish cakes, is a blend of flavors.
Durian, the "king of fruits" that divides people, calls out to those with adventurous tastes with its custard-like meat and strong smell. In Frog Porridge, tender frog legs in a tasty sauce are served with creamy rice porridge for a bold twist. From the sizzling pieces of Satay dipped in peanut sauce to the mysterious appeal of the Century Egg, a trip to Singapore's food scene isn't complete until you try some of its unique, exotic dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any Singaporean exotic dishes suitable for vegetarians?
Certainly, there are vegetarian options to explore, such as Vegetarian Laksa, Rojak (a mix of fruit and vegetable salad), and Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes with preserved radish).
- What sets apart Singaporean Satay?
The distinctiveness of Singaporean Satay lies in its skewered and grilled meat, often featuring chicken, beef, or mutton, accompanied by peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a side salad of cucumber and onion.
- Is it safe to indulge in exotic street food in Singapore?
Absolutely, indulging in street food across Singapore is widely considered safe, primarily due to the stringent hygiene regulations upheld by the government.
- Are there any delectable dessert choices within the realm of exotic cuisine?
Certainly, a delightful dessert to try is "Ice Kachang," a vibrant shaved ice-based treat adorned with an array of sweet toppings.
- Which beverages complement these unique culinary offerings?
To complement these culinary delights, traditional beverages such as "Teh Tarik" (pulled tea) and refreshing "Calamansi Juice" make for excellent pairings.
