[Travels] 5 Must-Visit Stops for the Foodie at Haji Lane and Kampong Glam

(Updated: Jun 2018)

Mention Haji Lane to any Singaporean, and he/ she would certainly think of the alleys with psychedelically-coloured walls, cool hangout shops selling vintage items and clothes, and countless restaurants and pubs. I love the quirky hipster shops there and if you are a tourist, it's nice place to drop by to find unique gifts for friends back home.

Exploring Singapore's streets under our tropical weather can be a little daunting, so I always make sure that I add food stops to my list before I head out. Here are my 5 must-visit recommendations for the foodie if you are exploring Haji Lane and the surrounding Kampong Glam area!

1) Symmetry

If you have passed by Victoria Street on the bus, you may have noticed the unassuming side view of Symmetry with white walls and green doors. However, once you step into this cafe, you will realise that it is actually really cosy with warm wood-based interiors. This cafe draws inpiration from both the Australian casual dining culture and French cuisine, and is famous for its weekend brunch and special Monday You Bastard menu.

Before starting the day of exploration, I would recommend that you fill your stomach here first. Helmed by a Sydney Le Cordon Bleu chef, it serves really good brunch and coffee. How about the Symmetry Eggs Benedict with a Flat White? Yums. Definitely #noregrets!

Symmetry | 9 Jalan Kubor. Singapore 199206.

2) Moosh Softserve

A post shared by Moosh Softserve (@moosh.sg) on Jun 6, 2018 at 10:21pm PDT

After brunch, head down a few streets past the majestic Sultan Mosque and you will reach the famous Haji Lane. After taking all those touristy shots, take respite from the heat with a cool (halal) soft serve from Moosh! With regular-sized cups priced at less than S$5 each, this makes for a really affordable dessert and of course another one for the Instagram wall. Go local and take their signature Ondeh Ondeh flavour. With generous toppings of dessicated coconut, pandan sauce and toasted coconut flakes, it's simply... sedap!

Moosh Softserve | 44 Haji Lane. Singapore 189237.

3) Hajah Maimunah Restaurant & Catering

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Kampong Glam is synonymous to the majestic Sultan Mosque. After visiting this important beacon for the Muslims in Singapore, I would recommend that you extend this cultural experience with some traditional Malay-Indonesian food at Hajah Maimunah. It was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, so rest be assured, this Halal casual restaurant serves top tier nasi padang at pocket-friendly prices.

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Nasi padang refers to a meal of hot steamed rice with your choice of usually 3 (or more) pre-cooked dishes. Get ready to be spoilt for choice by the range of more than 40 dishes available here. I highly recommend the Tahu Goreng (giant fried tofu with omelette) and juicy Sundanese Grilled Chicken!

Hajah Maimunah Restaurant & Catering | 35 Haji Lane. Singapore 189228.

4) Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro

If you prefer some exotic fare instead, Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro would be your answer. It was set up by a Malay-Singaporean ex-graphic designer with her Swedish husband, so it serves really authentic Swedish food.

The Homemade Meatballs, served with lingonberry jam, is their must-try and known by many to be Singapore's best Halal Swedish meatballs. Unlike Ikea's meatballs, I find Fika's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and importantly, has no strange aftertaste (am I the only one who feels this after having Ikea's meatballs?). If you are here with children, the Mushroom and Cheese Crepe, with generous fillings of fresh mushrooms and cheese (okay I know that's obvious), is a good choice!

Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro | 257 Beach Road. Singapore 199539.

5) Rich and Good Cake Shop

Before leaving Kampong Glam, do drop by Rich and Good Cake Shop to bring home their famous Swiss Rolls. Its shopfront and cake packaging may be simple, but don't be fooled. A popular bakery among Singaporeans and tourists alike, long queues are often spotted here (even though it's manned by a grumpy auntie who is just as famous as these swiss rolls). Be there early as it closes when all the cakes are sold out!

The sponge cake in these swiss rolls is soft and fresh. Unlike swiss rolls sold in neighbourhood shops which reek of cheap cream, the fillings in these famous rolls are generous and simply ooze out with an OMPH. Kaya and Durian are their signature flavours. Btw, I like to freeze my cake first, so it feels like I am eating ice cream roll! Read more in my earlier review here.

Rich and Good Cake Shop | 24 Kandahar Street. Singapore 198887.

Conclusion

Overall, Haji Lane and the surrounding Kampong Glam offer a glimpse of Singapore's rich Malay history and trendy culture. Whether you are looking for traditional Turkish lamps, edgy clothes or Instagram-worthy colourful walls to camwhore at, there is something for everyone here.

I shall leave you with more photos of this fun neighbourhood!