Famous Singaporean Food Spots in Popular Overseas Locations

Feeling tired of foreign food every day while travelling? If you’re craving the comforting flavours of Singapore after a long time away from home, look no further! Whether it’s a hearty bowl of laksa, a perfect slice of pandan chiffon cake, or a bite of crispy kaya toast, these destinations serve up authentic Singaporean cuisine, bringing a taste of home to international shores.

1. South Korea – Dessert Merlion Singapore Cafe (Seoul)

Amidst the fast-paced streets of Seoul, Dessert Merlion Singapore Cafe stands as a beacon for Singaporeans seeking familiar flavours. The cosy cafe offers a quintessential kopitiam experience right in the heart of Korea’s capital. Their kaya toast, made with thick slices of toast generously spread with sweet pandan-flavoured kaya and topped with a slab of butter, is a comforting snack that Singaporeans know and love. 

Paired with their signature kopi, brewed strong and sweetened just right, it’s the perfect start to your day. In addition to these breakfast staples, the cafe also serves comforting favourites like chicken curry and soft-boiled eggs, offering a little slice of Singapore in the middle of Seoul’s vibrant coffee culture.

2. Japan – Singapore Holic Laksa (Tokyo)

In Tokyo’s diverse and ever-evolving food scene, Singaporean flavours shine brightly at Singapore Holic Laksa. This small yet vibrant eatery has become a popular spot for those craving a bowl of comforting laksa. Known for its rich, coconut-based broth that is fragrant with spices, laksa is a Singaporean staple, and Singapore Holic Laksa gets it just right. The soup is silky and aromatic, served over rice noodles and topped with shrimp, boiled egg, and tofu puffs, delivering a perfect balance of flavours and textures. The authenticity of this dish has made it a hit among locals and expatriates alike and the eatery has gained a strong following in Tokyo. 

For an extra dose of Singaporean charm, keep an eye out for Tokyo’s Singapore-themed train, where passengers can enjoy Singaporean meals, offering a unique and tasty experience while commuting.

Also read: Singaporean Cuisine Comes to Japan on a Sightseeing Train

3. Taiwan – JL Studio (Taichung)

For a more refined take on Singaporean cuisine, JL Studio in Taichung, Taiwan, offers a modern, innovative twist on classic Singaporean dishes. Helmed by a Singaporean chef, this Michelin-starred restaurant delivers dishes that celebrate the flavours of Singapore while incorporating contemporary culinary techniques. 

Signature dishes include rojak, a traditional fruit and vegetable salad, and kueh pie tee, a crunchy pastry shell filled with a savoury filling of vegetables and shrimp. JL Studio’s unique approach to these dishes, reinterpreting them with artistic plating and modern methods, has earned it accolades in the fine dining world. It’s the perfect destination for food lovers who want to experience the taste of Singapore in a sophisticated, elegant setting.

4. Hong Kong – Dignity Kitchen (Mong Kok)

More than just a restaurant, Dignity Kitchen in Hong Kong is a social enterprise that combines delicious Singaporean food with a mission to empower underprivileged communities. This humble eatery is beloved for its traditional Singaporean offerings like curry puffs—crispy pastries filled with curried potatoes, chicken, and eggs—and the light, airy pandan chiffon cake, a dessert staple in Singapore. 

The cafe provides employment opportunities to those with disabilities, making it a heartwarming place to dine. The comforting flavours of Dignity Kitchen’s menu bring a piece of Singapore’s hawker culture to Hong Kong while contributing to a meaningful cause. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, every bite here feels extra special.

Also read: Hong Kong Food Guide: What to Eat in Hong Kong Other than Dim Sum

5. Cambodia – Ho Kee Bak Kut Teh (Phnom Penh)

Phnom Penh’s bustling food scene now includes a taste of Singapore with Ho Kee Bak Kut Teh, a Singaporean restaurant specialising in the beloved herbal pork rib soup known as bak kut teh. The broth, simmered with medicinal herbs and spices, is rich and hearty, offering the perfect balance of savoury and slightly peppery notes. Tender pork ribs soak up all the flavours, making each bite melt in your mouth delicious. 

Ho Kee’s dedication to maintaining the authentic flavours of this dish has made it a go-to spot for both locals and Singaporean expats in Cambodia. Served alongside fried dough fritters and Chinese tea, this meal offers a comforting and familiar experience for those missing Singaporean flavours while exploring Cambodia.

6. United Kingdom – Singapulah (London)

Londoners looking to experience authentic Singaporean cuisine need to look no further than Singapulah, a restaurant that’s making waves with its bold flavours and classic Singaporean dishes. The menu is a celebration of the island’s culinary heritage, with dishes like chilli crab — a spicy, tangy seafood dish where crabs are bathed in a thick, flavourful sauce made from tomatoes, chilli, and eggs. It’s messy, delicious, and quintessentially Singaporean. 

Alongside the chilli crab, Singapulah also offers a variety of zichar dishes, perfect for family-style dining. These include popular favourites like kang kong (stir-fried water spinach with garlic and chilli), cereal prawns (deep-fried prawns coated in a crunchy cereal mix), and the intriguing coffee pork ribs, where tender pork is marinated in a sweet coffee sauce. Whether you’re a local Londoner or a Singaporean expat, Singapulah offers an unforgettable dining experience that transports you straight to the bustling hawker stalls of Singapore.

7. Australia – Little Singapore (Brisbane)

If you find yourself in Brisbane craving authentic Singaporean food, Little Singapore in Chermside is the place to be. Known for its extensive menu that covers all the Singaporean classics, Little Singapore brings a little bit of home to Australia’s laid-back shores. 

Their Hainanese chicken rice — tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli sauce, and ginger — is a top seller, but this Singaporean restaurant also offers other staples like char kway teow and laksa, both packed with bold flavours that represent the essence of Singaporean food. The relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere of Little Singapore makes it a great spot for both casual dining and larger family gatherings, ensuring you get a taste of home, no matter how far away you are.

Also read: 25 Fun Things to Do in Cairns, Australia On Your Very First Visit

8. United States of America – Urban Hawker (New York)

In the city that never sleeps, Singaporean food has found its home at Urban Hawker, an exciting food hall in Midtown Manhattan. Modelled after Singapore’s iconic hawker centres, Urban Hawker offers a wide range of stalls that bring the flavours of Singapore to New York’s cosmopolitan food scene. At Kopifellas, you can grab a classic Singapore-style coffee, paired with kaya toast, giving New Yorkers a taste of the simple yet delicious Singaporean breakfast. 

For something heartier, order from Prawnaholic Collections and dig into a plate of Hokkien prawn mee, a dish featuring thick noodles soaked in a rich, savoury seafood broth, topped with fresh prawns and sambal for that signature kick. Meanwhile, Padi d’NYC introduces visitors to the Malay and Peranakan side of Singaporean cuisine, serving up fragrant beef rendang, tender satay with peanut sauce, and the soul-warming noodle dish, mee rebus. Urban Hawker is the perfect destination for those missing Singapore’s vibrant and diverse food scene, offering a true culinary journey through its hawker-style offerings.

Whether you’re in Seoul or Sydney, New York or Tokyo, these spots offer a slice of Singaporean cuisine that’s never too far from reach. The next time you’re yearning for the taste of home, fret not! You’ll never be too far from Singaporean food.