Cuisine Around the Island: A Tasty Tour of the City Hall Locality

My favorite foodie sidekick is back in Singapore for a short holiday from her work with a charity in Ontario, Canada. Naturally, I'm hoping to catch up with her, and if all goes well, we'll embark on one of our usual culinary adventures around the island.

The only question is: where should we eat next?

I've always loved exploring food from different cultures. In many ways, my appreciation for international cuisine grew out of years spent living abroad.

I lived in Canada for nearly 20 years, studying and later working as a writer in cities such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary. My writing work also took me to places like Texas, New York, and Washington. One particularly interesting project even gave my family and myself the opportunity to live in New Zealand for almost a year. Along the way, I was fortunate enough to visit Hong Kong, Thailand, and 13 countries across Europe.

During a two-year project in Washington, D.C., I discovered a charming antique bookstore tucked away in the historic part of the city. Every time I visited, I would leave with a cookbook featuring recipes from a different region of the world. By the time we moved to New Zealand, I had built quite a collection.

Since dining out wasn't as common there, I dusted off those cookbooks and challenged myself to cook dishes from a different country almost every day. My family became enthusiastic taste-testers as our kitchen transformed into a miniature world tour of flavors.

When we eventually returned to Singapore, I realized that I no longer needed to cook my way around the world. The world had come to Singapore! Our island is packed with food villages, cafés, hawker centers, and restaurants serving authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe, often at surprisingly economical prices.

If you're looking for a delicious day out in the City Hall area, here are three spots worth adding to your foodie itinerary.

1. CHIJMES

Nestled among beautiful historic architecture, CHIJMES is one of the most charming dining destinations in the city. Once a Catholic convent and girls' school, it has since been transformed into a vibrant lifestyle and dining hub.

Today, you'll find everything from cozy cafés and lively sports bars to upscale restaurants and international eateries. Whether you're craving Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, Brazilian, Chinese, or Western cuisine, CHIJMES offers something for every palate. It's also a wonderful place to wander, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.

2. The Food Place at Raffles City

For those seeking a gourmet experience without the gourmet price tag, The Food Place on Level 3 of Raffles City is an excellent choice.

The newly renovated food hall combines local favorites with an impressive variety of international offerings, making it easy for groups with different tastes to find something they'll enjoy. One of its best features is the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking CHIJMES, Raffles Hotel, and parts of the surrounding cityscape.

Grab a seat by the window, enjoy your meal, and watch the city buzz below.

3. Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Located within Swissôtel The Stamford, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse is a great choice when you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent.

Known for its flavorful Australian steaks, the restaurant serves up generous portions alongside a thoughtful selection of wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Beyond the food, guests are treated to sweeping views of the Marina Bay area through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

With attentive service, elegant surroundings, and consistently satisfying food, it's easy to see why many diners find themselves planning a return visit before they've even finished dessert.

Where Will Your Next Food Adventure Take You?

One of the joys of living in Singapore is that you can travel the world through food without ever leaving the island. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a new place to explore with friends, the City Hall district offers plenty of delicious possibilities.