What Asian Inspired Dishes to try in Singapore?

Jun 19

Ultimate guide to What Asian Inspired Dishes to Try in Singapore 2026

Singapore is a paradise for food lovers. The local culinary scene constantly shifts, blending deep-rooted heritage with modern culinary creativity. If you are looking for an exceptional dining experience that perfectly captures this inventive spirit, Tanglin Cookhouse is a must-visit spot this year.

Tanglin Cookhouse stands out as a unique modern style café and restaurant known for its timeless British-inspired menu with a distinct Singaporean twist and flavour. It serves comforting, nostalgic pub classics beautifully reimagined with bold local accents, regional spices, and vibrant Asian cuisine. Here is the ultimate guide to the standout savoury Asian-inspired creations you need to order on your next visit.

What are the Must-try Asian Food and Cuisine at Tanglin Cookhouse Singapore?

1. Tanglin Style Pao Fan (Poached Rice)

This dish delivers absolute comfort in a bowl. A rich, deeply savory seafood broth comes loaded with premium ocean proteins like fresh barramundi chunks, juicy prawns, plump clams, and tender scallops. An onsen egg sits in the center, adding a velvety, luxurious richness to the broth when broken. The absolute highlight of this dish is the dynamic texture contrast. Soft rice is soaked in the warm broth, then topped with handfuls of crispy puffed rice that crackle lively as you eat.

2. Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Cutlet

This creation elevates a beloved Singaporean heritage staple into pure indulgence. It features a generous, thick bone-in Kurobuta pork chop, highly prized for its incredible marbling and juicy tenderness. The chop gets fried to a perfect golden crisp while retaining its juicy interior. It comes drenched in a beautiful sweet-and-sour sauce inspired by old-school Hainanese Western kitchens, delivering a magnificent balance of rich meat and bright, tangy notes.

Related article to read: Top Hainanese Pork Chop Singapore Guide

3. Slow Cooked Hainanese Oxtail Stew

This stew is a brilliant nod to Singapore's early colonial cookhouses. Thick cuts of oxtail are slow-cooked for hours until the meat completely melts away from the bone. The gravy is thick, silky, and deeply aromatic, infused with local spices and root vegetables. It comes served with a crusty, warm French baguette, which is absolutely perfect for sopping up every last drop of the luxurious reduction.

4. Singapore Chilli Crab Pasta

This dish represents the ultimate culinary bridge between East and West. It takes the rich, sweet, and fiery flavors of Singapore's iconic national seafood masterpiece and transforms it into a premium pasta experience. Al dente strands of pasta are tossed thoroughly in an eggy, spicy chili crab sauce that packs a satisfying kick. The crowning glory is a whole, crispy battered soft-shell crab resting on top, offering a spectacular crunch with every bite.

The Bold Flavours of the Indian Subcontinent

Tanglin Cookhouse also features a stunning lineup of rich curries and spiced platters. Each of these four selections comes complete with aromatic, warm Turmeric Pilaf Rice studded with sweet cranberries, fluffy Naan Bread, and a tangy Tomato Chutney to balance the deep, complex spice profiles.

Indian Butter Chicken: A stellar, crowd-pleasing classic done with absolute precision. Tender chunks of chicken are bathed in a velvety, rich, and intensely buttery tomato cream sauce. The subtle tartness of the cranberry pilaf cuts through the decadence beautifully.
Halibut Fish Masala Curry: This choice is perfect for seafood enthusiasts looking for a bit of heat. Flaky, premium halibut fillets are simmered gently in a robust and aromatic masala blend. The fish absorbs the heavy spices perfectly without losing its delicate texture.
Vegetable & Mushroom Makhani Curry: A fantastic vegetarian option that leaves you fully satisfied. This dish combines earthy mushrooms and garden-fresh vegetables in a smooth, spiced makhani sauce. It offers the same thick, comforting creaminess as traditional butter gravy.
Indian Butter Vegetables with Mock Lamb: This plant-based dish provides an impressive depth of flavor. Hearty chunks of plant-based mock lamb mimic a traditional braise perfectly. They soak up a heavily spiced butter gravy along with a mix of tender vegetables, creating a deeply savory feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the food at Tanglin Cookhouse unique?

The restaurant masterfully revives British-Singaporean cuisine. It brings together traditional British comforting layouts and enhances them using Asian recipes, spices, Hainanese cooking techniques, and beloved local flavour profiles.

Where is Tanglin Cookhouse located?

You can enjoy these comforting dishes at our beautifully designed outlets across Singapore. We have popular locations at Tanglin Mall and PLQ Parkside, both offering a charming indoor and outdoor dining spaces, in a relaxed modern setting.

Wrap up your food trip to Singapore with the best food at Tanglin Cookhouse. From comforting local dishes like, every meal is a masterclass in flavor. Craving the best asian food in singapore? Book your table today and discover these delicious dishes!