Ideal Place to Eat in Singapore with Your Overseas Friend
Here's The SG Ultimate Foodie Guide: Where to Dine with Overseas Friends Visiting in Singapore?
Like every Singaporean, we’ve got strong feelings about where to bring overseas friends when they visit — especially if they love food. Whether they’re flying in for the first time or coming back for round two, there’s always something new (or nostalgic) to taste. From cafe, hawker centres or beloved food centre, Singapore never lets your taste buds get bored. Here’s our ultimate foodie guide to eating your way through the Lion City.
International Plus Local Food Guide to Dine in Singapore
Singapore’s got it all — from beloved local hawker favourites to top-tier international cuisine. But if you’re looking for one spot that fuses both worlds into a single dining experience, we’ve found the ideal restaurant for you.
It’s the perfect place to bring overseas friends who want to try a variety of flavours without hopping from place to place. Think international flair with local soul. Ready to find out where to go, what to order, and why this spot will level up your friend’s trip to SG?
Best Place to Eat in Singapore on First Day of your Tourist Friend
Tanglin Cookhouse
Start Your Singapore Food Journey at Tanglin Cookhouse
When welcoming a tourist friend to Singapore, the first meal is more than just food—it sets the tone for their entire trip. That’s why Tanglin Cookhouse is one of the best places to dine on day one. With its all-day dining concept, a thoughtful blend of British and Singaporean favourites, family-friendly spaces, and two prime locations, it checks all the right boxes for a welcoming, memorable first meal.
Why Tanglin Cookhouse is Perfect for Day-One Dining
1. All-Day Dining
Whether your tourist friend arrives early in the morning, midday, or late in the evening, Tanglin Cookhouse has you covered. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and pastries all day. Making it easy to slot in a satisfying meal at any hour. This flexibility is ideal for jet-lagged travellers or those with packed sightseeing schedules.
2. Spacious and Comfortable for Families or Groups
First-day meals often involve families or travel groups. Tanglin Cookhouse is spacious, cozy, and welcoming. It’s designed for comfort—whether you're catching up over brunch or enjoying a relaxed dinner. There’s even a private dining room available for booking, perfect for special welcomes or group gatherings.
3. Two Accessible Locations, Each with Unique Charm
Tanglin Cookhouse has two outlets in Tanglin Mall and Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ), each with its own distinctive vibe:
Tanglin Mall: Nestled in a tranquil area near Orchard Road, this outlet is perfect if you plan to explore the Botanic Gardens or Orchard shopping belt.
PLQ (Paya Lebar Quarter): Conveniently located near a bustling business and lifestyle district with shopping and entertainment right next door—great for East-side explorations.
British-Singaporean Cuisine – Two Worlds on One Plate
Tanglin Cookhouse stands out with its fusion of British heritage and Singaporean soul food. This thoughtful menu brings together iconic dishes from both cultures. Perfect for giving your tourist friend a unique taste of Singapore’s colonial history and multicultural present.
British-Inspired Dishes to Try
Full English Fry-Up Breakfast – A hearty way to start the day, complete with Cumberland sausage, bacon, baked beans, and eggs your way.
Beef Wellington – A luxurious classic served with herbed mash and confit tomatoes.
Grandmother’s Roasted Chicken – British Sunday roast vibes with Yorkshire pudding, garden peas, and charred broccoli.
Sunday Steak – A beautifully roasted Angus beef steak served with classic British sides.
Irish Shepherd’s Pie – Comforting lamb ragout with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese.
Tanglin Scotch Egg & Yorkshire Pudding – Perfect British bar bites elevated to dine-in quality.
English Fish & Chips – Crispy battered fish with golden fries, tartar sauce, and a side of mushy peas.
Singaporean & Asian-Inspired Signatures
Tanglin Style Pao Fan – A luxurious seafood rice soup with prawns, crabmeat, clams, and an onsen egg.
Hainanese Oxtail Stew – A local favourite slow-cooked to perfection, served with rustic baguette.
Laksa Fried Chicken Bites – A creative twist with laksa spices and aioli.
Indian Butter Chicken – Rich, creamy, and served with naan and cumin pilaf rice.
Creamy Singapore Chili Crab Pasta – A playful blend of Western pasta and a local seafood favourite.
Caesar Salad with Grilled Masala Chicken - Cos Lettuce, Ortiz Anchovy Dressing, Soft-Boiled Eggs, You Tiao Croutons, Crispy Garlic Bits, Bacon Bits, Parmesan Cheese, Pickle Onion
Salmon Nicoise Salad - Mesclun, Lettuce, Herbed Confit Salmon, Haricot, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Potatoes, Cucumber, Soft Boiled Egg, Citrus Dijon Vinaigrette
Don’t Miss the Pastries and Brunch
If your friend arrives early, Tanglin Cookhouse’s brunch and pastries are a highlight. Think croissants with kaya, sourdough with homemade berry jam, and even ondeh-ondeh cake. Pair it with a specialty coffee for a light but satisfying start.
What Diners Love About Tanglin Cookhouse?
"Was here for a birthday lunch with 6 friends. Best service from the staffs here especially Josh. Food and drinks were served in a fast and orderly manner. We tried almost everything on the menu from starters, main and desserts. Definitely recommending this place to others as we will be coming back again." - Ian Kou
"Visited Tanglin Cookhouse again for lunch after a long while. The food and service was still just as lovely as my last visit. Delicious Anglo-Indian/ fusion fare. Very friendly service from all staff, especially Godwin. Would have liked more dessert options, but otherwise the food was delicious, fresh and the portions were generous. This is our favourite hangout place." - Vara Hariharan
" Was here on a birthday celebration. Staff was very accommodating with our last minute requests. Haritha, and the barista (guy) were very patient and took their time to explain various offers on the menu. On top of that, there was a birthday song belted out by the staff. The food especially the cakes were very sumptuous. Fantastic service which is very much appreciated." - LC Chan
"We came here for a gin & tonic as they really are the best here. Godwin and his colleagues were super friendly and helpful. See you again soon! - Rachel Mcmurtrie
Why Tanglin Cookhouse Should Be Your First Stop
Tanglin Cookhouse offers a unique introduction to Singapore’s vibrant food culture. Perfect for visitors, it blends British-Singaporean classics with warm hospitality in family-friendly spaces. From a comforting rice dish to a must-try dish served with Yorkshire pudding, it's a fresh take on places locals love.
Pair your meal with a Singapore Sling and enjoy the refined twist on street food favourites. This is one of those types of places you shouldn't leave Singapore without trying. Even Singaporeans appreciate its charm—so don’t forget to get try and let your tourist friend leave without a proper welcome meal at Tanglin Cookhouse. "Welcome to Singapore."
Location: Tanglin Mall & Paya Lebar Quarter 3