Lunch Ideas: Best Lunch Singapore Food Menu & Where to Find Them
Where Do Locals Really Eat Lunch? Value for Money Must Eat Lunches Around Singapore Food Scene
Lunch is more than just a midday pause it’s the fuel that powers the rest of your day. Choose well, and you’ll breeze through the afternoon feeling recharged and focused. Choose poorly, and you risk that dreaded energy dip, sluggish mood, and the temptation to overeat later.
That’s why locals across Singapore take their lunch seriously. From hearty hawker fare to balanced bento boxes, they know where to find flavour, satisfaction, and value all in one meal. We’ve rounded up the must-eat lunch Singaporeans trust to deliver good food that’s worth every bite and keeps you going strong till dinner.
What Should Really Be on Your Lunch Plate?
Grabbing lunch at a restaurant in Singapore doesn’t have to mean overindulging or settling for something uninspired. If you're on a quick break or taking your time to explore the city’s culinary scene. Knowing what to eat at midday can make all the difference in how the rest of your day feels.
And if you're someone who loves delicious food but still wants to stay balanced, there’s good news eating well can be just as tasty as it is nourishing.
Step 1: Build a Balanced Plate
When scanning the menu, look for plates that combine lean proteins, fibre-packed vegetables, and complex carbs like whole grains or a hearty bowl of rice. The right mix keeps you full, focused, and far from the dreaded afternoon slump. Plenty of cafés and bistros across town offer creative grain bowls, poke sets, and grilled mains seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices that bring out their natural flavour.
Step 2: Watch the Add-Ons
A smart lunch isn't just about what's on the plate, but how it's prepared. Ask for lighter dressings, opt for grilled over fried, and don’t underestimate the power of good seasoning over rich sauces. Even something indulgent like pasta or roast meat can be a better choice when paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Step 3: Choose Smart Comfort
Singapore is known for its diverse types of food, and it's completely possible to enjoy a comforting, filling meal without going overboard. Look for dishes like grilled chicken rice, soba noodle salads, or fish with sautéed greens. These are the kinds of things to eat that fuel your day without weighing you down.
Step 4: Go Where Locals Go
Want to eat like a true Singaporean? Find spots that serve food loved by both locals and tourists they tend to get it right. Whether it’s a heritage café, a modern fusion spot, or a humble eatery tucked in a shopping mall, these are the best places to find that perfect lunch. A quick search will help you find the best lunch options around your area, no matter your taste.
Step 5: Plan for More Than One Visit
The best restaurants make it easy to return again and again. Whether you're here for work, living in town, or enjoying a trip to Singapore, there’s no shortage of great lunch spots. A good Singapore restaurant will have options that are both indulgent and health-conscious. Think vibrant salads, grilled platters, or fusion rice dishes that you just have to try in Singapore. Don’t forget to bookmark your go-to place to eat for the next midday break.
Best Restaurant in Singapore Serving Lunch That's Also Healthy & Filling
Tanglin Cookhouse
No surprise here, but finding a lunch that’s both healthy and filling starts with knowing where to look. Tanglin Cookhouse, a top restaurant in Singapore, nails this balance by serving dishes with fresh, fragrant ingredients and smart seasoning. Craving something satisfying but nutritious?
This Singapore restaurant offers delicious food that locals and tourists alike rave about. If you want a wholesome bowl of rice or vibrant plates packed with veggies, Tanglin Cookhouse is one of the best places to eat in Singapore for lunch.
Lunch Ideas: Tanglin Cookhouse Lunch Menu for Your Midday Meal Out
Forget the usual hawker food, food courts and street food for lunch. Head to Tanglin Cookhouse and discover what’s waiting for your midday break. Instead of sticking to the typical fish head curry with tofu , dumpling, peranakan food, fried chicken or noodle soup. Why not try something fresh and exciting? Tanglin Cookhouse offers a lunch menu that goes beyond the ordinary. Here’s a list of recommended lunch dishes you should try at this vibrant lunch spot.
Must-Try Dishes for Your Midday and Evening Cravings
Available Weekdays from 11 AM onwards and all day on weekends
Western Mains
1. English Fish and Chips
Crispy beer-battered halibut paired with golden fries and fresh coleslaw. The garlicky tartar sauce is the perfect finishing touch for this classic comfort food.
2. Beef Wellington
This one’s a showstopper — tender beef wrapped in Parma ham and mushroom duxelles. Served with silky potato mousseline and rich onion gravy, it’s a dish to savor.
3. Grandmother’s Roasted Chicken
Juicy chicken brined with garlic and thyme, paired with Yorkshire pudding and roasted veggies. The onion gravy ties it all together, making it feel like a cozy home-cooked meal.
4. Sunday Steak
Grass-fed ribeye grilled to perfection, accompanied by Yorkshire pudding and roasted vegetables. The onion gravy adds that nostalgic, hearty flavor we all love.
5. Irish Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting bowl of minced lamb ragout topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
6. Norwegian Salmon Wellington
Flaky salmon wrapped with cream cheese and garlicky spinach, served with smooth potato mousseline and a zingy horseradish crème. Elegant and satisfying.
Asian-Inspired Mains
1. Grilled Locally Farmed Barramundi in Banana Leaf
Barramundi cooked in fragrant banana leaf, served with spicy sambal bawang and a fresh quinoa salad with winged beans and ikan bilis. Light but packed with flavor.
2. Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Cutlet
Tender pork cutlet smothered in tangy oriental tomato sauce, served with garden peas, fries, and crisp coleslaw. It’s got just the right balance of savory and sweet.
3. Slow Cooked Hainanese Oxtail Stew
Slow-braised oxtail that melts in your mouth, served with a crusty French baguette. Perfect for when you want something rich and comforting.
4. Tanglin Style Pao Fan (Poached Rice)
Seafood lovers will adore this — barramundi, prawn, clam, scallop, and a soft onsen egg over delicate poached rice with puffed rice for a little crunch.
5. Indian Butter Chicken
Creamy butter chicken with turmeric pilaf rice studded with cranberries, naan bread, and tangy tomato chutney. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
6. Indian Butter Vegetables with Mock Lamb
Seasonal veggies and potatoes in buttery curry sauce, paired with cumin pilaf rice, grilled naan, and tomato chutney. A hearty vegetarian delight.
7. Vegetable & Mushroom Makhani Curry
Rich and creamy makhani curry with mushrooms and veggies, served with turmeric pilaf, naan bread, and tomato chutney. Comfort food with a twist.
8. Halibut Fish Masala Curry
Flaky halibut cooked in fragrant masala curry, served alongside turmeric pilaf rice, naan, and tomato chutney. A flavorful trip to India in every bite.
Appetizers
1. Tanglin Scotch Egg
A classic scotch egg served with crisp coleslaw, pickled onions, and ranch dressing. Great for sharing or starting your meal with something familiar yet special.
2. Mini Yorkshire Pudding (5pcs)
Perfectly fluffy little Yorkshire puddings — simple, warm, and great as a snack or side.
3. Spiced Curry Lamb Papadum Nachos
Crunchy papadums topped with spiced lamb curry, yogurt dressing, sweet and sour tomato chutney, garden peas, and pickled onions. So fun and flavorful!
4. Loaded Beef Nachos
Tortilla chips loaded with tomato beef bolognese, cheddar cheese, smashed avocado, Kalamata olives, and fresh tomato salsa. A hearty snack that hits all the right notes.
5. Roasted Angus Beef
Slices of roasted Angus beef served with horseradish cream and caramelized onion jam. Rich and savory, perfect with a glass of wine.
6. Truffle Fries with Parmigiano
Golden fries tossed in white truffle mayo and topped with Parmesan. Decadent and irresistible.
7. Singapore Chilli Crab Fries
Fries smothered in spicy Singapore chili crab sauce, served with ranch dipping sauce. A playful fusion snack packed with flavor.
8. Bikini (4pcs / 8pcs)
Toasted white bread sandwiches filled with prosciutto, Emmental cheese, white truffle mayo, and ranch sauce. Melty, savory bites you’ll want more of.
9. Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Nanban
Crispy chicken wings glazed in salted egg yolk remoulade and garnished with curry leaves. Rich, salty, and utterly addictive.
10. Sticky Coffee Chicken Wings
Sweet and sticky wings served with ranch sauce. The perfect balance of flavors that keeps you reaching for another.
Have the Best Lunch at Top Singapore Restaurant: Tanglin Cookhouse
If you’re planning a visit to Singapore, don’t just stick to the usual spots. Tanglin Cookhouse is one of the places in Singapore where you can experience beloved dishes with a fresh twist.
Living in Singapore or just here for a trip, this restaurant offers a real taste of popular Singaporean food without the usual fuss. Like when you add colorful veggies to brighten up a meal. Tanglin Cookhouse brings vibrant flavors to your lunch plate. It’s a simple way to enjoy the rich variety that makes dining out in Singapore so special.
Next time you want to try something new, think of Tanglin Cookhouse as your go-to spot for lunch ideas. It’s more than just food; it’s part of your experience in Singapore that’ll keep you coming back for more.