Built in the 19th century, historic national monument CHIJMES is one of Singapore’s most beautiful infrastructures. The heritage complex – characterised by its distinct neo-classical gothic style – has been restored to its glorious yesteryears and today, the former chapel is home to a plethora of exciting dining destinations.

From award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant Coriander Leaf to modern Australian restaurant Whitegrass, here are The Best Lunch Spots in CHIJMES – Great Food, Even Better Ambience.

#1 BEBEK TEPI SAWAH

Bebek Tepi Sawah is a tranquil Balinese restaurant and it is one of the more popular names in the Island of God itself.

The outlet in CHIJMES is its first Singapore outpost, and you should start your meal with the best – Sate Lilit (S$22++), a serving of six piping hot succulent Balinese-style grilled chicken satays.

Chef recommended mains include the Bebek Tepi Sawah Crispy Duck (S$26++) and Grilled Mixed Seafood (S$42++).

The former is Bebek Tepi Sawah’s bestselling deep-fried traditional duck served with Balinese vegetables, rice and three types of sambal. Trust us – this is so worth the calories. The latter is grilled snapper, shrimp and squid served with Balinese vegetables and homemade sambal.

CHIJMES #02-01
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Tel: +65 6336 1015
Nearest Station: City Hall

#2 CARNIVORE

Carnivore is known to be a meat paradise where you stuff yourself silly with amazing meat. However, not many know about their great lunch deal, which is unbelievably inexpensive.

For just S$14.90, you get a soup of the day, a salad of choice (mesclun salad, sautéed seasonal vegetables, or herb corn), a side of your choice (mashed potatoes, Aglio Olio, garlic rice and more) and your preferred meat.

If you cannot decide on which meat to have, they have a Mixed Grill option where you get the best of the best – juicy Chicken Thigh, delicious Roast Pork and tender Beef Rump.

Lighter meat options to choose from include Fish En Papillote and Braised Whole Chicken Leg. Every set comes with a drink too!

CHIJMES #01-30
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6334 9332
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#3 CORIANDER LEAF

Multi-concept Coriander Leaf restaurant is famous for their cooking classes and authentic Asian cuisine with a contemporary touch. The menu changes every three to four months, so you can always look forward to new dishes every quarter.

Had a bad morning at work? Then make it up with the refreshing Marinated Prawn Salad topped with Grated Coconut (S$16++).

Other signature dishes include the Oven-roasted, Grass-fed Angus Ribeye Kecap Manis (S$36++) and Soft Shell Crab drenched in Salted Duck Egg Yolk Sauce and Curry Leaves (S$18++).

Lunch hour means desserts time too. Go for the White Rabbit Ice-cream Sandwiches (S$14++) – a unique delicious rendition on everyone’s all-time favourite childhood candy.

CHIJMES #02-01
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6837 0142
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: City Hall

#4 HARRY’S 

Harry’s may be known for drinks in their earlier days, but the new-age Harry’s Bar has a newly revamped menu that is perfect for all-day dining.

Over here at Harry’s, their lunch specials are priced at S$15++, complete with a drink of your choice. The selections include soft drinks, juices, coffee or tea.

The popular lunch picks will be Harry’s Jazz Burger, Grilled Tuna Steak and Chicken Masala.

The Harry’s Jazz Burger is always a wonderful lunch treat. Cheers one up, yes? With a juicy 250g Angus beef patty layered with crispy bacon, beetrot relish, field mushrooms, tomatoes topped with cheese and jalepeño sauce between perfectly buttered buns – this is definitely our favourite.

CHIJMES #01-14
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6337 0618
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 1am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: City Hall

#5 INDOCHINE CHIJMES

Admittedly, most people associate IndoChine as a watering hole instead of a lunch destination. But IndoChine at CHIJMES actually offers customers a comprehensive menu of traditional Southeast Asian tapas and bar nosh that are simultaneously affordable and scrumptious.

We recommend the Laotian Laksa aka Khao Poon Nam Pa (S$16++) – which is essentially a bowl of rice vermicelli dunked in light coconut soup, infused with Laotian ancient spices, herbs and fish extracts, finished with mixed vegetables, fish balls and tiger prawns.

Then, there is the Lemon Grass Creme Brûlée (S$14++) served with vanilla ice-cream that is a delightful twist to the usual custard dessert.

CHIJMES #01 – 21/22
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6332 1595
Daily: 11.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: City Hall

#6 PRIVÉ CHIJMES

Privé CHIJMES is a stunning cafe-cum-bar where you have the option of dining indoors or alfresco. Surrounded by lush greenery, the prettiest of bistros exudes such alluring laid back vibes that your Monday blues (or work week blues) are guaranteed to be driven away instantly.

And we love how all-day breakfast is served till 5pm on weekends!

The classic Eggs Benedict (S$16++) will make a perfect treat on a lazy Sunday afternoon. For something more filling, get the Signature Burger (S$27++) which consists of a wagyu beef patty, melted cheddar, streaky bacon and fries on the side.

Want something more out of the norm? Get the Pan-Roasted Sea Bass (S$27++) served with polenta parmesan cakes.

CHIJMES #01-33
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Eve of PH & Fri: 11.30am – 1am
PH & Sat: 10am – 1am
Sun: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: City Hall

#7 WHITEGRASS

Modern Australian fine dining restaurant Whitegrass might be a newcomer in the historic complex, but helmed by chef Sam Aisbet who previously worked in Sydney’s Tetsuya, the elegant establishment strives to showcase Australian cuisine with experimental takes and Asian twists. A two-course lunch set starts from S$48++.

Truth to be told, we were beyond impressed by the fantastic dining experience. The Shaved Hokkaido Scallops have been interestingly sous vide and rolled into delicate thin kuay teow sheets – what an ingenious idea!

While dishes are subjected to rotation based on seasonal availability, the 150 day grain fed Angus Beef short rib with green sauce, fried onions, capers, pickled baby cucumber and nasturtium – has been a main stay throughout.

CHIJMES #01-26/27
30 Victoria St
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6837 0402
Closed on Mondays and Sundays
Tue: 6pm – 9.30pm
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

CHIJMES has many beautiful restaurants, cafes and bars, but for now, these are the 7 best lunch spots in the compound. Do keep a lookout for more lunch selections at CHIJMES. For more updates, go to http://chijmes.com.sg.

This post is brought to you by CHIJMES.