They say that old is gold and that cannot be any more true with restaurants such as Roland Seafood—the birthplace of chilli crab—, Guan Hoe Soon and Shashlik Restaurant in Singapore have distinguished themselves as some of the most iconic restaurants in the country.

They’ve withstood the test of time, some having been around for almost a century—which says a lot about their cooking—and some going down as legends in Singapore’s culinary history. For a blast to the oh-so-delicious past, here is our list of 14 heritage restaurants in Singapore you need to visit before they’re gone forever.

BAN HENG

Since 1972, Ban Heng Group of Restaurants has become a veteran of the culinary industry boasting over fifty years of experience in traditional Teochew and Cantonese cuisine. Their food has always remained impeccable with their various crab dishes, roast meat dishes and the ever popular Braised Slice Goose Meat in Teochew Style being some of our top favourites.

1 Maritime Square
#04-01, HarbourFront Centre
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 6278 0288 / +65 6278 1354
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

COLBAR

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days over some good Western food and a wide array of imported craft beers.

9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North

FATTY WENG

An icon in our culinary landscape and one that has contributed to the roaring success of Cantonese cuisine here in Singapore, Fatty Weng boasts more than 200 items to choose from hearty soups to substantial main dishes and while their offerings may look modern, they do well to preserve traditional cooking and preparation methods of old, ensuring that their food is kept one hundred per cent legit.

39 Smith Street,
Singapore 058952
Tel: +65 6221 3822
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

MOI LUM

It is uncertain when exactly in the 1920s that Moi Lum was founded. Regardless, the restaurant is still going strong more than 80 years on. They recently announced their official closure come 15 March 2019, which shocked foodies all over.

They are most widely known for their signature Crispy Fried Chicken and Golden Coin Beancurd—both unmatched in its taste, texture and the culinary mastery required to prepare them.

38 Maxwell Road,
Singapore 069116
Tel: +65 6226 2283
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

ROLAND SEAFOOD

From sea-front stall to an icon that’s steeped deep into Singapore’s restaurant history, Roland Seafood boasts some of the best seafood dishes in the country and, lo and behold, is where the beloved chilli crab was first invented.

89 Marine Parade Central, #06-750,
Singapore 440089
Tel: +65 6440 8205
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Good Chance Popiah

GOOD CHANCE POPIAH

Founded in 1977, Good Chance Popiah is the birthplace of DIY popiah and is by far, one of the best places to get your hands on one of the best in Singapore. We absolutely love their popiah but we also make it a point to order their Special Tofu and Braised Pork Trotter Beehoon—both are brilliantly done.

1 Jln Berseh, #01-15
New World Centre,
Singapore 209037
Tel: +65 9622 9445
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar

GUAN HOE SOON

Guan Hoe Soon is one of the last few standing institutions of authentic Peranakan dining in the historically Peranakan neighbourhood of Joo Chiat. They have been operating there since 1953 and continues to pride itself on making everything from scratch in-house from their sauces, soups marinate and sambal chilli.

The menu includes standard Peranakan dishes such as ayam buah keluak and babi pong tay. And their achar (served as an appetiser) even comprises chicken livers and gizzards—a long lost practice that only those of true Peranakan descent will know.

40 Joo Chiat Place,
Singapore 427764
Tel: +65 6344 2761
Mon to Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos / Paya Lebar

ISLAMIC RESTAURANT

Fast approaching a century of operations, Islamic Restaurant has served the likes of dignitaries such as Singapore’s late President Yusof Ishak and Malaysia’s ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak. Until today, the restaurant specialises in Malay and Indian food offering lip-smacking delights such as dum biryani and tandoori chicken.

745 North Bridge Road,
Singapore 198713
Tel: +65 6298 7563
Mon to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

PRIMA TOWER REVOLVING RESTAURANT

Established in 1977, the revolving restaurant is widely lauded for its signature Emperor’s Chicken, Shredded Scallops with Fish & White Egg and various dim sum offerings. The food standard has been kept consistently good all these years yet the food itself isn’t the restaurant’s only draw. As it’s name suggests, it revolves, giving diners a beautiful panoramic view of the Keppel Bay area.

201 Keppel Road,
Singapore 099419
Tel: +65 6272 8822
Mon to Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

RED STAR RESTAURANT

Standing tall as one of Singapore’s last bastions of authentic traditional dim sum, Red Star restaurant is a must-visit for dim sum fanatics. Dining here is truly as real as it can get to the old days, food carts loaded with steaming hot goodness and screaming old ladies included.

Chin Swee Road, #07-23 Block 54,
Singapore 160054
Tel: +65 6532 5266
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 7am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

SHASHLIK RESTAURANT

The story of the Hainanese-run Russian steakhouse, Shashlik, goes all the way back to the 1960s and news of their closure back in 2015 shocked the nation. Thankfully, they re-opened under a younger generation of owners who seek to keep the old world charm intact. Must-try dishes include their Eggs Millionaire—a dish of chopped eggs, bacon bits and parmesan gratin—, Shashlik of Beef, Borshch Soup and Baked Alaska.

545 Orchard Road, #06-19
Far East Shopping Centre
Singapore 238882
Tel: +65 6732 6401
(Closed on Mondays)
Sun to Sat: 12pm – 2.15pm, 6pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SINGAPORE ZAM ZAM

Renowned for their chicken, mutton and sardine murtabak, Singapore Zam Zam first started selling its famed Indian-Muslim cuisine back in 1908. This landmark eatery situated right across the Sultan Mosque also serves roti prata, nasi briyani and plenty of other dishes.

697-699 North Bridge Road,
Singapore 198675
Tel: +65 6298 6320
Daily: 7am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SPRING COURT

Crowned Singapore’s oldest family-run restaurant, Spring Court is where lovers of fine Cantonese cuisine flock to. For those who don’t know, perhaps you’ll be fascinated to know that it was these folks who first introduced what has now become popular Chinese dishes such as suckling pig and popiah.

52-56 Upper Cross Street,
Singapore 058348
Tel: +65 6449 5030
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

YET CON RESTAURANT

Having been around for over 70 years now, Yet Con Restaurant remains one of Singapore’s last bastions for authentic Hainanese food. Their signature Hainanese chicken rice is a must and they even have an option for hot pot—worth trying if your group is fairly big.

25 Purvis Street,
Singapore 188602
Tel: +65 6337 6819
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Hidden away at the rustic and relatively unexplored Portsdown road is Wessex Tavern, a quaint English-style cafe that serves delicious Western food and is a great place to head to for brunch.

This place was set up by none other than the younger generation of the Colbar family, so you know that they will only serve you the very best of hearty grub.

They have both alfresco and air-conditioned dining, so you can take your pick depending on how the weather is like. The cafe’s interior is nice and spacious, and the whole place is decorated in a very rustic manner, making you feel like you’re being taken back in time to an old-fashioned cafe.

In terms of food and beverages, they serve lots of great breakfast, brunch and lunch options such as Bangers & Mash (S$14), Big Breakfast (S$15.80), Tavern Pan-Fried Salmon (S$15.80), Homemade Shepherd’s Pie (S$8) and Homemade Beef Stew (S$13.80).

We decided to try their Avacado Sandwich which was served on multigrain bread with romaine, rocket, tomatoes, and alfalfa (S$8.90). The bread was a bit too hard for our liking, but that was just due to the nature of multigrain bread, so if you enjoy multigrain bread this would be perfect for you.

The bread was stuffed from edge to edge with vegetables and generous chunks of avocado, so much so that we had a hard time holding it even with both our hands. All in all, we feel that it was really worth the money even though it sounds very expensive.

Wessex Tavern really is a hidden gem that is worth exploring if you’re ever in the area. We recommend that you come here if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hectic city life.

Wessex Tavern
5B Portsdown Road #01-1
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 64757019
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

We’ve seen countless food and restaurant concepts from all over the world opening up here over the years and while Singapore remains a hub for all things new and trendy with regards to gastronomy, there are several heritage gems that still, and will always, bear timeless appeal.

These are the places that our parents and even grandparents used to frequent, the original hangout spots before the era of modern cafes and posh eateries. Taking a trip down memory lane, here is our list of 8 dining establishments that will transport you back to old Singapore.

BRITISH HAINAN

Tucked in the estates of Joo Chiat lies a quaint family-run restaurant—British Hainan—and dining here feels like we are taken back to 1960s. Once you step into the restaurant, you can find lots of vintage collectables like old gramophones, mixers and pay phone that we used in the past.

They serve multiple classic British dishes with a Hainanese twist, but the dishes to-die-for include their signature oxtail stew and their braised lamb shank.

75 Carpmael Road
Singapore 429812
Tel: +65 6336 8122
Mon to Sun: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

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COLBAR

First opened in 1953 at Jalan Hang Jebat to serve as the unofficial canteen for members of the British Army back in the day, Colbar is both a heritage site as well as a popular haunt for lovers of craft beer and a wide variety of both Chinese and Western grub.

The food is nothing much to rave about but what you do get is a charming and fascinating look into old colonial Singapore—and a couple of ice-cold artisanal beers too while you’re at it.

9A Whitchurch Road,
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 6779 4859
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

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COLONY

What sets Colony apart from other buffet restaurants is that they adorn a classic charm that transports you back to a time to when Singapore was still a developing state and the culinary journey at Colony will remind you of our heritage.

The Colony impresses even the most discerning taste buds through seven kitchens that showcase a mouth-watering spread of Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian, Western and local dishes.

7 Raffles Ave
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434 5288
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

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HEAP SENG LEONG

They say that you need to keep making changes in order to improve but Heap Seng Leong coffeeshop has proved that philosophy wrong. Established in 1974, this coffee shop has kept maintained its heritage by doing things the way it used to be done 40 years ago.

Apart from the traditional breakfast, Heap Seng Leong is well known for their kopi gu you, which is also known as butter coffee. The taste of kopi gu you is similar to that of a normal kopi but much creamier with a slice of cold butter that melts on top.

10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109
Singapore 190010
Daily: 4am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

KILLINEY KOPITIAM

Singapore’s second largest kaya toast chain with more than 20 outlets nationwide, Killiney Kopitiam is a well-established coffee shop with outlets conveniently located at popular locations, easy for their customers to find.

Many might think of Ya Kun when it comes to kaya toast but Killiney definitely puts up a good fight. Slathered with sweet kaya and butter in between the two slices of soft bread that have already been toasted to perfection, the aroma of the slightly burnt toast is hard to forget.

67 Killiney Road
Singapore 239525
Tel: +65 6734 3910 / 6734 9648
*Mon, Wed to Sat: 6am – 10pm
Tues & Sun: 6am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

(Killiney Kopitiam has multiple outlets)

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OLD SCHOOL DELIGHTS

Modelled to look like a typical classroom, Old School Delights is one of the most interesting vintage cafes we have ever been to. Decorated with chalkboards, wooden furniture, and a menu in a form of an exercise book, this place definitely makes us wish we were back in school because as much as we hated school, we have to admit that school days were definitely the best days of our lives.

Old School Delights strives to relive culinary memories of Singapore’s past through their authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations. A must-try at the café is their famous Old School Heritage Mee Siam that boasts over 30 years of history. The rich flavour of the mee siam paired with a touch of zesty lime just makes the whole dish perfect!

180 Kitchener Rd
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6458 4518
*Mon to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

(Old School Delights has multiple outlets)

TONG AH EATING HOUSE

Although kaya toast sets can easily be found in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that we just can’t get enough of, from its rustic, old-world charm to their stellar kopi and kaya toast offerings.

Their Traditional Kaya Toast Set comes with kaya toast, two soft-boiled eggs, and a drink. Toasted till slightly charred, the kaya toast was exceptionally crispy with a smoky aftertaste.

35 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 6223 5083
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

YET CON RESTAURANT

Founded in 1940, Yet Con Restaurant has been dishing out plates of their popular and oh-so-tasty chicken rice even way before the Japanese occupation.

At Yet Con, their chicken is cooked for hours, which enhances the flavours of the meat and gives it its signature tenderness. You can really feel the firm texture of the meat, which was not too drying and their chicken skin is definitely not oily at all.

25 Purvis Street
Singapore 188602
Tel: +65 6337 6819
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Tucked away in a cosy corner in between One-North and Buono Vista is Portsdown Road. This picturesque place is hidden away from the rest of bustling Singapore, and here, time stands still.

The place makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to Singapore in the 1950s, where the streets used to be lined with beautiful, rustic colonial houses and the roads were narrow and windy. Besides these beautiful houses, there are quite a few places to explore if you’re looking for a little adventure and even a few age-old eateries that still bear the same-old rustic appeal.

Here, we have compiled a list of 5 of the few things you can do at Portsdown Road if you’re up for an adventure.

ABANDONED WATER TANK

We discovered this place quite by accident while we were exploring the area. Tucked away on a hilly area of Portsdown road was an abandoned water tank, which is something that you don’t see much in Singapore these days.

The water tank added a beautiful somewhat rustic charm to the area, and it really made you feel as if you were living in the past. A shroud of eeriness and mystery surrounds the tank, but that is precisely why we enjoyed hanging around it.

The surrounding area of the tank is filled with lush greenery and makes for a great place to take some aesthetic photos. If you’re looking for a place to take some new photos to update the ‘gram’, this place is a great place to check out.

COLBAR 

Walk into Cafe Colbar and you’ll feel like you’ve taken a blast back into the past. Short for Colonial Bar, Colbar used to be an old British Canteen from 1954 that was preserved all the way till now.

Everything here is kept the way it was from 60 years ago, from the old CRT television sitting on the counter to the faded photographs that line the wall.

Cafe Colbar not only has a nostalgic infrastructure, it also has nostalgic dishes that have kept people coming back for years. Some of the must-try popular dishes here that we have tried are their Pork Cutlet Chips And Mushrooms, their Cheese Omelette And Chips and their Dry Hor Fun.

For those looking to quench their thirst, Cafe Colbar also carries a pretty extensive selection of ice-cold craft beers.

9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 67794859
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

JIMMY MONKEY CAFE AND BAR 

A little further down Portsdown road more towards the one-north area, is Jimmy Monkey Cafe and Bar. Jimmy Monkey is an Australian Cafe that was inspired by a monkey called Jimmy.

The interior of Jimmy Monkey is very unique, and if you look closely, you can spot a toilet bowl dangling from the ceiling, which adds a quirky touch to the decor of the place.

This eccentric little cafe is a great place to retreat to if you want a nice place to study or a chill place to hang out with your friends over some drinks. Some must-try items here are their signature blend Violet Crumble and Jimmy’s JM Breakfast Sandwich.

One-North Residences
9 One-North Gateway
Singapore 138643
Tel: +65 67778470
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Buono Vista

RISTORANTE PIETRASANTA 

This restaurant is pretty popular despite it being in a rather inaccessible location, which must mean that the food is really good If you’re planning to make a trip down to check them out we suggest that you make a reservation beforehand. They offer both alfresco and air-conditioned dining so it caters to anyone who wants either one.

Some of the popular items here are the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, Raviolo Rossi Con Burrata Al Pomodoro, and their Merluzzo Al Forno Con Vino Bianco Olive Nere E Pomodorini. All bit on the pricey side, which is around S$30 per pax, but worth the money.

5B Portsdown Road, #01-03
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 647995521
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5.45pm – 10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 5.45pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

WESSEX TAVERN 

This quaint English was cafe set up by none other than the younger generation of the Colbar family. They are a much more modern establishment as compared to Colbar, but they still sell great, delicious food just like their previous generation have been doing for years.

This place is great to go to if you want to have a chill day out and away from the busy city life.

We tried their Avacado Sandwich which was served on multigrain bread with romaine, rocket, tomatoes and alfalfa (S$8.90). Other popular must-try items there are their Homemade Lorraine Quiche, their Big Breakfast as well as their Homemade Beef Stew.

5B Portsdown Road #01-01
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 64757019
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days.

This rustic hideout is furnished with retro interiors like Formica tabletops and old photographs, which bring an air of nostalgia that sets you back in time. Whether you’re pining for a beer, some food or a place to chill, Colbar is one that’ll guarantee you a relaxed and tranquil experience.

Well-versed in the culinary art of Western cooking, the cooks here are able to whip up a wide array of both Western and Asian delights.

In addition to their stellar grub, they also carry a vast selection of English craft beers. From sweet ciders to bitter IPAs, they have it all.

Their Roasted Chicken Chips & Mushroom came with a piece of chicken leg and a small portion of potato wedges and mushrooms. Despite the small portion, the chicken was well roasted—super crispy on the outside and firm but not too dry on the inside.

The mushrooms were coated in savoury gravy, which complimented the chicken.

Next came the Pork Cutlet Chips & Mushroom which was equally good as well.

The meat was succulent and well coated in panko breadcrumbs, that did well to give the pork an incredible crunch as well as help to lock in moisture. The pork itself boasted a subtle yet pleasant note of rosemary and thyme which we thought worked brilliantly.

The dish that we enjoyed the most was definitely the Cheese Omelette & Chips. This classic dish was simple yet so ‘egg-cellent’.

The egg was really soft and fluffy and the warm melted cheese inside just oozes out with a slight cut. The portion and wonderful taste of the omelette definitely made up for the price.

Last on our table was the Dry Ho Fun, which we felt was nothing special. Just like a plate of fried kway tiao, it was filled with basic ingredients like small prawns, fish cakes and bean sprouts.

We liked that they added a good portion of fried shallots on top that added a crunch to the dish. However, the dish was simply too greasy to finish.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North