Zam Zam Restaurant
Directly opposite Sultan Mosque on North Bridge Road, Zam Zam has been feeding Singapore since 1908 — a no-frills Indian-Muslim institution where the murtabak (a generously stuffed, griddle-crisped flatbread served with curry) is so legendary it's practically a pilgrimage in its own right. Prices are jaw-droppingly reasonable for a place this historic.
What to Order
The murtabak — chicken or beef, stuffed with egg and minced meat, served with a bowl of curry — is the undisputed star. Order one and you'll understand why queues form here daily.
The nasi biryani is fragrant and rich with spice, while roti prata (flaky griddle-fried flatbread with curry) makes a brilliant lighter option. Wash everything down with a frothy teh tarik pulled tableside.
Prices run from around SGD 6 to SGD 12 for a full, filling meal — remarkable value for a restaurant this central and this storied.
History on a Plate
Zam Zam has been operating continuously since 1908, making it one of Singapore's oldest surviving restaurants. The décor is deliberately plain — the food is the whole point, and regulars wouldn't have it any other way.
The restaurant sits at the corner of North Bridge Road and Arab Street, right opposite Masjid Sultan, which means the lunch rush surges after Friday prayers. Arrive before noon or after 2 PM to skip the longest queues — they move quickly regardless.
The Neighbourhood Around It
After eating, the surrounding Bussorah Street and Muscat Street are lined with Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants and café terraces — a good spot for a post-meal coffee or mint tea while watching the mosque's golden domes catch the afternoon light.
Warong Nasi Pariaman at 738 North Bridge Road is another century-old institution nearby, serving traditional Nasi Padang — Minang-style rice with a spread of curries and sides that's equally beloved by locals.
Zam Zam Restaurant on video
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