Singapore’s culinary landscape thrives with rich, aromatic flavors from the Middle East. From smoky grilled meats to delicate mezze platters, these restaurants bring authentic regional tastes to life. Whether you crave Lebanese classics or Turkish delights, there’s something for every palate.
Places like Ummi Beirut and Alaturka stand out with their chef-driven menus. Michelin-recognized spots and cozy eateries alike offer immersive dining experiences. Dishes like Persian kebabs and Turkish pide showcase the diversity of this cuisine.
For those eager to dive deeper, local guides highlight must-try spots. Each restaurant tells a story through spices, textures, and time-honored recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore offers diverse Middle Eastern flavors, from Lebanese to Turkish.
- Restaurants like Ummi Beirut and Alaturka provide authentic dining experiences.
- Signature dishes include Persian kebabs and Turkish pide.
- Chef-driven innovations elevate traditional recipes.
- Immersive settings enhance the cultural dining experience.
Discover the Best Middle Eastern Food in Singapore
The aroma of slow-cooked lamb and freshly baked flatbreads fills Singapore’s vibrant dining scene. Each region’s flavors tell a story—Lebanese mezze bursts with garlicky hummus, while Persian stews simmer with saffron and dried limes. Turkish pide, a boat-shaped flatbread, offers a crispy contrast.
At Ummi Beirut, the eggplant fatteh ($28) layers smoky roasted eggplant with yogurt and pine nuts. For Turkish delights, Alaturka serves a spinach pide ($24.90) stuffed with melted cheese. Vegetarians rave about Original Sin’s Mediterranean pizza ($31), topped with artichokes and olives.
Dining here isn’t just about taste—it’s an immersion. Aniba’s chef’s kitchen lets guests watch as roasted eggplant carpaccio is plated. Meanwhile, Ummi Beirut transports you to Beirut with its mosaic tiles and hanging lanterns.
“The balance of spices in Persian kebabs is an art—Shabestan’s charcoal grill masters it perfectly.”
Whether you crave tender lamb skewers or shareable mezze platters, every bite celebrates tradition and innovation. The city’s chefs honor roots while adding modern twists, making each meal unforgettable.
What Makes a Great Middle Eastern Restaurant?
The mark of an exceptional venue lies in its ability to transport guests through flavors and ambiance. It’s not just about the dish on the plate—it’s the story behind each bite, the warmth of the setting, and the chef’s passion.
Authenticity of Dishes
True excellence starts with ingredients. Restaurants like Alaturka, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, import tahini and sumac to stay true to Turkish roots. At Aniba, chefs blend regional spices with Asian techniques for bold twists.
Ambiance and Dining Experience
Themed decor elevates the meal. Ummi Beirut mirrors a Beirut souk with mosaic tiles and lanterns. Live grill stations at Shabestan add drama, while Aniba’s open kitchen lets diners watch chefs craft roasted eggplant carpaccio.
Signature Dishes and Chef Specialties
Mastery shines in unique creations. Try Aniba’s hamachi-topped pani puri ($12) or Shabestan’s saffron-infused Shah Pasand Chicken ($42). Lebanese Master Chef Mohamad Slim at Byblos Grill reimagines classics like lamb kibbeh with precision.
“A great cuisine respects tradition but isn’t afraid to innovate—our pani puri bridges continents.”
From mezze platters to fusion experiments, the menu balances heritage and creativity. Vegetarian options, like spinach pide, ensure every diner finds joy in the shared experience.
Ummi Beirut: A Taste of Lebanon in Robertson Quay
Robertson Quay pulses with energy as Ummi Beirut brings Lebanese hospitality to life. Mosaic tiles and hanging lanterns recreate a Beirut souk, while the aroma of charred lamb and toasted pine nuts fills the air. This restaurant masters the art of sharing, from smoky grilled meats to vibrant mezze platters.
Must-Try Mezzes and Grilled Meats
Start with the hazelnut falafel ($24), where crunchy exteriors give way to herb-flecked centers. The lamb makanek ($28)—spiced sausages glazed with lemon—offers a tangy punch. For groups, the Butcher’s Mix Grill ($68) delivers shareable mains like juicy chicken taouk and tender beef kafta.
Vegetarians savor the eggplant fatteh, layered with yogurt, crispy pita, and pine nuts. Each bite balances smoky, creamy, and nutty textures.
Lebanese-Inspired Cocktails and Wine
The bar complements dishes with inventive sips. Try the Arak-based cocktails ($26), anise-flavored and refreshing. Lebanese wines from Bekaa Valley ($20/glass) pair perfectly with rich flavors.
“Our mezze is a journey—every dip and skewer carries generations of tradition.”
Aniba: Sophisticated Middle Eastern Fusion
A discreet doorway in Singapore’s bustling streets leads to Aniba’s innovative culinary playground. Here, a chef-driven menu blends Middle Eastern traditions with Japanese and Indian twists. The air hums with the scent of za’atar and freshly baked kubaneh bread.
Roasted Eggplant Carpaccio and Panipuri
Aniba’s signature roasted eggplant carpaccio ($29) is a visual feast. Thin slices glisten with olive oil, dotted with rose petals and pomegranate seeds. For fusion lovers, the hamachi-topped pani puri ($12) cracks open to reveal citrus-spiked fish.
The ingredients tell a story—Jaffa Shore-line grouper ($79) swims in bouillabaisse broth, crowned with hummus cream. Even the bread selection surprises, from Jerusalem bagels to buttery kubaneh ($18).
Chef’s Kitchen and Cocktail Pairings
At the interactive kitchen counter, chefs plate dishes like edible art. Watch as they torch eggplant for carpaccio or layer spices into the showstopper grouper.
The bar elevates the experience with cocktail pairings. Try the saffron-infused gin blend, designed to complement smoky flavors. As the chef notes:
“Fusion isn’t about shock value—it’s about respecting roots while painting outside the lines.”
From hidden entrance to last bite, Aniba crafts a dining journey where every detail—flavors, textures, and theatrics—converge.
Alaturka: Award-Winning Turkish Delights
For nearly two decades, Alaturka has been redefining Turkish cuisine with its award-winning flavors. This Michelin-recognized restaurant transports diners to Istanbul through sizzling grills, freshly baked breads, and authentic hospitality.
Michelin Bib Gourmand Meze Platter
The signature Meze Tabagi ($35.90) is a colorful platter featuring six homemade dips. Creamy hummus shares the stage with smoky babaganoush, while spicy ezme and saksuka add vibrant contrasts. Warm sesame-studded bread completes this shareable feast.
Regulars rave about the Alaturka Mixed Grill—succulent lamb chops, chicken shish, and adana kebabs served with grilled vegetables. Each bite showcases the chef’s mastery of charcoal-fired restaurant classics.
Spinach and Cheese Pide
Wood-fired to perfection, the Ispanaklı Pide ($24.90) stars wilted spinach and molten cheese in a crispy boat-shaped crust. Pair it with ayran (yogurt drink) for a traditional combo.
“Our pide dough ferments for 48 hours—that patience creates the perfect crispness.”
End your meal with Turkish coffee, ceremoniously prepared in copper cezve pots. The rich brew, served with lokum sweets, mirrors the warmth of this 18-year-old establishment.
Shabestan: Persian Kebabs and Stews
The scent of saffron and sizzling lamb fills the air at Shabestan, a riverside gem known for Persian mastery. For over ten years, this venue has perfected charcoal-grilled kebabs and slow-cooked stews that honor Iran’s culinary heritage.
Signature Skewers and Saffron Chicken
The Lamb Kubideh ($42) stars minced lamb mixed with onions and spices, grilled over flaming charcoal. Its smoky crust gives way to juicy tenderness. For poultry lovers, the Shah Pasand Chicken marinates breast pieces in saffron and lemon for 24 hours.
Each dish comes with zereshk polo—fluffy basmati rice studded with barberries. The chef insists on using Iranian saffron for its vibrant color and floral aroma.
Appetizers That Tell a Story
Begin with the Traditional Platter ($48), featuring five regional specialties. The Mirza Ghassemi blends roasted eggplant with garlic and tomato, while Kashk-e-Bademjan tops fried eggplant with whey and mint. For Persian luxury dining, pair these with sangak bread baked on hot stones.
- Riverside ambiance: Overlook the water while enjoying Ghormeh Sabzi stew
- Vegetarian highlight: Charcoal-grilled cottage cheese kebabs
- Cultural touch: Saffron-infused ice cream for dessert
“Our Lamb Shandiz cooks for hours over charcoal—the patience creates melt-in-your-mouth textures.”
From the first mezze bite to the last sip of doogh (yogurt drink), Shabestan turns dining into a Persian celebration. Every detail reflects generations of spice-trading history and modern execution.
Conclusion: Savor the Best of Middle Eastern Cuisine
Exploring regional flavors reveals a world of spices, textures, and culinary artistry. From Ummi Beirut’s Lebanese mezze to Alaturka’s wood-fired pide, each venue offers a unique dining experience.
Whether you crave street-style falafel or elegant fusion plates, Singapore’s restaurants deliver. Vegetarians thrive at spots like Original Sin, while Persian stews at Shabestan showcase slow-crafted mastery.
Pair your meal with Arak cocktails or Turkish coffee for the full taste of tradition. Every dish invites you to savor the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern food—one bite at a time.