Paya Lebar Square And PLQ Food Guide

Enjoying Japanese yakiniku doesn’t always need to be a group activity or carry a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for affordable, quick, and solo dining at PLQ, Yakiniku Like has got you covered. 

For the budget-conscious, I recommend getting their set meals, which start from under $10. Each meal comes with a protein of your choice, rice, soup, and a salad. While the set menu is value for money, check out their a la carte items for more premium meat options such as the Karubi 100g ($4.90) beef that is beautifully juicy and melty. If you’re a fan of barbecue but dislike the fuss, head to Yakiniku Like at PLQ for a speedy yakiniku fix!   

Check out our Yakiniku Like review.

Unit number: #B1-28
Opening hours: Daily 11 am to 10pm
Website
Yakiniku Like is not halal-certified.

3. NeNe Neko

NeNe Neko is a new addition to the PLQ restaurant scene that offers an all-day izakaya-style menu. You can find donburi and noodle dishes in the day, such as the Unagi Don ($20) and the Cold Truffle Somen ($28). At night, indulge with your drinking buddies and choose from an assortment of kushiyaki, such as Mentaiko Yakitori ($3), Bacon Asparagus ($5) and Minced Chicken Tsukune ($6). Order some drinks to wash it all down—you can order a full 300ml bottle of Asahi Beer for $10. 

Read our NeNe Neko feature.

Unit number: #01-K7, PLQ Plaza, Level 1
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 11am to 12am
Website
NeNe Neko is not halal-certified.

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4. Tipsy Bird Gastrobar

Image credit: Tipsy Bird

At Tipsy Bird Gastrobar, expect live music entertainment next to your platter of juicy well-aged steaks or fancy chai tow kway, with cocktails on the side. This restaurant and bar serves up a selection of high-end Western fare such as Beef Tomahawk ($100++) and Lobster Bisque Ravioli ($24++). Seafood lovers will be delighted to know that they offer Oysters for just $1.90 per piece on Tuesdays, with a minimum order of one dozen.

Also on the menu are elevated local favourites such as the Moonlight Truffle Beef Hor Fun ($26++) which is a dish perfumed with the aroma of truffle, and topped with slices of Wagyu striploin beef. They even have a lunch promo from 12pm to 3pm from $7.90++, where you can pick a main and add a drink and side for $3. 

Unit number: #01-08
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm to 1am, Sun 12pm to 11pm
Tel: 8879 6057
Website
Tipsy Bird Gastrobar is not halal-certified.

5. Fong Sheng Hao

Hailing from Taipei’s Shilin Market, Fong Sheng Hao has opened its first local outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter, bringing traditional Taiwanese breakfast food like charcoal-grilled toast to Singapore. Get a hearty breakfast fix with their toast sets, such as the popular Pork and Egg Cheese ($8.60), which features a thick cut of minced pork patty and a generous helping of melty cheese, sandwiched between two pillowy slices of grilled milk toast.

If you’re just dropping by for drinks, try their Fong Sheng Signature Milk Tea ($6.50) which has a smooth, roasted black tea flavour. It’s only slightly sweetened to allow the tea’s aroma to shine through. 

Read our Fong Sheng Hao review.

Unit number: #B2-04
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 9pm
Website
Fong Sheng Hao is not halal-certified.

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6. elemen

Image credit: FRan via Google Maps

One of the only vegetarian food places at PLQ, Modern vegetarian restaurant elemen reimagines plant-based dining with beautifully plated dishes, serving up an affordable course menu that is akin to a fine-dining restaurant. Their five-course ($28.80++) and eight-course ($33.80++) sets are great value for money, featuring creative and diverse entries such as Dry Laksa Angel Hair Pasta, Signature Charcoal Churros Rojak, and the ever-popular Wild Mushroom and White Truffle Pizza. Do take note that you will have to make a reservation on their website. 

Unit number: #03-13
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm
elemen is not halal-certified.

7. CHICHA San Chen

Image credit: @chichasanchen.sg

CHICHA San Chen is definitely one of the strongest contenders for best bubble tea in Singapore, in my book. Aesthetic-looking cups aside, I was truly won over by their signature Dong Ding Oolong Tea ($4), made from high-quality roasted tea leaves for a deep, slightly bitter tea body and a lingering, sweet oolong aroma. 

We suggest topping this drink with fresh milk ($2.30) to add richness, and of course, some chewy pearls ($1) to properly complete the cup of bubble tea.  

Unit number: #02-27
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am to 9:30pm
Website
CHICHA San Chen is not halal-certified.

8. Pondok Jawa

Image credit: Choy Chengzhen via Google Maps

Originally from Scotts Road, Pondok Jawa has expanded to PLQ Mall with authentic halal Javanese food. You can find classic and comforting Indonesian specialities such as Ayam Penyet ($9.90) and Nasi Goreng Jawa ($9.90), as well as family favourites such as Gado Gado ($9.90), Udang Petai Balado ($21.90), and Rendang Jawa Timur ($14.90). Don’t forget to add sides such as Telor Balado ($4.90) and Lontong Sayur ($9.90). 

Unit number: #02-09
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 8:45pm, Sat 11:30am to 9:15pm, Sun 11:30am to 8:30pm
Website
Pondok Jawa is halal-certified.

9. Paris Baguette

If you’re looking for a cafe to unwind with friends or get some work done, try Paris Baguette. Their PLQ cafe spans 2,400 square feet, with space to seat 80 comfortably. Look forward to bakes and desserts, including their popular Royal Pudding ($5.50), as well as a dine-in menu, and a wide array of fresh bakes. Don’t skip on their milk cream cheese buns, which come with filling made from premium Korean cow’s milk. Each is priced from $2.90.

Unit number: #01-03/05/06
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6719 2054
Website
Paris Baguette is not halal-certified.

10. Donburi King

Image credit: @thatgluttonn

Get your sashimi fix at Donburi King, a popular Japanese restaurant at PLQ specialising in seafood donburi bowls. The Aburi Salmon Belly Ikura Don ($25.80++) is loaded with torched salmon belly and salmon roe, while the Aburi Mekajiki Belly Don ($20.80++) similarly features fatty torched swordfish with minced tuna. If you’ve got room for sides, consider getting the Tako Yaki Ball ($4.90++), Ebi Fry ($4.90++), or the smooth and silky Chawanmushi Truffle Oil ($7.90++).

Unit number: #03-26
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Tel: 6611 6657
Website
Donburi King is not halal-certified.

11. London Fat Duck

Image credit: @ennzziezz

London Fat Duck, located right at the basement MRT entrance of PLQ, specialises in roasted Irish ducks, which are also known as the Wagyu of ducks. Here, a quarter duck costs $25++, while half a duck costs $45++. A whole duck will set you back $85++. The restaurant also offers deboning services, which start from $6++ per duck.

Their roasted ducks are marinated in a secret sauce that’s made in-house and are said to be juicy with just the right amount of fat. Don’t forget to dip the meat in their plum sauce for an extra tang!

Unit number: #B1-25
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6972 3825
Website
London Fat Duck is not halal-certified.

12. Papa Ayam

For some of the spiciest food in PLQ, look no further than Papa Ayam, the first battered fried chicken brand in Singapore that allows sambal enthusiasts to choose their preferred level of spiciness, from Level 1 to Level 15.

Go for the Ayam Geprek Original ($8.20), consisting of a crispy fried chicken slathered with a generous amount of sambal, or the Ayam Geprek Indomie ($8.90), which is essentially the same dish, but served with noodles instead of rice.

If you fancy eating for free, take on Papa Ayam’s spicy challenge and finish an upsized portion of Level 27 in under five minutes. Successful challengers will also earn themselves a spot on the restaurant’s wall of fame!

Read our Papa Ayam review.

Unit number: #B2-K3
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 8698 3921
Website
Papa Ayam is halal-certified.

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13. Tai Er

Tai Er is a must-visit if you’re a fan of Sichuan cuisine. Fun fact, they have over 600 outlets all over the world. It’d be remiss of you not to try the Signature Suancai & Fish (from $29.80++), which sees fresh fish cooked in a balanced tangy-spicy sauerkraut soup. Another must-have main dish is the Golden Flame Stir-Fried Beef ($22.80++), which features tender beef slices in a mildly numbing spicy sauce. To quell the heat, get their Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup ($21.90++) and Garlic Glass Noodles Prawn ($20.90++). These two boast rich yet familiar flavours that serve as hearty and comforting accompaniments to the meal.

Unit number: #04-10
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Tai Er is not halal-certified.

14. Playmade

Another popular place to get your BBT fix at PLQ is Playmade. Unlike other BBT joints in Singapore, Playmade is known for making a variety of different flavoured pearls by hand. Flavours include Pink Cactus, Black Sesame, Burnt Caramel and more. Most of the tea flavours here are your standard bubble tea array, but Playmade also regularly has seasonal drinks that are a must-try. Prices average $6 a drink.

Unit number: #B2-K5
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6502 7856
Website
Playmade is not halal-certified.

15. Super Sub

Singapore is chock full of burger joints, but hotdog specialists are few and far between. Super Sub is one of the latter. At its PLQ outlet, you can get sausages with a variety of toppings, from Oh My Mac ‘N’ Cheese! ($10.90) to Heavenly Yuzu Crab ($11.90), and even Truffle Egg Mayo ($10.90). Toppings here are very generous, so you’ll definitely find yourself stuffed. All orders are served with tortilla chips but you can add on dips for $3.

Unit number: #01-K2
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:45am to 9pm, Sat 8:30am to 6pm, Sun 8:30am to 8pm
Tel: 8011 0010
Website
Super Sub is not halal-certified.

16. Tanglin Cookhouse

Head down to Tanglin Cookhouse for British food with a local flair. Start your meal off with their signature Tanglin Scotch Egg ($19++)—a soft-boiled egg encased in sausage meat that’s rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried till golden brown. Then, get their Norwegian Salmon Wellington ($36++), a lighter version of the famed British classic, featuring salmon and cream cheese garlic spinach wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust, served with mashed potatoes and horseradish cream.

Unit number: #01-07
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Tel: 6592 4572
Website
Tanglin Cookhouse is not halal-certified.

17. Pura Brasa

For authentic European food, go to Pura Brasa, which hails from Barcelona, Spain. Their Seafood Charcoal Paella (from $39++) is a must-get: charcoal oven-grilled Spanish rice simmered in a flavourful seafood stock for a wok hei-like aroma, topped with a medley of fresh seafood, including clams and prawns. Carnivores can get the Josper-grilled Argentinian Striploin ($35++), chargrilled over charcoal flames and accompanied by crispy fried potatoes and bright house-made chimichurri.

Unit number: #01-01
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am to 11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am to 12am
Tel: 9672 6025
Website
Pura Brasa is not halal-certified.

18. Tomoro Coffee

Those in need of a big dose of caffeine can get their fix at Indonesian coffee brand Tomoro Coffee. They pride themselves on using only 100% Arabica beans, which lends their drinks a smooth, naturally sweet aroma. You can’t go wrong with TOMORO Aren Latte (from $6.20), an iced latte that’s sweetened with aren sugar, an Indonesian palm sugar.

Read our Tomoro Coffee review.

Unit number: #01-08
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm
Website
Tomoro Coffee is not halal-certified.

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19. Char

Michelin-approved Char has opened an outlet in PLQ Kopitiam, serving their iconic char siew and siew yoke that landed them on Michelin Guide’s 2018-2019 Fine Cantonese Food list. To savour both meats, get their Char Siew & Roast Pork Platter ($11), or if you’re dining alone, get their Char Siew & Roast Pork Noodles ($7.70), comprising the same two meats sitting on a bed of QQ egg noodles.

Read our Char PLQ mall outlet feature. 

Unit number: #04-11
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 10:30am to 9:30pm, Fri 9:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Char is not halal-certified.

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20. Wine Connection Bistro

Fun fact: Wine Connection Bistro sells more than just wine. You can order a plethora of tipples, tapas, mains and more. Order a glass of wine, starting from $9++, alongside your dinner for an intimate date night spot. We’d recommend the Vongole ($20++)—al dente spaghetti tossed in a garlicky, spicy sauce, and loaded with fresh clams.

Unit number: #01-07
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am to 11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am to 12am
Tel: 8865 4286
Website
Wine Connection Bistro is not halal-certified.

What to eat at Paya Lebar Square

Check out these restaurants at Paya Lebar Square for more food options.

21. Chicken Run

Chicken Run, located on the second floor of Paya Lebar Square, serves up spicy fusion cuisine in claypots, best for the days when you’re craving some heat and warm comfort food. This place is great for those who love to customise their meals, as their menu offers an extensive list of add-on items and enough options for you to individualise each claypot. 

A popular pick here is the Laksa Chicken Pot, starting from $12.90 for the smallest size. A word of caution: choose your spiciness level carefully, because this broth brings both intense flavour and numbing heat. 

Unit number: #02-18/19/20
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6702 1373
Website
Chicken Run is not halal-certified.

22. Kajiken

Image credit: @kajiken_singapore

From ‘gan mian’ and dry ramen to Japanese bak chor mee, Kajiken’s maze soba dish has been given many titles by customers over the years. As the pioneering restaurant to bring this unique style of ramen to Singapore, Kajiken is known for its Taiwan Mazesoba Nagoya Style ($13.80++) which comes with springy dry noodles, spicy minced pork, and a gooey soft-boiled egg nestled in the middle. You can even get their outlet-exclusive Japanese Clam Mazesoba ($14.80++), loaded generously with briny clam meat.

Break the oozy yolk before giving the noodles a good, long mix. The rich yolk will combine with the savoury ramen sauce and coat the noodles. Each mouthful delivers a spicy kick from the minced pork, followed by soft noodles, and finished with a fresh crunch from the spring onions. With their free noodle top-ups, this is a definite must-try for noodle fans! 

Unit number: #01-86
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6844 9915
Website
Kajiken is not halal-certified.

23. Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang

If you’re looking for quick and affordable cai fan around Paya Lebar, Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang has got your back. The Paya Lebar Square restaurant offers an extensive range of Sichuan and Chongqing-style mini bowls, spanning over 20 dishes, and are priced by colour, ranging from $1.90 to $5.90. Popular bowls include the Stir Fried Shredded Potato with Sour & Spicy, Chilled Cucumber with Garlic Sauce, and Steamed Egg with Soy Sauce.

Read our Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang feature. 

Unit number: #B1-15
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang is not halal-certified.

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24. Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King

The last and most well-known of the Keisuke clan is Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King. With several Ramen Keisuke restaurant variations open around Singapore, this one at Paya Lebar Square specialises in the classic Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90++), and meat-loaded ramen. For a full taste of what the famous ramen chain has to offer, get the Niku King Miso Ramen ($15.90++) which comes with large slices of chashu, Japanese onsen egg, sprinklings of bonito flakes, and a rich miso broth. 

Unit number: #01-02/03/04
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6341 6123
Website
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King is not halal-certified.

25. First Bowl Rice Kitchen

Image credit: @kita.fam

First Bowl Rice Kitchen is an eatery that has gotten a fair share of buzz for being a halal restaurant in Paya Lebar Square selling traditional Sichuan food. The crowd-favourite Mapo Tofu ($7.75) features rice topped with silken tofu, fermented beans, and Sichuan peppercorn. For something different, try their Butter Chicken ($8.85) or Stewed Beef Brisket with Tomato ($9.85).

Unit number: #01-80
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Website
First Bowl Rice Kitchen is halal-certified.

26. Bao’s Pastry

Bao’s Pastry, a popular bakery chain from China, has made its way into Singapore, with its first outpost located in Paya Lebar Square’s Scarlett Supermarket. This means that you don’t have to travel all the way to China to get your hands on their iconic Xiao Bei Crispy Seaweed Floss Cake ($3.60). These are filled with sweet cream and have an exterior boasting cottony, sweet pork floss and strips of seaweed for extra umami. They also have an assortment of other baked delights such as the Pineapple Pastry ($3) and the Croissant Egg Tart ($2.90).

Read our Bao’s Pastry feature.

Unit number: #B1-05
Opening hours: Daily 9:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Bao’s Pastry is not halal-certified.

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27. Lotus Thai Restaurant

For some of the best food in Paya Lebar Square, Lotus Thai Restaurant is the place to head to if you’re craving some classic Thai flavours. The Mango Salad ($7.80++), a quintessential Thai appetiser, is said to be fragrant and tangy. The thinly julienned mango slices soak up the sauce for a pleasantly sour and sweet aroma. This balance of tart and sweet is very characteristic of Thai cuisine, and shows up most evidently in the clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup ($10.80++), which is accompanied by a kick of spice. 

Unit number: #02-13/14/K1
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6386 7228
Website
Lotus Thai Restaurant is not halal-certified.

28. Qin Ji Rougamo

For the uninitiated, rou ga mo refers to a popular street snack from the Shaanxi province in China. These Chinese “hamburgers” can be found at Qin Ji Rougamo, which is located in the mall’s basement, right next to the escalator. Priced from $5.80, the rou gao mo are baked fresh upon order and come in different fillings such as pork, chicken, vegetables, and black pepper beef.

The stall also offers a number of noodle dishes, including the Sour & Spicy (Potato Noodle) With Minced Pork ($7.80) and Cold Noodles Skin ($6.50), which are two best-sellers.

Read our Qin Ji Rougamo review.

Unit number: #B1-08
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6970 9567
Qin Ji Rougama is not halal-certified.

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29. Saute Sushi

Image credit: @plantzmanz

You can now bring your vegetarian or vegan friend to Saute Sushi, the first 100% plant-based kaiten sushi concept in Singapore. Plus, they’re also halal-certified!

Take a pick from their main sushi menu, featuring Abi Avocado ($15.90++) and Lion Mane Mayo ($3.30++), or go for their hearty rice or noodle bowls. The Saute Tomato Stew Ramen ($13.10++) comprises a bowl of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables in a red tomato stew, while the Teriyaki Abi Fry ($13.10++) sees a plant-based fried “ebi” sitting on top of fluffy Japanese rice.

Address: #B1-19
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 8870 3565
Website
Saute Sushi is halal-certified.

30. Onkei

Image credit: Miracle via Google Maps

Japanese tonkatsu has been on the rise lately, and if you’re a fan of this crispy pork cutlet dish, you should check out Onkei, a tonkatsu speciality restaurant located in Paya Lebar Square. Its standout is the Onkei Signature Katsu Set, featuring its signature 168-hour wet-aged pork tonkatsu that’s said to be juicy and tender with shatteringly crunchy breading.

Unit number: #01-85
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6243 0337
Website
Onkei is not halal-certified.

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Paya Lebar Square and PLQ food places

Whether you’re here for hours of shopping or just passing through, it’s definitely worth indulging in the best food at Paya Lebar Square and PLQ Mall. The assortment of food options within these Paya Lebar malls is more than enough to satisfy everyone’s appetites.

For more food gems in the east, we have our cafes in the East guide. If you’re sticking to the area around Paya Lebar, then eat your way through our KINEX food guide, and our Joo Chiat and Katong food guide!

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