Singapore is home to several restaurants that have been pleasing customers for decades. These historic restaurants have shown they can stand the testament of time. In fact, these traditional establishments offer a rich heritage culinary fare like no other, from old-school Indian cuisine to age-old Singaporean favourites, and more…diners will be in their element. Here are eight of our favourite oldest restaurants in Singapore.
1. Tiffin Room
The iconic Tiffin Room at Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the oldest restaurants rooted in a rich history since its launch in 1892. The stylish colonial restaurant embraces its roots carefully preserving interiors with reinstated fixtures. Known for its authentic North Indian cuisine, served in traditional tiffin and thali boxes, Tiffin Room is a unique dining experience. Menu highlights include lamb-filled Rajasthani Laal Maas, Methi Chaman, Gulab Jamun, and plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, to name a few. Helming the kitchen for almost a decade is award-winning native Indian Chef Kuldeep Negi. Plus, there’s a beautiful private dining room that’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays or engagement parties.
📍1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
2. Zam Zam
Founded in 1908, Zam Zam is one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore situated opposite the Sultan Mosque in the Kampong Glam district. The founder of Zam Zam was Haji Mahmud from the Malabar Coast who opened his restaurant next to two of his childhood friend’s eateries, one being Abdul Raheman’s Victory Restaurant, also on the list. Today, Zam Zam serves delightful Malaysian and Indian cuisine, from popular murtabak to curry varieties, and more. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest restaurants in Singapore with meals from as little as $4.
📍697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675
3. Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant
Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is popular for being one the oldest Peranakan restaurants in Singapore. The old-school eatery was founded by Yap Chee Quee in 1953. Today, it has a strong reputation as a family-run business preserving tradition flavours of Peranakan cooking, with recipes passed down through generations, and it’s a popular dinner choice among Singaporeans. Customer favourites include traditional dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, Fish Head Curry, and Sambal varieties, to name a few.
📍200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427471
4. Killiney Kopitiam
Founded in 1919, Killiney Kopitiam is one of Singapore’s longest-standing cafes serving Hainanese coffee. It was originally named Kheng Hoe Heng Coffee Shop when it was founded by an immigrant from China’s Hainan Island. The original location was a shophouse at 67 Killiney Road. Today, customers can enjoy a little bit of nostalgia while tucking into an all-day local fare such as curries, laksa, kaya toast, alongside top-quality coffees and teas. Interestingly, the brand has expanded to thrive overseas in places like Malaysia and the United States.
📍Various Locations
5. Spring Court
Spring Court is the oldest family-run restaurant in Singapore. The popular restaurant opened in 1929 by Ho Loke Yee, first known as Wing Choon Yuen at Great World Amusement Park, and today serves the best Singaporean Chinese cuisine. Enjoy signature dishes like deep fried yam rings, roasted chicken, suckling pig, and some special Indian and Malay flavours. As of 2024, Spring Court is housed in a five-storey shophouse in Chinatown, accommodating up to 650 guests, and offering facilities like private dining and karaoke.
📍 52-56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348
6. Ananda Bhavan
Ananda Bhavan launched in 1924 and remains the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. Known for serving a splendid selection of South and North Indian food, from signature pratas to drooling curries, customers are left seriously pleased. Today, the business boasts five establishments across Singapore and extends its services to offer catering and home delivery. Definitely, one of the best oldest restaurants to dine at in Singapore.
📍Various Locations
7. Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine
Another one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore is Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine. Founded in 1845 as a club, it’s been serving delicious Teochew cooked meals for nearly two centuries. In fact, authentic recipes have been passed down through generations with the likes of steam pomfret and suckling pig, porridge lunches, and seafood feasts.
📍190 Keng Lee Rd, #01-02 Chui Huay Lim Club, Singapore
8. Victory Restaurant
Singapore’s Victory Restaurant is well-known for its authentic Indian and Muslim cuisine. Established in 1910 by Abdul Raheman, and known for delicious murtabak, the dining spot has a long-standing rivalry with neighbouring restaurant Zam Zam. Tuck into a feast of generous portions of murtabak, nasi biryani, fried dishes, and more.
📍701 North Bridge Rd, #701, Singapore 198677
SEE MORE: The Best Restaurants To Tick Off In Singapore