Paya Lebar Square And PLQ Food Guide: 30 Places For Cheap Yakiniku, Truffle Hor Fun And More

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Food at Paya Lebar Square and PLQ

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With malls popping up one after another at Paya Lebar, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the aircon to access some good food. As the newest and largest mall in the area, Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) has a whopping 160 F&B stores. Together, the Paya Lebar Square and PLQ food spots add up to a long, intimidating list.

If you suffer from serious indecision when it comes to what to eat, this list of the best PLQ food and Paya Lebar Square food will point you in the right direction. 

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What to eat at PLQ

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1. COLLIN’S

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Image credit: COLLIN’S

For family-friendly meals that’ll please the crowd and not break the bank, pay a visit to COLLIN’S. The casual Western grill house has recently revamped their menu to feature hearty Western staples and all-new fusion classics, as well as a specially curated wine menu. Start off the meal with their Crispy Szechuan Mala Chicken Wings ($9.50++), where chicken is marinated with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chilli for a shiok, spicy kick. For mains, choose between pastas, seafood dishes, and their grilled meats, including their famed Signature Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs ($20++ for half a slab), starring fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs brushed with a smoky barbecue sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, dig into meats from the Reserve portion of their menu, and tuck into dry-aged steaks, as well as more premium cuts.

Unit number: #B1-01
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 2195
Website
COLLIN’S is not a halal-certified eatery.

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2. Yakiniku Like

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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 a halal-certified eatery.

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3. Wursthans Switzerland

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Image credit: @mischievous__hodophile

With its chic, modern interior and wooden accents, Wursthans Switzerland serves up Swiss cuisine and rosti in hearty portions. One of the OG mainstays of the PLQ food places, The restaurant prides itself in traditional Swiss favourites such as their signature Pilatus ($21.90), a Swiss version of a schnitzel. A piece of chicken is pounded and tenderised till thin and then coated in a batter and grilled till crisp.

Their customer-favourite is their Build Your Own Swiss Meal (from $16.90) where you mix and match your favourite protein, sides, and sauces with a rosti.

Unit number: #01-39
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 3:30pm, 4:30pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 9pm
Website
Wursthans Switzerland is not a halal-certified eatery.

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4. NeNe Neko

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Image credit: Esther Lai via Google Maps

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 Yakiniku Gyu Don ($15.90) and the Mentaiko Udon with Salmon ($20.90), and you can make it a set meal with gyoza, soup, sencha and more for $3. At night, indulge with your drinking buddies and choose from an assortment of kushiyaki, such as Mentaiko Yakitori ($3.60), Bacon Asparagus ($3.80) and Jidori Tsukune ($3.60). Their happy hours are from 12pm to 7pm, where you can enjoy a full pint of beer at $10. 

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

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5. Jimmy Monkey Cafe

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Image credit: @jimmymonkeycafe

People who frequent the West might recognise this cafe tucked away in one-north that’s always buzzing with liveliness. Fortunately, Easties will no longer be left out, because the popular Jimmy Monkey Cafe has finally swung its way over to PLQ. 

The cafe not only has an adorable monkey plushie mascot, but also has quirky dish names. Named after the Marvel character, The Hulk ($17++) is a sourdough toast topped with a generous dollop of avocado and creamy feta cheese. The cute Cheesy Vegemite Toast Soldiers ($14++) are toast fingers slathered with Vegemite and cheese, served with soft-boiled eggs for dipping. 

If you drop by their new outlet at PLQ, don’t forget to try their aromatic coffee brews made from their custom-built Slayer coffee machines.

Unit number: #01-10
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6290 4749
Website
Jimmy Monkey Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.

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6. Tipsy Bird Gastrobar

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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 estaurant and bar serves up a selection of high-end Western fare such as Angus Beef Tomahawk ($100++) andPork Tomahawk ($26++).

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 for $14.90++, 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 a halal-certified eatery.

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7. Western Mahua Noodles

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Image credit: @fudexperiments

This famous beef noodle chain from China has over 100 years of history under its belt and specialises in extra thin, hand-pulled noodles. With the opening of its second outlet in Singapore, Western Mahua Noodles is now serving their halal, handmade la mian in the East. 

Their most popular dish by far is the Signature Bone Broth Beef La Mian (from $10.80), which also has a spicy version. They use three kilograms of bones to stew one kilo of soup to achieve a deeper body, and the extra-thin noodles aid in soaking up the aromatic broth. If you prefer more flavour infused into your soup, try their Braised Beef La Mian (from $13.80), which carries a rich dark soy sauce flavour to complement the fatty pieces of beef. 

Unit number: #B2-28
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:15pm
Tel: 6970 5188
Website
Western Mahua Noodles is a halal-certified eatery.

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8. Fong Sheng Hao

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Image credit: @andrea_abl

Hailing from Taipei’s Shilin Market, the Taiwanese cafe Fong Sheng Hao has opened its first local outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter, bringing traditional charcoal-grilled toast to Singapore. Get a hearty breakfast fix with their toast sets, such as the popular Patty With 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 ($4.80) which has a smooth, roasted black tea flavour. It’s only slightly sweetened to allow the tea’s aroma to shine through. 

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

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9. elemen

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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 Salted Egg Pasta, Seaweed Tempura Tofu with Avocado Roll, and the ever-popular Wild Mushroom with 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 a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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10. CHICHA San Chen

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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 ($3.80), which is made from high-quality roasted tea leaves, giving it a deep, slightly bitter tea body and a lingering, sweet oolong aroma. 

We suggest topping this drink with fresh milk ($1.50) to add richness, and of course, some chewy pearls ($1) to properly complete the cup of bubble tea.  

Unit number: #02-27
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
CHICHA San Chen is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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11. Pondok Jawa

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Image credit: Choy Chengzhen via Google Maps

Originally from Scotts Road, Pondok Jawa has expanded to PLQ with a menu featuring authentic Javanese cuisine. 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: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Pondok Jawa is a halal-certified eatery.

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12. ChaTraMue

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Get your legit Thai milk tea fix att ChaTraMue’s flagship store at PLQ, where all their drinks, soft serves and more are made exclusively with Thai cha yen from the brand’s plantations. Choose from over 20 different menu items, including the classic red or green Thai milk teas (from $5.60). If you’re not big on tea, chocolate and coffee beverages are also available.

Unit number: #01-38
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Website
ChaTraMue is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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13. The Providore

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At The Providore, you can eat, drink and be merry with their Free Flow Wine deal, priced from $45.90++ per person for two hours. This allows you to enjoy a selection of red, white, and even dessert wines from a self-service tap. Pair it up with Western favourites such as Braised Beef Ribs with Truffle Mash ($49.80++), the decadent Lobster Mac & Cheese ($28++), and spicy Sichuan Chilli Pepper Chicken Wings ($13.80++) as a side. 

Unit number: #01-01B
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 12am, Sat-Sun 9am to 12am
Website
The Providore is not a halal-certified eatery.

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14. Paris Baguette

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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 a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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15. Donburi King

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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 a halal-certified eatery.

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16. London Fat Duck

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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 $21++, while half a duck costs $41++. A whole duck will set you back $78++. 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: #B1-16/17
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 a halal-certified eatery.

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17. Papa Ayam

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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 ($7.90), consisting of a crispy fried chicken slathered with a generous amount of sambal, or the Ayam Geprek Indomie ($8.50), 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: 9726 1300
Website
Papa Ayam is a Muslim-owned eatery.

Papa Ayam Review: Singapore’s First Ayam Geprek Brand With 15 Levels Of Sambal In Yishun

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18. Tai Er

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Tai Er is a new addition to the PLQ food directory, and 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 $33++), which sees fresh fish cooked in a balanced tangy-spicy sauerkraut soup. Another must-have main dish is the Stir-fried Beef with Pepper ($22++), which features tender beef slices in a mildly numbing spicy sauce. To quell the heat, get their Braised Cabbage with Soup ($10++) and Garlic Glass Noodles Prawn ($19++). 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 a halal-certified eatery.

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19. Playmade

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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 a halal-certified eatery.

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20. Super Sub

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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 Chicken Pesto ($8.80) to Yuzu Crab ($9.80), and even Truffle Egg Mayo ($9.80). 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-Sat 10am to 9pm
Tel: 9742 3095
Website
Super Sub is not a halal-certified eatery.

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What to eat at Paya Lebar Square

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21. 5 Little Bears

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This cosy eatery tucked away in the basement of Paya Lebar Square serves affordable Taiwanese food including wholesome rice bowls and deep-fried snacks. Their highlight item would definitely be the Taichung Braised Pork Rice, sold at only $5+. The dish is true to its Taichung roots, coming with a generous serving of small, fatty bits of braised pork belly, sour pickled mustard greens, and a marinated hard boil egg.  

For an easy takeaway snack, try their XL Chicken Chop ($5.50+) that is double-fried for extra crunch, and then coated with a liberal sprinkling of their addictive seasoning powder. 

Unit number: #B1-09
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6702 1098
Website
5 Little Bears is not a halal-certified eatery.

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22. Chicken Run

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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 $18.90 for small. 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/K4
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6702 1373
Website
Chicken Run is not a halal-certified eatery.

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23. Kajiken

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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.

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 a halal-certified eatery.

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24. Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang

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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 a halal-certified eatery.

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25. Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu Niku King

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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 ($14.90++) which comes with large slices of chashu, Japanese onsen egg, sprinklings of bonito flakes, and a rich miso broth. 

Unit number: #01-04
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 a halal-certified eatery.

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26. Delibowl

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Image credit: @kita.fam

Delibowl is an eatery that has gotten a fair share of buzz for being a halal restaurant selling traditional Sichuan dishes. 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: #01-77/80
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 9382 5685
Website
Delibowl is a halal-certified eatery.

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27. Bao’s Pastry

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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).

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

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28. Lotus Thai Restaurant

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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
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6386 7228
Website
Lotus Thai Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.

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29. Qin Ji Rougamo

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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 $5.50, 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 a halal-certified eatery.

Qin Ji Rougamo Has Crispy Chinese Burgers And Suan La Fen

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30. Saute Sushi

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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 a halal-certified eatery.

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Food at Paya Lebar Square and PLQ

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Whether you’re here for hours of shopping or just passing through, it’s definitely worth checking out the best food at PLQ, or indulging in the best food at Paya Lebar Square. 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 out KINEX food guide, and our Joo Chiat and Katong food guide!

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