Paya Lebar Square And PLQ Food Guide: 28 Places For Cheap Yakiniku, Truffle Hor Fun And More

Food at Paya Lebar Square and PLQ

With malls popping up one after another at Paya Lebar, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of aircon to access some good food. As the newest and largest mall in the area, Paya Lebar Quarter 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 food, this list of must-try grub in these malls will point you in the right direction. 

What to eat at PLQ

 1. Kanada-Ya

With outlets around the world in Japan, Hong Kong, and even Barcelona, Kanada-ya has finally opened its first outlet in Singapore. A must-order is their Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen Special. Priced at $18.90++, the bowl comprises a generous portion of belly chashu, a wealth of toppings such as nori, wood ear fungus, spring onions, and a taste of their rich 18-hour pork bone broth. 

The ramen joint has also brought over their wildly popular Truffle Ramen Special ($26.90++) from its flagship outlet in London. The flavours of this noodle dish are so potent that it has been compared to a cream of truffle soup. However, the restaurant only prepares 20 bowls of this truffle ramen in a day, so head down early to avoid disappointment.

Check our Kanada-Ya review!

Unit number: #03-30
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website

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2. Yakiniku Like

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, 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 here for a speedy yakiniku fix!   

Check out our full review of Yakiniku Like Singapore!

Unit number: #B1-28
Opening hours: Daily 11 am to 10pm
Website

Yakiniku Like Review: Popular Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant For Solo Diners Opens In Singapore

3. Wursthans Switzerland

Image credit: @mischievous__hodophile

With its chic, modern interior and wooden accents, Wursthans Switzerland serves up Swiss cuisine and rosti in hearty portions. The restaurant prides itself in traditional Swiss favourites such as their signature Pilatus ($19.90) which is 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 $15.90) where you mix and match your favourite protein, sides, and sauces with a rosti.

Unit number: #01-39
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9pm
Website

4. Morphine Coffee

Image credit: @themorphinecoffee

Morphine Coffee is a micro-roastery and grilled sandwich stop in PLQ. They serve three types of toasts: the classic Grilled Cheese & Ham ($4), Spiced Tuna ($4.60), and the novel-sounding Orange Kaya Butter ($2.60). These, together with a bottle of their aromatic Hojicha Latte ($5.50), are easy to grab-and-go before heading to work.

Their menu also includes comprehensive tasting notes and the background for each of their coffee brews. For instance, their GA-YO ($5.50) cold brew is created from beans from Sumatra and Brazil, and apparently tastes like roasted walnut and sea salt caramel. 

If you’re not into artisan coffee, they also sell familiar coffee shop staples such as Coffee O ($1.90) and Coffee C ($2.10), elevated with the use of medium roast Uganda Robusta. 

Unit number: #01-K5
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8:45am to 8:30pm, Sun 8:45am to 6pm
Website

5. Mom’s Touch

Image credit: @fillthecraves

Unit number: #01-37
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 11pm
Website

6. Hibiki Sake Bar & Dine

Image credit: @poomsandpoms

With their state-of-the-art alcohol dispensers and their Japanese bar setup complete with a lengthy bar counter, Hibiki Sake Bar & Dine looks like a place made for late-night sake. If you drop by in the afternoon, the restaurant also has set lunch deals to pair with some mid-day drinks. Under their lunch menu, Hibiki features some common Japanese dishes such as a Yakitori Set ($17++) and a Buta Don Set ($18++) which consists of their tender braised pork belly chashu served atop rice. 

For the full Japanese bar experience, take one of the counter seats along the sleek bar. Alternatively, on cooler evenings, enjoy some alfresco dining with their outdoor seats. 

Unit number: #01-07
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
Tel: 6909 9986
Website

7. Hokey Poki

Image credit: Hokey Poki’s Facebook page

Poke bowls aren’t only for trend lovers or health nuts. At Hokey Poki, the Hawaiian dish is given a Japanese twist, resulting in colourful, quirky dishes like poke soba bowls. 

One of their most popular items, the Salmon Poke Soba ($14.90), is served with marinated cubed sashimi atop a traditional zaru (bamboo tray). Apart from soba, they also have chirashi, salads, hotplate teppanyaki sets, sushi, and more.

Unit number:  #B2-26
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
Website

8. Jimmy Monkey Cafe

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 is finally swinging its way over to Paya Lebar. 

The cafe not only has an adorable monkey plushie mascot, but also has quirky dish names. Named after the Marvel character, The Hulk ($16++) 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, don’t forget to try their aromatic coffee brews made from their custom-built Slayer coffee machines.

Unit number: #01-10
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 10:30pm
Tel: 6777 8470
Website

9. Tipsy Bird Gastrobar

Image credit: Tipsy Bird’s Facebook Page

At the 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 newly opened restaurant and bar serves up a selection of high-end Western fare such as their Award Winning T Bone Steak ($68++ for 500g). 

Also on the menu are elevated local favourites such as the Moonlight Truffle Beef Hor Fun ($23++) which is a dish perfumed with the aroma of truffle, and topped with slices of Wagyu striploin beef. 

Unit number: #01-08
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 8879 6057
Website

10. Western Mahua Noodles

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 $10.30), 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 $14.30), which carries a rich dark soy sauce flavour to complement the fatty pieces of beef. 

Unit number: #B2-28
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6252 6854
Website

11. Donabe Makino

Image credit: @aquiver_singapore

Head to Donabe Makino if you’re craving some warm hotpot while shopping in PLQ. This Japanese shabu shabu restaurant offers a whole gamut of ingredients, including nine different soup bases for a true DIY hotpot experience. Their Mentaiko Soup ($12++) incorporates marinated Alaskan pollock roe into the base to give it a strong savoury flavour with a hint of spiciness. 

For lovers of red meat, we recommend the Karubi Short Ribs ($16++), which are premium beef slices cut so thin that only a few seconds of swishing is needed to cook the tender beef. Finally, wrap up your meal with a serving of Matcha Monaka ($6.20++), a Japanese waffle served with earthy green tea ice cream and sweet azuki beans. 

Unit number: #03-28/29
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6972 2770
Website

12. Fong Sheng Hao

Image credit: @andrea_abl

Hailing from Taipei’s Shilin Market, the Taiwanese cafe Fong Sheng Hao has opened its first local outlet in Paya Lebar, bringing traditional charcoal-grilled toast to Singapore. Get a hearty breakfast fix with their toast sets, such as the popular TW Special Pork Patty ($7.30 with Kopi) 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.

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If you’re just dropping by for drinks, try their Fong Sheng Signature Milk Tea ($3.90) which has a smooth, roasted black tea flavour. It’s only slightly sweetened to allow the tea aroma to shine through. 

Unit number: #B2-04
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm
Website

13. Red Ginger

This family-run halal cafe in IMM has finally arrived in the East, bringing all their customer favourites to Paya Lebar. It’ll be hard to not over-order here with their large portions of the impressive Curry Fish Head ($19.90) and Claypot Beef Hor Fun ($8.20). Their classic Nasi Pattaya ($7.90) makes for a quick wholesome lunch, coming with fragrant vegetable fried rice topped with large shelled prawns and bouncy omelette.

If you love spice, their sambal belachan is a must-try, to spike your dishes with a strong kick of spice and a bite of tartness.

Unit number: #B2-31
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6569 5001
Website

14. CHICHA San Chen

Image credit: @chichasanchen.sg

Amongst all the new bubble tea shops that popped up in Singapore, CHICHA San Chen was definitely the strongest contender in my book. Aesthetic looking cups aside, I was truly won over by their signature Dong Ding Oolong Tea ($3.20) that is made from high quality roasted tea leaves, giving it a deep, slightly bitter tea body and a lingering, sweet oolong aroma. 

I suggest topping this drink with fresh milk ($1.50) to add richness, and of course, some chewy pearls ($0.50) to properly complete the cup of bubble tea.  

Unit number: #02-07
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website

15. Bonchon

Image credit: Bonchon

Bonchon is your one-stop for Korean food in PLQ. They are best known for their double-fried chicken, available in soy garlic or spicy marinades, but serve an extensive selection of other Korean dishes too—from bibimbap to kimchi fried rice. One thing to note is that all the sauces here are sourced from Busan for added authenticity. Most of their menu is priced under $15!

Unit number: #02-09
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website

16. ChaTraMue

Get your legit Thai milk tea fix with ChaTraMue, 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 10am to 9:30pm
Website

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17. ChowZan Dessert

There are over 60 different kinds of traditional Chinese desserts available at ChowZan Dessert, served hot or cold. They have all your usual suspects—think orh nee, mango pomelo sago, and cheng tng—priced from $4, but they also have some pretty unique options on the menu. The White Chendol ($4) is a crowd favourite, with white coconut jelly in place of the usual pandan. You can even get durian as a topping!

Read our ChowZan dessert review.

Unit number: #01-02
Opening hours: 10:30am to 10pm
Website

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18. Rempapa

Run by MasterChef Singapore judge and esteemed chef Damian D’Silva is Rempapa, a new restaurant that aims to elevate local favourites with inventive flairs. This is definitely not one of those places that’ll charge you an arm and leg for ‘atas’ chicken rice—all the twists are cleverly done, and worth the price. Their Sri Lankan Chicken Curry and Tomato Chutney with String Hoppers ($16++) is one example. The local breakfast of curry and putu mayam are put together to create savoury magic, with a fruity, rich gravy and chicken leg served alongside.

Read our Rempapa review.

Unit number: #01-01/02/03
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9459 1603
Website

19. 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 ($4.80), 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 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6955 8800
Website

Paris Baguette Opens In Paya Lebar Quarter With Two New Royal Pudding Flavours

What to eat at Paya Lebar Square

20. 5 Little Bears

This cosy eatery tucked away in the basement of Paya Lebar Square serves affordable Taiwanese fare including wholesome rice bowls and deep-fried snacks. Their highlight item would definitely be the Taichung Braised Pork Rice, sold at only $5 nett. 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 ($4.80) which is double-fried for extra crunch, and then coated with a liberal sprinkling of their addictive seasoning powder. 

Check out our full review of 5 Little Bears!

Unit number: #B1-09
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6702 1098
Website

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21. Chicken Run

Chicken Run 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. 

Come by during lunch to enjoy their lunch special: Laksa Pot with rice at $10.90+. A word of caution: choose your spiciness level carefully, because this broth brings both intense flavour and numbing heat. 

Check out our full review of Chicken Run!

Unit number: #02-18/19/K4
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6702 1373
Website

Chicken Run Review: Customisable Clay Pot Laksa At $10.90+ At Paya Lebar Square

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 Original 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 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6844 9915
Website

23. Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke

Chef Keisuke Takeda has certainly carved his name in the Paya Lebar food scene with not one, but three of his restaurants open in the same mall. The first of the trio is Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke, delivering a selection of popular Japanese deep-fried snacks. Keisuke’s spin on the classic breaded pork cutlet involves coating the meat in shio koji, a Japanese rice yeast marinade that tenderises the pork and enhances its umami flavours. 

My go-to order would certainly be the Shiokoji Pork Loin Katsu Set 200g ($19.90++). The fried batter has a crispy, tempura-esque lightness and the meat is tinged with a subtle fermented flavour from the shio koji. As a lover of options, I liked how there was a selection of 12 different meat sauces and a free-flow salad bar.

Check out our full review of Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke!

Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke Review: Tonkatsu Restaurant With Free-Flow Salad Bar & Sauces At Paya Lebar

Unit number: #01-02/03
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6214 3345
Website

24. Tofu Magician SG

Image credit: Tofu Magician SG

One-up your bubble tea cravings with these novel soy milk drinks by Tofu Magician Singapore. Hailing from China, this drinks franchise sells house-made soy drinks topped with QQ mochi balls, in a selection of flavours. If it’s your first time trying the brand, get the Original ($5.20), served cold or warm. Otherwise, flavours such as Black Sesame ($6.20) and Matcha ($5.50) are also available.

Unit number: #01-51
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website

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25. 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 specialises in the classic Tonkotsu Ramen ($11.90++), and meat-loaded ramen. For a full taste of what the famous ramen chain has to offer, get the Niku King Spicy Shoyu Ramen ($12.90++) which comes with large slices of chashu, Japanese onsen egg, sprinklings of bonito flakes, and spicy broth. 

Unit number: #01-04
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am to 10pm, Sun 11:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6341 6123
Website

26. Delibowl

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 Signature Beef La Mian ($8.60) features al dente hand-pulled noodles steeped in a savoury and light beef broth. For a hit of spice, try their Sour Soup Beef Noodles ($8.50), which comes with a vinegary broth and tender beef slices.

Unit number:  #01-77/80
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Tel: 9382 5685
Website

27. Monster Planet

Image credit: Monster Planet

Monster Curry goes halal at Monster Planet, where diners can enjoy Muslim-friendly renditions of all the brand’s XXL curry plates, sans pork, lard, and alcohol. Enjoy jumbo curry plates with customisable levels of spice from $13.80, or feast on their broader menu, with fusion dishes such as pasta, ramen, and even pizzas.

Unit number: #01-57
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 2987
Website

28. Lotus Thai Restaurant

Image credit: @yvonne_khow93

You can find many places selling Thai food, but at the Lotus Thai Restaurant, they also do it well. The Papaya Salad ($7.80++), a quintessential Thai appetiser, is fragrant and tangy. The thinly julienned papaya slices soak up the sauce, giving off a 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. 

Lotus Thai is the place to head to if you’re in the Paya Lebar area and craving some classic Thai flavours.

Unit number: #02-13/14
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6386 7228
Website

Food at Paya Lebar Square and PLQ

Whether you’re here for hours of shopping or just passing through, the assortment of food options within these Paya Lebar malls are more than enough to satisfy everyone’s appetites.  For more food gems at another newly opened mall, check out this list of Funan Mall food.

22 Funan Mall Food Places To Visit Including Steak From $18.90+, Yuzu Ramen And More

Featured image adapted from @kajiken_singapore.

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