There’s something wonderfully Singaporean about the way we approach food. We could spend a good twenty minutes debating what to eat, only to end up ordering enough dishes to feed a small village. And somehow, there’s always room for one more plate of satay.

Fortunately, finding Muslim-friendly food at Makansutra Gluttons Bay doesn’t have to involve a lengthy discussion about dinner plans. Tucked beside the Esplanade, with the Marina Bay skyline providing a rather spectacular backdrop, this open-air hawker destination is home to several Muslim-owned stalls alongside a no pork, no lard Western option.

1. Syifa Satay (Muslim-owned)

There’s something about the smell of satay sizzling over a charcoal grill that makes it almost impossible to walk past without stopping. Perhaps it’s the smoky aroma wafting through the air, or the sight of skewers being turned over the glowing embers. Either way, it’s a familiar temptation that Singaporeans know all too well. 

Alongside the crowd favourite, you’ll find grilled prawns and squid, making it an especially appealing stop for those who enjoy a little seafood with their skewers.

In fact, one of the stall’s bestsellers is its Prawns, Squid and Satay Set, which brings together three prawns, two squid and six sticks of satay. It’s a generous assortment for sharing, although we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to keep a few extra skewers to yourself.

And that’s the thing about satay, right? You could order six sticks thinking it’ll be enough, only to realise halfway through that you probably should’ve ordered another six.

2. Noah’s Bazaar (Muslim-owned)

When we think of Egypt, our minds might wander to the pyramids, ancient pharaohs and perhaps the occasional Hollywood portrayal of mummies. But beyond its fascinating history, Egypt has a culinary heritage that’s equally worth exploring.

At Noah’s Bazaar, Egyptian street food takes centre stage, bringing a taste of Cairo’s bustling food culture to the heart of Singapore.

Egyptian cuisine is built around hearty, comforting dishes, with recipes shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. From savoury meat preparations to humble street-food favourites, there’s an emphasis on food that’s satisfying without being unnecessarily complicated.

Enter: Hawawshi. 

Often described as Egypt’s answer to a stuffed meat sandwich, hawawshi consists of seasoned minced meat tucked into bread before being baked or grilled until the outside turns beautifully crisp. Honestly, it’s the sort of dish that doesn’t require fancy cutlery or an elaborate dining ritual. Just pick it up, take a bite and let the filling do the talking. 

So, if you’re craving a kebab, mandi rice or even something sweet like kunafa, all of which you’ll find at Noah’s Bazaar, why not venture beyond the familiar and give hawawshi a go instead?

Available with either beef or chicken filling, it’s a delicious introduction to Egyptian street food that might just become your next favourite.

3. Kebab & Karahi (Muslim-owned)

There’s something immensely comforting about a good Indian meal, especially when it involves a rich, creamy curry and freshly baked naan to mop up every last bit of gravy. And if you’ve just spent the evening enjoying a performance at Esplanade, a hearty meal might be just what you need to round off the night.

At Kebab & Karahi, the menu goes well beyond its namesake dishes, with an assortment of North Indian and Pakistani favourites. Think smoky tandoori meats, succulent kebabs and aromatic curries that make deciding what to order a rather pleasant dilemma.

One of the crowd favourites is the Butter Chicken, a dish that needs little introduction. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a velvety, tomato-based gravy, with a richness that’s best enjoyed with freshly baked naan. Honestly, leaving that gravy behind would be a terrible waste.

Much of the appeal also lies in how the food is prepared. The stall uses a traditional tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven that reaches intensely high temperatures. Naan is slapped against its inner walls, emerging with blistered, lightly charred patches, while marinated meats cook on skewers over the heat.

Unlike the ready-made flatbreads you might find elsewhere, there’s a particular satisfaction in tearing into naan that’s been freshly baked to order. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy centre, perfect for scooping up another generous helping of curry.

And while butter chicken might be the crowd-pleaser, there’s plenty more on the menu for those who prefer their food with a little extra spice or something straight off the grill.

4. NOSH (No pork, no lard)

Let’s be fair. Not everyone heads to a hawker centre craving something grilled over charcoal or generously seasoned with spices.

Sometimes, all you want is a good plate of fish and chips (and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that).

At NOSH, Western comfort food takes centre stage, with everything from hearty burgers to pasta favourites. But if there’s one dish worth making a beeline for, it’s their Fish & Chips.

Encased in a perfectly seasoned, golden batter, the fish delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and flaky within. Paired with golden fries and their homemade tangy tartar sauce, it’s a delightful balance of textures and flavours that’ll have you going back for another bite.

For something a little more indulgent, there’s the Truffle Beef Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty complemented by earthy truffle notes. It’s rich, satisfying and just the thing when you’re craving a proper burger.

NOSH operates on a no pork, no lard basis, although this does not automatically mean its food is halal-certified. Diners with specific dietary requirements are encouraged to check directly with the stall.

Good food has always had a way of bringing people together, regardless of where it comes from. And at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, there’s no shortage of flavours to explore, all while enjoying the evening breeze and waterfront views of Marina Bay.

So, the next time you’re looking for Muslim-friendly food near Esplanade, why not make a dinner date out of it? Round up your favourite people, head down to Gluttons Bay and discover something new. Who knows, you might just find your next go-to hawker favourite.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-15 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 4pm-11pm
Friday – Saturday: 4pm-11.30pm
Sunday: 3pm-11pm

Contact: +65 6438 4038