Romantic halal restaurants in Singapore to check out

By Beverly Snodgrass

The countdown begins for the big day of romance – 14 February – and for the romantics, what better way to look back on a love journey than with a special significant other over a cosy candlelit dinner on Valentine’s Day?

With time still on your side, here’s our pick on where to dine this Valentine’s Day if you have a preference for halal cuisine.

1. Carousel

Enjoy a specially decorated photo booth to capture those precious moments, along with an instant print to keep as a memento. Foodie couples will definitely enjoy the feast at Royal Plaza on Scotts Carousel buffet. Diners will be spoilt for choice with their menu of oven-roasted prime ribs with Yorkshire pudding and Jacob potatoes, poached whole spring chicken with vegetables, baked salmon Papillote with potatoes, Roma tomatoes and basil, and seafood thermidor with wild mushrooms. Further sweeten the special occasion with desserts such as green tea yoghurt ice cream with Azuki beans, lychee tiramisu with raspberry jelly and luscious hazelnut pudding with mixed berries. Online reservations can be made on www.carouselbuffet.com.sg.

2. StraitsKitchen

If you and your other half enjoy savouring local dishes, Grand Hyatt’s StraitsKitchen would be your one-stop restaurant for hawker favourites. Go ‘food island’ hopping around the restaurant as chefs prepare all orders upon request from its open kitchens; from laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, chicken curry, nasi goreng, to must-try dishes such as udang masak nanas (shrimp, turmeric sauce, pineapple), popiah (local spring roll), as well as dessert such as orh nee (sweet yam paste) and ice kachang (shaved ice bowl). Make a reservation at

http://singapore.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/StraitsKitchen.html.

3. AquaMarine

Take a special culinary journey from east to west at Marina Mandarin’s AquaMarine. Their a la carte menu has local favourites such as jumbo laksa and Hainanese chicken rice and if you decide to head west, the international cuisines will certainly not disappoint! Stone crabs, steamed live prawns, juicy black mussels from France, chili or black pepper crabs, as well as live stations with roast beef or lamb will have you returning for more. You can conclude your special evening with AquaMarine’s signature durian pengat and their wide spread of desserts. http://www.meritushotels.com/marina-mandarin-singapore/dining-en.html

4. Fix Cafe

If you would like a romantic time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Fix Cafe located at HomeTeamNS (31 Ah Hood Road) offers a cosy indoor or outdoor dining experience by the pool. With their ‘Original Handmade Goods’ tagline, you can tuck in to a mix of dishes prepared from their live grill or from their top menu picks; from ‘chicken tikka naanwiches’ (wraps) to rib-eye steak. For couples with a sweet tooth, you will definitely enjoy their range of desserts such as chocolate brownie and donuts with salted egg dip. http://fix.com.sg/

5. I am…

Fancy celebrating your love in ‘Amsterdam’? The Amsterdam inspired cafe’s name is derived from the city’s icon ‘i amsterdam’ sign and the look and feel bears glimpses of the famous city in the Netherlands. Food wise, you will not be disappointed with the range of Western food; from charcoal-grilled juicy beef burgers to the Dutch signature fries and mayo. For dessert, be sure to try their freshly baked cakes such as their Red Velvet Cake and Rainbow Crepe. I am… does not take reservations so do head there early to beat the queue. http://www.iam.com.sg/