The Best International Food Spots in Tanjong Pagar Plaza CBD


The Best International Food Spots in Tanjong Pagar Plaza CBD

Tanjong Pagar Plaza might look like a quiet, unassuming remnant of Singapore’s past, but its interior is anything but uninteresting since it’s actually a sprawling culinary treasure trove with tons of good food besides hawker fare. Beyond its local stalls, Tanjong Pagar Plaza is home to an extraordinary lineup of international dining spots. So, if you are looking to escape the monotony of typical corporate lunches or want a comforting post-work feast, you can embark on a global food tour without ever leaving the building.

Here are four exceptional international comfort food destinations hidden in Tanjong Pagar Plaza that deserve a spot on your dining radar.

At a Glance: The International Comfort Food Map

RestaurantCuisineThe VibeSignature Dish
Adil Co Nasi PadangRegional Malay / IndonesianWarm, welcoming, and generousSoft, tender Rendang & freshly fried Goreng Pisang
Bami ExpressVietnameseAuthentic, fast-paced street food charmTraditional Banh Mi on house-baked crispy baguettes
Lad & DadBritishUnpretentious, cosy gastropubAtlantic Haddock Fish & Chips with fresh draft stout
Hakata Ikkousha RamenJapaneseDedicated, authentic ramen sanctuaryBubbly, rich Tonkotsu Ramen with custom noodles

1. Adil Co Nasi Padang & Catering: Hearty Regional Heritage

Origin: Regional Malay & Indonesian Comforts

Best for: Flavorful, soul-soothing dishes and group feasting

When it comes to authentic Nasi Padang in the CBD, Adil Co Nasi Padang & Catering easily reigns supreme. Known for serving generous portions packed with deep, complex spices, this spot offers a sprawling variety of dishes that will satisfy any craving.

The star of the show is undeniably their Beef Rendang—cooked until soft, tender, and rich in aromatic coconut gravy. If you prefer seafood, their Sambal Sotong offers a uniquely soft, sweet, and fiery kick, while their Lemak Chilli Padi delivers that perfect, creamy heat. Planning a team lunch or family gathering? Opt for their Nasi Ambeng, a massive communal platter that lets everyone sample a bit of everything.

  • Don’t Miss: Before you leave, order a batch of their freshly fried Goreng Pisang (banana fritters). They are insanely crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside—the ultimate afternoon snack.
  • The Vibe: Beyond the food, the boss and staff treat every customer like a long-time regular, greeting you with genuine smiles that make lunch hour feel remarkably homely.

Adil Co Nasi Padang & Catering
Location: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-03, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 6:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM 

2. Bami Express: Authentic Vietnamese Street Comforts

Origin: Vietnam

Best for: Fresh, crispy, and budget-friendly lunches on the go

Helmed by a passionate husband-and-wife duo hailing from Vietnam, Bami Express was built on a simple mission: to serve the quintessential, everyday staple of their homeland at accessible prices.

Their signature Banh Mi starts at a remarkably affordable $6, proving that top-tier quality does not require CBD price hikes. Every element of their baguette sandwich is handled with immense care. The bread is baked fresh in-house for a lighter, spongy-cottony interior texture and toasted to order for that signature exterior crunch.

  • The Secret Ingredients: The team imports key ingredients and relies on homemade recipes straight from Vietnam, from the savory pâté and peppercorn-flecked ham to the classic splash of Maggi seasoning.
  • Complete the Meal: Pair your sandwich with an icy, robust Vietnamese drip coffee for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.

Bami Express
Location: Blk 5 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #02-02, Singapore 081005
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 2:45 PM | Closed on Sundays 

3. Lad & Dad: Refined British Pub Fare

Origin: Great Britain

Best for: Unwinding after 6 PM with pub grub and fresh draft beer

If you are craving hearty, unpretentious British comfort food, Lad & Dad is the undisputed place to be. This beloved gastropub brings a taste of classic UK comfort to the plaza, serving elevated comfort classics crafted with serious care.

Their claim to fame is their golden, ultra-crispy Fish and Chips, made with premium Atlantic haddock wrapped in a light batter that shatters upon first bite, revealing moist, flaky fish inside. It comes served with traditional mushy peas and rich house sauces. Equally unmissable is their slow-cooked Beef Stew, featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef served over a velvety bed of mashed potatoes and rich gravy.

  • What to Drink: Nothing pairs better with hearty pub fare than a cold pint. Enjoy a fresh draft Pilsner Urquell, a local London pale ale, or a perfectly poured Guinness stout.
  • Know Before You Go: The indoor dining space is intimate and compact, and it gets packed quickly during peak hours. If you want to grab a table, bring a few colleagues early or be prepared for a short wait!

Lad & Dad
Location: 7 Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-108, Singapore 081007
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 AM 

4. Hakata Ikkousha Ramen: The Masterclass in Tonkotsu Broth

Origin: Fukuoka, Japan

Best for: Deep, soul-satisfying noodle soups crafted with devotion

Founded in 2004 in Hakata, Fukuoka—the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen—Hakata Ikkousha was created by famed ramen master Mr. Yoshimura to bring authentic Japanese ramen culture to the world.

The crown jewel of their menu is their signature Tonkotsu Broth. Created by slowly simmering carefully cleaned pork bones over high heat for hours every day, the soup achieves a rich, creamy texture topped with a delicate layer of bubbles. This signature “foam” is the hallmark sign of genuine, patiently brewed Tonkotsu broth.

  • The Custom Components: Ikkousha makes their thin, springy noodles in-house, designing them specifically to absorb the umami of the soup base. Their Chashu is thinly sliced and delicate, ensuring it complements the dish without overpowering it.
  • The Secret Sauce: The broth is seasoned with a secret blend of three Fukuoka soy sauces, combined with over 20 spices and 5 types of fish stock, resulting in a complex, multi-layered depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Hakata Ikkousha Ramen
Location: Apt/Blk 7, Tanjong Pagar Plz, #01-104B, Singapore 081007
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Final Thoughts

Tanjong Pagar Plaza is far more than a convenient errand run for locals; it is an underrated international food hub waiting to be explored. Whether you are leaning towards a fiery Malay rendang, a crispy Vietnamese banh mi, a classic British pub meal, or a steaming bowl of Japanese ramen, comfort is always just around the corner.

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