The 7 Best African Restaurants to Try in Singapore for a Flavour Adventure
Have you ever had that craving for something beyond the usual sushi or satay? That itch for a plate of jollof rice that hits just right or the smoky, spiced goodness of North African tagine? Trust me, I’ve been there!
Luckily, we aren’t just a melting pot of cultures but a simmering stew of global cuisines, including some fantastic African flavours. So if you’re craving fiery peri-peri or curious about spiced lamb, here’s your guide to the top African restaurants in Singapore.
Tamba
— Media from tamba.singapore
Address: 101 Duxton Road
Contact: +6597882953
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6–11.30 PM
Price: $$$
Stumbling upon Tamba felt like being whisked away to the heart of Africa with each bite. The nyama choma (grilled meats) was perfectly seasoned, and the jollof rice was a flavourful, spicy surprise that I couldn’t get enough of.
The real standout for me, though, was the bobotie, a South African spiced mince dish topped with a fluffy egg custard—a comforting blend of sweet and savoury. And don’t even get me started on the suya skewers; they had just the right kick to make my taste buds dance!
Pro-tip: Note that the last orders for food are at 10.30 PM and drinks at 11.30 PM.
Kafe Utu
— Media from kafeutu
Address: 12 Jiak Chuan Road
Contact: +6569963937
Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday,
9 AM–4.30 PM,
6–9:.0 PM
Price: $$$
At Kafe Utu, the flavours are a rare find. The ginger coffee and ricotta pancake were standout favourites. We also tried the peanut curry and breakfast platter with goat sausage. Both were very spicy but delicious!
The appetisers set the tone beautifully: the cauliflower and plantains were spot on, and the lamb samosas, fried plantain, and calamari Essaouira were uniquely flavourful. Honestly, it’s unlike anything else I’ve tasted in this Little Red Dot.
Pro-tip: Order the coconut rice. It’s the perfect match for the curries!
Brewerkz Seletar Aerospace
— Media from brewerkzsg
Address: 9 The Oval
Contact: +6597264271
Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, noon–11 PM
Friday to Saturday, noon–midnight
Sunday, noon–11 PM
Price: $$
I recently visited Brewerkz Seletar Aerospace and was pleasantly surprised to find a few African-inspired dishes on the menu. The peri-peri chicken had just the right amount of heat, and the Moroccan spiced lamb ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender with a delightful blend of flavours.
I couldn’t resist pairing these with their house-brewed craft beers, which added a refreshing twist to the meal. The cosy, laid-back atmosphere made it the perfect spot to enjoy a unique blend of African flavours and great beer.
Pro-tip: Bring your fur babies along—it’s a dog-friendly place!
Thai Affair
— Media from thaiaffair
Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, Millenia Walk
Contact: +6580792468
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
I’m glad I’m not the only one who notices the similarities between Thai and African curries. I recently stopped by Thai Affair, expecting the usual Thai restaurant fare, but I was intrigued to find a few African-inspired dishes on the menu.
The Cape Malay chicken curry was rich and aromatic, with just the right balance of spices that made it comforting and exciting at the same time.
The Mozambican prawn skewers were another pleasant surprise—grilled to perfection with a tangy, spicy marinade that left me wanting more.
Pro-tip: Hurray! There’s no service charge or GST here.
Pham African Kitchen
— Media from phams_african_kitchen
Address: 64 Jurong West Street
Contact: +6585954967
Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon–4 PM
Price: $$
The first time I tried Pham African Kitchen, I was impressed at how well the cuisine blended different textures and flavours. The Egusi fufu (nutty soup with starchy dough) was unlike anything I’d tried before.
My friend ordered the peppered goat meat and jollof rice, and it was a mind-blowing experience for her, too. The jollof rice was perfectly spiced, and the peppered goat meat was deliciously spicy, pairing nicely with the fufu.
Pro-tip: This is primarily a takeaway-only establishment.
Paofan Paradise
— Media from t.k_kitchen
Address: 107/109 Rowell Road
Contact: +6591641448
Hours: Daily, 4 – 10 PM
Price: $
I usually go to Paofan Paradise for the signature seafood rice soup but was excited to find a few African-inspired options on the menu. The West African peanut stew was a delightful surprise, with its rich, creamy texture and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
But since it specialises in paofan, a Chinese rice soup dish that combines seafood, broth, and crispy rice with various toppings, African-inspired dishes like these are a bit jarring to order if you aren’t feeling particularly adventurous.
Pro-tip: Try another African-inspired meal: the crispy, flavourful berbere chicken wings with a spicy kick that complements the lighter broth dishes perfectly.
Nando’s
— Media from gnayres
Address: 4 Tampines Central 5, Tampines Mall
Contact: +6567895052
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
I always pop into Nando’s when I’m craving some of its famous peri-peri chicken, and it never disappoints—juicy, perfectly grilled, with just the right level of heat. The peri-peri fries are a delicious, spicy side that adds a great kick to the meal.
I also tried the Portuguese rolls with chakalaka—a South African relish that was tangy, sweet, and packed with flavour. It’s always a treat to experience a bit of South Africa right here in Singapore!
Pro-tip: Soft drinks and yoghurt are bottomless here, so sip and slurp away.