The best food and restaurants in USA for Singapore residents combine familiar Asian flavors, halal and vegetarian options, and safe, well-reviewed venues in cities that Singapore buyers also target for education, work, and property investment.
This Homejourney guide focuses on practical, safety-first tips to help you choose what and where to eat when visiting America, while staying aligned with your long-term plans as a Singapore property buyer or investor.
How this food guide supports your USA travel & property goals
For many Singapore residents, USA tourism is more than just a holiday – it is often the first step before sending children to study, exploring cross-border investment, or benchmarking lifestyle before buying a Singapore home that fits an international family lifestyle.
Homejourney regularly supports buyers who are balancing overseas exposure with local commitments, such as paying high Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)[2] Choosing whether to channel funds into US study, lifestyle and travel versus a second Singapore property is now a real trade-off.
By understanding which US cities offer strong food, safety, and liveability, you can better align your travel plans with your long-term housing decisions back home – where you buy, what size unit you need, and how much financing to arrange via Homejourney’s bank rate tools Bank Rates .
Top US cities with food scenes Singapore residents tend to love
When choosing where to go in the US, food is a simple but powerful filter. Below are the most Singapore-friendly cities from a food, safety, and lifestyle perspective, especially for families and property-focused travellers.
1. New York City – Global flavours, fast pace, and Asian comfort food
New York is often the first stop for visiting America. For Singapore residents, it offers:
- Chinatown & Flushing: Affordable Chinese, dim sum, hotpot, and bubble tea that feel close to home.
- Korean and Japanese districts: Late-night BBQ, ramen, and izakayas that match Orchard and Tanjong Pagar standards.
- Halal and vegetarian choices: Widely available, especially around Midtown, Queens, and Brooklyn.
- Fine dining: Michelin-starred restaurants for celebration meals, similar to Singapore’s top CBD and Marina Bay venues.
Safety-first tips in NYC for Singapore travellers:
- Choose accommodations near well-lit, busy food clusters (Midtown, parts of Brooklyn, Queens) and check recent reviews focusing on security.
- For late-night suppers, stick to main streets and busy districts; avoid walking alone through quiet parks or side streets.
- Use card payments or tap-to-pay where possible to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
2. Los Angeles – Asian comfort food, family dining and car-friendly options
Los Angeles is ideal for families and those considering future study or work in the US West Coast.
- San Gabriel Valley: Some of the best Chinese, Taiwanese, and Sichuan food outside Asia.
- Koreatown: BBQ, fried chicken, and late-night dining – popular with younger Singaporeans.
- Little Tokyo & Thai Town: Strong Japanese and Thai options with flavours similar to those in Singapore malls.
Practical advice: LA is car-centric. If you are planning frequent trips (e.g., children studying in California), factor in transport costs when planning your Singapore housing budget and mortgage via Homejourney’s financing tools Bank Rates . Owning a central, well-connected condo in Singapore can offset the need for a car locally, freeing funds for US travel and tuition.
3. San Francisco & Bay Area – Tech, coffee, and Asian casual dining
Many Singapore investors and professionals have ties to the Bay Area through tech, finance, or start-ups.
- Rich Asian food scene in San Francisco, Oakland, and the South Bay (San Mateo, Santa Clara).
- Farm-to-table and café culture that appeals to Singaporeans used to Robertson Quay or Dempsey Hill vibes.
- Strong vegetarian and vegan options across the city.
If you or your children are likely to study or work in the Bay Area, use Homejourney’s projects directory Projects Directory to track Singapore condo launches with layouts that support hybrid remote work and overseas commuting (e.g., flexible study rooms, storage for luggage, and proximity to MRT lines for airport access).
4. Chicago, Houston & smaller cities – Balancing value, safety and food
Beyond the coasts, many secondary US cities offer excellent food and better value hotels – important for families preserving capital for Singapore property purchases.
- Chicago: Deep-dish pizza, steakhouses, and growing Asian food clusters.
- Houston: Strong Vietnamese and Chinese communities, with excellent pho, banh mi and Asian seafood.
- University towns (Boston, Austin, Ann Arbor): Often have good Asian food near campuses, ideal for parents visiting children studying abroad.
Types of US food Singapore residents should not miss
To maximise your USA tourism experience without feeling overwhelmed, focus on a mix of iconic American dishes and comfort food that stays friendly for Singapore tastebuds.
American classics to try at least once
- Regional burgers: From fast-food chains to gourmet burgers with Angus beef and unique toppings.
- Barbecue (BBQ): Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, and Kansas City ribs – smoky, rich and sharable.
- Fried chicken & waffles: A Southern favourite; sweet and savoury in one plate.
- Bagels & deli sandwiches: Particularly in New York; ideal for quick breakfasts between property and campus visits.
- Seafood: Lobster rolls in New England, oysters in the Pacific Northwest, and crab along coastal areas.
Asian and familiar flavours for when you miss home
On longer trips or when travelling with children or seniors, familiar food becomes important.
- Chinese and Cantonese: Dim sum, congee, and stir-fry dishes across major Chinatowns.
- Japanese and Korean: Ramen, sushi, donburi, k-BBQ, and army stew – widely accessible in big cities.
- Thai and Vietnamese: Tom yum, pad thai, pho, and bun cha for lighter, herbal flavours.
- Halal options: Common in New York, LA, and Chicago; search specifically for halal tags and recent reviews.
Homejourney’s travel articles, such as USA Travel Tips for Singapore Residents: Homejourney Safety-First Guide USA Travel Tips for Singapore Residents: Homejourney Safety-First Guide , complement this by outlining how to choose safe districts, avoid scams, and manage jet lag – important when you are also monitoring Singapore property launches remotely.
How to choose safe, reliable restaurants in the USA (step-by-step)
To align with Homejourney’s commitment to verification, transparency, and user safety, use this simple framework whenever you pick a place to eat in the US:
- Check recent reviews (not just ratings)
Look for platforms where you can sort by “most recent” to see updated feedback on cleanliness, crowd level, and service. Prioritise restaurants with consistent ratings and detailed comments from families and international travellers. - Assess neighbourhood safety
Before heading out, search the district name together with words like “safety at night” and cross-check with hotel staff. Similar to analysing Singapore neighbourhoods using URA planning data and Homejourney’s projects directory insights Projects Directory , micro-location matters. - Prefer visible kitchens and clear hygiene practices
Open kitchens, servers wearing gloves when needed, and clear separation of raw and cooked areas are green flags. If something feels off, be prepared to leave – your health comes first. - Look for transparent menus and allergy information
If you have dietary restrictions, choose restaurants with detailed menus and proactive allergy warnings. This mirrors how Homejourney pushes for clearer project specifications and defect protections in Singapore, in line with evolving regulations meant to protect buyers.[4] - Pay attention to crowd patterns
Busy but orderly restaurants with stable queues are usually a good sign. Excessive overcrowding with minimal staff attention may raise safety or hygiene questions.
