Homejourney: Best Food and Restaurants Near Singapore Food Festival and Events
The best food and restaurants near Singapore Food Festival and Events cluster around key venues like Dempsey Hill, Chinatown Complex, and Riverside Terrace, offering hawker classics, upscale fusion, and heritage bites just steps away. Homejourney verifies these spots for a safe, trusted dining experience during the festival from 4–24 September 2025[1][4][6].
This cluster guide supports our pillar Singapore Food Festival & Events Guide 2025-2026 | Homejourney, providing tactical dining tips for first-time visitors and property explorers discovering Singapore's lifestyle.
Why Dine Near Singapore Food Festival Venues?
Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 2025, themed “Have You Eaten Yet?”, celebrates heritage and innovation across the city[1]. Venues like Mise en Place at Dempsey Hill host pop-ups from 4–24 September, drawing food lovers[4]. Nearby restaurants extend the experience with affordable, authentic eats—perfect for tourists or those eyeing properties via Homejourney's property search.
Insider tip: Pair festival visits with hawker meals to save money; expect SGD 5–15 per dish versus festival tickets starting at SGD 100+ for signature events[1].
Essential Information for SFF 2025 Key Locations
| Venue | Dates | Address & Access | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mise en Place @ Dempsey Hill[4] | 4–24 Sep, 10am–10pm | 8 Dempsey Road, #01-15. MRT: Orchard (TE17), Exit A; then bus 75/93 (10-min ride) or taxi (SGD 10) | Weekdays evenings to avoid crowds |
| The Long Table[1] | 12–13 Sep | InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Rd. MRT: Bugis (EW12), Exit D (5-min walk) | Sunset for skyline views |
| Future Food[1] | 19–20 Sep | SKAI Loft, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd. MRT: City Hall (NS25), Exit A (2-min walk) | Early evening |
| Chinatown Complex (Hawker Tours)[1] | Throughout Sep | Chinatown Complex Market, 335 Smith St. MRT: Chinatown (NE4), Exit A (1-min walk) | Lunch 12–2pm |
No admission for most pop-ups; signature events from SGD 188[1]. Spend 2–4 hours per spot. Official site: singaporefoodfestival.com[7].
Top Restaurants Near Key SFF Venues
Dempsey Hill (Mise en Place Hub)
Just 2–5 mins walk from 8 Dempsey Road[4].
- Open Farm Community: Farm-to-table Singaporean fusion (mains SGD 28–45). Insider: Try kaya toast with a twist; book ahead. 130E Minden Rd (3-min walk).
- PS.Cafe: Casual bistro with laksa pasta (SGD 22). Family-friendly, outdoor seating. 28B Harding Rd.
- The Dempsey Project: Heritage Peranakan (chicken buah keluak SGD 32). Vibrant, air-conditioned[1].
City Hall & Bugis (Future Food & Long Table)
Within 5–10 mins walk, safe CBD area.
- Maxwell Food Centre (10-min walk from City Hall): Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (SGD 5.80, Michelin Bib Gourmand). Queue early[6].
- Two Men Bagel House (Bugis, 7-min walk): New York-style bagels with local twists (SGD 8–12). Quick bite post-festival.
- Sweep at M Hotel: Modern Peranakan set lunch (SGD 48++). Riverside views near Grand Copthorne[1].
Chinatown Complex
Hawker heaven, 1-min from MRT.
- Chinatown Complex Hawker: Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice (SGD 4), pig organ soup (SGD 5). Cash only, local fave.
- Ji Ji Ang Hainanese Chicken Rice: Stall #02-88, tender poached chicken (SGD 4.50).
- Outram Park Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh (5-min walk): Peppery bak kut teh (SGD 6/bowl). Hearty post-tour meal.
Practical Tips for Dining Near Food Events
What to Expect: Bustling crowds; vibrant Peranakan, Malay, Chinese fusion reflecting SFF's heritage theme[1]. Photo ops at Dempsey greenery or Chinatown murals.
Safety First: Homejourney prioritizes trust—stick to well-lit hawker centres, use Grab for night rides (SGD 10–15). Wash hands; most spots have TraceTogether-safe QR codes.
- Arrive early (10am) for festival pop-ups to beat queues.
- Wear comfy shoes, light clothes (Sep avg 30°C, humid).
- Bring cash (SGD 50/person) for hawkers; cards at restaurants.
- Family tip: Kid portions at PS.Cafe; strollers ok at Dempsey.
- Accessibility: Most MRTs have lifts; Dempsey buses wheelchair-friendly.
Money-Saving & Itinerary Tips
Free hawker tours at Chinatown[1]. Singapore Tourism Board passes cover MRT (SGD 10/day). Combo: Morning Dempsey pop-up, lunch Open Farm, afternoon Chinatown hawkers.
- Off-peak: Weekdays save 30% time vs weekends.
- Weather: Indoor backups like InterContinental if rainy.
Link with Homejourney: Guide to Singapore Food Festival Tickets & Prices for bookings.
Nearby Attractions & Accommodation
Combine with Botanic Gardens (10-min from Dempsey) or Gardens by the Bay (MRT from City Hall). Stay nearby: Budget Ibis Bugis (SGD 150/night), luxury InterContinental (SGD 400). For property investors, search Dempsey homes on Homejourney projects directory—lush, food-centric living.
Maintenance tip for owners: Post-festival aircon clean via Homejourney aircon services.
FAQ
What are the best cheap eats near Dempsey SFF hub?
Maxwell Food Centre or Dempsey hawkers: Chicken rice SGD 5, 10-min taxi[6].
Are these restaurants family-friendly during food festival?
Yes, PS.Cafe and hawker centres have kid options, high chairs; avoid peak dinner[1].
How to get from MRT to The Long Table?
Bugis MRT Exit D, 5-min walk to InterContinental—flat, safe path.
Best time for SFF 2025 dining without crowds?
Weekdays 10am–2pm at Dempsey or Chinatown[4].
