"Local" restaurant recommendation?

[hmmmm....]

Hi.  Got a friend coming into town and she's never been to Singapore before.  Where's a good place I can take her for a taste of local food (dinner)?  Nothing too expensive or fancy but then don't want to take her to a hawker centre either.  Seafood's out since there are only 2 of us.  Maybe not Indian.   Peranakan Perhaps?  TIA.

[Choice]

You could walk along Boat Quay and around Clarke Quay with her, to see if anything tickles her fancy.

[Laksamania]

what about the famous laksa places down East Coast Road.  They're not strictly hawker centres, more like cafes, not posh at all, but they do the best laksa in Singapore. there are 2 of them I think next door or next door but one to each other (opposite the back of the Roxy hotel). I had my first meal in Singapore there!

[Registered Poster]

The food court at Meridien on Orchard Rd. It's South-East Asian themed (I think the name is "Great Treat") and has good food - many different stalls. Your friend will see the "hawker centre" concept but in a good atmosphere.

[Registered Poster]

I know! I know! Prima Taste - the restaurants operated by the Prima Deli people. Very good local food, restaurant atmosphere, not expensive. There's one at Centrepoint and one at Atrium that I know of.

[Werner]

Blue Ginger for Peranakan food in Chinatown?  Nice setting too.

[Badgurl]

peranakan is good. i love the one at the basement of Negara Hotel (behind Palais Renaissance). the assam fish head is.. hmm...

[hmmmm....]

Thank you for your replies.  All good suggestions!   Agh, still spoilt for choice!! Don't ya just love eating out in Singapore?!

[what?]

food court?
Nah, what about east coast seafood centre?

[hmmmm....]

As Registered Poster said, the food court at Meridien's a good idea - lots to choose from and hawker but a bit more upmarket.  

Was thinking seafood and love the stuff but can't really do it with only 2 people.  Kinda short notice to round up others.

[Registered Poster]

Prima Taste is a better choice though, as you have restaurant atmosphere without steep prices, and guaranteed good food. But the Meridien one is absolutely fine if you want to give your friend a "hawker-centre" feel without the attendant grime.  

[expat yorkshire]

for good local food why not try Boon Tong Kee on Balestier Road opposite shaw plaza

The crispy noodles  and deer meat in black pepper are very good .They are also famous for their chicken rice ( although many say that the one across the road opposite Balestier market is better ...)

Fairly resonable and a very local place to go . You will not see many Ang Moh there .If you are looking for a more "local" experience it beat Boat quay hands down.

Balesiter Road is around $5 in a taxi from orchard

[This message has been edited by expat yorkshire (edited 08-02-2004).]

[hmmmm....]

Arghh, decisions, decisions!!  

Thanks for your suggestions anyway.

[Makan Makan]

You might want to try "Soul Food" at Biopolis at Buona Vista.  This food court was compiled by the writers of food guide Makansutra and features 9 of S'pore's best hawker fare in one place...very comfortable & air-conditioned too

[Registered Poster]

Boon Tong Kee - white tablecloths, but you'll be eating practically under the wheels of the passing traffic, not to mention the feet of the pedestrians. Peng Kee on the opposite side of the road is even more "hawker-centre-ish" but not roadside dining, and the chicken rice is better! However, I think you want to avoid the "real" hawker experience, don't you? I stick by my earlier recos - Meridien & Prima Taste. Toss a coin.