Singapore is well-known as a food paradise; however, among the lesser-known types of food, African food is a largely unexplored and underrated cuisine that deserves some spotlight. Spanning an entire continent, African food boasts bold flavours and rich traditions, from West African staples like fufu and jollof rice to North African classics such as couscous and tagine.
If you’ve had your fill of sushi rolls and kimchi stews and are craving a new kind of foodie adventure, this is your sign. There’s a whole region’s worth of flavours waiting to be explored, and we've rounded up some of the best African restaurants in Singapore, along with everything you need to know about the culture and traditions behind the food.
1. Kafe Utu
If you’re craving a taste of some African hospitality along with some flavour-packed food, Kafe Utu will whisk you into its world with its earthy tones, vibrant decor, and intricate patterns. As the first African-themed cafe to open in Singapore, Kafe Utu spans across 3 floors, each showcasing a unique facet of African culture. Created by Kurt Wagner, who spent much of his youth in Africa, the cafe aims to bring the warmth and richness of the continent to Singapore.
Get ready to be greeted with the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee as the ground floor of Kafe Utu features speciality beans from Africa. Head up to the second floor for a culinary journey through East and West Africa, featuring dishes such as Nigerian Fiery Peppered Pork, Swahili Fish Curry, and more. Known for their heavy use of spices, prepare your taste buds for a nutrient-dense and aromatic spread.
📍 Address: 12 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089265
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Fri, 10am – 4:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm | Sat and Sun, 9am – 4:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm | Closed on Mondays
📞 Contact: 6996 3937
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: kafeutu.com
2. Tamba
For a more upscale take on African cuisine, Tamba is the sister restaurant to Kafe Utu, founded by the same owner, Kurt Wagner. Named in honour of his late adopted brother, Tamba carries the same soulful African flair, but with a darker, moodier interior that sets the scene for an intimate, dinner-party atmosphere.
The restaurant specialises in West African grilled and smoked meats, alongside a selection of traditional comfort dishes. Crowd favourites include Sinyea Jollof Rice, Spicy Pepper Soup with seasonal seafood, and their signature Woodfire-Grilled Beef Suya, infused with deep, smoky flavours. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Tamba makes for a unique and memorable date spot, perfect for couples looking to switch things up from the usual candlelit fare.
📍 Address: 101 Duxton Road, Singapore 089545
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Sat, 6pm – 11:30pm
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: tamba.life/
3. Pham African Kitchen
For a fuss-free way to enjoy authentic African flavours, Pham African Kitchen is a delivery-focused eatery serving up hearty Nigerian and Ghanaian classics. Expect soul-satisfying dishes like Suya, an African version of satay, Moi Moi, a steamed bean pudding, and Okra stews, alongside other beloved traditional favourites.
Being a family-run business, they focus on a more home-cooked style and presentation than the usual neatly garnished plate. Expect to have your plate piled high with steaming, delectable grub that you can enjoy slowly with friends and family. It’s an easy, approachable introduction to the rich and comforting world of West African cuisine.
📍 Address: 64 Jurong West Street, Singapore 640660
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm – 4pm
📞 Contact: 8150 6473
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: phamafricankitchen.com/
4. El Hassan Taste of Morocco
El Hassan Taste of Morocco brings a flavorful slice of West African and North African heritage right into the heart of a Singapore hawker centre. Founded by Hassan Bengen, this stall makes African cuisine approachable and accessible, combining the rich culinary traditions of Morocco with local and Western influences.
While some dishes have been adapted to suit local palates, you can still enjoy authentic Moroccan flavours, which stand out for their sweet and savoury notes and preference for warm, aromatic spices — such as Tagine Moroccan and Mandi Rice. If you’re after an easy and affordable way to explore African cuisine in Singapore, El Hassan is a tasty option that won’t break the bank.
📍 Address: 503 West Coast Drive, #01-53 Ayer Rajah Food Centre, Singapore 120503
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 11am - 10pm
🍴 Halal status: Halal-certified
🌐 Website: facebook.com/elhassanmoroccan
5. Aniba
If you’re a picky eater and you’re not sure if bold African flavours will suit your palate, Aniba might be just the place for you. This fusion restaurant blends Middle Eastern, Western, and Asian influences, so even if the heavy and fragrant spices common to African dishes aren’t your usual go-to, you can still enjoy flavours that feel familiar.
You can choose to go all out with their Tajin Halabi, a Mediterranean barramundi with tomato and onion stew, eggplant, potatoes, and flatbread, or play it safe with a classic burger topped with mild spices such as paprika aioli. But whether you're an adventurous foodie or a more conservative eater, Aniba has something on its menu to cater to all taste buds.
📍 Address: 6 Battery Road, Boat Quay #05-03, Singapore 049909
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am | Fri, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am | Sat, 8pm – 2am
📞 Contact: 9668 8167
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: aniba.com.sg/about
6. Nando’s
As one of the only African-inspired restaurants to have gone mainstream in Singapore, Nando’s definitely deserves some spotlight for its juicy chicken and signature spicy peri-peri sauces. Known for bringing the flavours of South Africa to diners everywhere, Nando’s makes it easy to enjoy a taste of African cuisine without straying too far from familiar territory.
From tender flame-grilled chicken to sides like peri-peri fries, corn on the cob, and spicy rice, you can customise your meal from mild to extra hot depending on how daring you’re feeling. Whether you’re a spice rookie or a seasoned chilli enthusiast, Nando’s delivers bold flavours in a casual, lively setting, perfect for a quick bite, a friendly lunch, or a group feast.
📍 Address: 200 Victoria Street, #01-85/86/87 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021. See more locations.
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 10pm, daily
📞 Contact: 6337 2555
🍴 Halal status: Halal-certified
🌐 Website: nandos.com.sg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to make a reservation for these popular spots?
For upscale experiences like Aniba, Tamba, and Kafe Utu, we highly recommend booking at least a week in advance. These locations are quite popular for date nights and special occasions. For more casual spots like Nando's, you can usually walk in, though weekends might be a bit busier!
2. Do these restaurants accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes! While African cuisine often features meats, all of these restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly dishes or can modify certain menu items to suit plant-based diets. Some vegetarian options you can get are the North African Sweet Potato Salad from Kafe Utu, Puna Yam Cakes from Tamba, and more.
3. Is parking easily available at these locations? Parking varies by location, but here are some tips:
- Duxton, Tanjong Pagar, and Ayer Rajah (Tamba, Kafe Utu, El Hassan): Street parking is limited, so we recommend looking for nearby public carparks like Craig Place or open-air HDB carparks.
- Aniba (Battery Road): You can park at 6 Battery Road or nearby commercial buildings in the CBD.
(Feature photo from: Cultures of West Africa)
