Drive-thru culture has never really taken off in Singapore — maybe it’s our limited land space, the common use of public transport, or simply the sky-high cost of owning a car. But aside from the familiar golden arches of McDonald’s, there aren’t many places where you can grab a meal without stepping out of your vehicle.
But in a fast-paced city like ours, a quick, on-the-go bite can be a real lifesaver, especially on days when you just can’t catch a break. And if you’re craving a little slice of that stateside drive-thru culture you see in movies, here are a few local spots where you can sample the experience without leaving Singapore.
1. Boon Tong Kee
Arguably serving some of the tenderest chicken in town, Boon Tong Kee has been a fan favourite for years. Known for their silky steamed chicken, flavourful roasted chicken, and generous portions, BTK has perfected the classics and even levels them up with a variety of fragrant sauces — such as ginger paste — beyond the usual chilli-and-dark-sauce combo.
Their Cheong Chin Nam outlet sits right by a side road that makes pick-up a breeze. Just call ahead, pull up by the curb, and they’ll bring your order straight to your car window.
📍 Address: 18 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599742
📞 Phone: 6463 8000
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 9:30pm daily
🌐 Website: boontongkee.com.sg/
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
2. Al-Azar (halal)
A few steps (or tires) down the same street is Al-Azhar, a 24/7 Indian-Muslim joint offering everything from Indian to Thai and even Western cuisine. But take it from us: their Indian dishes leave the strongest impression.
I had the butter chicken masala and it was rich, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent, with generous chunks of chicken and a gravy I mopped up with their chewy naan. Like Boon Tong Kee, simply call in to pre-order, then swing by the curb for a fuss-free pick-up from their staff.
📍 Address: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599734
📞 Phone: 6466 3843
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
🌐 Website: al-azhar.com
🍴 Halal status: Halal
3. Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop
Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop is a halal fusion stall opened by the more well-known Tenderfresh. Although operating under a different name, their food still carries the same nostalgic charm, serving up favourites like the whole fried spring chicken. Other bangers that’s absolutely worth trying are the onion blossom — a whole onion sliced like a blossoming flower, battered, and deep fried — and their chicken chop set.
Its laid-back, colourful dine-in space is lovely and definitely worth a visit, but if you’re in a rush, their drive-thru window makes grab-and-go orders pretty effortless. Just pre-order, roll up, and roll out with your meal.
📍 Address: 60 Punggol East, #01-09, Singapore 828825
📞 Phone: 6388 8426
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily
🌐 Website: tenderfresh.com.sg/tenderbest
🍴 Halal status: Halal
4. KFC
KFC may not be the most surprising entry on the list, but it’s certainly one of the most reliable. Their drive-thru outlets — such as KFC Bukit Timah, Toa Payoh Lorong 6, and Kranji — offer a true-blue drive-thru experience.
Whether you’re craving a Zinger, a box of Hot & Crispy, or just a fix of cheese fries, KFC’s drive-thru service is fast, consistent, and perfect for fried chicken emergencies (we all have those).
📍 Address: Multiple locations (e.g., Kallang, Toa Payoh Lorong 6, Kranji)
🌐 Website: kfc.com.sg
🍴 Halal status: Halal
5. Jollibee
A cult favourite from the Philippines, Jollibee has a small but mighty drive-thru kiosk at Caltex Jurong Spring. Tucked in the corner of a petrol station, the setup may be modest, but it gets the job done. Now you can enjoy some juicy fried chicken on a dreary errand run, fuelling both your tummy and your car.
When it comes to what to order, I recommend Chickenjoy. The crunch as I bit into it, met with the tender and juicy meat that followed, was nothing short of a cathartic moment. Pair it with a side of sweet, cheesy Jolly Spaghetti to forget all your weekday woes. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a late-night snack, Jollibee’s drive-thru has you covered.
📍 Address: 100 Jurong West Avenue 1, Singapore 649519
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 9am - 1am | Fri to Sun, 10am - 2am
🌐 Website: jollibee.com.sg/
🍴 Halal status: Halal
6. Taste Restaurant
If you think drive-thru orders are limited to fast food and casual eats, Taste Restaurant is here to prove you wrong. Serving fusion cuisine with a local twist, they elevate familiar flavours into something a little more special. Go fancy with their Seafood Cioppino — a hearty stew loaded with clams, prawns, mussels, and more — or keep it old-school with their Laksa Singapura, creamy, aromatic, and just spicy enough to have you reaching for that box of tissues.
With their kerbside drive-thru pick-up, you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals without even unbuckling your seatbelt. And to sweeten the deal, they’re offering 20% off all self pick-up orders.
📍 Address: Ibis Singapore, 170 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189657
📞 Phone: 9238 3573
⏰ Opening hours: 11:30am – 8pm daily
🌐 Website: tasterestaurant.sg
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
7. Furama RiverFront and City Center
These two buildings may be hotels, but they’re far more than just places to sleep. Packed with a variety of restaurants under one roof, you can order from any of them and swing by for a fuss-free kerbside pick-up without the usual hassle of parking and waiting. Even better, this service runs 24/7, making it a lifesaver for those midnight hunger pangs that won’t let you rest.
Craving Balinese food? Cantonese classics? Or maybe a full-on Christmas dinner at 2AM? You can get it all in one stop for the ultimate comfort and convenience.
📍 Address: 405 Havelock Road, Furama RiverFront, Singapore 169633 OR 10 Merchant Road, Furama City Centre, Singapore 058289
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
🌐 Website: furama.com/fooddelivery
🍴 Halal status: Depends on restaurant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive-thru option always available at these locations?
The drive-thru process varies by location. For traditional fast-food places like KFC, the drive-thru window allows you to order and collect on the spot during their operating hours. However, for many of the restaurants mentioned, like Boon Tong Kee, Al-Azhar, and Taste Restaurant, the "drive-thru" is a kerbside pick-up service, which means you must call or pre-order online before you arrive to collect your food. Always check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to ensure their pick-up service is active!
What should I do if the restaurant requires me to pre-order?
If a spot requires pre-ordering (like Al-Azhar or Taste Restaurant), simply visit their website or call their number to place and pay for your order. When you arrive at the designated kerbside pick-up point, let the staff know your name or order number, and they’ll bring the meal straight to your car window.
Do these drive-thru restaurants accept CDC vouchers?
Unfortunately, these restaurants do not accept CDC vouchers. But not to worry, if you’re looking for places you can spend your vouchers, I’ve got a list of places for you right here!
(Feature photo: Yahoo Lifestyle Canada)
