Solo Dining in Singapore: Why & Where You Should Try It!

There have been many food trends on the rise lately, and one positive change we’ve all been seeing is the increase of solo dining options. Be it during lunch breaks, cancelled dinner appointments or just days where you feel like being alone, you shouldn’t have to feel pressure from eating alone!

Why Solo Dining Is Not Such A Bad Idea

Sometimes, a little silence is needed to collect your thoughts and rest from a whole day’s worth of social interaction. For many of us who spend the majority of our days at school or work, we spend endless hours communicating with people. While that isn’t a bad thing, it’s important to give ourselves breaks between interacting.

It’s also arguably easier to eat alone – no need for co-ordinating timings, debating on what to eat or having to sustain a conversation while eating. It’s just you and your food. As such, you can focus on your food and appreciate the meal better.

The stigma surrounding solo dining may still exist, but mindsets have definitely changed over the years. Maybe the occasional explanation of “No, I’m not lonely or upset” might be necessary, but it’s starting to become more accepted that eating alone can be a choice.

Technically, solo dining can be done anywhere. However, there are places that cater especially to such customers. Unfortunately, these are usually gourmet restaurants, which can be expensive. To ensure you won’t break the bank, we’ve gathered 5 of our favourite places that are solo diner-friendly, with delicious and affordable options!

5 Best Spots To Try Out Solo Dining In Singapore!

1. Gangsta Ramen

The ultimate spot for solo diners, Gangsta Ramen is equipped with private dining cubicles, complete with dividers – much like the famous Ichiran Ramen. Specialising in affordable and tasty ramen, their ramen bowls average at $10 each. The most expensive bowl is their Black Truffle Ramen ($16). With sizeable portions and its convenient location in the CBD area, this restaurant is a definite go-to for lunch breaks. No more dabao-ing back to the office!

Location: #02-10, 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Singapore 082001

Opening Hours: 11.30am – 8.30pm (Mon – Fri), 11.30am – 2.30pm (Sat)

2. Dumpling Darlings

Another great spot in the CBD area, Dumpling Darlings specialises in handmade dumplings with various Asian influences, from spicy Sichuan dumplings to Gochujang veggie mandu. They even serve Impossible Meat curry dumplings for the non-meat eaters! For those who must have carbs with every meal, they also offer a selection of tasty noodle dishes.

And yes – they offer bar seating, to spare solo diners the awkwardness of having to sit opposite an empty seat!

Location: 44 Amoy Street, Singapore 069870

Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm (Mon – Thurs, Sat), 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 12am (Fri)

3. Pasta Bar

A slightly pricier location, Pasta Bar is the spot on our list meant for the nights where you feel like treating yourself. They proudly serve authentic, homemade Italian cuisine, specialising in dishes not commonly found outside of Italy. Unlike most Italian restaurants, they have counter seating where customers can get a front-row view of the experienced chefs at work. With delicious mains and a chill, classy ambience, Pasta Bar great for splurging on a night of quality food and wine.

Location: #01-05, 55 Keong Saik, Singapore 089158

Opening Hours: 6pm – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)

4. Hai Di Lao

For any Singaporean, Hai Di Lao probably needs no introduction. The hotpot chain is popular for their high quality ingredients, and reputable for their incredible service. Regardless of the time of your visit, the service staff always make sure to go out of their way to please. This includes services like phone charging, screen protector replacement and gel manicures – all for free!

While hotpot is usually best enjoyed with a group of people, sometimes we just feel like eating it alone. For solo diners, the friendly staff at Hai Di Lao will introduce their own dining companions – giant, life-sized dolls – to be promptly seated opposite you!

Location: #02-04, Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley Road, Singapore 179023

Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6am (Mon – Sun)

View all other locations here.

5. Genki Sushi

Much like the previous spot, Genki Sushi is another well-known spot among locals. With their reputation as a high-tech food joint, customers’ orders are all settled through the iPads at each table. The orders are then sent directly to each table via trays designed to resemble the famous Shinkansen bullet trains of Japan. Talk about not having to interact with anyone! This system also helps to improve the service speed. With counter seating available at most of their outlets, you’d only have to interact with another human when settling the bill!

Location: #04-30, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896

Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

View all other locations here.

Embrace The Urge To Be Alone By Trying Out Solo Dining!

Even though dining alone is still sometimes viewed negatively, we shouldn’t be intimidated! After all, we could all use some alone time. Thankfully, the set-ups in the above restaurants can help to make the solo dining experience a little easier for first-timers! Check them out and let us know what you think!