Orchard Plaza has always felt like a place out of time. Standing along the main stretch of Orchard Road, it’s easy to walk right past it, its quiet, unassuming facade dwarfed by the gleaming malls on either side. It doesn’t shout for attention. The escalators move a little slower.
The air inside is still, carrying the faint scent of old shops and something simmering in a small kitchen. The understated doors of Orchard Plaza serve as subtle entryways, setting the tone for the unique experience that awaits inside. The food shops here bring new flavors and experiences to Orchard Plaza, refreshing and enhancing the dining scene with their distinctive offerings. Most people come to Orchard for the new, the loud, the polished. But some of us come here, to Orchard Plaza, for the opposite. We come for the feeling of finding something real. It’s a building of specialists—tailors who have been there for decades, a variety of shops including food shops that contribute to its unique character, niche hobby shops, and, if you know where to look, some of the most honest food in the district. This isn’t a guide to every eatery. It’s a walk through a few places that make this building feel like a secret worth keeping.
Orchard Plaza food offers a diverse and authentic dining experience that has been praised in many reviews of restaurants here. From the cozy izakayas serving traditional Japanese cuisine to the vibrant Thai kitchens, diners consistently highlight the flavorful dishes and warm, inviting settings. This collection of eateries provides a unique culinary journey on Orchard Road, making Orchard Plaza a must-visit spot for food lovers seeking genuine tastes and memorable meals.
An Izakaya in the Hallway: Izakaya Nijumaru
A Step into a Different World
Finding Izakaya Nijumaru on the second floor feels like a discovery. Tucked away in a corner, its traditional wooden entrance and noren curtains separate it from the quiet corridor of the mall. Stepping inside is like being transported to a small, neighbourhood izakaya in Japan. The space is filled with dark wood, Japanese lanterns, and the low hum of conversation from regulars.
More Than Just a Meal
An izakaya is about more than just food; it’s a place to unwind, to drink, to share small plates over a long evening with friends. Nijumaru captures this spirit perfectly. The staff are welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is a sprawling collection of grilled skewers, sashimi, and comforting home-style dishes—perfect to enjoy with drinks or a glass of wine that pairs well with the menu. Sake is offered in several ways at Nijumaru, including by the glass, served warm, or chilled, so you can enjoy it just the way you like.
The Simplicity of a Set Lunch
While evenings are lively, the set lunches offer a moment of quiet contemplation. The Saba Shioyaki set is a study in balance. A piece of mackerel, salted and grilled until its skin is crisp and the flesh is oily and tender, is served with a bowl of rice, miso soup, and pickles. Diners have the option to choose from different set lunches or consider adding extra sides to enhance their meal. There is nothing complicated about it. It’s just good fish, cooked well. It’s a meal that respects its ingredients.
Grilled Skewers and Warm Sake
In the evening, the yakitori is a must. Skewers of chicken thigh with leek (negima) or grilled chicken meatballs (tsukune) arrive with a perfect char, seasoned simply with salt or a light tare sauce, and some are topped with special sauces or garnishes for extra flavor. For those who prefer a more traditional taste, try the dry style yakitori, served without sauce to highlight the natural smokiness and texture of the grilled meat. Paired with a small flask of warm sake, it’s the kind of experience that makes Orchard Plaza a destination in itself.
- Location: #02-10, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road.
- Price Range: $20 – $35 (lunch), $50 – $70 (dinner).
- What It Is: An authentic, old-school Japanese izakaya perfect for set lunches or a relaxed evening of drinks and small plates.
A Hidden Sanctuary Above the Noise: Tea Room
Where Time Slows, and Tea Speaks
The Tea Room Singapore. Tucked quietly within the upper floors of Orchard Plaza, Tea Room is not the kind of place you stumble upon — you seek it. The moment you step through its unmarked door, the bustle of Orchard Road fades away. The lighting softens. The air feels still. Here, surrounded by aged wood, porcelain teaware, and the faint aroma of roasted leaves, the world outside seems to disappear.
This private tea room offers an authentic Chinese tea experience, making it one of the most refined Chinese tea houses in Singapore. Visitors come here not just to drink tea, but to immerse themselves in the art and ritual of traditional tea ceremonies, a rare find amidst the city’s busy pace.
A Space for Stillness
Tea Room isn’t a café, nor is it a tea shop in the usual sense. It is a private sanctuary built around the art of Chinese tea — a place to pause, to breathe, and to experience tea as it was meant to be: slowly, deliberately, with respect. Every detail — from the handcrafted teacups to the rhythmic pour of hot water — invites reflection.
Rare Teas, Quietly Extraordinary
The teas served here are not chosen for trend or novelty, but for lineage. Each comes directly from renowned tea mountains and makers across China — personally sourced, verified, and aged with care. Whether it’s a high-mountain oolong with floral depth or an aged pu’er that reveals itself over multiple infusions, every cup tells a story of its origin and maker.
More Than a Drink, a Ritual
Sessions are by reservation only, ensuring each guest has the space and attention to fully immerse in the ceremony. The tea master explains without preaching, guiding guests through subtle shifts of aroma and taste as the leaves unfold. There is no rush, no noise — only the sound of water meeting clay, and the quiet pleasure of presence.
Location: #07-14, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road
Price Range: From $68 per person (private tea session by reservation only and min. 2 pax)
What It Is: A refined, hidden tea sanctuary offering rare Chinese teas and an intimate, meditative experience in the heart of Orchard.
Tha Siam Thai Kitchen – Flavourful & Warmth
Behind the Beads, Familiar Warmth
Tha Siam Thai Kitchen hides on a quiet upper floor, away from the shopping crowds. The signage is understated—just a name stencilled beside a bead curtain, misplaced slippers marking the entrance. Step inside and you feel it: fans cutting through little waves of steam, tables packed close, voices low but comfortable. It smells of lemongrass and fried shallot, of dinners that last longer than you expect.Honest Flavours, Steadfast Hands
Menus come laminated and well-worn. Here, nobody tries to reinvent the tom yum wheel. The fragrant aroma of spices and herbs fills the eatery, inviting you in. A special dish, such as their signature laksa, is only available in limited quantities each day—sometimes just 20 bowls—so arriving early is recommended if you want to try it. You get the classics made with the confidence of repetition: green papaya salad pounded on order, stir fries executed with a sharp lick of wok heat and a generous use of spice, curries that taste of patience and coconut cream rather than shortcuts.The Tom Yum That Wakes You
The clear tom yum soup stands out. Bright, sharp, untamed, and served hot. Chunks of tomato, mushrooms, whole prawns with the heads on. Lime leaf and chili, the kind that tingles lips and clears a day’s fatigue. It’s not shy, but it’s never harsh—just that warm ache that comes from real broth, not powder, and it gave a sense of comfort after a long night.Stir Fry Essentials: Basil Chicken and More
Pad kra pao comes glossy with oil, chicken chopped small and basil leaf clinging to every bite. Some diners have decided to try the basil chicken, while others might opt for a different dish depending on their preference. Served with a just-fried egg, soft in the middle, over plain rice. There are plates of fried kway teow, orange from chili jam, somehow both smoky and sweet. While the menu does not feature wagyu beef, the quality of the meat used in these dishes is impressive and stands out among similar eateries. Each dish has its edges—sometimes a little too salty, sometimes on the sweet side—but always direct, never fussy.- Location: #04-20, Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road, Singapore 238841
- Price Range: $10 – $25 per person.
- What It Is: A small, unshowy Thai eatery bringing genuine street-side flavours to a quiet Orchard mall. Come for the soup, stay for everything else.
A Final Thought on Orchard Plaza
Orchard Plaza – a Hidden Alley in Orchard Road
Orchard Plaza food offers a unique blend of authentic flavors, from traditional Japanese cuisine to hearty Thai dishes, all nestled within its cosy, unpretentious setting. This hidden gem on Orchard Road invites diners to savor flavourful meals that have been perfected over years, providing plenty of options for those seeking a genuine taste experience away from the bustling crowds.
Orchard Plaza is nestled in the vibrant Somerset area, a bustling part of Singapore where there are plenty of things to do. From shopping and dining to entertainment and cultural experiences, Somerset offers a dynamic backdrop to Orchard Plaza’s quiet charm. Whether you’re looking to explore nearby malls, enjoy local eateries, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Orchard Plaza’s location makes it a convenient and appealing destination for visitors and locals alike.
Orchard Plaza isn’t a food hub in the modern sense. It has no food court, no central theme, no marketing budget. Its culinary identity is a quiet collection of individual stories. It’s the Thai family that has been serving green curry for a generation, the Japanese chef grilling saba with practiced ease, and the Filipino kitchen filling the hallways with the smell of home.
To eat at Orchard Plaza is to choose substance over style. It’s a reminder that a memorable meal doesn’t require a trend or a grand announcement. Sometimes, it just requires a quiet building, a humble kitchen, and a plate of something honest.
