Ol’ Skool Makan #12: Singapore Murtabak At Zam Zam -- A Piece Of Local History

To be honest, I started going to this place rather late, cos although I had been to Singapore countless times, I always ate at my auntie’s place and we didn’t eat out much. Only when I had started working that I’d make a mandatory stop here -- because once you’ve had Zam Zam murtabak, it’s very hard to go back to ordinary ones.

I mean, the best Singapore murtabak should come from Singapore lah. Yes, I know it’s the “populist” choice, but the murtabak here is that good. Thick yet crispy on the outside, packed with minced meat and telur on the inside -- every bite is pure joy. Cut a big piece, dip it into the rich curry, and just savour it. And don’t get me started on that extra chili sauce with cucumber slices -- some people find it odd, but that little tang and crunch add the perfect acidity to balance the heaviness.


Located just across from the iconic Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam, Zam Zam Restaurant has been serving hungry folks since 1908 -- yes, over a century of perfecting that meaty masterpiece! It’s said that the restaurant was founded by a South Indian Muslim trader who brought his family recipes to Singapore during the British colonial era. Back then, the Bugis area was a bustling hub for Arab, Malay, and Indian merchants -- and Zam Zam quickly became a favourite among them.

Zam Zam’s menu has expanded over the years -- you’ll find biryani, roti prata, mee goreng, the works -- but for me, it’s always the murtabak that calls my name. 


To go there, well, take a taxi lah if you're already in Singapore. Haha. Or hop on the MRT and get down at Bugis; it’s just a short walk away. Once you see the Masjid Sultan's golden dome, you’ll know you’re close to one of Singapore’s true Ol’ Skool Makan legends.


About Ol' Skool Makan

Ol' Skool Makan is my little tribute to Malaysia’s (and Singapore's) timeless eateries -- the ones that fed us before hashtags, food apps, and fancy plating. It’s about real food, real people, and memories that still smell like sambal and kopi-O.


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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