A Kampong Glam legend since 1908, across from Sultan Mosque, famous for murtabak, biryani and prata. Halal, cheap, cash-friendly, and the mutton murtabak is the thing to get. No-frills and beloved.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 07:00-23:00 Tue 07:00-23:00 Wed 07:00-23:00 Thu 07:00-23:00 Fri 07:00-23:00 Sat 07:00-23:00 Sun 07:00-23:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Bugis MRT (EW12/DT14), ~7-10 min walk |
| Time needed | 45 min-1 hour |
| Best time to go | Off-peak afternoon; lunch and Friday-prayer times near the mosque get busy |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get there?
- It's a 7-10 minute walk from Bugis MRT. Head toward the golden dome of Sultan Mosque, Zam Zam is on North Bridge Road right opposite. The whole Kampong Glam area, with Arab Street and Haji Lane, is worth exploring around it.
- Is it good for a quick meal?
- Yes, service is fast and it's open long hours (early morning to late night). It's a solid stop any time of day, though it can get crowded at lunch and around Friday prayers at the neighbouring mosque.
- What's the deal with the touts outside?
- Staff sometimes stand at the door calling customers in, which can feel aggressive. Don't be put off; just head in, sit down and order what you want. It's a long-standing quirk, not a scam.
- Is it halal?
- Yes. Zam Zam is a Muslim-owned, halal Indian-Muslim restaurant in the heart of the Kampong Glam Malay-Muslim quarter, right across from Sultan Mosque. It's a reliable halal choice.
- What should I order?
- The mutton murtabak is the classic, though chicken, beef and even deer/venison versions exist. Add a biryani and a teh tarik. Murtabak is filling and meant for sharing, so don't over-order for a small group.
- What is murtabak and why is Zam Zam known for it?
- Murtabak is a thick, pan-fried roti stuffed with spiced minced meat, egg and onion, served with curry gravy. Zam Zam has been making it since 1908 and it's their signature, order it and you'll understand the century-long queue.
- Is it touristy or authentic?
- Both. It's on every guide's list, so tourists come, but it's still a working, no-frills eatery serving locals and mosque-goers. The staff can be brisk and the touts out front pushy, that's part of the old-school character.
- How much does it cost?
- It's very affordable: murtabak runs roughly S$6-9 depending on size and filling, with larger sizes for sharing. It's one of the best-value heritage meals in the city. Bring cash to be safe.
Nearby in Ask Singapore
- Kampong GlamNeighborhood0.06 km · 1 min walk
- Malay Heritage CentreMuseum0.1 km · 1 min walk
- Atlas BarBar0.43 km · 5 min walk
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork NoodleRestaurant0.49 km · 6 min walk
- Nutmeg & CloveBar0.76 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near Zam Zam Restaurant
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