Refined Middle Eastern Dining at The Prince, Singapore

During my 2024 trip to Singapore, I celebrated a special occasion at The Prince, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant tucked into the vibrant neighborhood of Tanjong Pagar. Formerly known as Fat Prince, the restaurant has matured into a refined yet welcoming space where the ancient traditions of Levantine cuisine meet sleek, contemporary design. It turned out to be one of those rare evenings where everything just clicks, delicious food, a beautiful setting, and staff who truly care.

Ambience & Setting

The interiors are striking from the moment you step inside. Think softly lit arches, warm wooden tones, polished marble, and richly textured fabrics that nod to both Ottoman elegance and modern minimalism. There’s a sense of calm sophistication without pretense. The lantern-style lighting and patterned tiles add character, while the gentle music and subtle scent of spice create an immersive sensory backdrop.

The open kitchen and bar invite you to observe the craft and flow of the team in action. It’s the kind of space that feels equally suited to an intimate date night, a gathering of friends, or, in my case, a solo celebration with a loved one. The team’s attention to detail extended beyond the plate; they noticed the note in my Google reservation and surprised me with a cake at the end of the meal. It was a small but deeply thoughtful gesture that left a lasting impression.

The Food: Small Plates, Big Flavors

Middle Eastern cuisine is built around sharing and generosity, and The Prince honors that with its vibrant mezze-style offerings. Here’s what we enjoyed:

Baba Ghanoush – S$14A velvety, smoky eggplant dip topped with harissa tomato and parsley. Deep, warming, and complex, perfect with the soft bread it came with.

Fried Cauliflower – S$16Lightly battered and perfectly crisp, served with a lemony aioli that brightened each bite. A great vegetarian dish done with care.

Grilled Octopus – S$22Tender, charred tentacles with preserved lemon and parsley. Bright, briny, and perfectly balanced. This was one of the highlights of the night.

Tabbouleh – S$14A creative take on the classic, using farro and pomegranate for a nutty texture and sweet-tart burst. Refreshing and light, ideal between the richer bites.

We complemented the meal with a chilled bottle of white wine recommended by the staff. It paired effortlessly with the spice and citrus notes of the dishes, and while the portions were on the smaller side for the price, the care in presentation and flavor made every dish feel special.

The Philosophy Behind the Menu

The Prince’s culinary philosophy is rooted in Karam, an Arabic word that translates loosely to generosity or hospitality. This spirit is most evident in their Karam Menu (S$78+), a curated experience that includes nine mezze, a soup, a main course, and dessert. Dishes rotate seasonally, but past highlights include Lobster Shorbat Addas, Lamb Porterhouse, and a heavenly Kunafe with rose syrup and pistachio cream.

The team sources thoughtfully and prepares dishes with precision, respecting the spices and traditions that define Levantine cooking while reimagining them for a modern palate. Every bite tells a story of place, memory, and craft.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating at The Prince was a moment I’ll remember not just for the food, but for the feeling. It’s a place where detail matters, where ambiance, service, and flavor come together in harmony. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want a night of elevated Middle Eastern dining in Singapore, The Prince delivers an experience that’s warm, elegant, and unmistakably heartfelt.

A Short Guide to Levantine Mezze

Levantine cuisine comes from the eastern Mediterranean, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. Meals usually start with a spread of mezze, small dishes designed for sharing. Some classics to know:

• Hummus: a chickpea and tahini dip
• Baba ghanoush: smoky roasted aubergine mashed with tahini, lemon and garlic
• Tabbouleh: a herb salad, traditionally made with parsley, bulgur, tomato and lemon
• Fattoush: a crunchy salad with toasted flatbread and sumac
• Labneh: a thick, tangy strained yoghurt
• Shorbat addas: a comforting lentil soup
• Kunafe (knafeh): a dessert of shredded pastry, cheese or cream and sugar syrup

Spices and seasonings to look out for include sumac, za’atar, Aleppo pepper, pomegranate molasses and tahini.

Tips for Visiting

• Book ahead, especially on weekends. Tanjong Pagar is one of Singapore’s busiest dining areas in the evening.
• Add notes to your booking if you are celebrating something or have dietary requirements.
• Share the mezze. Order several dishes for the table rather than one each.
• Check the current menu and prices before you go, as dishes rotate seasonally.
• Understand the bill. Many Singapore restaurants list prices with “++”, meaning a service charge and GST are added on top.

Exploring Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar is a historic district next to Chinatown, known for its restored shophouses, cocktail bars and restaurants. It is a great area to explore before or after dinner:

• Duxton Hill and Ann Siang Hill: charming streets lined with colourful shophouses, bars and cafés
• Maxwell Food Centre: one of Singapore’s best-known hawker centres
• Chinatown: with the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and street markets
• The Pinnacle@Duxton: a public housing complex with a skybridge offering city views (check current access rules)
• Tanjong Pagar Road and Craig Road: packed with bars and restaurants

Getting There

Tanjong Pagar is well connected by MRT. Tanjong Pagar station on the East-West line and Maxwell station on the Thomson-East Coast line are both close to the area. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also easy to use.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore is hot and humid all year, with temperatures usually around 25 to 32°C. Rain can fall at any time, often in short, heavy showers. The wetter monsoon months are typically around November to January. Indoor, air-conditioned restaurants make evenings comfortable whatever the weather.

FAQ

What kind of cuisine does The Prince serve? Modern Middle Eastern food with Levantine roots, served mostly as sharing plates.

What was The Prince called before? It was previously known as Fat Prince.

What is the Karam menu? A set menu built around the idea of generosity and hospitality, with several mezze, a soup, a main course and dessert. Check the current version and price.

Is The Prince good for vegetarians? Mezze-style menus usually include several vegetarian dishes, such as baba ghanoush and fried cauliflower.

What does “++” mean on Singapore menus? It means a service charge and GST are added to the listed price.

What is the nearest MRT station? Tanjong Pagar (East-West line) and Maxwell (Thomson-East Coast line).