Zam Zam Singapore: Murtabak, Briyani and What to Order

EatKampong Glam6 April 20264 min read

Visited in March 2026. Verified by an STB-licensed tourist guide.

A Kampong Glam Institution Since 1908

TL;DR

Worth it? Yes, if you are already in Kampong Glam. The murtabak is the famous order and we preferred the briyani

Location: North Bridge Road, across from Sultan Mosque

Getting there: Bugis (EW12/DT14)

Spend: S$7 to S$25 a head. From our visit in March 2026

Must try: The nasi briyani

Good to know: The deer murtabak is milder than its reputation and close to the mutton

Golden-brown murtabak cut into rectangular slices on a black plate, with a bowl of curry and cucumber slices — Our deer murtabak, cut into squares, with curry for dipping and cucumber on the side.

Across the Road from Sultan Mosque Since 1908

Zam Zam Singapore sits on North Bridge Road, directly across from Sultan Mosque, and has been serving since 1908.

Most people come for the murtabak. We came for it too, and left talking about the briyani.

The golden dome and white facade of Sultan Mosque against a clear sky in Kampong Glam — Sultan Mosque, directly across North Bridge Road from the restaurant.

What to Expect When You Arrive

The first thing you notice is the pace. Cooks flip prata and murtabak on the griddle at the front, and the tables behind them turn over quickly.

The room is fullest at lunch, roughly 12pm to 2pm, and on Fridays, when the mosque across the road is at its busiest. Arrive then and you may wait for a table. Sultan Mosque and the shops of Kampong Glam are right outside if you would rather walk than stand.

Choosing Your Seat

Zam Zam has two dining areas, and they suit different meals.

The ground floor is the fast one. You sit near the griddle, service is quick and the seating is functional. There is no air conditioning down here.

Upstairs is air-conditioned and calmer. For a family, or for anyone who has just walked Kampong Glam in the heat, go up.

What to Order

The menu is a long list of Indian-Muslim dishes. Most tables start with the same one.

The Star of the Show: Murtabak

A murtabak is a pan-fried parcel of dough filled with minced meat, onion and egg, served with a bowl of curry for dipping. Mutton is the classic filling and chicken is close behind.

We ordered the deer. It has a reputation for being rich and gamey, and ours was milder than that. It tasted much like mutton. If venison makes you hesitate, there is little to worry about. For us it did not live up to the reputation.

Fork lifting a square slice of deer murtabak, showing the minced venison filling inside the pan-fried dough — Inside the deer murtabak.

Portions run from small to extra-large. A small is already substantial, and for light eaters like us one small feeds two. A large or extra-large suits a group.

Fork holding a piece of murtabak dripping with thick curry over a dark bowl — Dip each piece. The curry comes in its own bowl.

Briyani, Dhal and Teh Tarik

The murtabak gets the attention. Our meal was decided by the rest of the table.

Nasi Briyani

We preferred the briyani to the murtabak. Long-grain basmati rice is cooked with aromatic spices and served with a tender piece of chicken or mutton. Ours was mutton. The rice is fluffy and full of flavour, and the plate feels lighter than the murtabak and more satisfying. If you order one dish at Zam Zam, make it this one.

Mutton briyani on a black plate with long-grain basmati rice and pickled vegetables — Mutton briyani with achar on the side.

The Supporting Act: Dhal

A bowl of dhal comes with the meal and it is complimentary. It is a thick, earthy lentil curry. Pour it over the briyani, or dip the murtabak in it.

Fork lifting a chunk of potato coated in thick golden-orange dhal — The dhal comes with chunks of potato.

Iced Teh Tarik

Teh tarik is Singapore’s pulled tea: sweet, milky tea poured between two cups until it froths. Order the iced version here. It is cold, and it balances the spice.

Before you order

When it is busy, order at the counter near the entrance first, then find a seat. Staff bring the food over.
Start with one small murtabak between two, then add a plate of briyani.
Dress casually. There is no dress code, but the restaurant faces a mosque and modest dress is appreciated in the area.

Do These as a Pair

Sultan Mosque is directly across the road. Eat first, then walk over. Read our Sultan Mosque guide.

The Verdict: Is Zam Zam Singapore Worth It?

Zam Zam is worth the stop, and the dish to order is the briyani.

The murtabak is what the restaurant is known for, and we were less taken with it than most people are. The deer filling fell short of its reputation. The briyani was the highlight of the meal.

Come if you like bold, hearty food at a low price, in a restaurant that has been open since 1908. Look elsewhere if you want a quiet, slow meal, or if heavy, spiced dishes are not for you. At peak hours the ground floor is warm, loud and full.

Zam Zam is a meal for when you are already in Kampong Glam. If you are visiting Sultan Mosque, it is across the road and it is the obvious place to eat.

We ordered one murtabak filling, the briyani and a teh tarik, so this is a verdict on those dishes and the two rooms.

Order the briyani. Sit upstairs.