When you think of the word ‘Meditteranean’, our mind immediately goes to a mental oasis and a state of calm. You think of the white-painted houses in Santorini and the overlooking ocean view. But have you heard about the wonders of Meditteranean cuisine?
What Is Mediterranean Food in the First Place?
The Mediterranean food is usually defined as a ‘unified culinary cuisine with shared traditions’. There is not one single trait that characterises or defines Mediterranean cuisine. Unlike other ethnic cuisines around the world that are typically tied into specifically culture or ethnic groups, Mediterranean cuisine is far more unique. Many are still confused about the origins of this cuisine, considering that the Mediterranean can be divided into three different culinary regions: Eastern Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa.
But this cuisine is more of a label that categorises the different ways that people who live in the region prepare food. Despite it being seen as a collective or unified way of cooking, there are many different cultural variations on how to prepare Mediterranean cuisine.
Culinary and Cultural Distinctions
Food from the Mediterranean region is commonly characterised by three different cuisines, which are Greek, Turkish, and Persian cuisine. But its culinary distinctions go beyond just those three.
Eastern Mediterranean
Eastern Mediterranean cuisine encompasses culinary traditions from Greece, Turkey, and some parts of the Middle East such as Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, Israel, Palestine, and Syria. In this region, you will usually find yoghurt and fresh cheeses incorporated in many recipes, and tangy and refreshing flavours from mint, parsley, and lemon juice as well. For their choice of grains, flatbreads such as pita are also common, alongside lamb, mutton and poultry as their choice of protein. If you’re wondering whether falafels originated from this region, then you are absolutely right.
Southern Europe
Moving over to Southern Europe, this cuisine is found in countries like Italy, Southern France, and Spain. One prominent element in Southern European food that distinguishes itself from the rest of Mediterranean cuisine is its use of wine in a plethora of different dishes but also on its own. Pork is also the preferred choice of meat in the region and the use of ingredients such as tomatoes, capers, garlic, and pine nuts are prominent as well.
Northern Africa
Last but definitely not least, we have the region of Northern Africa. When you think of North African cuisine, it is all about the spices and is packed with an abundance of flavour. Countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria frequently use coriander, saffron, cumin, cinnamon, and paprika in their food, which proves that we weren’t lying about the spices. Fruits, specifically dried fruit, such as raisins, dates, and apricots are also commonly used to prepare dishes but can also be eaten on its own as a side dish. The most popular grain in this region is couscous, a dish made out of crushed wheat and can be served with fruits, vegetables and even meats.
Key Ingredients of Mediterranean Cuisine
Just like how people have characteristics that make up their unique personality, Mediterranean food also has key ingredients that give it character.
Olive Oil
Despite having different culinary origins from across the entire region, olive oil is a common denominator that is present in almost every Mediterranean dish — it is known as the heart and soul of this cuisine. When we think of oil, we usually associate it with just cooking oil. But people in the Mediterranean use olive oil for almost anything from cooking, frying, seasoning, and even dipping.
Yoghurt
The locals in the Mediterranean region absolutely love Greek yoghurt and have it almost daily. Greek yoghurt can be enjoyed on its own or even as a dip for your organic veggies. Since a traditional Mediterranean diet is typically plant-based, it is also a good source of protein, which makes for a great addition to your diet.
Herbs
While they may vary across the different regions, herbs are an essential part of Mediterranean food. Some of the herbs that are commonly used in dishes include saffron, basil, cilantro, thyme, mint, parsley, and sage. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Chickpeas
Dried pulses such as chickpea are common as well due to the fact that it is a more affordable source of protein, compared to meats. Chickpeas are known as one of the earliest known cultivated legumes, that have then been key ingredients in Mediterranean dishes. Although they may be small, they are ultimately a great source of protein, iron, fibre as well as magnesium.
Wine
Before you get any ideas, we’re not saying that people in this region are alcoholics. In fact, alcohol, specifically wine, is common in a typical Mediterranean diet as long as it is drunk in moderation. Red wine has a long list of health benefits that include regulating your blood sugar, lowers your bad cholesterol, and keeps your heart healthy as well.
Top Mediterranean Restaurants in Singapore
Restaurant | Pita Tree Mediterranean Kitchen |
| Speciality | “Mediterranean food made fresh, fast and healthy” Bringing to you the juiciest of kebabs, wraps & falafels made from hand selected fresh produced & ingredients. Only at Pita Tree, the best of Mediterranean food in Singapore. Favs:
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| Website | Website URL: https://www.pitatree.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Pita.Kebabs/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/pita.kebabs/ |
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| Review 1 | “While taking in all that Orchard Road has to offer – especially at this time of year, it was lovely to catch a bite to eat here. Awesome chicken kebab and loaded fries! A very pleasant surprise at this unassuming venue.” |
| Review 2 | “Amazing Falafels and Grilled Chicken Wraps / Pitas. Value for Money. Highly recommended when in this part of town.” |
| Review 3 | “A great place to grab a pita or wrap and watch the action on Orchard Road. We had a falafel pita and it was freshly made, delicious with an option (yes! please) spicy sauce, hummus and fresh toppings. Servers were friendly and helpful.” |
Restaurant | Bakalaki Greek Taverna |
| Speciality | Located in the heart of Tiong Bahru, this restaurant and taverna is the new Mediterranean hotspot in Singapore. BAKALAKI Greek Taverna enriches Singapore’s increasingly sophisticated food scene, exploring the rich culinary history and fabulous offerings of the Eastern Mediterranean. BAKALAKI offers the best from regional producers, as traditional ingredients are sourced from authentic Greek suppliers. Taking pride in their culinary traditions, the restaurant also serves authentic seafood specialities from the Mediterranean basin that are loved by generations. |
| Website | |
| Address | 3 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168891 |
| Telephone | +65 6836 3688 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 11pm, |
Restaurant | Moosehead Kitchen Bar |
| Speciality | Best described as ‘elevated street food’ inspired by the ‘investigative wanderings’ of owner Daniel Ballis, Moosehead serves edgy, freestyle food that centres around Mediterranean flavours with influences from around the world. Unafraid to colour outside the lines of traditional small plates cuisine, the menu is constantly evolving; filled with diverse, smoky fare, prepared from an open kitchen that features an INKA charcoal grill. |
| Website | https://mooseheadproject.com/ |
| Address | 110 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068579 |
| Telephone | +65 6636 8055 |
| Operating Hours | Lunch: Mon-Sat; 11.30AM-2PM |
Restaurant | Pistachio Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Grill |
| Speciality | This cosy 30-seater is easy to overlook, occupying a small unit in the basement of Zhongshan mall. The restaurant is helmed by Egyptian Chef Khaled Elelimi, who cut his teeth at renowned hotel chains like Shangri-La and Four Seasons. Known for its selection of quality meats, Pistachio’s mixed grill for two – a selection of beef and chicken kebabs and lamb chops served with saffron rice is a popular choice, as is the Tomahawk steak with roasted potatoes. |
| Website | https://www.pistachiogrill.com/ |
| Address | 501 Orchard Road, #02-04/05 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880 |
| Telephone | + 65 6262 6400 |
| Operating Hours | Mon to Thu from 11:30am – 9:00pm |
Restaurant | Fat Prince |
| Speciality | Using only the freshest regional ingredients and spices sourced directly from the Middle East, we bring a whole new perspective on modern Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Our menu offers one-of-a-kind kebabs and Mezze, fresh and robust salads, and our unique take on large plates and desserts. One of our highlights is the use of our signature custom-made earth oven to produce melt-in-your-mouth meats that make bold appearances in our menu. |
| Website | |
| Address | 48 Peck Seah Street |
| Telephone | +65 6221 7794 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday 11.30am – 3pm (Lunch) Saturday to Sunday 11.30am – 3pm (Brunch) |
Restaurant | Artemis Grill & Sky Bar |
| Speciality | Artemis Grill literally takes patrons to new heights—the elegant restaurant hovers 40 stories above Singapore’s glittering skyline. Kick-off your meal with a drink or two on the outdoor garden terrace, then dive into the flavorful Mediterranean menu, starting with charcuterie or a selection from the raw bar. Appetizers range from smoked eel to a mélange of wild mushrooms, and entrées include grilled lobster and slow-cooked Iberico pork with cognac-apple compote. |
| Website | https://artemisgrill.com.sg/ |
| Address | #40, 138 Market St, 01 CapitaGreen Level 40, Singapore 048946 |
| Telephone | + 65 6635 8677 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Wed 11:30am – 10pm Thur, Fri 11:30am – 12am Sat 6pm – 12am |
Restaurant | Alati |
| Speciality | ALATI, or salt from the ancient Greek word ἅλας, takes great pride in serving only the freshest produce wild-caught by the hands of the fishermen at the Aegean Sea. Donning its traditional uniform of blue and white, the casual and comfortable restaurant with an ambience reminiscent of Cyclades opened its doors for business on 30th September 2015. Everything in the menu, from the meat to the pastry to the bread, is made painstakingly and meticulously by hand. |
| Website | http://www.alati.sg/ |
| Address | 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892 |
| Telephone | +65 8751 9138 |
| Operating Hours | Lunch: Mon-Fri, 12:00pm to 2:30pm (Last order 2:00pm) Dinner: Mon-Sat, 5:30pm to 12:00am (Last order 10:00pm) Closed on Sundays |
Restaurant | Blu Kouzina |
| Speciality | Blu Kouzina, a favourite destination for authentic Greek cuisine in Singapore for the past few years, is moving to a new location on Dempsey Hill. The new space brings together elements of Greek mythology and design along with Singapore’s Chinese heritage and its colonial past. It’s a marriage of culture that will make you feel at home as you settle for a culinary adventure a world away. The combination of past and present continues in the menu, where fresh and quality ingredients are used in dishes both traditional and creatively contemporary. |
| Website | https://blukouzina.com/SG/ |
| Address | 10 Dempsey Road |
| Telephone | 6875 0872 |
| Operating Hours | Lunch Service Dinner Service (COVID Period) |
Restaurant | Zorba The Greek Taverna |
| Speciality | With the best views of the iconic Singapore River along the Clarke Quay promenade, Zorba is more than just your average Greek eatery. It’s all about an authentic Greek dining experience, prepared with quality ingredients and cooked with soul. The Dips Platter is a great way to start the meal. Expect a rainbow-coloured plate decorated with plenty of fresh, crunchy vegetables, and tantalising pools of nutty hummus, tzatziki, and labneh (yoghurt cheese). |
| Website | |
| Address | 3A River Valley Road #01-02, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020 |
| Telephone | +65 8879 0688 |
| Operating Hours | Lunch Weekends Dinner Daily: 6 PM – 11 PM |
Restaurant | The Butcher’s Wife |
| Speciality | The Butcher’s Wife is that rare thing: a cosy backstreet bistro where vibrant colours are matched by dynamic flavours in dishes that enchant the palate while challenging preconceptions. Come and discover the joy of natural wines, the cleansing power of fermented ingredients and the exceptional talent of a chef committed to pushing the boundaries of balanced, gut-friendly, 100% gluten-free cuisine. |
| Website | http://www.thebutcherswifesg.com/ |
| Address | 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650 |
| Telephone | +65 6221 9307 |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Sunday Brunch: 11am to 230pm |
Restaurant | Summerlong |
| Speciality | Everything you’d expect from a great riverside restaurant is here. Bright, fresh flavours with fresh produce; with contemporary dishes that are vibrant from plate to palate. To complement the food, our Greek-inspired tipples will whisk you away into the idyllic summers of being in the Mediterranean. |
| Website | https://www.summerlongsg.com/ |
| Address | The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay #01-04, Singapore 238252 |
| Telephone | +65 235 1225 |
| Operating Hours | MONDAY – THURSDAY 11.30AM – 2.30PM (LUNCH) FRIDAY – SUNDAY 10.30AM – 3PM (BRUNCH) |
Restaurant | Olivia Restaurant and Lounge |
| Speciality | Named after the chef’s daughter, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge is a dynamic restaurant and cocktail bar for every occasion – whether it’s a solo counter top lunch, an evening dinner or a long weekend group brunch. Located along the rejuvenated Keong Saik Road, this restaurant is dedicated to bringing the best of Barcelona’s cuisine to Singaporean plates. The menu bursts with deliciously rich dishes that combines premium ingredients with traditional Spanish techniques. |
| Website | https://www.olivia.com.sg/ |
| Address | 55 Keong Saik Road #01-03, Singapore 089158 |
| Telephone | +65 6221 0522 |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Thursday: 12PM – 2PM | 6PM – 10PM |
Restaurant | Mykonos on the Bay |
| Speciality | A Greek tavernas inspired by the Hellenic Islands in Greece with Greek imported blue and white furniture and décor along the stunning marina at Sentosa Cove. Mykonos serve authentic Greek cuisine using the freshest and finest ingredients. Experience a Mediterranean feast by the sea with handmade classic Greek dishes by our culinary team – Taramosalata, Shrimp and Cheese Saganaki, Elies, Mousaka, grilled meats and seafood from our custom-made charcoal grill, Spanakopita and Baklava. |
| Website | https://www.mykonosonthebay.com/ |
| Address | 31 Ocean Way, #01-10 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375 |
| Telephone | + 65 6334 3818 |
| Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3:00pm; 6pm – 10:30pm Sat, Sun and PH: all-day dining from 12pm – 10:30pm |
Restaurant | Shabestan |
| Speciality | Shabestan presents the true taste of Persia at Singapore’s riverfront district, Robertson Quay. Experience Persia’s warm hospitality, culture and food at a modern fine dining ambience. Combining premium halal lamb, beef, chicken, fish with Persian’s finest ingredients like saffron, olive oil, pomegranates, prunes, raisins, and nuts. We curate refined Persian dishes on our menu. Our goal is to introduce Persian cuisine and culture to more people in Singapore and globally. |
| Website | https://www.shabestan.sg/ |
| Address | The Pier @ Robertson 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-13 |
| Telephone | 6836 1270 |
| Operating Hours | 12pm – 10pm Daily |
Benefits of Mediterranean Food
Many chefs from around the world have dubbed Mediterranean food as healthy cuisine due to the ingredients that they use. A typical Mediterranean diet will always consist of ingredients such as olive oil, nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish — all of which are healthy foods. This cuisine puts a strong emphasis on fresh and colourful eating — none of that processed, unhealthy stuff. It’s not so much about losing weight, but rather increasing your fibre intake and eliminating heavy, processed food.
Some health benefits of adopting this diet are that it is a good source of antioxidants, which can protect you from heart diseases; reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, and can even help people with arthritis.
Mediterranean food is all about eating fresh, wholesome food. If you’re looking for a healthier diet to take on without having to give up amazing tastes and flavours, you should definitely give Mediterranean cuisine a try.
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FAQs
What is the key ingredients of Mediterranean Cuisine?
– Yoghurt
– Herbs
– Chickpeas
– Wine
