Refined Middle Eastern Dining at The Prince, Singapore

Overall rating ★★★★ │Middle East│80 SGD pp│Tanjon Pagar, Singapore

Service: ★★★★│Food: ★★★★★│Location: ★★★★★│Price: ★★│Portions: ★★★

During my 2024 trip to Singapore, I celebrated my 37th birthday 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 birthday 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 my birthday 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.