Written by Harnoor Channi-Tiwary — Singapore-based travel and gastronomy writer reporting for Expat Choice between assignments whose work appears in the world’s leading digital and print lifestyle magazines and who brings an insider’s lens to the expat traveller experience.
Ten years on, Expat Choice remains Asia’s original platform for expat-led stories in food and travel—real voices, real places, real discoveries. In this latest feature, Harnoor Channi-Tiwary steps out from behind the screen and onto the streets, chasing the soul of Middle Eastern cuisine across borders and oceans.
From the Mediterranean coastline of Beirut, where street food tells history better than any textbook, to the electric spice alleys of Marrakech, where the air tastes of cumin, citrus, and charcoal before you even order—this is a journey powered by curiosity, culture, and connection.
On the plate, it’s a mix of the beloved and the bold: house-made falafel, king-oyster mushroom skewers, and richly layered meat kebabs—matched with a drinks list as diverse as the cities that inspired it.
Read on to find out how Styxx, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine, is becoming a haven for expats who understand that food is more than just a meal, and how the Middle Eastern culinary trend is changing the Asian restaurant scene.
Middle Eastern cuisine is having a moment, and I’m all for it. Singapore has long been a melting pot of cultures, its culinary landscape reflecting that diversity. Yet, for years, authentic Middle Eastern fare has remained surprisingly under-represented beyond the tourist trail. A quiet revival is now underway, with a flutter of new openings offering a genuine taste of the region.
To categorise the vast Middle East under one heading would be a mistake. Every cuisine, whether Yemeni, Israeli, Moroccan, Palestinian, Egyptian, or Lebanese, contributes a distinct identity that is influenced by geography and customs. Food transcends borders and time, changing and evolving while remaining true to its origins, as the creative force behind Leila and its new subsidiary Styxx reminded me.
Styxx, which was founded by the recently opened Middle Eastern-Balkan gastro-bar Leila, redefines the skewer language with a more light-hearted approach.
“It’s not a typo,” laughs Yogev Vardi, founder of Leila and Styxx. “Skewers aren’t new—think yakitori or kebabs—but this is our interpretation: fun, cheeky, and still authentic.” The extra xx could be seen as a flame's kiss, served with heart and soul!
The beverage menu reflects the same attitude. The wine list includes bottles from Lebanon, such as a crisp white from the Beqaa Valley that goes well with the food's earthy flavours. Expect combinations from the three creative mocktails that feel contemporary and deliberate, ideal for a time when alcohol-free drinking is becoming more popular.
We are greeted with a complimentary amuse-bouche consisting of pickles, Moroccan Matbuha (a tomato-garlic dip), black sesame tahini, and spongy Saluf, a Yemeni pancake. Be advised that Matbuha is very addictive, particularly if you enjoy garlic as much as I do. Instead of the dry, dense versions that are too frequently found elsewhere, we start with our house-made hummus ($18) that is laced with harissa and topped with moist, fragrant golden falafel. Vardi explains, "At Styxx, we make the falafel by hand, unlike those where the mixture is ground in machines and loses its nubby texture." In comparison to the other dishes, the Freekeh Salad ($17), which combines wing beans with toasted green wheat and smoked labneh, seems a little muted.
The skewers are, of course, the main attraction of Styxx. The marinated king oyster mushroom and leek skewers ($18) are perfect for vegetarians because the flavours permeate every bite. The creamy baba ghanoush and the meaty texture of the mushroom almost negate the need for the leeks. The Layered Kebab ($16), which is reminiscent of Turkey's Adana wraps or India's seekh kebab rolls, is a revelation for meat lovers. It consists of spiced minced meat sandwiched between thin squares of bread. It's incredibly filling when served with optional harissa or matbucha and drizzled with beetroot tahini.
Styxx is a great place for drinks and small plates, similar to a Middle Eastern izakaya, but it also serves heartier food. Highlights include a 24-hour brined roast chicken (half for $26, full for $43) smoked over applewood and served with umami-rich jus, and a poached Alaskan king crab leg ($69) with butter-garlic sauce. When you eat here, little things like the server encouraging you to pick up the crab legs with your fingers to enjoy the dish without fuss and providing a fingerbowl of warm water with lemon for cleaning up afterward make a big difference.
Whatever you do, make sure you end on a sweet note with the Baklava & Kadaif ($15), a hybrid of kunefe and baklava that even non–dessert lovers will adore. Served in small bite sized pieces, they are flaky bites of heaven.
With its cuisine that makes it easy to share plates, Styxx, is ideal for big gatherings and brings a dash of Middle Eastern hospitality to Singapore. Aside from the steel plates and modern, industrial furnishings, the small room exudes a friendly vibe. Styxx is unique in the competitive Keong Saik dining scene because of its soul—it's simple, enjoyable, and incredibly flavourful.
a. 18 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390
w. styxx.sg
STYXX: Contemporary Skewers and Grill Bar Light Up Singapore's Teck Lim Road
Singapore’s Chinatown welcomes a new culinary destination this November with the opening of Styxx,, a modern skewers and grill bar that promises an immersive dining experience. Founded by the creators of the acclaimed Middle Eastern-Balkan gastro-bar Leila, Styxx continues to explore Middle Eastern flavours while infusing a bold, unpolished charm that prioritises authentic taste over pretense. The restaurant presents a dynamic playground of fire, bread, and flavour, where skewers take centre stage and each dish is designed for sharing in a space that feels global, inclusive, and unmistakably Singaporean.
Free house-made saluf, a rustic Middle Eastern flatbread, is served to guests along with three vibrant mezze dips. Hand-rolled and cooked directly on hot stones, each saluf has a delicate, slightly chewy texture with smoky undertones that entice diners to tear, share, and savour.
Black Tahini, a blend of sesame and black garlic, Matbuha, a spicy tomato relish, and refreshing pickles to clear the palate in between bites are among the accompanying dips. Starting at $9, diners can sample a variety of skewers and small plates that are infused with the smoky flavour of the open flame from this cosy start.
A variety of palates and appetites are satisfied by Styxx's grilled offerings. Tender chicken hearts cost $15, while juicy chicken thigh skewers, or shishlik, cost $18. The spicy Merguez Sausage ($16) has rich lamb flavours with cumin and other seasonings, while the Middle Eastern Kebab ($17) combines beef, tomato and onion.
The Layered Kebab, which costs $18, is particularly noteworthy because it has perfectly cooked minced beef and lamb fat and is topped with pink tahini infused with beetroot. Fish and Seafood Mix are available for $19 each, while Padron Peppers and King Oyster Mushrooms are available for $16 and $18, respectively, for vegetarians. At $29 per 100g, the Wagyu skewer is an upscale treat with succulent, juicy meat.
Styxx, enhances the communal dining experience by serving a variety of small plates that go well with the skewers. The Freekeh Salad, which has smoked labneh cheese and toasted green wheat, costs $17, while Hummus Baladi and Falafel cost $19. The Arabic salad, which includes cucumber, tomato, red pepper, and parsley with a labneh lemon dressing, is available for $15.
Consider the $18 Dolma, a stuffed onion with spiced beef and rice cooked in demi-glace, for a heartier entrée. The Taboon Lahme, a slow-cooked lamb stew baked in traditional bread dough for $37, and the Half or Whole Chicken, marinated in harissa and smoked with applewood for $29 and $46, respectively, make excellent sharing plates for larger gatherings. At $69, the Alaskan king crab leg poached in smoked garlic butter is a delectable highlight.
Styxx ensures that the dessert is just as memorable as the main course. The Chocolate Mousse is a velvety, delectable treat that costs $15, while Baklava and Kadaif are priced at $15 each and feature delicate layers of pastry with nuts and syrup. The Basbousa Cake ($23) combines rosewater custard and semolina cake for a fragrant and calming finish. The Styxx, menu is a must-visit for both locals and tourists to Singapore's Chinatown because it emphasises flavour, creativity, and the joy of group dining in every way.
a. 18 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390
w. styxx.sg
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Grand Hyatt Singapore Elevates Luxury Halal Travel with Seamless Muslim-Friendly Hospitality
As Muslim travel continues to be one of the fastest-growing parts of global tourism, Grand Hyatt Singapore is making its commitment to inclusivity stronger by offering experiences that are tailored to the needs of Muslim travellers. The hotel combines modern luxury with cultural sensitivity to make sure that visitors are comfortable, feel at home, and are treated with respect during their stay.
The Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 says that 176 million Muslims came to other countries in 2024, which is 25 percent more than the year before. By 2030, this population is expected to climb to 245 million, and total spending is expected to reach USD 230 billion. Singapore is becoming the most popular non-OIC destination for Muslim visitors.
One excellent illustration of how luxury hotels can adapt to the demands of this shifting market is the Grand Hyatt Singapore. More and more contemporary Muslim tourists are searching for digital resources for halal travel, locations suitable for solitary getaways and health retreats, and experiences that acknowledge the significance of contemporary Muslim women travellers.
According to Edouard Demptos, the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Singapore, the hotel's philosophy is based on inclusivity. He stresses that real luxury is making sure that every guest feels appreciated and at peace. The hotel makes sure that Muslim guests have a smooth and culturally aware stay by offering halal-certified food and specific facilities.
One of the best things about the property is StraitsKitchen, which is one of the first halal-certified buffet restaurants in an international five-star hotel in Singapore. For almost 20 years, MUIS-certified theatre kitchens have served real Malay, Peranakan, Indian, and Chinese food to show off the city's diverse food scene.
Charcoal-grilled satay, beef rendang, laksa, and chilli crab are among the specialities of Singapore's rich ethnic culinary heritage. The hotel's main dining option is StraitsKitchen, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For corporate organisations and family get-togethers that prefer a more subdued setting, semi-private rooms are also available.
Grand Hyatt Singapore demonstrates its commitment to halal hospitality by providing in-room meals and a dedicated halal events kitchen. This lets wedding couples, social groups, and MICE organisers plan personalised events that match Muslim dietary needs. Such an arrangement is still not typical among premium hotels in the city.
The hotel has added Muslim-friendly features to all parts of its remodelled facility, not just the dining areas. Guests and staff can use separate prayer rooms for men and women, each measuring 82 square feet. These rooms have facilities for washing up, prayer mats, pillows, and seats to make sure everyone is comfortable and private. The Halo Steam Room, Dual Therapy Sauna, and Air Lounge Hydro Pool are just a few of the wellness facilities at Damai Spa. All these facilities feature individual changing rooms designed to maintain modesty.
The Terrace Wing and Garden Studios are peaceful places to stay for quiet thought and rest. Families can find calm in the 60-square-metre Garden Studio Room, which is on the first level and has direct access to the Terrace Wing Gardens and Wellness Pool.
The facility also caters to travellers from different generations by adding connected rooms, which makes it easier for larger families to stay together. Guestrooms have Kiblat indicators and bidet systems, which show that the hotel pays attention to details and is aware of other cultures.
The inclusivity approach of Grand Hyatt Singapore extends to its employees and the community as a whole. The company supports employees who choose to wear the hijab, and relationships with groups like Jamiyah Singapore and The Intan show that the company cares about learning other cultures and getting involved in the community.
The hotel has introduced Living Room Sessions, small get-togethers where people can talk about art, food, health, and other important topics. The hotel believes that hospitality is as much about belonging as it is about service. These experiences—from culinary showcases with France's "King of Cheese," Patrice Marchand, to a HYROX-themed session honouring movement and togetherness— highlight this.
The Grand Hyatt Singapore, located at the heart of Orchard Road, offers the best hospitality for Muslim travellers looking for a mix of elegance, comfort, and cultural awareness. Guests are urged to check out the halal-certified meals, well-thought-out facilities, and easy-to-use service.
To plan a stay, visit Grand Hyatt Singapore, and follow @grandhyattsing with #GrandHyattSingapore and #MoreWithGrand on social media for the latest experiences.
a. 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211
w. www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/sinrs-grand-hyatt-singapore
fb. www.facebook.com/GrandHyattSingapore
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