Budget
Famous 49 Katong Laksa
The stall that started it all. No longer run by the original operators, but still one of the best.
There are plenty of other famous yet cheap eats in the neighborhoods of the East Coast.
International Muslim Food
This nondescript stall has a neverending queue for Singapore's best nasi lemak, Malay-style coconut rice with fried chicken, chili, egg and various goodies. Quite honestly, it's not that different from what you'll get elsewhere, but the fast turnover alone means that it's fresh and tasty.
Katong is the undisputed home of laksa, the coconutty noodle soup that's one of Singapore's national dishes, but there's still plenty of dispute about who came up with it first and who does it best.
328 Katong Laksa
Just across the street from #49, this was one of the factions of the "laksa wars" of yore. Now franchised all over Singapore, but this is the original, still supervised by the owner.
Marine Parade Laksa
Run by the people who originally ran #49, although some think the quality has gone down see Zhen Shan Mei in Jurong for the competition.
Midrange
Sin Huat Seafood
Looks very unassuming, but the crab bee hoon stewed in rice noodles is legendary. Cooked to order, so expect to wait up to an hour and expect 'legendary' service as well: they won't serve you if you are eating duck rice from the neighboring shop. Prices have gone up since the shop was featured on Anthony Bourdain's TV show.
Turtle House
The speciality here is turtle soup $14 upwards, but the menu also has a whole slew of other amphibian dishes, ranging from the merely exotic frog legs to the outright bizarre crocodile flippers, turtle skin and intestines. Air-con and outdoor seating.
The red-light district of Geylang is also famous for its culinary delights. Shops here tend to be no-frills affairs, but the food can be great and prices are reasonable.
Top end
Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
Known for a wide variety of seafood including black pepper crab and butter crayfish and one of the most crowded seafood restaurants in the East Coast area on weekends. One should also try the duck they serve, which is prepared in a unique way and is available only at the main branch. Other branches can be found in Jurong East and Marina South.
The Mango Tree
Offers Kerala-style Indian seafood in a tastefully decorated beachside restaurant, quite unlike the raucous Chinese places above. Plenty of vegetarian options too.
Little Red House
Another chilli crab joint.
No Signboard Seafood
Known for its butter crabs.
Above all, the East Coast is associated with fresh seafood, which is often excellent but always rather pricey; check prices before you order! The two primary clusters are in and near Marina Cove on the East Coast Parkway further out, and Kallang Oasis nearer to the city. Some better known restaurants:
Jumbo Seafood
Best known for its chilli crabs. Other outlets at Riverside Point opposite Clarke Quay, Serangoon Gardens, Changi and Riverwalk, but this is the original. Not everyone likes it, however
The East Coast is home to many of Singapore's best-known dishes, including chilli crab, Katong laksa and roti prata. The strech of Geylang Road between Paya Lebar and Kallang MRT stations is arguably the most vibrant part of Singapore. Despite being famous for its red light district and abundance of sleazy karaoke bars, the area is also home to some of Singapore's best kept culinary secrets, and is a favourite for locals heading out for supper with friends. Don't expect air-conditioning, white tablecloths and sommeliers though, most budget and mid-range eateries here are in grungy but occasionally atmospheric 19th-century shophouses.