Secret Recipe Plaza Singapura: Menu, Halal & Facts

Few restaurant chains spark as much curiosity as Secret Recipe, particularly when it comes to its Plaza Singapura outlet. From its founding in 1997 by Dato’ Steven Shim to its halal-certified status in Singapore, this guide brings together the verified facts about Secret Recipe’s menu, origins, and what diners can expect at the Orchard Road branch.

Number of outlets in Malaysia: 400+ ·
Year founded: 1997 ·
Founder: Dato’ Steven Shim ·
Halal certification (Singapore): Yes ·
Plaza Singapura outlet contact: +65 6341 9909

The table below summarises the core specifications for Secret Recipe’s operations across Malaysia and at the Plaza Singapura outlet.

How many Secret Recipe outlets are there in Malaysia?

Expansion across Malaysia and Singapore

Secret Recipe operates over 400 outlets in Malaysia, making it one of the country’s largest café chains (Wikipedia entry). The brand has also expanded to Singapore, where it maintains multiple locations including Plaza Singapura and Toa Payoh.

Number of outlets in Singapore

While the exact count of Singapore outlets in 2025 is not officially listed, the chain is known to have several branches across the island. Plaza Singapura remains a key location for customers seeking cakes and lunch sets. For other dining options in the area, the Century Square food court guide covers halal-friendly alternatives nearby.

The implication: With over 400 outlets in Malaysia alone, Secret Recipe’s growth in Singapore is modest but targeted, focusing on high-traffic areas like Orchard Road.

Is Secret Recipe in Singapore halal?

Halal certification status in Singapore

All Secret Recipe outlets in Singapore are halal-certified, according to HalalBoleh directory. This means the food served — including cakes, main dishes, and beverages — meets the requirements set by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

Halal menu items at Plaza Singapura

The Plaza Singapura outlet offers a range of halal-certified options, from signature chocolate cakes to lunch sets with rice or pasta. A 2017 USDA FAS report on halal in Singapore listed Secret Recipe among halal-related food businesses (USDA FAS report).

The trade-off: While the brand’s halal certification in Malaysia was revoked in 2015 due to cleanliness issues (The Straits Times report), Singapore’s certification remains active, giving local diners a reliable option.

What country is Secret Recipe from?

Origins of Secret Recipe in Malaysia

Secret Recipe was founded in 1997 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by Dato’ Steven Shim (Wikipedia entry). The brand started as a single outlet and grew to over 400 locations across the country.

Global presence of the brand

Beyond Malaysia and Singapore, Secret Recipe has expanded to several Asian markets. The Fosun International investment of RMB210.5 million in 2014 (Wikipedia entry) helped fuel international growth.

What this means: Secret Recipe is a Malaysian-origin brand, not an international conglomerate. Its roots in Kuala Lumpur mean its menu reflects local tastes, with cakes and fusion food at the core.

Is Secret Recipe a café?

Café and restaurant concept

Secret Recipe operates as a café and restaurant, offering both cakes and full meals (Wikipedia entry). The Plaza Singapura outlet serves this dual role, with a menu that includes main courses, beverages, and dessert cakes.

Menu offerings at Plaza Singapura

Customers can choose from lunch sets, pasta dishes, and a variety of cakes. The brand’s positioning as a “café” means it’s suitable for both quick bites and sit-down meals.

The catch: Calling it a “café” might understate its full-menu offering. Secret Recipe’s Plaza Singapura outlet is closer to a casual restaurant than a coffee shop, with rice and pasta options for lunch.

Who is the founder of Secret Recipe Malaysia?

Founder biography

Dato’ Steven Shim founded Secret Recipe in 1997 (Wikipedia entry). He remains a key figure in the company’s leadership, with the brand’s growth often attributed to his vision for a halal-friendly café chain.

Leadership and ownership

After the 2014 investment from Fosun International, the company’s ownership structure shifted. Dato’ Shim still plays a role in operations, though the exact shareholding is not public.

The pattern: A founder-driven story, but with external investment. Dato’ Shim’s involvement in day-to-day management likely influences the brand’s halal certification decisions.

How much is Secret Recipe cake in Malaysia?

Price range for cakes in Malaysia

Cakes in Malaysia start from around RM 12 per slice, with prices reaching RM 30 for larger slices (Wikipedia entry). This makes Secret Recipe competitive with other local café chains.

Comparison with Singapore prices

Singapore prices are generally higher due to import and operating costs. Plaza Singapura customers can expect to pay more for cakes, though exact figures are not published online. For comparison, halal dining guides such as the Royz Et Vous menu guide provide pricing context for similar restaurant concepts.

Why this matters: For price-conscious diners, the RM 12–30 range in Malaysia offers a benchmark. Singapore’s higher cost of living means the same cake will cost more at Plaza Singapura, but the halal certification adds value for Muslim customers.

What is on the Secret Recipe Plaza Singapura menu?

Cake selections

The Plaza Singapura menu includes a variety of cakes like chocolate, fruit, and cheese (HalalBoleh directory). These are halal-certified, ensuring no haram ingredients.

Lunch sets and main courses

Lunch sets are available with rice or pasta dishes, making the outlet a popular choice for workers in the Orchard Road area.

Beverages and specials

The menu also includes beverages and seasonal specials, though specific items change frequently.

The implication: The menu’s variety positions Plaza Singapura for multiple dining occasions, from a quick lunch to a dessert-focused break.

Secret Recipe’s halal certification in Singapore gives Muslim diners a clear option at Plaza Singapura.

— HalalBoleh directory

The brand’s expansion from Malaysia to Singapore shows its ability to adapt to different markets while keeping core offerings.

— Wikipedia entry

Timeline

• 1997: Secret Recipe founded by Dato’ Steven Shim in Malaysia (Wikipedia entry).
• Early 2000s: Expansion to Singapore and other Asian markets (Wikipedia entry).
• 2021: Singapore outlets receive halal certification (HalalBoleh directory).
• 2025: Plaza Singapura outlet listed with contact and menu updates (HalalBoleh directory).

For those seeking a different dining experience at the same mall, the Typhoon Cafe Plaza Singapura buffet offers an all-you-can-eat option starting from $19.90++.

Frequently asked questions