Away from the hustle and bustle, there’s more to this neighbourhood than meets the eye. From iconic hawker hotspot Chomp Chomp to laidback bars and restos, Serangoon Gardens offers something for everyone.
Located in between Serangoon and Hougang, there’s just something about this suburban estate. Exuding a quiet, laidback charm, Serangoon Gardens is home to one of Singapore’s best hawker centres, as well as nondescript bars, under-the-radar restos and an Olympic-sized swimming pool! Behold, our definitive guide to Serangoon Gardens.
EAT
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Ask any Singaporean and they’ll nod in approval when Chomp Chomp Food Centre is mentioned. You don’t have to run from pillar to post, what with all the local favourites under one roof. Shoutout to the BBQ stingray from Chomp Chomp Hai Wei Yuan Seafood Barbecue, carrot cake from the aptly named Carrot Cake stall and BBQ chicken wings from Chong Pang Huat. Wash it all down with a glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 20 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557269
Hanwoori
Serving up authentic Korean food since 2011, this joint has classics like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and spicy tofu stew. Just like any other Korean eatery, you will get 10 side dishes that are topped up for free. If you’re ravenous, dig into the BBQ combination – the best thing about it is that you don’t have to do any of the cooking! The friendly staff will serve a heaping plate of fully cooked meat in bite-size portions.
Hanwoori, 76 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555972
Soi Thai Kitchen
Relish in Thai food at this casual eatery. From the fiery tom yum soup and delish minced meat omelette to the spicy basil chicken and tangy mango salad, it’ll have you reminiscing your last Bangkok trip. Oh, and did we mention there’s no GST or service charge here?
Soi Thai, 58 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555954
Serangoon Garden Market
It might not be as popular as Chomp Chomp but it sure boasts some tasty eats. If you’ve got the time, brave the queues of Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice stall for some juicy duck meat. For the more adventurous, try the Teochew braised pig offal dishes at Garden Street Kway Chap. While you’re at it, pop by the bakery at stall 45 for some good ol’ fluffy luncheon meat buns to go with your kopi.
Serangoon Garden Market, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555945
Sri Sun Express
Popular among revellers, Sri Sun Express is a 24-hour eatery that serves up everything under the sun. And by that we mean burgers, roti prata, biryani, nasi goreng and more. Left in a food coma? Wash it all down with the three-litre drink towers.
Sri Sun Express, 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555952
Maison Kayser
You don’t have to head all the way to the CBD to try its famed croissant, as there’s a branch right here in the heartlands. Known to weave unusual flavours into traditional French recipes, Eric Kayser’s eponymous bakery rolls out a wide range of savoury and sweet baked goods. Sunday brunch is settled!
Maison Kayser, various locations
Chong Qing Grilled Fish
Specialising in grilled fish, this eatery lets diners pick their preferred fish (golden snapper or marble goby) and the side ingredients that go along with it (think black fungus, pork balls and crab sticks). Now, here’s the fun part: You can choose from seven different flavours and spice levels. Our fave has to be the spicy fragrant one paired with the medium spice level, which comes peppered with peppercorns (no pun intended) and fresh chillies. Just be prepared to sweat it out.
Chong Qing Grilled Fish, 2 Maju Ave, Singapore 556680
R.K. Eating House
For supper staples like prata and maggi goreng, RK Eating House is open round the clock. Grab your hungry friends and dig into the monster-sized tissue prata, then convince them to go for the gargantuan five-litre teh tarik – because calories don’t count after 10pm.
R.K. Eating House, 1 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557253
Pow Sing Restaurant
We can never say no to good Hainanese chicken rice, and Pow Sing Restaurant is one of our picks when it comes to this tasty dish. The Nonya restaurant serves up mean Peranakan nosh, too – we love the curry fish head and babi pongteh (stewed pork with fermented soya beans).
Pow Sing Restaurant, 63 & 65 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555961
DRINK
Plonk
Kick back with wine and tapas at Plonk. Owned by two chefs from Down Under, it’s no wonder this cheery bistro and bar reminds us of a day on the beach. Featuring different live musicians every week on the upper deck, this wine bar is great for laidback nights or sumptuous weekend brunches.
Plonk, 7 Maju Ave, Singapore 556685
Happy Daze
Happy Daze is a sports bar, board game café and deli all rolled into one. Offering popular beers like Asahi, Heineken and Guinness alongside a variety of wines, this heartland bar is perfect for a chill Friday night. Here’s another one for the animal lovers: Besides your favourite Asian and Western dishes, this pet-friendly bistro serves up healthy doggie meals so you can enjoy your food with your pooches!
Happy Daze, 11 Maju Ave, Singapore 556689
Things to do
Lemon Chiffon
If you have a mood board named “summer dresses” on Pinterest, this hidden gem is right up your alley. Think pastel blouses, bright retro prints, vintage bags and kitsch accessories – your stylish grandma will be nodding in approval.
Lemon Chiffon, 12A Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557264
Serangoon Gardens Country Club
That Olympic-sized swimming pool we mentioned earlier? It belongs to Serangoon Gardens Country Club. Aside from that, it’s also home to a gym, indoor playground and water play area, making it an ideal family-friendly spot to while away those lazy afternoons and weekends. It’s open to members only, but definitely worth checking out if you live in the hood!
Serangoon Gardens Country Club, 22 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557271
