For the longest time, Anchorvale was like the ulu, forgotten sibling sandwiched between 2 hip and happening neighbourhoods: Sengkang and Punggol. It’s neither here nor there, and Anchorvale residents have to make a trip to one of the aforementioned estates to shop for essentials, have a nice meal, or hang out in general. That is, until Anchorvale Village opened its doors.
Naturally, there was much fanfare from Anchorvale peeps who patiently waited for their ‘hood to be more convenient and exciting. But the mall even drew crowds from surrounding North-East regions, and dare we say – elsewhere in SG. And something that draws envy from folks not staying here? The high-level Anchorvale Village FairPrice.
Keep in mind that this is not even one of FairPrice’s fancy “specialty” branches. Y’know? FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, that kind of thing. This is just a regular FairPrice, but with so many special offerings that I’m thinking of petitioning with my own neighbourhood supermarket to make it as cool.
For one, you’ll never have to lament that there are limited food options when you want something that’s quick and easy. The supermarket is lined with ready-to-eat food stations spanning cuisines from Chinese and Japanese to local comfort food.
Save yourself a trip to Chinatown and grab some Chinese skewers from just $1/stick. A dollar coin can get you broccoli, lotus root, mushroom, and tofu skewers. There are also sausage ($1.20), mantou ($1.30), quail egg ($1.60), and cheese tofu ($1.80) skewers, plus chicken, pork, mutton, and beef slices from $1.40.
Don’t fancy heading to Don Don Donki at Waterway Point to get Japanese nosh? You’ll find similar fare right here, with an array of donburi rice bowls, bento boxes, onigiri, sushi, and sides like takoyaki and karaage ($3.20 each).
Packaged roast meats aren’t that uncommon in supermarkets. But the Hong Kong-style roast meat section here has them freshly made in glistening in the display case for you to salivate over. Choices are pretty extensive too, with the likes of pork belly, char siew, pork ribs, roast duck, chicken, and pork, braised duck, and smoked duck.
Anchorvale residents can swing by to pick up some freshly chopped cuts, and that’s protein for dinner settled. Keep your eyes peeled for special deals like $6.50 for an entire baked chicken, doused in your choice of black pepper or sesame sauce.
We love how customisable yong tau foo is. Indulge in a comforting bowl of all your favourite ingredients without needing to go to a food court. $5.10 will get you a set of 6 ingredients served dry or in a clear soup, with your choice of rice or noodles. It’s budget-friendly, fuss-free, and very light on the palate.
For a stronger kick of flavour and spice, you can get your 6 ingredients cooked fresh in a tom yam, mala, or curry base ($5.75). They even have a set where you can get 6 ingredients and 2 bouncy, chewy chee cheong fun rolls ($6.40).
For days when you want to get a tasty and nutritious stomach filler on the go, head straight to the Grab & Go station. It has salads, sandwiches, and yoghurt parfaits galore – perfecting to scarf down a quick breakfast or tide you over crunchtime lunches.
They’re pocket-friendly too, with pasta salads from $3, chicken and veggie sandwiches from $3.80, and overnight oat parfaits from $4.50.
We previously covered Hao Mart in Taste Orchard, which is a multi-storey treasure trove of international snacks. No worries if you’re not keen to travel to town, ‘cause Anchorvale Village FairPrice also has a dedicated international food zone.
Here, you’ll find popular picks from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. There are plenty of yummy snacks which are perfect to accompany your Netflix binge, as well as gift sets which travellers usually buy as souvenirs.
Beyond tidbits, there are also pantry staples from overseas which you may have tried on your holiday and miss dearly. Come stock up on coffee and chocolate peppermint cookies from Coles, as well as tea and fruity granola from Morrisons, without hopping on a plane to Aussie and the UK.
We’ll give it to you, Anchorvalians. Your neighbourhood supermarket is pretty darn cool. You might also be tempted to not only stop and smell the roses, but pick up a couple of bouquets – because they’re priced from just $6.05 here for a bunch of vibrant, colourful gerberas.
Even elaborate rose bouquets are kept under $30. We know where we’re headed the next time V-Day and Mother’s Day roll around!
Us Singaporeans sure do love our malls. For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, give our Heartland Malls: Then Vs Now article a read. And if you happen to be an Eastie, don’t FOMO about Anchorvale’s cool new digs. You have the upcoming Pasir Ris Mall opening to look forward to.
Photography by Ian Sim.
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