Punggol Container Park
If you’re not too keen on squeezing with the crowds at shopping malls and want to go someplace out of the ordinary, hop down to Punggol Container Park – an Artbox-esque spot nestled in the heartland of Punggol East.
There are eats like Korean grub and Japanese izakaya, plus even a spot to roller skate as a post-date activity. Here’s what you can expect to find:
1. Rink @ Punggol East – SG’s largest roller sports rink
The colourful rainbow tiles warrant extra pics for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: Rink at Punggol East Facebook
Rink @ Punggol East is the ultimate playground for skating and scootering enthusiasts. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The rental options are plentiful and include penny boards, inline skates, and scooters.
If you’re just starting out, they offer beginner lessons from $16 for a 2-hour session. The rate is the same whether you rent their equipment or bring your own, which is great news for those looking to try out the spot without the commitment.
Image credit: Rink at Punggol East Facebook
Once you’ve gotten the hang of your wheels, test out your skills by going down ramps and slopes, or wading through obstacles in the rink. This place is fully-sheltered so there’s no need to worry about the rain putting a damper on your time here. You can also take the fun outside the rink by exploring the surrounding area, such as Coney Island.
2. Fat Po – Known for Crayfish Lao Shu Fen
You don’t have to pick what cuisine you’re in the mood for at Fat Po – they’ve got both Asian and Western dishes to keep most cravings satisfied.
Image adapted from: @fatposg via Instagram
For first-timers, it’s recommended that you dig into their Cheesy Baked Crayfish for a bite of fresh seafood and wok hey-filled lao shu fen topped with curry minced pork. The hearty plate goes well with their Kurobuta Pork Skewers that can also be enjoyed with draft beers on tap.
Image adapted from: @fatposg via Instagram
If you want to try more items on the menu, here’s some good news: Fat Po frequently rolls out deals and specials. Time time, grab a friend for lunch from Tuesday to Friday, between 12pm and 4pm to enjoy 2 mains and 2 sides for $42.80.
Address: 10 Tebing Lane, #01-05/06, Singapore 828836
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 12pm-10pm | Fri 12pm-10.30pm | Sat 9.30am-10.30pm | Sun 9.30am-10pm
Contact: 6244 4505
3. Pump Station 1965 Bar & Bistro – Night market vibes
Image credit: @pumpstation1965 via Instagram
It might be designed to mimic a run-down gas station in the American Midwest, but Pump Station 1965 Bar & Bistro will give you total Rod Fai Train Night Market vibes with its upper-deck seating and mixture of neon and fairy lights. Serving up over 100 varieties of wines, beers, cocktails and shooters in a quaint breezy alfresco setting, the bar makes quite the statement spot for your HTHT sessions with friends.
Image credit: @pumpstation1965 via Instagram
We all know that we shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach, so you can fill your tummies with a host of main dishes as well. Zoom staight in for the chef’s recommendation, Chicken Carbonara ($15.90), or opt for the Mixed Platter ($31.90) of Pump Wings, calamari and salmon sticks if you’re in a group.
Address: 50 Punggol East, #01-K32, Singapore 828826
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-12am | Fri-Sat 4pm-1am
Contact: 9655 5596 | Pump Station 1965 Facebook
4. Beastro – Japanese izakaya with donburi, sake & craft beers
Image credit: Beastro Singapore Facebook
Beastro is an izakaya-style establishment. For the uninitiated, izakayas are watering holes in Japan where locals kick back and let loose over no-frills grub and a drink or two. Indeed, what could be a better way to destress than savouring Japanese cuisine as well as craft beers and sake by the scenic reservoir?
Image adapted from: Beastro Singapore Facebook
Their donburi rice bowls (from $12.80) are as filling and delicious as they are Instagrammable, with options like salmon teriyaki, unagi and salmon sashimi. They’ve also got appetisers and snacks (from $5.80) including crispy tempura shishamo, grilled mentaiko king prawn and spiced roasted cashew nuts.
Drinks wise, you can wash down all that good nosh with locally-brewed Archipelago beer on tap, and an array of premium Japanese sake and whisky.
Address: 50 Punggol East, #01-K37, Singapore 828826
Opening Hours: 4pm-12am, Daily
Contact: 8218 9069 | Beastro Singapore Facebook
5. Madya Cuisine & Bar – Gourmet Indian cuisine with extensive menu
Image credit: Shivam Agarwal via Google Maps
Fans of Indian food will be chuffed by Madya Cuisine & Bar’s extensive selection of both North and South Indian fare. They’ve got heaps of briyani (from $10), naan (from $4.60), and even fried rice (from $8.40) options to satisfy all cravings across you and your dining companions.
Image credit: Madya Cuisine & Bar via Google Maps
For accompaniments, expect the classic proteins like Butter Chicken Masala ($14.60), marinated tandoori meat and seafood (from $14.40), and tikka skewers (from $11.50) – including paneer.
Address: 50 Punggol East, #01-K38, Singapore 828826
Opening hours: 11.30am-11.45am, Daily
Contact: 8694 8496 | Madya Cuisine & Bar website
6. Seoul Good
Image credit: Eatbook
If binge-watching K-dramas has got you in the mood for some hearty Korean food, Seoul Good serves up authentic Korean dishes that will get you queuing for seconds.
Image credit: Eatbook
For your main dish, you can try their Spicy Beef Bulgogi Rice ($15.30) or Chicken Korean Jajangmyeon ($12) – these come highly recommended by diners who have been there. If you’re a party of two, order the crowd-favourite Special Chicken Wings ($10.90 for 6 pieces) which features wings marinated in honey, soy and garlic as a sharing option.
Address: 50 Punggol East, #01-K36 Punggol, Singapore 828826
Opening hours: 3pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: Seoul Good website
[Closed] Big Fish Small Fish
Image credit: Eatbook
Fish lovers, this is a piece of heaven on earth for you. Those who have been to Big Fish Small Fish can vouch for the wide selection of seafood available from Halibut and Hoki to Sea Bass, Snow Cod and Salmon. The Classic Fish and Chips (from $13.90) comprises a battered fish fillet and a choice of 2 sides, alongside their chunky skin-on fries.
Appetisers include battered button mushrooms and cheese sticks with clam cheese dips, amongst other offerings.
The DIY concept of the eatery is quite interesting, allowing you to pick up paper sheets for you to throw in all of your chips and seafood in the middle as a sharing platter. Perfect for sharing among groups, now that 10-pax dining is back on the table.
Getting to Punggol Container Park
Hop on to the Punggol LRT East Loop and alight at Riviera station, before making your way on foot to the Punggol Container Park just 5 minutes away. Alternatively, you can take bus services 3, 83 and 85 from Punggol Temporary Interchange at alight at Riviera Station Exit A.
If you’re in search of a respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city and wouldn’t mind travelling a little further into ulu Punggol, the Punggol Container Park is home to an array of delectable dishes for a casual chill night with your pals.
For more hangout ideas with friends, check out:
- Group-friendly dining spots
- Cafes with large tables
- Group activity ideas
- Chalets for group staycations
Cover image adapted from: @pumpstation1965 via Instagram, Rink at Punggol East Facebook, Eatbook
Originally published on 9th October 2020 by Deborah Gan. Last updated by Ong Yee Ching on 8th May 2023.