Shaking Up The Heartland Haven 

Serangoon Gardens is known as one of the oldest and most beloved estates in Singapore. Ask anyone who lives there, and they’ll exclaim that they never want to move! Yet, while humans root themselves to the ground, new restaurants are popping up in the area and making the neighbourhood a go-to for foodies from around the island. 

We shortlisted 7 new and worthy restaurants you should chiong to before word gets out! 

1. Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen 

Hajime’s Head Chef Tan-San is Singapore’s very first Tonkatsu chef and the man behind legendary Tonkichi and Tampopo, with 25 years of experience in the art of making Tonkatsu. So, you must try the Premium Pork Loin ($19.90) that’s air-flown from Japan. Besides being crisp and juicy, the pork cutlet succeeds in being perfectly seasoned and not too oily. The crumbs are also specially selected so they retain their crunch for a longer time.

Served with Tonkatsu sauce and fresh sesame seeds, you can even pretend to be a chef and grind your own mix of sauce.

I found the Tonkatsu Ramen ($14.90) remarkably similar to its counterpart at Tampopo, even though fresh Nama ramen noodles used at Hajime is supposed to be thicker and chewier. They don’t let you choose the hardness of your noodles, but the light and flavoursome 12-hour pork bone broth helped me to quickly forget any qualms!

Address: MyVillage @ Serangoon Garden, 1 Maju Avenue, #02-07/8/9, Singapore 556679
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat, Sun & P.H)
Telephone: 6509 9952
Website

2. Soi Thai Kitchen

Soi Thai Kitchen is the up-and-coming competitor to Nakhon Kitchen. With an outlet at Tampines that’s gaining a name for itself as a place for authentic and affordable Thai food, they opened a second branch at Serangoon Gardens last month. Expect a bright atmosphere with colourful seats and graffiti-filled brick walls at this small joint!

Beef Panaeng

Thick Tom Yam Soup Chicken

Pandan Chicken

The food lived up to its name. A must-order is Beef Panaeng ($11), a mild Thai curry with tender chunks of stewed beef. Those with friends who complain that Thai food in Singapore isn’t spicy enough, bring them here to try the unassuming but fiery Mango Salad ($6). You’ll also find classic dishes like Thick Tom Yam Soup Chicken ($7), Pandan Chicken ($8) and Thai-style Kang Kong ($7) on the menu, except the green curry that’s off to greener pastures. 

Address: 58 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555954
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm (Mon – Sun)
Telephone: 6282 3788
Website

3. Srisun Express

Nutella Milkshake 

We all have bad days when things don’t go our way and we just need some comfort food to feel better. At times like these, head down to Srisun Express, a new hideout in Serangoon Gardens that will break a smile on any gloomy face! And it’s one place that’ll always have your back – open 24 hours daily all year round.

Mee Goreng Special

Coin Prata

It stands out from RK eating house opposite with its unique gluttonous creations. Favourites include Honeymoon Prata ($5) filled with banana, chocolate and sweetened milk, and Mee Goreng Special ($7.50), which comes with a side of crinkle-cut cheese fries. I especially love the fluffiness of the miniature Coin Prata ($6), and the Nutella Milkshake ($7) is gorgeously insta-worthy.

Address: 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555952
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Telephone: 6282 2325
Website

4. Steam Box

Steam Box is a fresh concept from Hong Kong that brings steam-potting to Singapore. Like a steamboat experience, fresh ingredients are served raw and cooked at the table. You’ll notice they come in different coloured plates, cleverly indicating not their price but the amount of time to be steamed. Cook your own food before slurping up the congee hidden below!

Little patience is required at this restaurant, for all plates are cooked within 2 to 6 minutes. Also, don’t forget to pair your dishes with their array of homemade sauces. Once you’ve cleared up your food, they’ll reveal the porridge at the bottom of the pot, filled with juices that trickled down from all your steamed ingredients throughout the meal. This was undoubtedly the highlight!

Address: 68 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555964
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Tue – Sun)
Telephone: 6281 6939
Website

5. Geylang Claypot Rice 

Geylang Claypot Rice is the store that made owner Ng Kim Hock famous for his claypot rice, and showcased our delicacy to Anthony Bourdain and soon New York City. Not to be missed, they recently opened their first branch outlet since 1981 in a shophouse right opposite myVillage. 

Remember to call the restaurant before you head over to pre-order the Claypot Chicken Rice ($16 for 1-2 pax). As the dish is cooked upon order, the wait will otherwise be 25 minutes. While I found the rice to be slightly less fragrant and with less sha po feel than the original, it’s still pretty decent. The restaurant also offers zi char dishes, and I was told that the home-made tofu is so comforting that people go just to dabao a plate! 

Address: 4 Maju Ave, Singapore 556682
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Telephone: 6816 2754
Website

6. Lad & Dad

At Lad & Dad, there’s only one main on the menu. That’s the Lancashire Hotpot, which comes in classic beef or mutton. The Lad ($12) is dished out with 3 sides of your choice, while The Dad ($8) watching his belly takes only the stew. 

The stew created by the adorable father and son team woke me up instantly, as it’s filled with pepper. Along with its thick flavourful base, it was very satisfying. For the sides, you have to order the Fragrant Rice ($2) made with butter, fennel, raisins, onions and garlic. Unfortunately I didn’t get to try the Yorkshire Pudding ($2). Fresh out of the oven at 1230pm and 630pm daily, it sells out within a mere 2 hours! 

Address: Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre, #01-32, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555945
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8.30pm (Wed – Sun)
Telephone: 9247 7385
Website

7. iSteaks Diner

NZ Striploin Source: @mitsueki 

Fried Fish Fillet Source: @isteaksdiner

Disclaimer: iSteaks Diner isn’t new to Serangoon Gardens, but it relocated not too long ago and I found that many people still aren’t in the loop! From what used to be a favourite hawker stall offering no-frills Western grub, it’s now located at a more comfortable location in myVillage.

With all their grilled specialities served with 2 sides, and prices for poultry starting from $9, you can come here anytime to satisfy your Western cravings. Don’t miss the NZ Striploin, 250g cut ($19) – a wallet-friendly cut with flavour beyond its price tag. 

Address: MyVillage @ Serangoon Garden, 1 Maju Avenue, #02-03 to 06, Singapore 556679
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Sun – Thu & PH), 11am – 12am (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH)
Telephone: 6285 8839 
Website

Prep Your Tummy For A Feast

With new players shaking up the scene at Serangoon Gardens yet again, foodie lovers will never get bored of this neighbourhood. Besides the ever-crowded Chomp Chomp, there’s so much more that this little haven has to offer. You better set a date to check out these restaurants before everyone else comes and creates snaking queues! 

This post was brought to you by myVillage at Serangoon Garden.