The Rail Mall
At first glance, The Rail Mall stands out from your average Singaporean mall. Instead of towering floors, it’s a single row of shops inspired by American strip malls, where a line of shopfronts would face a main road. This unique mall is located near the Rail Corridor, making it a popular haunt for early-morning joggers and cyclists.
But don’t let its laid-back appearance fool you. This mall packs a punch with its spread of international and vegan eats, as well as unique lifestyle brands featuring handmade furniture and pet products. Here’s a guide to The Rail Mall for everything that makes it worth a visit.
Table of Contents
- The Rail Mall
- How to get to The Rail Mall?
- What to eat at The Rail Mall?
- 1. Acqua E Farina
- 2. BlooiE’s Roadhouse
- 3. Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe
- 4. Rangooli
- 5. Yi Qian Hong Kong Cafe
- 6. Sunnychoice
- 7. Hitoyoshi Yakiniku
- 8. Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Where to shop at The Rail Mall?
- 9. My Eye Room
- 10. Pets’ Station
- 11. Country Haven
- 12. Cellarbration
- 13. The Straits Wine Company
- Things to do at The Rail Mall
- 14. The Cat Cafe
- 15. Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge
- 16. The Rail Mall Murals
- 17. Fuyong Interim Park
How to get to The Rail Mall?
Image credit: Wesley Biebster via Google Maps
Westies will be glad to know that the mall is located along Upper Bukit Timah Road and is accessible via Hillview MRT Station. Just take exit A and it should be a 6-minute walk from there. If you’re travelling by bus, services 67, 75,170, 171,178, 184, and 961 should get you there.
Parking is also available at the mall from $1.40/h but is limited. If you’re dropping by after a ride around the Green Corridor, there’s a bicycle parking area available as well.
For those staying near Sim Lian Building, Beauty World MRT Station, or Woh Hup Building, there are free shuttle buses every 30 minutes that bring you straight to The Rail Mall, with buses running from 11am to 1.50pm. Check out the full bus schedule on The Rail Mall’s official website.
What to eat at The Rail Mall?
1. Acqua E Farina
Italian-owned pizzeria since 2004
Image credit: @acquaefarinasg via Instagram
Acqua E Farina, formerly Galbiati, found its humble beginnings as an Italian takeaway concept back in 2004. The joint was opened by Roberto Galbiati, a Milanese chef born and bred. Fast forward 20 years and the restaurant is still going strong at its The Rail Mall locale. Today, Galbiati runs the restaurant with Antonio Manetto, who hails from the south of Italy, near Naples.
Their menu is a reflection of both chefs’ culinary heritage, featuring flavours from the north and south of Italy, with specialities like folded pizza boats ($37), a Sicilian speciality, and fried pizzas (from $37), a speciality of Naples.
Be sure to check out their signature Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio ($36), where house-made squid ink pasta is served in a cream-based tomato sauce, and crabmeat.
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2. BlooiE’s Roadhouse
Roadhouse-inspired restaurant with Western & Taiwanese fare
Image credit: @blooiessg via Instagram
BlooiE’s Roadhouse has a name as charming as its backstory – it’s inspired by the founder’s first Basset Hound, BlooiE, who was known for his musical howls. The restaurant draws inspiration from roadhouse-style restaurants in America, which are usually located along major roads and serve as casual diners for customers to refuel at on pit stops.
Their menu features Asian and Western grub, which is no surprise since the restaurant’s founders hail from Canada and Taiwan. You’ll find mains like their Roasted Beer Butt Chicken ($48), which stakes its chicken on a beer can, and classic burgers from $18.80.
For something closer to home, you can also order off their Taiwanese menu, which includes Crispy Chicken Chop ($10.80) and Braised Minced Pork Rice ($11.90).
3. Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe
Vegetarian mala
Image credit: @greenonearthsg via Instagram
Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe is a zi char restaurant with a green twist – their kitchen specialises in vegetarian and vegan foods.
Here, you’ll find speciality dishes like Sweet & Sour Yam Ring Monkey Head Mushroom ($29) which is a meat-free spin on the classic zi char dish, and vegetarian cod fish dishes like Si Chuan Boiled Fish ($32) and Assam Hotplate Handmade Fish ($26).
Perhaps most exciting of all is their vegetarian mala, featuring unique add-ons like salted egg lotus root, oatmeal tofu, and mock meat. Don’t let the “vegetarian” label fool you – reviewers rave about how flavourful and surprisingly non-greasy this dish is. Even if you’re a meat lover, you may just want to come back for a second try.
4. Rangooli
Vegetarian & non-vegetarian North Indian dishes
Image credit: lye samuel via Google Maps
Rangooli is where you’ll want to visit for a spread that packs a flavourful punch. The restaurant specialises in North Indian cuisine, boasting an extensive menu that includes classic and vegetarian dishes, so everyone gets to feast.
Dig into Indian staples like Tandoori Chicken (from $15.50) and Chicken Tikka (from $15.50). If it’s your first visit, get their signature Fish Curry (from $16), which features boneless fish bathed in ginger, garlic, and onion with gravy.
Vegetarian diners will be well taken care of too – there’s comforting dishes like Paneer Butter Masala (from $16), which features cottage cheese cooked in a tomato-based sauce and Palak Mutter (from $14.50), a tasty mix of fried spinach with peas and coriander leaves. With their generous portions and bold flavours, Rangooli is a must-visit for anyone craving legit North Indian fare.
5. Yi Qian Hong Kong Cafe
Dim sum, congee & wonton noodles
Image credit: @hungryspud via Instagram
Yi Qian Hong Kong Cafe is your go-to spot at The Rail Mall for all things Hong Kong. The menu is packed with classic dim sum favourites like siew mai ($5.80), Steamed Barbecued Pork Buns ($5.80), and Steamed Rice Roll with Shrimp ($6.80). If you’re in the mood for something heartier, they also offer congee from just $3.80, and a solid selection of roasted meats – think duck, pork, and chicken – served with your choice of noodles or rice.
Expect a bit of a squeeze when you dine here. The tables are a little packed, which makes for a true cha chaan teng experience. Whether you’re swinging by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure to be leaving Yi Qian Hong Kong Cafe with a full belly.
6. Sunnychoice
Vegetarian & vegan-friendly cafe
Image credit: JH L via Google Maps
Another cafe on this list that champions healthier eating, Sunnychoice has been in the vegan food business since 2007. Founded by 5 sisters, the cafe aims to introduce plant-based vegetarian and vegan food to the public, making healthy eating both accessible and delicious.
You’ll definitely be eating clean here, especially with their use of healthier options in their dishes. For example, they use sea salt, which is less processed than table salt, and 100% pure non-GMO rice bran oil, which is better for your heart health.
Their popular Thunder Tea Rice ($10.50) is a must-try – it’s a refreshing rice dish featuring peanuts, sesame seeds, spinach, cabbage, and other healthy greens, with a herbaceous green tea soup that you’re meant to pour over the rice. The cafe also features other international dishes like bibimbap ($9), olive rice ($9), and spaghetti ($8).
7. Hitoyoshi Yakiniku
Japanese BBQ with Wagyu
Image credit: Hitoyoshi Yakiniku via Google Maps
Hitoyoshi Yakiniku is a Japanese-style grill restaurant where you’ll be treated to some seriously premium cuts, including Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu flown in straight from Japan, and US Black Angus Wagyu.
For a truly extravagant meal, opt for their yakiniku buffet ($68/adult) which includes meats like Iberico pork and karubi beef, and seafood like tiger prawn and salmon. Stop by their dessert bar to round off your feast with Japanese specialities like taiyaki, warabi mochi, and fried sweet potato.
If that sounds a little too overwhelming, you can always opt for their set meals, which start from $46 and include different cuts of meat served with Japanese white rice, chawanmushi, and soup.
8. Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese chicken rice & zi char
Image credit: @jewkit via Instagram
Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a hawker stall in Bukit Batok back in 1992. Today, the stall has expanded to 4 restaurant locations around Singapore, each serving up traditional Hainanese comfort food.
The star of the show here is their Signature Steamed Chicken, which is painstakingly prepared using a sous vide system that makes the chicken extra tender, with that layer of jelly between the skin and flesh that’s extra desirable for some chicken connoisseurs. Their chicken rice sets start from $14.86 and include steamed chicken, oyster sauce kai lan, meatball soup, and rice.
If chicken rice isn’t up your alley, the restaurant has plenty of side dishes that should do the trick, like Homemade Crispy Prawn Rolls ($19.30), Kam Heong Clams ($26.23), and Cereal Prawn Balls ($28.23).
Where to shop at The Rail Mall?
9. My Eye Room
Eyewear & eye examination services
Image credit: My Eye Room via Google Maps
If you’re in the market for a new pair of glasses, My Eye Room is a great place to start looking if you’re swinging by The Rail Mall. Staffed with a team of eye care professionals, the optometrist centre carries an extensive range of comfortable and classy eyewear.
The shop itself is inviting, with white marbled walls and warm lighting that create a comfy, welcoming vibe as you shop for new frames. Beyond glasses, the shop offers eye care services as well, like myopia management, general eye exams, and glaucoma screening.
10. Pets’ Station
Pet product shop with an extensive catalogue
Image credit: Pets’ Station via Google Maps
Pets’ Station is a haven for pet lovers looking to spoil their furry companions. With an extensive range of pet products, which includes everything from health supplements to grooming products, it should be easy to pick up exactly what your pet needs. Small pet owners will be pleased to find a wide selection of essentials for chinchillas, hamsters, rabbits, birds, aquatic pets, and guinea pigs as well.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, the Pets’ Station official website has a handy product finder service to match you with suitable products for your pet. So whether you’re here to give your fur baby the princess treatment it deserves, or just as a grab-and-go stop, Pets’ Station’s got you covered.
11. Country Haven
Affordable teakwood furniture from Indonesia
Image credit: Country Haven via Google Maps
Country Haven is a hidden gem for anyone looking to give their furniture an upgrade. With their wide selection of eco-friendly teakwood furniture, you can be sure that your home will not look like a cookie-cutter IKEA catalogue. Even if you’re not here to splurge on a Wongz Sofa ($950), there’s plenty to tempt you – think cute giraffe sets ($80) for your new entryway or a Suar Plate ($39) to keep your trinkets organised in style.
Country Haven isn’t just a place for BTO couples, it’s also a great spot to browse and get inspired, thanks to their artisanal furniture and unique home decor. Plus, shopping here should beat pushing through the crowds at the usual big-box stores.
12. Cellarbration
Largest selection of wine, spirits, and beer in Southeast Asia
Image credit: Cellarbration
Cellarbration isn’t new to Singapore’s liquor scene – it was Singapore’s first-ever local online alcohol delivery platform, and now boasts 8 retail locations islandwide. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or just looking to stock up on your favourite spirits, Cellabration’s knowledgeable staff are always down to offer recommendations to help you pick the perfect bottle.
You’ll find an impressive selection of alcohols here, from beers and wines, to spirits and more. Bargain hunters should keep an eye out for their clearance sales, which often offer great discounts. For example, San Miguel Pale Pilsen Beer is now going for $47 (U.P. $90), and 24 Budweiser Cans for $74 (U.P. $96). With deals like these, Cellarbration will keep your home bar fully prepped and stocked year-round – just remember to drink responsibly.
13. The Straits Wine Company
One of SG’s leading wine importers
Image credit: The Straits Wine Company via Google Maps
The Straits Wine Company has made a name for itself as one of the leading wine importers and retailers in Singapore, trusted by Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels alike. Their extensive catalogue of wines features bottles from different parts of the globe, even far-out places like Argentina and Chile.
You’ll find all kinds of wine here, from white to dessert options, including Saint & Scholar Graduates Pinot Noir 2021 ($59), and Kaesler Barbera 2021 ($59) – great options for casual and formal occasions.
Things to do at The Rail Mall
14. The Cat Cafe
Art jamming sessions with cats
Image credit: The Cat Cafe X Art Jamming @The Rail Mall via Google Maps
If spending your day off art jamming while being surrounded by adorable felines sounds like your idea of fun, put The Cat Cafe on your radar. This cat cafe is home to 14 rescue cats, each with their own unique personality.
Art jamming sessions here start from $40/pax for 2 hours and include a canvas with art supplies, plus a drink of your choice. Even if painting isn’t your jam, you can still drop by to visit their cats with an entrance fee of $22 for 2 hours. You can use your CDC vouchers here, and when you spend $30 worth of vouchers, you’ll be entitled to 1 free drink of your choice and 10% off food items.
Unfortunately, they will be closing in March 2026 due to increasing rental costs. The beloved cats will either be adopted or rehomed at their other outlet in Bugis, so be sure to catch them before they leave The Rail Mall next year.
15. Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge
Hike on a historic rail bridge
Image credit: @elena.v.reshetova via Instagram
The Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge is easily one of the most Instagrammable hike entrances in Singapore. This striking landmark is 1 of the 2 historic steel truss bridges that were once part of the train route from Tanjong Pagar Station to the Causeway in Woodlands – you can’t miss it as you drive down Upper Bukit Timah.
With its bold, brutalist-like black steel frame, the bridge stands out against its lush surroundings, making it a great photo spot for hikers. Whether you’re snapping a cool shot for your Instagram feed or logging a new running route on your Strava, the bridge’s industrial charm should make for a cool start to your day.
16. The Rail Mall Murals
Admire murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong
Image credit: Riku via Google Maps
If you’re driving to The Rail Mall, you’ll be greeted by the colourful murals splashed on the mall’s exterior walls. The murals are the handiwork of local artist Yip Yew Chong, the man behind the heritage artworks at Chinatown and Thian Hock Keng Temple. Each mural depicts historical scenes in Bukit Timah.
Image credit: @88cycles via Instagram
There are 3 murals to look out for. The first mural features 2 zinc-roofed stalls, where vendors sell sarabat, now better known as Teh Halia, and sacks of dried goods. The second mural pays tribute to the old KTM train No. 6543, which was the last train to call at the station in 2011. The last mural is straight out of a storybook, depicting a tiger prowling through gambier plantations, a reference to the wild tigers that once roamed the island.
17. Fuyong Interim Park
Neighbourhood playground for kids
Image credit: Wilson Chang via Google Maps
Fuyong Interim Park is just a 3-minute walk away from The Rail Mall, featuring a small playground for your kiddos to play in the sun after a meal at the mall. Sure, it’s no East Coast Park, but it gets the job done, with benches for you to kick back on, a pavilion to rest at under the shade, and a full playground set complete with swings to satisfy your kids’ high energies.
Visit The Rail Mall on your next venture to Bukit Timah
Whether you’re stopping by at the crack of dawn after a run at the Rail Corridor, or you’re just looking for a spot to relax, The Rail Mall has you covered with its vibrant mix of shops and eateries. So the next time you’re in the West, be sure to make a stop at this unique hangout spot.
More malls to check out:
Cover image adapted from: @acquaefarinasg via Instagram,The Cat Cafe X Art Jamming @The Rail Mall, Ranu Toshniwal via Google Maps