Here are all the reasons why Choa Chu Kang should be the next ‘hood you explore in Singapore.
Derived from the Teochew words “kang chu” (aka river owner), this neighbourhood’s name is an homage to the plantation owners and the clan head that settled in the area during the 19th century. Before its development, the land was home to tigers, and farmers growing gambier, pepper, and rubber plantations. Now, it’s a bustling residential area – sans the tigers, of course. Take a look at all the other hip things Choa Chu Kang has to offer, like cafes, hawker fare, and even hiking trails.
Choa Chu Kang guide: Best eats
1. Ten+
Situated deep within the lush greenery of Sungei Tengah is Ten+. It’s a safari themed cafe that’s stealing hearts with its mix of Western and Asian cuisine. You’ll find tent-like setups scattered around the alfresco area with low tables that scream resort vibes. Think of it as elevated camp-like dining, but instead of instant noodles cooked in metal tins, you’re served fancy cafe grub. You can even stop by in the evening for a glass of wine or beer.
Ten+, 65 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699000
2. Yen Sen Seafood
Zi char fare is our go-to pick when it comes to big group dinners with friends or family. And when you’re in Choa Chu Kang, consider paying a visit to this establishment that’s been around since the 1990s. It’s stood the test of time, dishing out familiar plates like prawn paste chicken, hot plate tofu, and fish head curry. We’re hungry just thinking about it.
Yen Sen Seafood, #01-01, V6 Food Court, 678A Choa Chu Kang Crescent, Singapore 681678
3. Hey Sugar
If the dessert cravings are hitting extra hard during your adventure around Choa Chu Kang, have no fear. Hey Sugar will soothe your sweet tooth with its soft and crispy waffles topped with scoops of picture perfect ice cream. It’s a hit among the residents, and we can see why. Wash it down with a shaken tea, soda, or coffee to end off the perfect dessert run.
Hey Sugar, #01-06, 818 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, Singapore 680818
4. Ah Boy Chicken Rice
You can thank our local celebrity chef Eric Teo for skyrocketing this humble chicken rice stall to stardom. In his review, the showstopper is the chilli and pureed ginger. Both condiments burst with flavour when paired with the super tender chicken. We know that most people are on #teamroasted, but the poached chicken is worth trying here (just skip the skin if you don’t like the texture).
Ah Boy Chicken Rice, 678A Choa Chu Kang Crescent, Singapore 681678
5. San.wich
Healthy Japanese-inspired sandwiches that you can grab to go? Yes, please. This sandwich kiosk by Swee Heng stuffs its sammies to the brim with ingredients like chicken, eggs, and cheese. The vibrant bread is also naturally coloured with veggies like beetroot and pumpkin. Pick up some savoury sandwiches for lunch and sweet ones stuffed with fruit for dessert. We think it’s perfect for picnics if you don’t have time to prep your own food.
San.wich, B1-K21, Lot One, 21 Choa Chu Kang, Singapore 689812
6. Poison Ivy Bistro
This spot located within the lush Bollywood Farms is the place to be for some true blue farm-to-table dining. Tucked away in lush nature, admire the farm and gardens that surround you while tucking into your meal. The menu rotates with the season, depending on what ingredients are available, so your meal will be a pleasant surprise. Soak up the sunshine with a walk around the farm to digest afterwards.
Poison Ivy Bistro, 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Choa Chu Kang guide: Shop & explore
7. Rail Corridor
If you need to clock those 10k steps, hike through the Rail Corridor. Otherwise known as the Green Corridor, it’s a 24km trail spanning across Tanjong Pagar to Kranji. The wow factor? The path is a defunct track that was one part of Malaysia’s KTM railway line connecting Singapore and Malaysia. As you journey through the path, remember to snap some pictures to capture the moment. If you don’t feel like going through the whole stretch, start from Choa Chu Kang Road which is pretty much right in the middle.
Rail Corridor
8. Lot One
It may not be as big as the other malls around town, but Lot One is loved among the residents of Choa Chu Kang. Thanks to the refurbishments over the years, you can now enjoy a bigger movie theatre and food court. If you’d like to spend some quiet time to yourself or need a space to get some work done, pay a visit to the Choa Chu Kang Public Library on the fifth level.
Lot One, 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, Singapore 689812
9. Warren Golf and Country Club
Did you know that Warren Golf and Country Club was named after Brigadier Derek Warren, who was the commanding officer of the 18th Signal Regiment? The club’s establishment was born out of the large number of golf fanatics in the regiment, and Brigadier Derek Warren’s love for gardening. Now, it boasts an 18-hole championship golf course and a number of other recreational facilities. We hear this golf course is one of the most challenging in Singapore, go ahead and put your golf skills to the test here.
Warren Golf and Country Club, 81 Choa Chu Kang Way, Singapore 688263
10. Qian Hu Fish Farm
Fish enthusiasts definitely know of Qian Hu Fish Farm. It’s the one-stop shop for everything you need when setting up a home for your new pet fish. Besides shopping, you can let the kids feed turtles, check out the fish spa, or have a bite at the cafe onsite. You can even buy live and frozen prawns, lobsters, and oysters right here.
Qian Hu Fish Farm, 71 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698950
11. Choa Chu Kang Cemetery
As the largest cemetery in Singapore, we had to give a special mention to Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. Trivia: it’s the only cemetery in Singapore that allows burials. Within the area, you’ll also find the Choa Chu Kang Columbaria, the Garden of Remembrance, and Nirvana Memorial Garden. Despite the grim purpose of the space, it’s peaceful and you might find a family or two paying their respects.
Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Chinese Cemetery Path 17
12. Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple
We can never get enough of the grandeur of temples around the island, and this one’s no different. The Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple is a Thai temple with roots in Kelantan, Malaysia. It’s the only temple in Singapore featuring traditional Thai inspired murals on the walls, doors, and main shrine. It has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an attap roof hut! First time visitors are welcome to take a walk around to admire the murals, witness prayer rituals, or have a chat with the monks.
Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple, 32B Hong San Ter, Singapore 688785
See, Choa Chu Kang ain’t that boring – no wonder residents love the area so much!