From cafes in a park to a hidden spa, our guide to Ang Mo Kio has it all.
Does your idea of fun involve visiting unique sights, getting cultured or setting off on adventures in nature parks? You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Ang Mo Kio Town – yes, the uber-chill heartland neighbourhood in the North-East region – has it all. Care to have dim sum at a coffee shop, watch songbirds compete to be the best singer or take pictures at Singapore’s oldest playground? Be sure to tick these spots off your list.
Ang Mo Kio guide: Explore the neighbourhood
1. Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club
Trust us, you’ll want to add this spot to your off-the-beaten-track itinerary. Perched on the foot of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden and Block 159, the most popular and largest songbird display area in Singapore is a delight to the eyes and ears. Witness a bevy of songbirds in uniquely crafted cages hoisted 20 ft up on poles showcasing their tunes. Sit back, relax and chat with the hobbyists or take a morning stroll at this beautiful hidden gem in Singapore.
Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club, 159 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560159
2. Dog run at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
There are two dog runs located in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park – both of which are separated fenced areas for small and big breeds, so there’s plenty of room for your dogs to run leash-free. Water points are even located nearby to wash up your dogs or quench their thirst. Go during the weekends to witness a parade of these furry friends.
Dog Run, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 2, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569981
3. Dragon playground
One of the only two dragon playgrounds in Singapore (its sibling is sitting at Toa Payoh), this nostalgic dragon playground is definitely a blast from the past. Bring the kids here to give them a taste of what it was like in the past or get your parents to share some fond memories with you. And of course, don’t leave without taking a snap or two.
Dragon Playground, 570 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 560570
4. Spot murals around the neighbourhood
Take a stroll around the neighbourhood and you’ll be surprised to see a number of beautiful murals scattered around. The most popular? Yip Yew Chong’s Reminiscing Old Ang Mo Kio series. Make your way to Teck Ghee Court Market and Kebun Baru Market to get a look at the gorgeous murals that spotlight the blissful kampong days. Cameras, out!
Reminiscing Old Ang Mo Kio mural series
5. Masjid Al-Muttaqin
Located at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Masjid Al-Muttaqin is the only mosque in the neighbourhood. Built in 1980, it’s the fifth mosque to be completed under the Mosque Building Fund Scheme Phase I. It can accommodate up to 3,500 worshippers and also holds preschool and part-time religious classes.
Masjid Al-Muttaqin, 5140 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Singapore 569844
6. Gao Lin Gong Temple
Immerse yourself in a dash of culture and snap some beautiful pictures at the oldest Chinese temple in Ang Mo Kio. Named Gao Lin Kong after its mother temple in China, it’s often referred to as the Temple of the Lords by locals.
Gao Lin Gong Temple, 791 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569974
Ang Mo Kio guide: Food and drinks
7. Burp Kitchen & Bar
Nothing beats an ice cold beer surrounded by lush greenery, we say. And we think there’s no better place to be than Burp Kitchen & Bar for dinner or to refuel after your morning jog. The interior is cosy and casual while the food is top-notch, especially for the price. It might take you a second to find this spot, but it’s absolutely worth it for the views and ambience.
Burp Kitchen & Bar, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569983
8. Brew & Co.
This hole-in-the-wall cafe is one you might miss on your morning walk due to its minimalist design. But once you spot it, you know you’ve found a gem. Signatures to try include the dirty matcha and refreshing orange espresso. Its tiny space can only handle a handful of customers at a time, so we recommend grabbing your coffee to go. Alternatively, early birds can get here just as the doors open to score your spot.
Brew & Co., #01-4030, 716 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Singapore 560716
9. Khao Hom by Rung Mama
Nothing beats the spice of Thai food, and this hip ‘hood is home to one of the best places for that. Authentic and delicious, dishes here are made with old family recipes and are prepped fresh daily. It can get a little crowded, but that’s just a testament to how amazing this Thai spot is! Oh, and be warned that things can get pretty spicy, so order some Thai milk tea to soothe the heat.
Khao Hom by Rung Mama, #01-06, Djitsun Mall, 5 Ang Mo Kio Central 2, Singapore 569663
10. AM:PM Cafe
This dessert cafe is a fan favourite among the residents in the area, and for good reason! It’s known for its Hong Kong-style egglet, a unique twist on the typical waffles and ice cream combo we see in other cafes. Pick out an ice cream flavour and some toppings to go along with it, and tuck in with your family.
AM:PM Cafe, #01-2365, 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560529
11. Monday Coffee Bar
Who knew you’d find such an aesthetically pleasing cafe in the quaint little neighbourhood of Ang Mo Kio? Fuelled by a passion for hospitality and coffee, Monday Coffee Bar exudes warmth with its wooden flooring, furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows. You must stop by for the sandos (for less than $10) and pair ’em with the espresso tonic or butterscotch latte. What a dream.
Monday Coffee Bar, 421 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560421
12. Mellben Seafood
Mellben Seafood is definitely our go-to when seafood and zi char cravings demand to be satisfied. A must-try is the crab claypot bee hoon – the clear winner at this restaurant. Come for big family gatherings and special occasions ‘cos everyone’s bound to have a great time.
Mellben Seafood, #01-1222, 232, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Street 22, Singapore 560232
13. Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum
Here’s another name to add to our never-ending list of dim sum spots (hey, we’re not complaining). Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum – located at an unassuming coffee shop on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 – tickles your appetite with over 50 handmade Hong Kong and Shanghai dim sum dishes. Try the har gao, prawn chee cheong fun, liu sha pao and century egg and pork congee for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum, #01-3030, 151 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560151
14. Kam Jia Zhuang Seafood
Take a break from cafe fare and bring your family and friends here for delish zi char featuring interesting dishes. We recommend the pumpkin prawns: plump and creamy with a mishmash of savoury-sweet flavours, the dish is a healthy alternative. The blackcurrant spare ribs, chrysanthemum fried grouper and mushroom tofu are some other dishes you must try.
Kam Jia Zhuang Seafood, #01-1690, 202 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 560202
15. Fish & Chicks
Crispy, golden fish fillet drizzled with signature sauces like salted egg and chilli crab sounds like our kind of comfort food. Decked out in flavours that celebrate the best of both worlds, Fish & Chicks also has carb-tastic pasta dishes topped with a slow-cooked egg and scrumptious seafood, chicken and beef.
Fish & Chicks, #01-2429, 531 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560531
Ang Mo Kio guide: Shop, relax and have fun
16. AMK Hub
Connected to the bus interchange and MRT station, this neighbourhood mall is the go-to hangout spot for anyone nearby. It has just about everything you need from food spots to retail stores, and supermarkets to satisfy your grocery needs.
AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
17. Three Hair Salon
Run by the mom-daughter duo Heidi and Sally Ong, this family biz offers premium products and services without exorbitant price tags. Check out the scalp treatments that cater to different hair issues like oiliness, hair loss, dandruff and more.
Three Hair Salon, #01-1835, 330 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 560330
18. Aramsa Spa
Rejuvenate, revitalise and recover from your crazy lifestyle at Aramsa Spa. Aptly located within the lush greenery of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, the exotic resort-like spa makes you do a double turn. Try one of the massage, specialised, detox, water, wrap and anti-stress therapies for an overall top-to-toe pampering, or go for a skin-specific Elemis facial.
Aramsa Spa, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 2, 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569932
19. Willow
A bike shop and cafe rolled into one, Willow offers all things bike-related including repair services. The quaint spot at Block 456 offers a mean cup of joe, cold brews, waffles, brownies and homemade ice cream.
Willow, #01-1570, 456 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560456
Time to discover the underrated neighbourhood of Ang Mo Kio!
