From lightsaber duels to affordable food 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, Blk 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, Blk 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. Shinjitsu Ramen
We love a good bowl of ramen, and when it’s as affordable as Shinjitsu’s, it’s pretty hard to resist. At just $5.90, the clear chicken broth ramen comes with a whole torched chicken drumstick. If you’re craving something with a kick, the red spicy tonkotsu will do the job. Get the pork gyoza and teriyaki chicken sides to share.
Shinjitsu Ramen, #01-1879, 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 560332
8. 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, Block 531 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560531
9. 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, Block 232, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Street 22, Singapore 560232
10. The Workbench Bistro
As far as cafe grub goes, we’re content with the usual suspects like burgers, sandwiches, waffles, pastries and, of course, a smashing cuppa. But The Workbench Bistro goes above and beyond. How do purple sweet potato waffles, chocolate s’moreffles, coffee Oreo ice cream or egg lava burger sound to you? They’ve got us squirming in joy.
The Workbench Bistro, #01-1881, Block 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 560332
11. 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, Block 151 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 560151
12. 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
13. Ordinary Burger
If you’ve ever tried these burgers, you’ll know there’s nothing ordinary about them. These no-frills burgers are big on flavour. We can vouch that the spicy burger is as good as a certain spicy counterpart at McDonald’s. There’s also classic beef, ebi prawn, fish, buttermilk chicken and Impossible, to name a few. Each meal comes with a drink and fries or onion rings (get the rings!).
Ordinary Burger, #01-43, outside AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
14. Canopy Garden Dining
Can you imagine having your meal in a beautiful setting like this in your neighbourhood? Kickstart your morning with a scrumptious brunch menu of salads, egg dishes, pasta, burgers and sandwiches, then wash it all down with a robust combination of fruit juices. Oh, and you’re welcome to bring your fur babies to this hidden gem.
Canopy Garden Dining, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 2, Singapore 569931
Ang Mo Kio guide: Shop, relax and have fun
15. 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, Block 330 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 560330
16. 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, 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 2, Singapore 569932
17. Timezone arcade
Let your inner child have a ball of a time at Timezone. The arcade has a mix of carnival games, air hockey and games that need a little luck. You won’t even notice the time fly by.
Timezone, #04-06, AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
18. Lightsaber duelling with The Saber Authority
Here’s something for die-hard Star Wars fans and thrill-seekers. Unleash your inner Jedi and transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away through a session of lightsaber duelling with The Saber Authority. Learn Asian martial arts techniques and the art of swordsmanship with custom lightsabers – all in a fun and encouraging setting. Check ’em out on Facebook and join in the fun!
Saber Authority, The Deck at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 (under the tracks opposite Ang Mo Kio MRT station)
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, Block 456 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Singapore 560456
20. The Wallet Shop
What if we said you don’t have to travel all the way to town for a cool accessory fix? The Wallet Shop – we’re unclear how it got its moniker since it has more than wallets – carries an eclectic mix of bags, cardholders, laptop sleeves, travel accessories and water bottles from brands such as Bellroy, Secrid, Samuel Ashley, Status Anxiety and Nifteen. No matter your preference, there’s no denying it’s a one-stop destination for all your pocket needs.
The Wallet Shop, #02-49, AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569933
Time to discover the underrated neighbourhood of Ang Mo Kio!
