Exploring Farrer Park? We’ve got plenty of hip cafes, under-the-radar eateries and even durian stalls to recommend!
Farrer Park isn’t the most well-known of neighbourhoods in Singapore. It’s not quite like the trendy Tiong Bahru or buzzing Robertson Quay. But we love its amazing variety of hip cafes and great local eats all the same. Surrounded by the vibrance of Little India, the heritage shophouses of Jalan Besar, and the old and new contrast of Novena and Balestier, it’s a real gem of its own. You’ll never run out of good grub here!
Where to eat at Farrer Park
Gather The Misfits
Stock up on bottled brews made fresh from single origin beans at Gather The Misfits, a chill hangout concealed from view at the end of Rangoon Road. If you’re not into coffee, the cafe also serves matcha, hojicha and genmaicha drinks. To complete your quiet afternoon, nosh on toasties, truffle fries, waffles and ice cream, then pick up a book to read or challenge your friends to a round of board games.
Gather The Misfits, 217 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218457
Daizu Cafe
A minimalist two-storey space with an alfresco deck, Daizu takes over the unit left behind by Thai claypot porridge eatery Jok Jok Mor. With a focus on soy, it blends Japanese and Western flavours in its kitchen for a menu that’ll give the neighbourhood’s veteran cafes a run for their money. The place is perfect for brunch, thanks to its abundance of natural light, complemented by dishes like lemon miso eggs benny and petite breakfast (eggs, toast and sausages). For dessert, don’t miss out on the lime meringue tart to go with your coffee of choice.
Daizu Cafe, 129 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218407
Old Hen Coffee Bar & Kitchen
With two locations situated just a street apart, you’d be forgiven for doing a double take every time you walk past Old Hen. Both are pretty similar, though Old Hen Kitchen is the newer and bigger (but more hidden) outlet. These folks specialise in coffee, with black, white and cold brew varieties alongside Japanese teas, craft beers and kombucha on the drinks menu. As for the food, expect to see cafe brunch dishes like avo toast, mochi pancakes, maple bacon mac and cheese, and smoothie bowls on the line-up.
Old Hen Coffee Bar & Kitchen, #01-03, 88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374 and 127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931
The Bakehaus
Looking for freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries in the ‘hood? Make this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it artisanal bakery your go-to. From croissants and brownies to bread in all glorious forms, it supplies your every carb need. Each visit offers new and unique flavours to discover, including sourdough loaves in variations like apple raisin pecan, spinach pine nut sesame and wholemeal honey walnut.
The Bakehaus, 130 Owen Road, Singapore 218934
Ordinary Burgers
A humble stall tucked away in the basement of City Square Mall, this burger joint is anything but ordinary. Just look out for its bright neon signage! These burgs can rival any fancy big brand, and prices are oh-so-affordable. You’ll find fish, ebi prawn, portobello, Impossible, beef and buttermilk chicken options on the menu. But if you’re starving, the double beef burger is pretty value-for-money – it’ll set you back no more than $15.
Ordinary Burgers, #B1-K11/K13, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Enchanted Cafe
A lush space that’ll transport you straight to fairyland, this cafe is warm and welcoming. Its leafy decor, mismatched furniture and mirror hangings add a dash of quirk to the experience, but the menu is a familiar one. Think all-day brunch offerings like big brekkie and stuffed croissants, plus beef pies, smoothie bowls, cakes, coffees and cold brews.
Enchanted Cafe, #01-04, 88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
Sushi Jin
A concept by the Les Amis Group, Sushi Jin lies in a quiet corner of Farrer Park, tucked out of sight in an air-conditioned walkway next to One Farrer Hotel. The elegant, warmly-lit dining destination regularly imports ingredients from Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Fish Market for optimal freshness. To try a bit of everything, opt for any of the omakase menus.
Sushi Jin, #01-11/12, Owen Link, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562
Fleurette
From the folks that brought you popular pop-up resto Division Supper Club comes a new brand. Fleurette is a cosy and unpretentious concept by childhood friends chef Tariq Helou and Aidan Wee. The tasting menu, which changes every month (and gets a little revamp almost daily) goes for creativity in its dishes. Intrigued? Experience it for yourself!
Fleurette, 204 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218451
Brunches Cafe
If the combination of vintage goods and brunch sounds like your dream come true, add this to your list of weekend hangouts. The eclectic cafe serves all-day brekkie, waffles, coffee and tea, and it’s filled with old school furniture and collectables… that you can purchase! Everything with a price tag is for sale, so retro shoppers, you know what to do.
Brunches Cafe, 96 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218381
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
This area is home to countless bak kut teh shops, but Ng Ah Sio is one of the OGs, having been here since 1988. The old school eatery serves Teochew-style pork ribs soup that’s perfectly peppery, using a family recipe that dates back to the 1950s. Now with multiple outlets in the city, it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings. But the Rangoon Road one still has a special place in our hearts for its comfort food and retro vibes.
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh, 208 Rangoon Road, Hong Building, Singapore 218453
Blue Jasmine
A casual chic joint that steers clear of pork and lard, Blue Jasmine blends the best of southern Thai and Esarn cuisine. Everything is big on flavour, from the cha-om fried egg and crispy duck fillet starters to the red and green curries. If you’re dining communal style, order a variety of noodles, rice dishes and mains such as Thai basil krapao and roast chicken to share.
Blue Jasmine, Level 5, Park Hotel Farrer Park, 10 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217564
99 Old Trees
From the outside, this durian shop may not look like much. But we love it for its reliable service and fresh goods. Fret not if you’re an amateur; these experts will give you the lowdown and ensure you get the best seeds. (They’ve gamely cracked open new durians for us when the original pick didn’t pass their quality inspection!) If you’re easing into the realm of stinky goodness, 99 Old Trees also offers durian desserts that are oh-so-good (you gotta try the mousse). Psst: Look out for the amazing durian tasting experience when it returns for the season!
99 Old Trees, #01-277, 46 Owen Road, Singapore 210046
Legendary Bak Kut Teh
With a name like this, it’s almost impossible not to be curious about the brand’s confidence in its food. This bak kut teh eatery keeps it in the family, generation after generation, serving its signature peppery pork rib soup paired with dishes like braised pig’s trotter, ngoh hiang (five spice pork roll) and sesame chicken. Don’t forget to order a plate of you tiao (fried dough fritters) to dunk into the broth!
Legendary Bak Kut Teh, 154 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218431
Mrs Pho House
It’s all about authentic, traditional Vietnamese food – pho real. Hidden at the end of Rangoon Road, the pocket-friendly casual joint serves classics like beef pho, banh xeo (crispy crepes) stuffed with your choice of meat, spring rolls and lemongrass beef noodles. Just like how your mum (or friend’s mum) makes it.
Mrs Pho House, 221 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218549
Fruit Monkeys
A little shop powered by its love for the King of Fruits, this no-frills store brings in an assortment of durians whenever they’re in season. Varieties include Mao Shan Wang, D24, Red Prawn, Golden Phoenix and Black Pearl. Don’t worry if you don’t know your durians – these friendly folks will tell you what you need to know and give you a taste of what to expect.
Fruit Monkeys, #01-07, Rangoon 88, 88 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
Tingkat PeraMakan
For authentic Peranakan cuisine in a casual setting, Tingkat PeraMakan will make you feel right at home. The Nonya flavours are impeccable, and it’s a great place for fuss-free lunches or dinners with the entire fam. Best of all, the menu features affordable sets that spotlight crowd favourites such as babi pongtay (braised pork in fermented bean sauce), ayam buah keluak (braised chicken) and beef rendang (beef in coconut gravy). These all come with your choice of two sides, a drink and a dessert. Totally worth it for $16 or less!
Tingkat PeraMakan, 119 Owen Road, Singapore 218924
Tie Fun Wan
If you’re in the mood for good food minus the hefty price tags, this casual little cafe dishes out the flavours without weighing down your wallet. Its menu is small, specialising in rice bowls topped with the likes of teriyaki chicken, braised pork and 72-hour slow-cooked beef.
Tie Fun Wan, #01-03, 89 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218375
Suk’s Thai Kitchen
Keep an eye out for the modern resto’s neon sign that’ll grab your attention at the cross junction. Suk’s Thai Kitchen is brand spanking new and it’s all about authentic Thai grub whipped up from the chef’s family recipes. You’ll find all kinds of classics on the extensive menu, which means you can easily satisfy your cravings for phad Thai, minced pork basil rice, green curry chicken and tom yum prawn soup here.
Suk’s Thai Kitchen, 136 Tessensohn Road, Singapore 217699
Pek Kio Market & Food Centre
A bustling hawker centre with its own unique charm, Pek Kio isn’t as famous as other places in town. But it still has its share of popular stalls and their own loyal followings. Dreaming of prawn noodles? You’ll find two well-known names here: Lai Hiang Pork Rib Prawn Noodles and Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles (also infamous for its irritable owner). If you have the patience to join the queue, look out for Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun. This beloved stall sells its freshly made signature dish in plain, char siew, prawn and scallop varieties.
Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, 41 Cambridge Road, Singapore 210041
Bookmark our handy guide for the next time you’re hungry and in the area!
