
One of the quieter heartlands, Hougang is home to a historic park, craft beer pubs and an IG-worthy architectural gem.
With buzzing neighbours like Serangoon and Punggol, Hougang might seem a little quiet at first glance. Sure, this northeastern town might not have monstrous malls or multiple food enclaves. But if you’re looking for something laidback, this ‘hood is right up your alley. Peppered with serene parks and hipster cafes, the underrated neighbourhood will take you away from the weekend busyness in crowded places like Robertson Quay and Tiong Bahru.
Guide to Hougang: Best food spots
1. Sweedy Patisserie

Known for its “fatcarons” (chunky macarons) and durian cakes, the desserts at Sweedy Patisserie truly impress. This neighbourhood cafe has been winning hearts since 2019 with its gorgeous space and timeless brunch menu. If you’ve stuffed yourself and don’t have space for dessert, grab something to go! You can snag whole durian cakes to bring home and share with your family.
Sweedy Patisserie, #01-32, Hougang Rivercourt, 377 Hougang Street 32, Singapore 530377
2. Happy Oven
If you’re a fan of traditional sweets and baked goods, Happy Oven is the answer to all your cravings. The team sticks close to tradition, following heritage practices passed down through time. It’s known for specialty selections like the apple crumble, ondeh ondeh cake, pandan kaya cake, and eclairs. Cakes are also baked with less sugar and contain no artificial ingredients – perfect if you’re conscious about all the sweets you’re eating.
Happy Oven, #01-505, 678 Hougang Avenue 8, Singapore 530678
3. Flavour Flings

This halal cafe is a popular choice among residents in the area. It’s a great spot for brunch no matter what time you visit. Cheese lovers can opt for the chicken cutlet, burger, or steak served with a generous helping of raclette cheese. For the more adventurous, we dare you to try the Milo-coated popcorn chicken. We hear the flavour combination works pretty well, but you can be the judge of that.
Flavour Flings, #01-1348, 121 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530121
4. Selegie Soya Bean
After a savoury, hearty meal at Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre, nothing hits the spot like a good bowl of sugary dessert. Hougang might not have a giant mall that offers countless dessert parlours, but it’s home to Selegie Soya Bean. Known for its silky smooth beancurd aka tau huay, this old school dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth. Pro tip: Get a couple of fried dough fritters (otherwise known as you tiao) to dip into your beancurd – there’s nothing more satisfying than breaking the porcelain-like tau huay with a golden brown you tiao.
Selegie Soya Bean, 1002 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534740
5. Beer Basket
Don’t be fooled by the name. While the bar stocks craft beers, local brews, popular labels and even soju (soju bomb, anyone?), it also serves a wide range of grub that will complement your boozy evening. From pizza and pasta to spam fries and roasted pork alongside local classics like BBQ sambal stingray and fried rice, you’ll be equal parts stuffed and tipsy.
Beer Basket, 1010 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534748
6. Lola’s Cafe

A stone’s throw from Kovan MRT, this laidback cafe offers brunch classics. We’re talking about eggs benedict, croissants and sammies. For a neighbourhood spot, the craft beer selection isn’t too shabby either.
Lola’s Cafe, 5 Simon Road, Singapore 545893
7. Ci Yuan Hawker Centre
Though not as popular as other hawker centres (read: Chomp Chomp and Newton Food Centre), this place is worth a visit if you’re in the vicinity. Housed within a community centre, there are a total of 40 stalls here. Highlights include carrot cake, char kway teow, chicken rice, nasi padang, nasi lemak and Hainanese curry rice. For something different, look for stalls that dole out delish Korean fried chicken, Thai plates, Japanese rice bowls and pasta. Here’s a fun fact: Under the Entrepreneurship Programme by operator Fei Siong Social Enterprise, folks can sharpen their knives by running a hawker stall where they will be paired with veteran older hawkers. Cool, right?
Ci Yuan Hawker Centre, Ci Yuan Community Centre, 51 Hougang Avenue 9, Singapore 538776
8. Nakhon Kitchen
Before sprouting up all over Singapore, Nakhon Kitchen’s first branch actually opened in this heartland area circa 2008. This no-frills Thai joint is big on zesty flavours, with dishes like tom yum, pad Thai and mango salad. Just be prepared to wait, as a snaking queue starts to form by 6pm.
Nakhon Kitchen, #01-341, 212 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530212
9. Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre

Purveyors of nasi lemak, this one’s for you. The combination of aromatic rice, crispy chicken wings, crunchy ikan bilis, smoky otah and dollop of spicy chilli served on brown oil paper is the epitome of Singapore’s hawker culture. Nasi lemak is always a hit! Feel free to add on classic sides including fried fish, luncheon meat and fish cake.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak, 965 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534721
10. Soon Soon Teochew Porridge
Try going local for breakfast at this porridge joint. A staple Teochew food spot, it boasts a hearty spread of side dishes such as salted vegetables and braised beancurd.
Soon Soon Teochew Porridge, 13 Simon Road, Singapore 545897
11. Lickers
This hidden gem of an ice cream parlour is the perfect spot for a sweet rendezvous as it’s open till 2am. You won’t spot any synthetic flavouring or off-the-shelf mixes in the house-made ice cream. We love its wacky flavours such as Yakult Oreo and oolong lavender. Yup, we tried the former and let’s just say, we’re sold. If you’re not up to travel all the way to Hougang, the joint delivers too!
Lickers, #01-1446, 124 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530124
12. Nectars & Vine

Nectars & Vine doesn’t offer very much in terms of aesthetics or decor, but short of swigging beers at a coffee shop, this hole-in-the-wall dive bar is where you’ll find the cheapest beers in Serangoon. You can go for the ever-reliable Heineken or Hite, or try cult labels like Brewlander (yay, local) and Yardley Brothers. It isn’t equipped with a kitchen, but the staff will be happy to hook you up with a zi char menu that you can use to order some grub.
Nectars & Vine, 752 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534623
13. Tachinomiya
Tucked away in Kovan, this izakaya bar offers a range of premium sakes for you to choose from. Alternatively, you can opt for Japanese beers, a bang-for-your-buck choice. Feeling peckish? Dig into the donburi bowl or curry bento set alongside yakitori and gyozas. It’s open till 2am on Saturdays, so expect to kanpai all night long!
Tachinomiya, #01-285, 211 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530211
Guide to Hougang: Things to do
14. Kampong Lorong Buangkok

If you’ve ever wanted to go back in time to Singapore’s former provincial life, Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the best place to do that. Located off Sengkang East Avenue, the rural site has been around since 1956 and is currently the last surviving village on Singapore’s main island. At this tranquil throwback to the past, life seems to come to a standstill. Take note, though: The place still houses over 20 families, so do your best to leave it undisturbed. Redevelopment is in the works, but plans won’t be put into place for years.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok, 7 Lorong Buangkok, Singapore 547557
15. Punggol Park
Interestingly enough, Punggol Park is actually located right smack in the heart of Hougang. What was once a hotspot at the now-defunct Wild Oats bar is currently a serene space for fitness lovers. Take a stroll around the five-hectare lake during the golden hour or cycle through the lush greenery.
Punggol Park, Hougang Avenue 10, Singapore 538768
16. Japanese Cemetery Park

Don’t be spooked by the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia. Built in 1891, it’s prettier than it is creepy with pink floral archways that are reminiscent of sakura season in Japan. Serving as a burial ground for nearly 1,000 Japanese civilians and soldiers from the pre-war years, this place has strangely turned into an IG-friendly spot. But while you pose for the ‘gram, please be mindful of the graves.
Japanese Cemetery Park, 825B Chuan Hoe Avenue, Singapore 549854
17. Block 316 HDB flats
Singapore is filled with interesting facades, from rare brutalist buildings to swanky apartments and futuristic mosques. Hougang has something to offer as well! It’s home to possibly the only HDB building in Singapore that has all the colours of the rainbow painted on it. Architectural buffs should add this unique HDB block of flats to your checklist.
Block 316 Hougang Avenue 7, Singapore 530316
Are you ready to explore the hip ‘hood of Hougang?
[This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2024 by Ashe Liao.]