If you think Paya Lebar is uncool, think again. We know the best places for food, shopping, and things to do here.
There’s a lot going on in eastern Singapore. We have Jewel Changi Airport, our crowning glory, regional hub Tampines, and all the sprawling green spaces. But one neighbourhood you should also pay a visit to is Paya Lebar. Malls? It has four! Restaurants and cafes? Plenty. Things to do? You betcha. Here’s our guide to this happening ‘hood.
Paya Lebar guide: Food and drinks
1. Knots Cafe and Living
Good food, lush greenery, and sustainably hand-crafted furniture – what’s not to love about this tropical-themed cafe? Here’s where you can find breakfast favourites till 6pm, hearty pizzas, and organic kombucha. Kids age six and below can enjoy their own meal, which comes with hot chocolate or babycino and vanilla ice cream. Psst: there’s a daily 20% discount for coffee or tea with every cake or pastry purchase. If you like the furniture, you can get them for your home.
Knots Cafe and Living, #01-07, 160 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409022
2. Dapur Penyet
When it comes to lip-smacking ayam penyet, no place does it better than Dapur Penyet. This restaurant uses Indonesian herbs and spices in its dishes, which means you’re getting an authentic taste with every spoonful. The classic dish comes with vegetables and five types of sambal to choose from. If you’re not into spicy food, the ayam bakar is a sweet-savoury alternative.
Dapur Penyet, #01-43, City Plaza, 810 Geylang Road, Singapore 409286
3. Greendot
Here’s a vegetarian-friendly option if you’re vegan or on a meatless diet. Greendot serves up plant-based versions of the food you know and love, such as rendang, laksa, and otak-otak wrap. There’s a patisserie too, with cakes, desserts, and pastries made with guilt-free ingredients. The French rose lychee cake is just too pretty to eat!
Greendot, #02-15/16/17, Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409051
4. Fluff Stack
Care for something sweet to accompany your Paya Lebar adventure? Hit up this pancake palace. These folks are serious about their stacks: everything is precisely crafted, from using eggs of a certain weight down to every fold of batter. The result? Light, fluffy souffle pancakes for you to sink your teeth into. Pair your sweets with some cold brew tea, and you’re all set for the day.
Fluff Stack, #B1-K3, PLQ Mall, 10 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409057
5. Jimmy Monkey Cafe
You don’t have to traverse all the way to the other side of the island to drop by Jimmy Monkey. Tucked away in PLQ Parkside, the cafe is the perfect spot for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Enjoy house blends from coffee beans sourced worldwide and food made with love, such as toasted focaccia or bangers and mash. Want something more indulgent? Sip on one of the signature milkshakes and watch the world go by.
Jimmy Monkey Cafe, #01-10, Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409053
6. Tipsy Bird Gastrobar
Calling all tipsy birds: flock to this drinking hole for a tipple or two. It’s quiet during the day – so you can enjoy your lunch in peace – but gets pretty crowded come nightfall. The extensive drinks menu offers beer, wine, cocktails, and even non-alcoholic drinks for the teetotalers. There’s a huge television screen where you can catch football matches live, and a small stage for live performances. Fly by for a feathery good time.
Tipsy Bird Gastrobar, #01-08, Paya Lebar Quarters, 1 Paya Lebar Link, Singapore 408533
7. Rempapa
Go on a multicultural feast at Rempapa. This restaurant harmoniously combines Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and Peranakan flavours, producing a menu that celebrates all heritage. This modus operandi also extends to the design, which reflects the founder’s culture and personality. Planning for a meal here? Be sure to get the highly-recommended chicken curry.
Rempapa, #01-01/02/03, Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409053
Paya Lebar guide: Things to do
8. Explore the malls
There are not one, not two, but four malls in this ‘hood! Head to Paya Lebar Square, where you can shop for inexpensive essentials and knick-knacks like candles. Tip: if you need to change money for your travels, there’s a money changer in the basement that offers competitive rates.
Think there’s nothing to do at SingPost Centre? Well, let us prove you wrong. You can squeeze in a workout at Fitness First and catch the latest blockbusters at Golden Village. For all you K-pop fans, there’s a store that stocks your fave idols’ releases and merchandise. Are you into collecting stamps? Drop by the Philatelic Store @ GPO and spend some time browsing. Oh, there’s also a rooftop garden, where the young (and young at heart) can have a go at the playground or just sit around and bask in the sun.
Of course, we can’t miss out PLQ Mall. The newest among the three complexes, this shopping centre is where you can get some shopping done. Supermarket giant Don Don Donki just opened on the top floor, or you can get organic supplies at Scoop Wholefoods located on the first level.
This may be a little further, but you shouldn’t give Kinex a miss. Enjoy bouncy fun at Jumprrocks, croon to your heart’s content at Sing My Song Family Karaoke, or relive your childhood memories at Tokyo Games Station. When it’s time to dine, feast on pizza and rotisserie chicken at 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen.
9. Get some reading done
Who knew there’d be a library here? Working adults can access The LlliBrary, which comprises indoor and outdoor spaces. You can borrow books that can help you kickstart your business venture, inspire you to pursue a different career, or even assist you in looking for a new job. Talks and workshops are also held here.
10. Rain or shine fun
Those with little ones will be glad to know there are plenty of spaces to keep them preoccupied. Besides the rooftop garden at SingPost Centre, there’s another outdoor playground at PLQ Parkside. Kids will have a field day climbing up ladders, overcoming rope obstacles, and going down the slides. If you’d rather stay indoors, Smigy at PLQ Mall is where you should be. This expansive indoor play area promises hours of fun – and a much-needed respite for the adults.
11. Check into a hotel
Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking for no-frills accommodation to spend the night, consider Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar. A stone’s throw away from Paya Lebar MRT station, this modern hotel has clean rooms, an in-house bar, a cafe serving Western and Asian cuisine, and city views.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Paya Lebar soon!
