Sengkang is an underrated ‘hood, so it’s time to switch it up! Start exploring the north-east of Singapore with our best finds.
If you snore at the thought of Sengkang, think again! We’re here to change your minds. This neighbourhood may be a little plain at first glance, but get to know it and you’ll uncover plenty of gems. Formerly known as Kangkar (aka the food of the port), it was once a fishing port with villages and rubber plantations in a previous life. Now it’s a bustling hub with an intricate LRT line (that we love, btw). What’s so special about Sengkang? From good food to an array of malls and unique parks, come right this way and find out.
Sengkang guide: Best food spots
1. The Sunday Brunch
Would you believe that one of the cosiest cafes in Sengkang for Insta-worthy food is hidden within a residential area in Fernvale? Step into this home and get homemade brunch dishes at an affordable price. Take a seat in the family’s front yard before tucking into a menu that rotates every month. Seatings are only available on the second and fourth Sundays, so you’ll need to make reservations online via a Google form. Oh, and if you’d like to bring your pups along, you’re more than welcome to!
The Sunday Brunch, location revealed only after booking
2. The Apricus Coffee & Food Co.
Opened by the same team that started Populus at Neil Road, The Apricus Coffee & Food Co. stands out in the middle of all the prata shops in Jalan Kayu. Enter and you’ll find every corner of the space bathed in sunlight thanks to the glass ceiling. It’s the perfect sunny spot for a cup of coffee, brunch, and a good book. Spend a day here and you’ll want to come back every week!
The Apricus Coffee & Food Co., 248 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799472
3. That Coffee Place
Who knew zi char could look good? This local restaurant serves up coffee shop and zi char favourites like fried rice and prawn paste chicken. It’s fuss-free Singaporean soul food done right and done well. Stop by in the bright and early morning to enjoy quintessential breakfast dishes like kaya toast and economic bee hoon.
That Coffee Place, #01-01, Compassvale Green, 297C Compassvale Street, Singapore 543297
4. Essen @ The Anchorvale
This food hall is quite the highlight in Sengkang. Located just beside the Sengkang Riverside Park, you’ve got both indoor and alfresco seating options. That’s along with myriad food options for you to choose from. Start with a few plates of dim sum from Little Tea House before you move on to your mains. We’d go for the pizzas and pasta from Armando Pizza & Pasta or smoked meats from Meatology. Finish off with ice cream from Big Scoop.
Essen @ The Anchorvale, #01-06, Sengkang ActiveSG Sports Centre, 59 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544965
5. Cold Flings
We’ve got a soft spot for cosy neighbourhood ice cream nooks, and this one is no exception. If you ever need a sweet treat in the middle of the night, this is where to be. This charming ice cream parlour is so ‘grammable, but you can’t ignore the extensive selection of flavours. And if you’re not feeling up for something creamy, no worries. It also serves up bowls of acai topped with fresh fruit.
Cold Flings, #01-05, High Park Residences, 21 Fernvale Road, Singapore 797637
6. Chef-in-Box Vendcafe
This little spot is a gem at any hour of the day if you need food in Sengkang. It’s a 24-hour vending machine concept that pops out wholesome meals in a matter of minutes. The snap-freeze technology means that after skilled chefs prepare your food, the nutrients are sealed in so you have a nutritious meal no matter when you get it. Menu items you can enjoy include chicken lasagna, claypot chicken, and black pepper beef with rice.
Chef-in-Box Vendcafe, #01-K1, 320C Anchorvale Drive, Singapore 543320
Sengkang guide: Shop & explore
7. Sengkang Grand Mall
A special thing about Sengkang? It’s got one of the snazziest malls in Singapore (yep, we said it). Sengkang Grand Mall joins the ranks as one of the coolest-looking malls in our heartlands. It’s easily accessible via Buangkok MRT station, and has close to 100 stores for you to explore. There’s even something for the kids! Let them run about at the playground to get all the excess energy out. Food-wise, we won’t say no to pasta at Twyst or authentically Taiwanese bakes from Kazo. If you need a moment of relaxation, stop by Syoujin.
Sengkang Grand Mall, 70 Compassvale Bow, Singapore 544692
8. Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution
One thing that might surprise you about this place – it provides free traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and practices. Since its establishment, Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution has continued to improve on and research TCM methods while still providing complimentary consultations. If you’ve ever considered acupuncture, visit this clinic. Because it’s a charity organisation, donations are always welcome to help with operating costs.
Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution, #04-06, Sengkang Community Hub, 2 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545025
9. Compass One
Ah, good ol’ Compass One. It’s a reliable mall that sees plenty of visitors every day. But the highlight is the water playground, of course. Get your kiddos in swimsuits and off they go. The play area has several features where your little one can have a splashing good time. There’s even a sustainability area where you can donate food, recycle your electronic waste, and get rid of your old clothes.
Compass One, 1 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545078
10. Sengkang Sculpture Park
There’s more to Sengkang than its food, and this sculpture park proves it. The unique park in Singapore is a treasure trove of Instagrammable spots. These marine-themed sculptures are an homage to the area’s previous life as a fishing village. The whale sculpture is a highlight, for sure. But continue walking along the street and you’ll find more colourful fixtures.
Sengkang Sculpture Park, Compassvale Street
11. Seletar Mall
This neighbourhood mall has pretty much everything you need for a day out with friends or family. There always seems to be something happening, so no matter when you swing by, you might catch some exciting activities. If not, pop by the cinema for a film when the latest blockbuster premieres. And if the kids are getting antsy, you can always head up to the rooftop playground so they can have some fun.
Seletar Mall, 33 Sengkang West Avenue, Singapore 797653
12. Rivervale Mall
This is one of Sengkang’s less-visited malls as it’s further along the edge of the neighbourhood. Because it’s situated within a quieter area, most of the shops are functional, serving the residents’ most immediate needs. But that doesn’t take away from its charms. It’s the perfect spot if you need to stock up on groceries for your home.
Rivervale Mall, 11 Rivervale Crescent, Singapore 545082
13. Sengkang Riverside Park
You already know we love a good nature trail for mental health walks, and Sengkang Riverside Park is no exception. With the gorgeous Punggol River running through, the park is rich in biodiversity. Take a walk along the riverside bridge or visit the floating wetland, which is one of Singapore’s largest man-made wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot mangrove birds and colourful dragonflies.
Sengkang Riverside Park, Anchorvale Street, Singapore 544834
14. St. Anne’s Church
Situated right smack in the middle of Sengkang and Punggol is St. Anne’s Church. It’s one of the fastest and youngest growing parishes, welcoming everyone of all ages, cultures, and walks of life. The church is a serene spot that’s ideal for reflection. The highlight is most definitely the aviary, which is home to feathered friends.
St. Anne’s Church, 66 Sengkang East Way, Singapore 548593
15. Sengkang Public Library
If you ever need a quiet spot to do work or you just want to curl up with a good book, head to Sengkang Public Library. Fun fact: it was the first-ever self-service library introduced by the National Library Board. Spacious and well-lit, it’s worth taking a trip down to explore. If you’re looking to nurture the habit of reading to your tots, take them to the dedicated kids’ corner.
Sengkang Public Library, #03-28, Compass One, 1 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545078
Are you tempted to visit Sengkang for its food, parks, and cool locales yet?
