Away from the hustle and bustle, there’s more to this neighbourhood than meets the eye. From iconic hawker hotspot Chomp Chomp to laidback bars and restos, Serangoon Gardens offers something for everyone.
Tucked between Serangoon and Hougang, this suburban gem has a charm that makes us forget the city buzz. Exuding a quiet, laidback charm, Serangoon Gardens is home to one of Singapore’s best hawker centres, as well as nondescript bars and under-the-radar restos. Behold, our definitive guide to Serangoon Gardens.
Guide to Serangoon Gardens: Best food places
1. Cafe Gyoen
A snazzy train-themed cafe? Now that’s a pretty unique spot if you ask us. Who says you need to go to Japan when Cafe Gyoen brings the Tokyo metro to you with its decor mimicking the Tokyo metro stations and train cabins? The breakfast plates come in the form of Japanese teishoku (set menus), where you pick a protein that goes along with a Japanese omelette, cold scallops, onigiri, miso soup, and pickles. Other food options include rice bowls, noodles, and curry rice.
Cafe Gyoen, 55 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555951
2. Baker & Cook
Artisanal bakes and good coffee are the way to go when you visit Baker & Cook. You’ll find plenty of people flocking over to this cosy spot for its sourdough pizzas, but we think the brunch menu has some pretty solid options too. Go with the eggs benedict or sandwiches with fillings like smoked salmon and chicken. Otherwise, the pastries, quiches, and bagels will fill you up nicely. You can’t go wrong with any of ’em.
Baker & Cook, 87 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555983
3. Apollo Coffee
If you’re familiar with Atlas Coffeehouse and Columbus Coffee, then you have to visit this hip cafe. Run by the same folks, this joint has everything you need: top-notch coffee, brunch staples that are available till 3pm, and a cosy ambience. Your huge party can easily conquer the large communal table or soak in the rays at the alfresco area for some quiet time.
Apollo Coffee Bar, 65 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555961
4. Dessert Bowl
Those who love the king of fruit should make a beeline for this dessert shop. Its specialty, the durian mousse, is an indulgent, creamy delight that’ll leave you wanting more. If that’s not your thing, other hot and cold selections might strike your fancy. The red bean coco jelly comes in a coconut shell. How cute!
Dessert Bowl, 80A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555976
5. Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Ask any Singaporean and they’ll nod in approval when Chomp Chomp Food Centre is mentioned. You don’t have to run from pillar to post, what with all the local favourites under one roof. Shoutout to the BBQ stingray from Chomp Chomp Hai Wei Yuan Seafood Barbecue, carrot cake from Chomp Chomp Fried Oyster and BBQ chicken wings from Chong Pang Huat. Wash it all down with a glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269
6. Hanwoori
Serving up authentic Korean food since 2011, this joint has classics like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and spicy tofu stew. Just like any other Korean eatery, you will get side dishes that are topped up for free. If you’re ravenous, dig into the BBQ combination. The best thing about this? You don’t have to do any of the cooking! The friendly staff will serve a heaping plate of fully cooked meat in bite-size portions.
Hanwoori, 76 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555972
7. Soi Thai Kitchen
Relish in Thai food at this casual eatery. From the fiery tom yum soup and delish minced meat omelette to the spicy basil chicken and tangy mango salad, it’ll have you reminiscing your last Bangkok trip. Oh, and did we mention there’s no GST or service charge here?
Soi Thai Kitchen, 58 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555954
8. Serangoon Garden Market
It might not be as popular as Chomp Chomp, but it sure boasts some tasty eats. If you’ve got the time, brave the queues at Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice stall for juicy duck meat. For the more adventurous, try the Teochew braised pig offal dishes at Garden Street Kway Chap. While you’re at it, pop by Serangoon Garden Bakery & Confectionery at stall 45 for some good ol’ fluffy luncheon meat buns to go with your kopi.
Serangoon Garden Market, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555945
9. Srisun Express
Popular among revellers, Srisun Express is a 24-hour eatery that serves up everything under the sun. And by that, we mean burgers, roti prata, biryani, nasi goreng and more. Left in a food coma? Wash it all down with the three-litre drink towers.
Srisun Express, 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555952
10. Kelim Dakdoritang
Say hello to the newest Korean restaurant in this ‘hood. It specialises in dakdoritang, a spicy chicken hotpot dish filled with potatoes, rice cakes, leeks, and chives. If you can’t take the heat, go for the non-spicy version and add knife-cut noodles or udon to your order. We dare you to try dakttongjip, aka fried chicken gizzards. Otherwise, stick to palatable options like grilled squid or seaweed rice ball.
Kelim Dakdoritang, 14B Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557265
11. Chong Qing Grilled Fish
Specialising in grilled fish, this eatery lets diners pick their preferred fish (think sea bass and golden snapper) and the side ingredients that go along with it (black fungus, pork slices, and crab sticks). Now, here’s the fun part: You can choose from a number of flavours and spice levels to suit your tastes. Just be prepared to sweat it out.
Chong Qing Grilled Fish, 2 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556680
12. R.K. Eating House
For supper staples like prata and maggi goreng, RK Eating House is open round the clock. Grab your hungry friends and dig into the monster-sized tissue prata, then convince them to go for the gargantuan five-litre teh tarik – because calories don’t count after 10pm.
R.K. Eating House, 1 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557253
13. Oblong
Come for the ice cream but stay for the waffles. Popular flavours like red velvet and s’mores are loaded with sweet fillings. Choose from a selection of syrups like caramel and butterscotch, then top it off with a scoop of cookies and cream, ondeh ondeh, banana Nutella or honeycomb ice cream. Just be prepared for the inevitable sugar rush – but it will be worth it!
Oblong, 10 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556688
14. Pow Sing Kitchen
We can never say no to good Hainanese chicken rice, and Pow Sing Restaurant is one of our picks when it comes to this tasty dish. The Nonya restaurant serves up mean Peranakan nosh, too – we love the curry fish head and babi pongteh (stewed pork with fermented soya beans).
Pow Sing Restaurant, 59 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555961
15. Plonk
Kick back with wine and tapas at Plonk. Owned by two chefs from Down Under, it’s no wonder this cheery bistro and bar reminds us of a day on the beach. Featuring different live musicians every week on the upper deck, the wine bar is great for laidback nights or sumptuous weekend brunches.
Plonk, 7 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556685
16. Happy Daze Bistro Cafe
Happy Daze is a sports bar, board game café and deli all rolled into one. Offering popular beers like Asahi, Heineken and Guinness alongside a variety of wines, this heartland bar is perfect for a chill Friday night. Here’s another one for animal lovers: besides your favourite Asian and Western dishes, this pet-friendly bistro serves up healthy doggie meals so you can enjoy your food with your pooches!
Happy Daze, 11 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556689
17. Dan’s Steaks
Meat lovers, unite! This is one steakhouse you’d wanna check out when you’re at Serangoon Gardens. This Covid baby has grown from strength to strength, doling out large cuts seared to perfection and served with delicious sides. Pair your steak with some starters, desserts, and tipples for a well-rounded meal.
Dan’s Steaks, 12 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556690
Guide to Serangoon Gardens: Things to do
18. Serangoon Gardens Country Club
Serangoon Gardens Country Club is where it’s at. We’re talking about a billiard room, darts lounge and bowling alley. For a little friendly competition, head to the pool, squash court or gym. But if it’s a lazy weekend, the beer garden beckons. It’s open to members only, but definitely worth checking out if you live in the hood.
Serangoon Gardens Country Club, 22 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557271
19. F45 Serangoon Garden South
Looking to work all the muscles in your body? F45 will make sure you do just that with its circuit training sessions, which are no longer than… 45 minutes (hence the name). If you’re a newbie, you’ll get to meet your trainer prior to the class. That’s when they run through the workouts with you, so you’re not like a deer caught in headlights during the actual session.
F45 Serangoon Garden South, 11 Lichfield Road, Singapore 556831
20. The Tamarind Spa
If self-care is on your agenda, treat yourself to a luxurious pampering sesh at The Tamarind Spa. From facials and body wraps to waxing and hydrotherapy, it’ll leave you feeling like a brand new person. The best part? Most of the services are super affordable. So you can bliss out without breaking the bank.
The Tamarind Spa, 8A Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557260
[This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024 by Ashe Liao.]