Kovan is hardly anyone’s first thought when it comes to an enclave for good food. But this charming little neighbourhood is one that is brimming with hidden gems.
From a German bistro with outstanding pork knuckles and cheap beer to a Japanese eatery that boasts a wide selection of authentic Japanese street eats, and sake, Kovan has got it all.
Kovan is a food heaven that more people need to know about. Here is our guide to 12 restaurants, cafes and eateries in Kovan to dine at.
LOLA’S CAFE
If you’re a fan of brunch and breakfast food, head to Lola’s Cafe for a visit! Just don’t go during peak periods over the weekend, as you might end up waiting up to an hour for your food. Their Honey and Paprika Crispy Chicken Wings are also extremely addictive, and worth the extra side order.
5 Simon Road
Tel: +65 6343 1808
Tue: 3pm – 11.30pm
Wed & Thu: 10am – 11.30pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan
Located in the heart of Kovan—just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station—is Ice Edge Cafe.
The cafe-cum-restaurant has been around for a decade and has gained a huge following with its hearty savories and stellar sweets. Dishes served here are very affordable and generously portioned; there is even a perpetual one-for-one lunch promotion* on weekdays
2 Kovan Rise
Simon Plaza, #01-10
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan
GONPACHI RAMEN
If you’re looking for good quality ramen at wallet-friendly prices then look no further.
Gonpachi Ramen is a family restaurant located in Kovan that specialises in authentic ramen soaked in a collagen broth that is imported directly from Japan. The chef blends the broth carefully to better suit our local palates.
Standouts include the Smoked Duck Chashu Ramen (S$7.80) and the Seven Wonder Ramen (S$7.80) that comprises of 7 different toppings.
212, Hougang Street 21
#01-329
Tel: +65 6584 1943
Sun to Thu: 11.45am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.45am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.45pm
Nearest Station: Kovan
KNUCKLES BAR & BISTRO
Knuckles Bistro is a German bistro that serves up affordable (and tasty) mains. This is a venue for lovers of pork knuckles and German beer.
For only S$10, you get a decent portion of crispy pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. For what it’s worth, this is dirt cheap compared to many other similar bistros, and to top it all off, their beers are priced reasonably too ranging from S$5 to S$10.
212 Hougang Street 21
#01-33
Closed on Mondays
Tues to Sun: 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kovan
This bakery cafe is designed with a Mad Hatter theme, a prime character from Alice In Wonderland. Adorned with a whimsical theme that is set to bring you on a trip to Wonderland itself, Hatter Street deserves a special mention for their Whoaffles (S$8.90) with your preferred choice of ice cream and syrup.
212, Hougang Street 21, #01-333
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Tues – Sun: 1PM – 10PM
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Kovan
TACHINOMIYA
Tachinomiya is a quaint Japanese bar that serves up Japanese street food and a variety of Japanese sakes and beers. From yakitori to sashimi, you will be surprised at how much this little hole in the wall can conjure up.
Tachinomiya opens till late on most days which is always great for an evening tipple.
211 Hougang Street 21
#01-285
Tel: +65 6286 0738
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 5.30pm – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan
NAKHON KITCHEN
Hougang Street 21 has seen lots of new dining establishments popping up over the years. The most popular by far is Nakhon Kitchen, a humble Thai restaurant.
During dinner time, you may find yourself queuing for over half an hour! The food here tastes like legit Bangkok street food, and to further boost its authenticity of the eatery, most of the staff are Thai too.
12 Hougang Street 21
#01-341
Tel: +65 6286 8785
Closed on Wednesdays
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
HANSIK KOREAN RESTAURANT
Situated on level 2 of Heartland Mall is a small family restaurant that specialises in authentic Korean fare called Hansik Korean Restaurant. For a small place, their menu is pretty extensive; from stews to real-deal barbecue. Their seafood soybean paste stew is a must-try for first timers.
205 Hougang Street 21
Level 2, Heartland Mall
Tel: +65 6288 2448
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 10pm
IVINS NYONYA SPECIALTIES
IVINS Peranakan Restaurant at Binjal Park has been dishing out affordable Nyonya food to its loyal customers for years. For folks living in the Kovan neighbourhood, you can head to IVINS Nyonya Specialties at Heartland Mall.
While IVINS Nyonya Specialties has received mixed reviews—the standard has deteriorated slightly over the years—it is still a place that we go to for authentic Peranakan food.
205 Hougang Street 21
Level 2, Heartland Mall
Tel: +65 6288 7922
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan
TIAN WAI TIAN FISH HEAD STEAMBOAT
Our favourite fish head steamboat restaurant in Singapore, Tian Wai Tian Fish Head Steamboat offers excellent Fish Head Steamboat as well as a wide variety of zi char favourites such as the highly acclaimed Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs and Prawn Paste Chicken.
203 Hougang Street 21
#01-12
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 4.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kovan
Founded by local celebrities Chew Chor Meng and Zhou Chongqing in partnership with cousins Esmond and Ronnie, 888 Mookata—at the coffee shop in Blk 212 Hougang Street 21—is a new 2-week old Mookata restaurant and the latest addition to the Mookata scene in Singapore.
Ordering is relatively straightforward at 888 Mookata as they only have 2 options on their main menu—Platter For 2 (S$26) and Platter For 4 (S$45).
888 Mookata
212 Hougang Street 21
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 9656 2655
Daily: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Kovan
For more recommendations, read our guide on 15 Best Cafes in Serangoon and Kovan.