The culture of cafe-hopping may have died down a little in Singapore, but when your friend asks you out for a weekend brunch date, you just can’t say no.

Serangoon residents, we could not be more envious of you guys. Playing host to a trove of cafes, Serangoon and Kovan could easily join the ranks of Tiong Bahru as Singapore’s most happening cafe districts.

These estates are thriving with lush cafes and hip joints, ready to overwhelm us with abundant brunch selections and decadent desserts. We’ve rounded up the cafes in Serangoon and Kovan you should definitely check out. Burger bars and hidden patisseries are just a fraction of what’s in store for you!

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/affinityfamilyfriendscafe/

AFFINITY FAMILY & FRIENDS CAFE

For a stripped-down and fuss-free meal, Affinity Family & Friends Cafe is just the place. They aren’t fancy with their decor or menu but their grub more than makes up for it.

They offer a modest range of local and Western offerings, with most dishes being below S$10. Their Curry Chicken (S$6.90) will have you feeling right at home while their Lasagne (S$8.90) is satisfying enough.

Block 149 Serangoon North Ave 1, #01-917
Singapore 550142
Tel +65 6970 0358
Tues to Sun: 8am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

AMBER EMBER

Get your hands on some toasty golden jaffles at Amber Ember along Upper Serangoon Road. For those of you who aren’t familiar, jaffles are basically Australian toasted sandwiches made in a closed metal skillet. This cafe’s renditions see flavours from cheesy devilled mushrooms to braised beef cheek.

If you’re looking for something heartier, they also do fantastic pasta dishes. Their Ragu Bolognese ain’t shy about flaunting its bold meaty flavour and fresh tartness.

730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Tel: +65 6929 3312
Tues to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

APOLLO COFFEE BAR

Relatively new to the local cafe scene, Apollo Coffee Bar in Serangoon Gardens is opened by the same guys behind the popular Atlas Coffeehouse and Columbus Coffee Co. It has already made quite a name for itself with its Mediterranean-inspired brunch creations.

Ever tried farro grains before? If you haven’t, their Miso Mushroom Bacon Farro Risotto ($22) would be a pretty great way to start. For a healthier indulgence, go for their Nori, Avo and Eggs (S$18.50) which sees crispy fried kale atop avocado toast, served with creamy scrambled eggs.

P.S. Apollo Coffee Bar is a dog-friendly cafe; you can also bring your dogs and dine at their outdoor seats.

65 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555961
Tel: +65 6246 3875
Tues to Sat: 9am — 10pm
Sun: 9am — 7pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

BAKER & COOK

With over eight outlets across the whole of Singapore, Baker & Cook has become a familiar mainstay in our local bakery cafe scene. Besides their dignified selection of viennoiserie and pastries, they also offer savoury mains.

Their Eggs Benedict makes for the quintessential brunch while their Pancake Stack is a lot lighter on the palate than it looks.

87 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555983
Tel: +65 6241 5548
Daily: 7.30am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

CIEL PATISSERIE

Le Cordon Bleu-approved tarts at less than S$5? No way. Ciel Patisserie is making us feel extremely undeserving with their bite-sized French luxuries at affordable price points.

Their Lemon Meringue Tart (S$4.50) nails every component, from the sturdy meringue down to the buttery crust. For a richer dessert, their Chocolate Almond Tart (S$4.50) will make you go nutty because of how good it is.

Cakes and quiches are available too.

124 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1444
Singapore 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kovan/Serangoon

COTTONTAIL CREAMERY

Known for their smooth artisanal ice cream, this Taiwanese-owned cafe is a hotspot for cafe-hoppers in Serangoon. This charming little cafe conjures up really unique flavours for the ice cream such as Craft Beer and Whiskey Black Sesame.

And, they don’t just do desserts. Their savoury selection is just as formidable with dishes such as House-made Swiss Meatballs (S$17.50) and Mexican Pulled Pork Quesadillas (S$17.50).

Block 326, Serangoon Ave 3, #01-378
Singapore 550326
Tel: +65 8118 7552
Tues to Thurs: 11am — 10pm
Fri: 11am — 11pm
Sat: 9am — 11pm
Sun: 9am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/dessert.bowl/

DESSERT BOWL

If “Double Shot Durian Mousse” doesn’t sound like an absolute dream, we don’t know what does. Dessert Bowl may have a wide range of desserts, but the majority of their customers are there for one dish and that alone.

Their signature Double Shot Durian Mousse (S$6) promises two dollops of fleshy durian pulp resting on a mound of creamy, rich durian mousse. You may or may not walk away with a sore throat but, no regrets.

80A Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555976
Tel: +65 6285 1278
Tues to Thurs: 1pm – 10.30pm
Fri to Sat: 1pm – 12.30am
Sun: 1pm — 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/elevenstrands/

ELEVEN STRANDS

It’s not every day that you find a French-inspired cafe, and one that’s nailing their dishes, at that. Eleven Strands is founded by the same guys behind South Union Park, with both of their menus sharing slight similarities.

It’s pretty clear that handmade pasta is their prized forté, with their menu having a sizable number of pasta dishes. Their Prawn Basil Pesto Pasta (S$23) is a real crowd-pleaser. Pair it with some Chicken Liver Pate and voila, you’ll have a stunning meal.

66 Yio Chu Kang Rd
Singapore 545568
Tel: +65 9487 1398
Tues to Fri: 12pm — 9.30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am — 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Located in Lorong Ah Soo, Flavour Flings is a halal-certified café specialising in American-French cuisine. The people behind the first raclette salted egg yolk croissant in Singapore, the eatery has garnered a fair bit of regulars stopping by for their hearty all-day-breakfast and brunch menu.

Here, they spin their own twist to American-French classics, inventing new flavours and revamping ideas. Some of their signatures include the Beef Steak & Raclette and Salted Egg Yolk Fries. They also serve up iconic pastries such as the Salted Egg Yolk Croissant and Crème Brulee.

Hougang Ave 1, Block 121
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
Mon, Thurs to Sun: 11:30am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 10pm
Weds: 5:30pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Hougang

HATTER STREET

Hatter Street has got us feeling like we fell down the rabbit hole alongside Alice with its thematic interior and whimsical desserts. They offer a range of ice cream concoctions, waffles and delicious cakes.

Their Unicorn Whoa-ffles (S$14) looks like an outdated gimmick but trust us, it’s the real deal. The double scoop of Lavender White Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallow complement each other to a tee and the waffles are amazingly crisp and light.

Block 212, Hougang Street 21, #01-333
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Daily: 1pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

ICE EDGE CAFE

Just another cosy little cafe in Kovan that has decent grub, Ice Edge Cafe is a fail-safe option for a weekend lunch or straightforward dinner.

They take pride in their pizza, pasta and gelato, although their menu extends far beyond. Their Tom Yum Seafood Linguine (S$16.80) is armed with a flavourful spicy kick while the Oven Baked Seabass (S$17.80) is a refreshing, lighter option.

2 Kovan Rise, Simon Plaza, #01-10
Singapore 548008
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Sun to Thurs: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 11.30am — 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/cosmophagic_ang/

KNUCKLES BISTRO

Crackling German pork knuckles at only S$10?! That’s just what Knuckles Bistro has in store. This modest German eatery serves up hearty German and Western mains at insane prices.

Take one crunchy bite of their pork knuckles and you’ll probably want to punch the wall because of how good it is. Their Grilled Chicken Chop (S$8) and Pork Steak (S$8) are recommended dishes as well.

212 Hougang Street 21, #01-337, Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6285 0549
Nearest Station: Kovan

KOOKS CREAMERY

Lava cookies with ice cream may not be the trendiest dessert anymore but who cares about trends if it’s good. And, few places do this hot-and-cold treat as well as Kooks Creamery does.

Founded by two sisters, this minimalistic cafe is a hotspot for sugar junkies. Their Brown Butter Ice Cream with Matcha Molten Cookie (S$8.50) is an all-time favourite. There’s just something about warm gooey matcha chocolate and cold velvety ice cream that really hits the spot for us.

211 Serangoon Avenue 4, #01-02
Singapore 550211
Tel: +65 9006 8748
Tues to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm — 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lickerssg/

LICKERS

Lickers may pass off as just your typical neighbourhood ice cream joint, but you’d be surprised. The quality of their ice cream could easily enthrone them at the heart of town, fighting with the bigger names.

Their Roasted Pistachio (S$4) is shockingly fragrant and creamy while their Lychee Rose Sorbet is a refreshing dairy-free option. They’re also generous with portion sizes so you’re in for a treat!

Blk 124, Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1446
Singapore 530124
Tues to Thurs: 12pm — 1am
Fri to Sun: 12pm — 2am
Nearest Station: Kovan

LOLA’S CAFE

One of the OG cafes in the North-East area, Lola’s Cafe has been drawing the crowds since day one. Their extensive brunch selection will have you in a dilemma but don’t think twice about ordering their Pulled Pork & Avocado Eggs Benedict (S$16) or the Ultimate Croissant (S$15).

They’re also open past dinnertime, armed with a different menu featuring more regal dishes. Think Duck Leg Confit with Truffle Mash (S$18) and Tuscan Baked Salmon and Potato Stew (S$19).

Lola’s Cafe is a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seats.

5 Simon Rd
Singapore 545893
Tel: +65 6284 0349
Tues to Thurs: 10am – 11:30pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am — 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

MAISON KAYSER

If there’s any place we can count on for solid artisanal bread and opulent pastries, it would be Maison Kayser. This esteemed French artisanal bakery has been around since 1996, with outlets across several countries.

Taking over the former Bakerzin’s space in MyVillage, Maison Kayser offers classic savouries and elegant bakes, from stuffed croissants to chocolate eclairs. You can’t go wrong with their Tuna Croissant Sandwich (S$7.50) and their luxurious Paris Brest (S$6.60).

1 Maju Avenue, MyVillage at Serangoon Gardens, #01-26/27/28
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 8184
Daily: 7.30am — 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/monzengardens/

MONZEN GARDENS

Japanese rice bowls in Singapore are a dime a dozen and sadly, so are mediocre ones. But lucky for us, we found a gem, that is, Monzen Gardens at MyVillage. This Japanese-inspired cafe is run by a young chef who was trained in the Tokyo Sushi Academy.

The Bara Chirashi Don (S$15.80) is quite a steal. If you usually shy away from raw foods, their Wagyu Beef Don (S$18.80) is just as impressive.

1 Maju Ave, MyVillage at Serangoon Garden, #01-09/10
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 9119 0700
Mon to Thurs: 11.30am — 2.30pm, 5.30pm — 10pm
Fri: 11.30am — 2.30pm, 5.30pm — 12am
Sat: 11.30am — 12am
Sun: 11.30am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/kitchenofnaomi/

NAOMI KITCHEN

Naomi Kitchen in Serangoon Central serves up homely, comforting fare at really affordable prices. Most of the dishes are priced below S$10, making it a great budget-friendly spot. Their extensive menu sees a mix of Western, local and Japanese fare.

Block 208 Serangoon Central
Singapore 550208
Tel: +65 9321 3688
Daily: 9am — 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

OBLONG

Ditch the plain old waffles and jazz things up with some red velvet waffles at Oblong, a dessert cafe in Serangoon Gardens that offers pretty decent ice cream. Their waffles come dressed in a variety of flavours such as tiramisu, charcoal and pandan gula melaka. Pair them with your choice of ice cream and you’re set for the night!

10 Maju Avenue
Singapore 556688
Tel: +65 6858 2320
Thurs to Sun: 12pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Serangoon/Lorong Chuan

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/plonk.sg/

PLONK

This snazzy Australian-style bar takes great pride in their heartwarming, honest fare made with fresh ingredients and thoughtful execution. With an emphasis on family-style dishes, their menu sees a good proportion of sharing platters and kid-friendly bites.

Embark on a grand feast with the family with their Antipasto Platter (S$22) and Carnivore (S$25) pizza. If you’re not much of a sharer, their Truffle Scrambled Eggs (S$18) is the way to go.

7 Maju Ave
Singapore 556685
Tel: +65 6286 4688
Mon to Thurs: 11am — 11pm
Fri: 11am — 12pm
Sat: 9am — 12pm
Sun: 9am — 12am
Nearest Station: Serangoon/Lorong Chuan

SUNRAY CAFE

Pet-friendly cafes in Singapore are not uncommon, but for most of them, their menus only cater to the animals. This is where Sunray Cafe stands out. This secluded cafe in Serangoon Gardens caters to both animals and humans, with an extensive selection of dishes at really affordable prices.

Eggs Benny at S$7 and latte at S$3?! Pinch yourselves all you want, it’s real. And you can rest assured that you’re not paying for miserable portions.

79 Brighton Crescent
Singapore 559218
Tel: +65 6283 8700
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

THE BREAD SHOP

Here’s another casual budget-friendly spot that makes overpriced cafes look bad. The Bread Shop in Kovan serves up the usual brunch works, but of great quality and at even greater prices.

Their French Toast (S$10) is a real daydream, featuring thick buttered toast loaded with excellently caramelised bananas and fresh berries. Hungrier folks can try their fish & chips or grilled herb chicken.

953 Upper Serangoon Rd
Singapore 534715
Tel: +65 6581 7461
Mon: 11.30am — 11pm
Tues to Fri: 11.30am — 11pm
Sat: 9.30am — 10pm
Sun: 9.30am — 9pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

THE LARDER CAFE

Hearty brunches and wholesome beverages are exactly what The Larder Cafe is good at. This restful cafe started out at Toa Payoh and has opened a second outlet at Serangoon Gardens.

Fuel up with some Mushroom Truffle Melts (S$15) or Pulled Pork Wrap (S$15) to start your day with a bang. Or, dig into a juicy Wagyu Beef Burger (S$20) for a carnivorous decadence. They also have a plethora of pasta dishes for you to choose from.

66A Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555962
Tel: +65 6253 8382
Tues to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

THE PLAIN JANE

If The Plain Jane was an actual lady, we’d fall head over heels for her straight away. This pretty little cafe in Serangoon does impeccable swiss rolls — airy sponge layers laced with fresh luscious cream.

We adore their Earl Grey Swiss Roll (S$5.90), which emanates a robust tea fragrance. Accompany it with their Matcha Latte (S$5.50/hot, S$6.50/cold) for a loaded caffeine fix.

Blk 211, Serangoon Ave 4, #01-10
Singapore 550211
Tel: +65 6281 2477
Mon to Tues: 12pm — 8pm
Thurs to Fri: 12pm — 8pm
Sat to Sun: 10am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

TWO BAKERS

Non-Entrée Desserts may not be in operation anymore but don’t fret, you can still get your fix of illusory local-inspired desserts at Two Bakers. This cafe is in the safe hands of a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained chef, so anticipate great-quality grub and sweet treats.

Their deceptive Bao Zi (S$8.50) is actually chrysanthemum white chocolate mousse enwrapping matcha sponge cake and yuzu-lemon mousse. Wouldn’t have guessed, right?

For a more decadent dessert, go for their Ming Jian Kueh (S$8), a luscious crepe cake chockfull of ground peanuts, salted caramel chantilly and peanut butter.

9 Teck Chye Terrace
Singapore 545720
Tel: +65 6241 6393
Tues to Thurs: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 10am – 11.30pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/twocranes.sg/

TWO CRANES

For brunch and coffee with a Korean twist, Two Cranes is one to watch. This Korean-inspired cafe offers an eclectic mix of coffee beverages, savouries and desserts.

Swap out your typical Eggs Benedict for their Bouef Benedict (S$15), which sees beef bulgolgi sandwiched between poached eggs and buttered toast. While you’re at it, get a taste of their coffee mocktails which are tinged with a classy finish.

They also offer a range of bingsu desserts, with unconventional flavours such as mango matcha, pulut hitam and caramel macchiato.

Block 211, Hougang Street 21, #01-291
Singapore 530211
Tel: +65 8166 0140
Daily: 9am — 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

UDDERS

Udders is akin to that older grandaunt we used to visit when we were younger, but whom we’ve lost touch with over the years. Nevertheless, we can always count on her to spoil us with our favourite treats.

We adore this parlour’s quality scoops, with tantalising flavours such as Kyoto Matcha and Salted Speculoos. They also do amazing crispy waffles if you’re on your cheat day.

Block 212, Hougang Street 21, #01-345
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6448 8732
Daily: 12pm — 11pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

With hipster cafés popping up all over our sunny island, we are simply spoilt for choice. Do you know that the North-East is home to a plethora of cafés — from crowd-favourite gelato and waffle parlours to floral-themed establishments reminiscent of a garden from a fairytale?

We have combed through all the noshery there is to find in the North-East, and narrowed down the best spots for you; what better than a chill hideaway nook with a mean cup of joe and Instagram-worthy food?

Forgo your neighbourhood bak chor mee stall — here are 15 cafes in North-East Singapore from Serangoon to Punggol you have to visit!

Photo Credit: Lickers

LICKERS

Nestled in neighbourhood estate Lorong Ah Soo is hip ice cream parlour Lickers. Notable for their affordable ice cream and waffles, this café operates until after midnight, so you can satisfy your sweet late-night cravings at 2am.

There’s also a multitude of flavours to choose from, including classics such as Dark Chocolate and Earl Grey and interesting options such as Yakult Oreo, Lychee Rose or Cookie Monster! They change the selection on some days too. You can choose between standard cup, cone or waffles, but we would recommend getting the gelato with their crispy buttermilk waffles — the generous dollop of ice cream tastes heavenly together with the fluffy base.

Blk 124 #01-1446
Singapore 530124
Tues to Thurs: 1pm – 2am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kovan

COTTONTAIL CREAMERY

A stone throw’s away from Serangoon MRT Station, Cottontail Creamery is a Taiwanese-owned ice cream parlour. Resembling a rustic cottage, the décor is very much industrial-themed with brick walls and paintings. It gives off a very homely vibe and is perfect for families looking for an after-meal dessert.

With over 18 flavours to choose from, their award-winning vanilla gelato is a must try here, best paired with their fluffy waffles. They also have a wide selection of brunch dishes for those looking for a filling meal.

Blk 326 Serangoon Ave 3
#01-378
Singapore 550326
Tel: +65 8118 7552
Tues to Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

AMBER EMBER

Think dusty pink walls, minimalistic marble and wooden furniture with faux plants, and you get a chic café: Amber Ember, esteemed for their unique jaffles and coffee. Jaffles are toasted sandwiches, and here, you can choose between sweet or savoury options. Inspired by Mod-Sin cuisine, they also serve up scrumptious brunch dishes.

If you’re looking for a cosy café to laze your weekends away while reading a book with a good cup of brew, do drop by Amber Ember.

#01-01, 730 Upper Serangoon
Singapore 534643
Tel: +65 6926 3312
Tues to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

KOOKS CREAMERY

Hands up if you love cookies! Better yet, those with oozing filling. At Kooks Creamery, you get the best of both worlds — molten lava filling in a crumbly cookie, topped with a generous scoop of ice cream. Upon stepping in the charming cafe, you can smell the aroma of baked cookies.

They have two signature sets: Matcha and Chocolate. It comes with a cookie that breaks apart and oozes lava while the scoop of ice cream sits upon it. You can also choose to have an a la carte cookie to bring home! They have a standard ice cream selection of 18 flavours, with a few premium flavours such as Ferrero Rocher and Milk Cereal.

Serangoon Ave 4 #01-02
Singapore 550211
Tel: +65 9006 8748
Tues to Thurs & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

OBLONG

Expect pop music blasting in the background upon stepping into Oblong, skateboards hanging on the walls and a dim-lit interior; the low lights add ambience and cosiness to the tiny parlour.

Oblong serves up fluffy stacked waffles, with a wide selection of handcrafted gelato. They also occasionally change up their flavours and waffle base. Our favourite is the red velvet waffle — the sandwiched cream cheese and creamy ice cream drizzled with various toppings and sauces is absolutely delish.

10 Maju Ave
Singapore 556688
Mon, Tues & Sun: 2pm – 12pm
Weds & Thurs: 7pm – 12pm
Fri & Sat: 2pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SEOUL GOOD

A Korean café fashioned out of a container, Seoul Good serves up scrumptious K-grub in Punggol East. You can spot it from afar with its cute penguin storefront! The self-service eatery is also set in an al fresco environment and is usually crowded during the weekends.

They have a diverse menu ranging from starters, mains to desserts. Their signatures are the Korean Fried Chicken Wings, which come in different dressings. Of course, no Korean café is complete without bingsu! Choose between six flavours and two different bases: yoghurt and milk. Seoul Good is a perfect spot to lounge with your friends and family while enjoying cold shaved ice on a hot day!

50 Punggol E #01-K36
Singapore 828824
Tel: +65 6884 6884
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

LOLA’S CAFE

Lola’s Café is a popular eatery well-known for their specialty coffee and extensive brunch menu.

Some of their signatures include the all-day breakfast platter and pastas. Aside from their mains, Lola’s also serves some luscious desserts. Some of their popular dishes are the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Tart and Brownie Jar!

5 Simon Rd
Singapore 545893
Tel: +65 6284 0349
Sun to Thurs: 10am – 11:30pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Kovan

HATTER STREET BAKEHOUSE

Imagine a whimsical café inspired by Alice In Wonderland: Hatter Street Bakehouse is a quaint little eatery that immerses you into the world of fantasy and sweet treats. The interior is decorated with drawings, scribbles and quotes, adding character to the place. The café also aims to bring across passion and determination in their food, just like The Mad Hatter.

Their signatures are the Whoaffles, which are uniquely shaped with a crisp and airy texture. It also comes with a scoop of ice cream. We would also recommend a star dish here: the Unicorn Whoaffle.

212 Hougang Street 21
#01-333
Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591
Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

WILDSEED CAFE

The café is decorated with flowers, plants, brick walls and they even house a florist, giving off a very rustic atmosphere. They serve up a hearty brunch with some signatures such as the Wagyu Beef Burger and Yuzu Mac and Cheese.

Their pastries here are equally as visually appealing and yummy as well, with crowd favourites such as the Pea Flower Coconut Muffin and Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart. If you want to bring your furkids along, you can! They allow pets at the outdoor sitting area.

Level 1, 3 Park Lane,
Seletar Aerospace Dr, Park,
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 8126 7524
Mon to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 1am
Sat: 8:30am – 12am
Sun: 8:30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

WIMBLY LU

A charming dessert shop tucked away in the neighbourhood of Jalan Riang, Wimbly Lu is known for their chocolate-themed treats. They also offer waffles, cakes, ice cream and chocolates.

Stepping in, you will feel right at home — the ambience is cosy with wooden furniture, brick walls and dim lights. Here, their best-selling item is their waffles. You can choose to have them plain or topped off with some homemade ice cream.

15-2 Jln Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 6289 1489
Nearest Station: Serangoon

ELEVEN STRANDS

Situated along Yio Chu Kang Road, Eleven Strands is a relatively new Italian, Asian and French cuisine café that has taken over Kombi Rocks. They have an indoor and al fresco dining area, and the interior is blue accented with wooden furniture, resembling a modern, chic diner.

Eleven Strands is the sister establishment to South Union Park, and some of their fare include classics such as the Chicken Liver Pate from South Union Park. Some popular items in the cafe also include the Crab Meat Pasta and the Truffle Kombu Fries.

66 Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 545568
Tel: +65 9487 1398
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Flavour Flings

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Located in the heart of Hougang, Flavour Flings is a halal-certified café specialising in American-French cuisine. The people behind the first raclette salted egg yolk croissant in Singapore, the eatery has garnered a fair bit of regulars stopping by for their hearty all-day-breakfast and brunch menu.

Here, they spin their own twist to American-French classics, inventing new flavours and revamping ideas. Some of their signatures include the Beef Steak & Raclette and Salted Egg Yolk Fries. They also serve up iconic pastries such as the Salted Egg Yolk Croissant and Crème Brulee.

Hougang Ave 1, Block 121
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
Mon, Thurs to Sun: 11:30am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 10pm
Weds: 5:30pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Hougang

CIEL PATISSERIE

A heartland patisserie that boasts a menu of French desserts, Ciel Patisserie is a hidden gem. Unassuming but very surprising, this small patisserie has a wholesome range of cakes and tarts that are mostly priced under S$6.

124 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1444, 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Tue to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, Serangoon Gardens is a private residential area brimming with all sorts of F&B establishments—ranging from hawker centres to hipster cafes and fine restaurants.

Ask any local about the must-tries in Serangoon Gardens and no doubt many will point you to Chomp Chomp Food Centre. However, those who residinnd the area would know that there is more to the dining scene at Serangoon Gardens than just that.

Here are our top picks of hawker stalls, cafes, bars and eateries you have to visit at Serangoon Gardens.

AH SENG BRAISED DUCK RICE

A family-favourite at Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre, Ah Seng Braised Duck Rice became popular through word-of-mouth recommendations as their braised duck is considered to be one of the best in the area.

For S$3.50, diners get a portion of braised duck and white rice that is drizzled over with savoury soy sauce.

49A Serangoon Garden Way
#01-44, Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre
Singapore 555945
Tel: +65 9667 4860
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Serangoon

ALIFF NASI LEMAK

Ask anyone what you have to order at Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre and you will most likely get Aliff Nasi Lemak as the answer. This muslim-owned stall offers mouthwatering Nasi Lemak from S$3 and the secret to their success is the use of natural ingredients.

Complement the flavourful rice with ingredients such as deep-fried chicken wings, ikan bilis and otak otak.

49A Serangoon Garden Way
#01-27 Serangoon Garden Market
Singapore 555945
Tue to Thu, Sat & Sun: 7.30am – 2pm
Mon & Fri: Closed
Nearest Station: Serangoon

BOTTEGA

Takign over the former premise of Udders Ice Cream at myVillage, Bottega—an Italian grocer, bar and restaurant—imports their ingredients from trusted artisan suppliers for their Italian-inspired dishes. Their signature pizzas are made from Italian soft wheat blend, which is free from all sorts of preservatives.

Besides their range of pizzas, pastas and desserts, you can also purchase Italian groceries from them.

1 Maju Avenue
#01-11
Singapore 556679
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

GARDEN STREET KWAY CHAP

This family business has been around for years and they are still dedicated to serving hearty, comforting bowls of kway chap that start from S$4.50. Some of our favourites include pig intestines, pork slices, pig skin and salted vegetables.

49A Serangoon Garden Way
#01-21 Serangoon Garden Market
Singapore 555945
Tue to Sun: 8am – 3pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Serangoon

GEYLANG CLAYPOT RICE

Claypot rice is comfort food for us and if you are looking for a great option to look out for at Serangoon Gardens is Geylang Claypot Rice.

If you have time to spare, their claypot chicken rice is worth the 25-minute wait. In addition, the eatery also serves other classic zi char dishes too.

4 Maju Avenue
Singapore 556682
Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Tel: +65 6816 2754
Nearest Station: Serangoon

HAJIME TONKATSU & RAMEN

Opened by Chef Tan-San—who was previously from Tonkichi and Tampopo—Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen is a casual eatery at myVillage which offers authentic tonkatsu and ramen at relatively affordable prices. Some of the recommended dishes include the Premium Pork Loin (S$21.90) and Miso Ramen (S$11.90).

1 Maju Avenue,
myVillage @ Serangoon Garden, #02-07/8/9
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station:

HANWOORI KOREAN RESTAURANT

Hanwoori Korean Restaurant is one of those under-the-radar restaurants that only Korean food lovers in the know and residents will find their way here.

The owner is a jovial lady that is so passionate and hospitable, she makes you feel like you are dining in a hole-in-the-wall joint in Korea. We find ourselves returning so often for she serves very authentic Korean food.

76 Serangoon Garden Way
Tel: +65 6283 6339
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

LITTLE WIMBLY LU

Opened by the same folks behind Wimbly Lu, Little Wimbly Lu is a dessert cafe where you will find all the sweet tooths. You can expect a delicious offering of waffles, ice cream and cakes on the menu. Some noteworthy items include Nutella Chocolate Pie, Earl Grey White chocolate Mousse Cake and Salted Caramel Brownie.

1 Maju Avenue
#01-09/10 myVillage
Singapore 556679
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Serangoon

NUNSARAM

Step inside Nunsaram and cool off from the sweltering heat with a bowl of Korean bingsu. Located just beside Oblong, patrons can choose among 15 different bingsu flavours and crowd favourites include injeolmi and black sesame.

The best part? Nunsaram is opened till late at night so if you are looking for a late-night dessert spot in Serangoon Gardens, you know where to go.

12 Maju Avenue
Singapore 556690
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Serangoon

PLONK

Australian bar Plonk has just the right ambience for after-work drinks with your colleagues and friends. Carrying wine from Australia and even Europe, go all out at their fully-stocked bar and Mediterranean food.

Highlights of their menu include Cape Grim Steak, Chicken Liver Pate and Plonk’s Own Deconstructed Steak Sandwich. Plonk also offers all-day brunch on the weekends.

7 Maju Avenue
Singapore 556685
Tel: +65 6286 4688
Mon to Fri: 11am – late
Sat & Sun: 9am – late
Nearest Station: Serangoon

POW SING RESTAURANT

Established in 1983, Pow Sing Restaurant at Serangoon Gardens is known for their traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice and Nyonya dishes including Ayam Buah Keluak and Kueh Pie Tee. We have been patronising Pow Sing Restaurant for years and the Chicken Rice is always very satisfying. We will go so far as to say that it is one of the best chicken rice restaurants in Singapore.

59 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555961
Tel: +65 6284 0800
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

RK EATING HOUSE

Known for their gigantic tissue prata and teh tarik towers, RK Eating House is our favourite prata restaurant in Singapore. The prata place is open for 24 hours so you can get your prata fix at any time of the day. Besides prata, they also have other Indian-Muslim options such as murtabak and Indian rojak.

1A Kensington Park Road
Singapore 557253
Tel: +65 6289 5379
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SOI THAI KITCHEN

Up for some spicy, sour and full-flavoured Thai cuisine? Make your way to Soi Thai Kitchen where you can feast on tom yum soup, basil pork and Thai fried rice to your heart’s content.

Dishes range from S$6 to S$10 and customers save on GST and service charges when they dine there.

58 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555954
Tel: +65 6282 3788
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 1.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SOON HUAT PIG’S ORGAN SOUP

A crowd favourite and one that sees insanely long queues on a regular basis, is Soon Huat Pig’s Organ Soup. We really adore their soup that boast a delicate flavour yet brims with a delightful pork and garlicky flavour.

Be sure to order up a side of their braised dishes as well—their braised pig trotters is a must, and you have the option of opting for extra lean or extra fatty.

51 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555947
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SRI SUN EXPRESS

A popular hangout spot among the young crowd, Sri Sun Express is a 24-hour eatery that serves up a smorgasbord of Indian supper favourites from the classic roti prata (done in possibly a hundred different ways), murtabak to even some innovative creations such as their masala tacos.

Another common sight here is their massive 3-litre drink towers.

56 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555952
Tel: +65 6282 2325
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Serangoon

STAPLE FOOD

Staple Food in Serangoon Gardens aims to provide nutritious, yet gratifying meals that do not compromise on taste—using only fresh ingredients so from reliable suppliers. The cafe has a curated food menu but diners can customise their own bowl to suit their personal dietary needs.

Fans of salted egg yolk will not be disappointed with their Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab (S$16) pasta.

1 Maju Avenue
#B1-23/24, myVillage
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6634 1181
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

STEAM BOX

A fairly current dining concept that fuses the idea of steaming raw food as opposed to the conventional hot pot or grill, Steam Box is an underrated restaurant in the Serangoon Gardens Estate that truly deserves a mention.

Their ingredients are fresh and prices are relatively affordable too, which make a great alternative for group dining if you are sick of hot pot.

68 Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555962
Tel: +65 6281 6939
Tue to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Mon: Closed

For more recommendations, read our guide on Chomp Chomp Food Centre—featuring the 8 best local food to try.