When it comes to popular food enclaves in Singapore, Novena may not particularly stand out from the crowd—especially not with the likes of so many up and coming food havens such as Bedok or even Toa Payoh.

But little do you know that Novena packs many great local eateries and restaurants. To give you more purpose in visiting Novena, other than sending your children for tuition or shopping for sports apparel, here are 18 eateries, cafes and restaurants in Novena that you have to try!

328 KATONG LAKSA

If travelling to Katong is a little too much of a stretch, then you find comfort in knowing that an outlet exists just a few minutes away from Novena. Serving up hearty bowls of intensely rich laksa, these bowls of soul-enriching goodness will definitely put you in a good spot whenever you find yourself hankering for something warm and comforting.

101 Thomson Road #01-K1,
United Square Shopping Mall
Singapore 307591
Daily: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Novena

BAAN YING

One of the latest restaurants to take up residence over at Royal Square at Novena, Baan Ying Singapore serves up a wide range of Thai fare stemming from other, more underrated parts of Thailand, and while the usual Thai staples such as tom yum and green curry are available, they most certainly aren’t the main stars of the show.

Their menu boasts a pretty extensive array of Northern Thai-inspired curries, salads and rice dishes and most dishes fall below S$10.

103 Irrawaddy Road
#02-07, Royal Square At Novena
Singapore 329566
Tel: +65 9111 7852
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

CHYE KEE CHICKEN RICE

Over at Chye Kee Goldhill Roasted Chicken Rice, be mesmerised by the display counter that comprises rows and rows of gorgeously roasted chicken, char siew, pork belly and duck. This is one meat lover’s heaven that often sees a long line leading outside even before lunchtime.

As much as we love their roasted chicken rice, their rice tends to be a tad dry so instead, we recommend going for their Dry Macaroni with Roasted Chicken.

No. 151, Thomson Road, #01-151,
Goldhill Shopping Centre,
Singapore 307606
Tel: +65 9143 4147

Mon to Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Novena

CRAFTSMEN SPECIALTY COFFEE

A popular coffee stop for office workers or even students in the search for a quiet place to study, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee is your answer to delicious coffee and all-day-breakfast items. Inspired by flavours from abroad, most if not all their nosh are designed with the intention to complement their freshly roasted and brewed coffee.

The Craftsmen Full Breakfast comes close to a traditional English breakfast while the Pulled Pork Burrito is divine on so many levels.

173 Thomson Road
Goldhill Centre
Singapore 307623
Tel: +65 96580769
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 8.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Novena

DA LUCA RESTAURANT

Serving up real-deal Italian food Da Luca Italian Restaurant is one spot that never fails to leave an impression. Owned by chef-owner Luca Pucciani along with his wife, this cosy Italian restaurant in Goldhill Plaza dishes out an arsenal of stellar antipasti, pasta and hearty mains.

Fresh ingredients, masterful preparations, friendly owners and good vibes all rolled out into one, this is without a doubt a place that promises a sensational dining experience.

1 Goldhill Plaza Novena #01-19/21,
Singapore 308899
Tel: +65 6258 4846
(Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Wed to Sun: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

HAIDILAO

Singapore’s hottest hotpot restaurant at the moment, Haidilao is one that needs no introduction.

Having opened yet another outlet at Royal Square at Novena, what Novena residents can expect is the same top-notch service, delicious soup broths and a sensational dining experience right in your very neighbourhood—all the way to 6 in the morning.

Royal Square @Novena,
103 Irrawaddy Road, #06-01/02,
Singapore 329566
Tel: +65 6565 7767
Daily: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Novena

JOE & DOUGH

Homegrown chain, Joe & Dough, is known for their high-ceilinged lounge cafes which rivals the likes of Starbucks. From sourcing the best Arabica beans to roasting the coffee beans locally, this popular coffee chain ensures that every cup of coffee they serve is a cup packed-full of warmth and unbeatable flavour.

10 Sinaran Dr, 01-156,
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6397 2669
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

KYUSHU PANCAKE

A notch above than your average pancake, what you can expect from this pancake joint from Japan, are incredibly thick yet light pancakes that come in a variety of mouthwatering flavours. The secret to it and what makes it unique is that unlike most, it is made using 7 different grains grown in Kyushu.

Must-try’s include the Kyushu Butter Milk Classic Pancake, Salted Caramel French Toast and Egg Benedict Pancake.

275 Thomson Road, #01-08,
Novena Regency
Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6352 6265
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Novena

LA RISTRETTOS

If you’re looking to hide from the hustle and bustle of the city, then allow La Ristrettos to be your safe haven. Hidden in the most obscure area in Novena, within a maze of private clinics, this humble cafe serves up hearty Melbourne-style brunch items as well as top-notch coffee.

10 Sinaran Drive #08-37
Novena Medical Centre,
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6397 7165
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 1pm
Nearest Station: Novena

LAO BEIJING

Capturing authenticity in both its appearance and cuisine, Lao Beijing in Velocity@Novena Square is where you’ll more than likely find well-executed Northern Chinese fare in the form of exquisite fish dishes, noodle dishes as well as an array of juicy dumplings. Famed for their xiao long bao and famous customisable popiah, the restaurant has bagged numerous awards over the years and sees a constant flood of loyal patrons daily.

238 Thomson road
Velocity@Novena Square, #02-11/12
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6358 4466
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

LINGZHI VEGETARIAN

Vegetarian dining is very seldom on the top of anyone’s lists, but LingZhi Vegetarian is one of the rare few that proves to be an exception. Offering a straightforward yet dazzling new menu, diners can expect to fall head over heels for their vegetarian renditions of Lasagna, Peking Duck and even Satay.

The lack of meat may be hard to stomach, but judge all you want because the food really speaks for itself.

238 Thomson Road, #03-09/10,
Velocity@Novena Square
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6538 2992
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

MARMALADE PANTRY

Have yourself an indulgent afternoon at one of the city’s best bistros. Beyond tea, scones and gorgeous little pastries, the outlet at Novena boasts a pretty good selection of mains. Bask in the luxury that is modern comfort food in the form of their Truffle Beef Burger and Miso Lobster Burger that will have you submerged in pure, sensorial bliss.

8 Sinaran Drive, #01-02/04
Oasia Hotel Novena
Singapore 307470
Tel: +65 6664 0348
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

NARA

Offering quality Japanese food, service that’s hard to fault and an overall intimate dining experience without breaking the bank, Nara is one spot that will take your taste buds on a sensorial journey.

If you’re ballsy, you should definitely opt for the shirako ponzu (fish sperm served in ponzu) when it’s in season.

167 Thomson Road,
Singapore 307619
Tel: +65 6256 6568
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

SSIKKEK KOREAN GRILL BBQ BUFFET

There are a few Ssikkek outlets in Singapore, and the popularity of each outlet leaves one little to wonder. It is really a simple and fuss-free place for some casual feasting.

While Ssikkek doesn’t have the best quality meat such as Wagyu, it makes up for it with its competitive pricing and lively atmosphere.

101 Thomson Road, #B1-14/15/16
United Square Shopping Mall,
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6254 8123
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

SKY 22

Sky22 sits on the 22nd level of Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, boasting an unbeatable view of the surrounding city area.

The restaurant focuses on a small plates-style buffet where the different dishes are prepared in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Dishes to look forward to are the ‘Nasi Ulam’ Wild Rice Salad with charred octopus, Pan-seared Red Grouper with Sambal Oelek and Tiger Prawn Laksa Lemak.

99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Tel: +65 6378 2040
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

SUSHI MATSUO

Featuring a pretty extensive lineup of sushi, sashimi and donburi options made using fresh seasonal produce, Sushi Matsuo is one spot we would recommend to satisfy your craving for raw seafood without the fine dining price tag.

Set in a small yet homely space, the restaurant dishes out anything from uni to tuna served several ways and will have you feeling as if you were dining in a restaurant in the suburbs of Tokyo.

1, Goldhill Plaza, #01-17,
Singapore 308899
Tel: +65 6356 2603
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

TUNGLOK TEAHOUSE

We are such big fans of TungLok Group’s arsenal of restaurants and one of the places we frequent most is TungLok Teahouse for their delectable, handcrafted dim sum. Their signature Steamed Siew Mai with Quail Egg and Truffle is a huge hit and don’t even get us started on their Boxer Chicken.

10 Sinaran Drive
#01-73 Square 2
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6893 1123
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

WEE NAM KEE

Anyone who’s truly a fan of chicken rice would definitely have tried Wee Nam Kee at least once or several times. Having moved to United Square, the interior does feature a brand-new look but where taste and quality are concerned, the standard of their food remains pretty much unchanged.

Their rice is fragrant, their homemade chilli sauce is superb and their chicken, well, is simply put, one of the best we have ever tasted from its outrageously succulent meat to the delicious sauce that does well to enhance every bite with its savoury and subtly sweet qualities.

101 Thomson Road, #01-08
United Square Shopping Mall
Singapore 307591
Tel: +65 6255 6396
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

Thai food is versatile, a myriad of flavours, and generally a whole lot of fun for chefs. And Rochor Thai’s Chef Owner Joel Ong—who lived a year in Thailand to learn about the Central Thai cuisine—was determined to bring the best of Thai dishes to Singapore.

While most Thai eateries and restaurants in Singapore serve more North-Eastern Thai fare, Rochor Thai specialises in Central Thai Cuisine—which is a lot more balanced, less salty and no less delicious—and it does not use any MSG at all.

Rochor Thai prides itself in its meticulous preparation and the use of fresh ingredients to ensure the authenticity of its food, with flavours found nowhere else in Singapore.

Making his mark in 2012 at Rochor Centre, Rochor Thai’s inception saw overwhelming success and has brought them to where they are today. Today, they are located at Novena Regency, with a more modern and swanky look. They have rocketed to the top of our list and is now among our favourite Thai restaurants.

From now until 15 March 2017, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off your bill—valid from 6pm to 10pm on Mondays to Thursdays, except PHs.

THE BEST VARIETY OF AUTHENTIC TOM YUM SOUPS

Depending on your preference, Rochor Thai has a decent variety of tom yum soups for you to choose from. What we like about Rochor Thai is that they choose the best meats or seafood to go with each type of soup base. Some Thai restaurants confuse you with too many options, but Rochor Thai picks out the best combinations for you.

We had a taste of two different types of tom yum soups, Red Tom Yum Prawns (Tom Yum Goong, S$15) and Clear Tom Yum Super (S$15).

Some people prefer a milkier consistency, hence the former is an excellent choice, the soup is packed with generous amounts of fresh prawns and we really loved the spicy red soup base—just the right balance of sour and spicy, without burning our throats.

However, the Clear Tom Yum Super is actually their speciality and it comes with chicken wings and feet inside. But you have been warned—this soup is extremely spicy. Not for the faint-hearted!

REFRESHING SOM TUM KAI KEM – THAI PAPAYA SALAD

In every Thai restaurant, you need a good Som Tum or Papaya Salad. This Som Tum Kai Kem (S$12) hit all the right spots for us.

It was crunchy, refreshing and more importantly, the tamarind sauce really wowed us. It comes with salted egg, carrots, long beans, garlic, chillies, dried shrimp and peanuts.

BEAUTIFUL PAD THAI WITH SUCCULENT PRAWNS

Another classic Thai dish is the Pad Thai. The Pad Thai Rochor Thai (Pad Thai Song Krung, S$14) was impressive, to say the least. We liked that the noodles were not overly cooked; they were a little al dente, and the plate of noodles was sweet, flavourful and bursting with wok hei flavour on the whole. One of the best

CLASSIC VERMICELLI WITH BAKED PRAWNS

The Baked Prawns in Claypot (Goong Ob Woon Sen, S$19) is something you really have to try! Clear glass noodles are tossed in peppercorns, garlic and coriander; the dish exuded a distinct aroma.

THE BEST STIR-FRIED CABBAGE EVER

This is the most unassuming dish on the menu and before you skip it, you have to know that this is THE BEST STIR-FRIED CABBAGE EVER. So much so that we would eat an entire serving on its own with a bowl of steamed rice and we are satisfied.

The Cabbage with Fish Sauce (Kalum Pad Nampla, S$12) is a unique dish and it took Chef Joel 3 months to perfect it.

Sure, you might be skeptical, because it is ‘just veggies’. But it is almost unexplainable; the umami flavours become stronger with every bite. There is something about the combination of garlic and fish sauce tossed with crunchy and fresh cabbage.

TENDER, MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH GRILLED PORK

The Grilled Pork Collar (Kor Moo Yang, S$19)—Rochor Thai’s best-selling and signature dish—lived up to all the hype.

Marinated perfectly, the tender pork is grilled to a beautiful tenderness. When served, the pork collar slices are so almost melt-in-your-mouth. Eat them with a homemade Issan-style sauce.

Thai-style grilled pork has got to be one of our favourite ways of eating pork.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY WHOLE SEA BASS

If you are coming in a group of 3 or more, then you should really order the sea bass. We fell head over heels in love with the Orange Curry Fish Broth (Thai Assam, Gaeng Som Pla, S$32 Whole Fish 800 – 900g).

The fish is deep-fried whole, then orange curry broth is drizzled all over. The broth is spicy with a hint of sourness, but it paired up well with the crispy fish. The fish stayed nice and crispy even after awhile and for S$32, it is a steal!

FLAVOURFUL DRUNKARD’S PRAWNS

These prawns are aptly named Drunkard’s Prawns (Pad Kee Mao Goong, S$19).

According to Chef Owner Joel, they adapted an old Thai recipe based on a true incident. It was a rainy night when a drunk man was walking home after a night of drinking, and he stopped by a small street food stall for some supper. The dish was so spicy and flavourful that it jolted him up, hence the name.

POPULAR THAI SWEET TREAT – MANGO STICKY RICE

Lastly, we ended our amazing Thai meal with the best way we know how to—with Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Ma Muang, S$8).

The sticky rice was served to us warm and the rice was chewy with a nice al dente bite to it.

Apart from the typical Thai dishes such as Green Curry Chicken, Pad Thai, and Thai Basil Stir-fried Pork, Rochor Thai serves authentic Thai dishes that are strong-flavoured yet well-balanced. It is a lot more dimensional than the spicy and sour Thai food that most of us are familiar with.

Chef Owner Joel hopes that diners get to experience a true taste of Thailand—for a lack of a better phrase. The prices might be slightly higher than the usual Thai restaurants in Singapore, but what you get is quality Thai food that will transport you to the Land of Smiles.

Don’t take our words for it, make a trip to Rochor Thai and find out for yourself. Remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off your bill—valid from 6pm to 10pm on Mondays to Thursdays, except PHs.

And the next time you are throwing a party for a special occasion, you will be keen to know that Rochor Thai also offers complimentary venue usage with a minimum spending on Food and Beverage, as well as catering for events. Their tea reception buffet starts from as low as S$9.80 per guest. You can see the buffet catering menus from Rochor Thai’s website.

Rochor Thai
275 Thomson Road
#01-03, Novena Regency
Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 8797 7080
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

This post is brought to you by Rochor Thai.