Hougang has been on the news recently with the Worker’s Party holding serve and retaining the Single Member Constituency (SMC) in Singapore’s General Elections 2020.
But what many don’t know are the hidden eats that this heartland neighbourhood offer. From local classics like Hokkien Mee and Nasi Lemak to popular cafés, Hougang has quite a few good offerings worthy of exploration!
A mix of personally tried-and-tested to the Internet’s recommendations, here are some of the best eats you can find in Hougang.
1. Lola’s Café
On the back of their Honey Paprika Crispy Wings, Lola’s Café has entrenched themselves amongst one of Singapore’s pioneer cafes.
Of course, Lola’s Café offers much more than their chicken wings with an extensive Brunch menu featuring classics like eggs benedict to the big breakfast. Coupled with a decent cuppa joe, it’s a great spot for a café date!
2. Sin Heng Kee Porridge
Sin Heng Kee Porridge is truly one of the hidden gems in Hougang that only residents and those who frequent the area will know.
Don’t be mistaken by “hidden gem” however, as you can almost always expect long snaking queues when you visit. True to the traditional Cantonese style of congee, the porridge at Sin Heng Kee has a thick and gooey texture, packed full of flavour and just comforting in every sense of the word.
3. 5 Star Corner Western Food
There’s just something about local hawker western food that surprisingly hits the spot. And with about 20 odd years under its belt, 5 Star Corner Western Food has nailed that old school taste.
What you get here are massive portions of protein for some quite frankly unbeatable prices. Two large pieces of breaded fried fish with shoestring fries, baked beans, coleslaw, and garlic bread or you fancy a huge fried chicken chunk instead? – all at SGD$6? It’s a steal and more.
It isn’t the best western food by far, but it’s nostalgia through and through.
4. Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum
If you’re a fan of dim sum, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum. Famed for some quality, top-notch dim sum that doesn’t come at restaurant prices, Yi Dian Xin has made a name for itself amongst dim sum lovers.
Don’t forget to order their liu sha bao, which is probably the cheapest you can find in Singapore at 3 for SGD$3.80! Their steamed bbq pork bao is another recommended dish, and its not a surprise when you bite into that fluffy bao before sinking your teeth into the char siew, which isn’t overly sweet.
5. Fatty Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle
Hokkien mee is one of my all-time favourite guilty pleasures.
The one at Fatty Fried leans more to the wet version; the stock is rich, resulting in a broth that is packed with flavour topped a healthy portion of pork belly, squid, and prawns. If you’re dieting, it’s the last stall you want to be at.
Try to avoid peak periods, as the queues can get quite long.
6. Hougang Oyster Omelette and Fried Kway Teow
Now, I’m not a big fan of oyster omelette because well, I don’t really eat oysters. So, that just leaves me a plate of overpriced omelette. But fried kway teow, now that’s where you have me.
This small humble shop serves up their fried kway teow with a substantial amount of wok hei, and you’ll need a glass of beverage on hand as the flavours can get quite intense for some. Drizzle lime over the top which will most definitely help to cut through the oil and that fattiness!
7. Hiang Ji Roasted Meat & Noodle House
Who doesn’t love some good ol’ roasted meats? Just across the road from Sin Heng Kee Porridge, Hiang Ji Roasted Meat is tucked in an assuming coffee shop.
While certainly not the best plate of roasted meats you can get in Singapore, Hiang Ji serves up a pretty decent plate. The char siew here has a good balance of fat and meat and the caramelising of the skin gives it a nice crunch, especially if you ask for the more burnt edges.
The roasted pork noodles is also another solid option, and personally, the one I would go for!
8. Nakhon Kitchen
Nakhon Kitchen perhaps needs no introduction, with branches littered all over the island.
This Thai eatery has catapulted itself to foremost in people’s mind when it comes to having casual thai fare. Offering all the Thai classics from basil minced meat to phad Thai and mango salad, it’s a great introductory course into Thai cuisine.
If there’s any place you have to avoid the peak periods, it’s Nakhon. If you’re heading over for dinner, we’d suggest going at about 5.30- 6pm before the queues snake around the whole of Hougang.
9. Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre
There is a fair share of popular nasi lemak stalls around Singapore, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak and several stalls at Changi Village to say the least. In Hougang, you have Ponggol Nasi Lemak, and it’s certainly one of the more popular ones in Singapore.
What you get is a classic spread of ingredients from crispy chicken wing, otah, ikan bilis and peanuts, fragrant coconut rice, and of course that spicy dollop of chilli. If you’re in the area and craving for nasi lemak, you know where to go.
10. Selegie Soya Bean
We end off the list with dessert, and a good bowl of soya beancurd always hits the spot for me. The beancurd has to be silky soft and smooth with a nice level of sweetness to boot, and that’s what you’ll get at Selegie Soya Bean.
It’s recommended that you order a couple of fried dough fritters (you tiao) to go along with your beancurd. You can never go wrong with the combination; even JJ Lin has sung about it.
