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Hougang and Upper Serangoon Area- What To Eat?

By Cecilia Joven Ong - Wednesday, Jul 16, 2014

The area is considered a “Teochew” heartland. Many of the residents back in the day were working in, around and for the old Kangkar port and fishery. Naturally, street food hawked in that area were Teochew comfort fare that has gone on to become national favourites like Orh Luak (fried oyster omelette) and carrot cake. The area has seen some changes over the recent decades and today some newer and non Teochew food has found its spot in the sun in this area.

 

UPPER SERANGOON
 
Simon Road Fried Oyster
965 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534721
Hours: 4 pm to 2am
 
They pan-fry the sweet potato starch over a high fire that yields a delightful crispiness that perfectly complemented the fluffiness of the egg and the juiciness of the fresh tasting oysters to make this one of the most popular versions in the area. So good on its own, you can skip the accompanying chilli sauce.
 

Simon Road Fried Oyster

 
Punggol Nasi Lemak
965 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534721
Hours: 5.30 pm to 2.30 am
 
This Chinese style nasi lemak stall began humbly – offering even a delivery service back in the 80s. They offer a huge and non-traditional selection (which is associated with their brand) of dishes to go with their light coconut infused rice but the prices are slightly north of normal. A plate of nasi lemak with 3 dishes could easily hit $5 to $6. It used to taste better when they was located along the Old Tampines Road but they are still popular as indicated by the constant long queues. Popular toppings include their fried chicken wings, lontong, otah and ikan bilis.
 
Punggol Nasi Lemak

 
Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum
1012 Upper Serangoon Road Teo Seng Eating House Singapore 534750
Hours: 7 am to 6pm
 
They offer a wide range of traditional and affordable dim sum. The Salted Egg Custard Bun is their signature item and it is one of the better ones that I had- the custard is not watered down and has decent creaminess. Their standard items like Siew Mai, Har Gor and Fried Beancurd Rolls are quite popular with regulars.
 
Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum

 
Song Kee Fishball Noodle
532 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534547
Hours: 7 pm to 1 am
 
This is a well-known supper place in this area. They begin around 7 pm till about 1 am. Long waiting time is expected even during non-peak hours like at late supper hours. The regular bowl ($3.50) consists of fish dumplings, fish balls, tau pok stuffed with fish paste and a good portion of noodle. Their fish dumplings soup is a must order.
 
Song Kee Fishball Noodle

 
HOUGANG
 

Pork Bun by Seng Huat Coffee House
Block 811 Hougang Central #01-206 Seng Huat Coffee House Singapore 530811.
Hours: 5 am to 11 pm

 
Their Pork Bun is a must try. It consists of a piece of pan-seared black pepper pork chop sandwiched in between the porky bun with mayonnaise for $3.50. The other option is with ham & cheese. Another interesting item is the fried chicken cutlet served with fried instant noodle but it’s not as moreish as the Pork Bun.

 

Pork Bun by Seng Huat Coffee House

 

Xiang Rui Gourmet
Block 209 Hougang Street 21 #01-28 Kovan Food Centre Singapore 530209
Hours: 7 am to 9.15 pm

 
They offer a good range of comforting porridge served with a nicely toasted you tiao from $3.50. The congee is cooked in typical Cantonese style with rice grains boiled till nicely broken and smooth – through a long cooking process. Popular items on their menu include Mixed Pork Congee ($4.00) and Raw Fish ($3.00).
 

Xiang Rui Gourmet

 
Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle
Block 209 Hougang Street 21 #01-05 Kovan Food Centre Singapore 530209
Hours: 8 am to 9 pm
 
This is one of the few popular Bak Chor Mee stalls in this food centre with a long queue. A handful of perfectly cooked noodle is served with braised mushroom, fishball, fishcake slices, lean and minced meat for only $3.50. Their Laksa is also one of the best sellers.
 
Fa Ji Minced Meat Fishball Noodle

 
Curry & Curry
Block 203 Hougang Street #01-45 Singapore 530203
Hours: 11.30 am to 8.30 pm (Closed on Monday)
 
They are famous for their Curry Fish Head and squid ink Sotong. If you are not turned off by the black sauce of the Sotong then you will get to enjoy the delectable chewiness and natural salty and savoury sweetness of this unique dish. Their other signature dishes are Rendang Chicken and Rendang Beef that are served with rich, thick and flavorful gravy.
 
Curry & Curry

 
Mongkok Cooked Food
Block 105 Hougang Avenue 1 #02-41 Hainanese Village Centre Singapore 530105
Hours: 7 am to 2 pm
 
Though Wanton Mee is their signature item, their Curry Chicken Noodle ($2.50) is a must try. It is served with a generous amount of chicken and potatoes in rich and aromatic curry gravy. Take note that the waiting time can be long if you come during lunch.

Punggol Noodle
Block 105 Hougang Avenue 1 #02-24 Hainanese Village Centre Singapore 530105
Hours: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm (Closed on Sunday)
 
A regular bowl of noodle ($2.50) comes with egg noodle and ingredients like braised mushroom, fish cake slices, minced and lean meat. The noodles were cooked al-dente, though the chilli is not as spicy as I like but it has an aromatic aftertaste. I shall be back to try their handmade meatballs.
 

Punggol Noodle