13 Woodlands Food Gems Including $1.30 Dim Sum, Scallop XLB, And A Fried Chicken Cafe

Most of us think of the East or West as foodie hotspots, and the North rarely gets due credit.

Mention Marsiling or Admiralty in a conversation and your friends will usually think of quiet HDB estates, rather than sleek cafes and restaurants. Yet, a kaleidoscope of delicious food is often concealed within these monochrome buildings.

Take Woodlands for example; a forest of industrial estates and high-rise flats, this expansive district surprises with its sheer variety of tasty food. Here are 15 Woodlands food places to check out!

• 1. Rasa Istimewa Restaurant

Not many restaurants in Singapore boast a relaxing sea view like Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant, so drop by here with your loved ones for a chill dinner. Resting along the coast of Woodlands Waterfront Park, this homely spot churns up both halal zi char favourites and barbecued seafood. Fans of the latter must try their signature BBQ Seafood Combo ($28++), which features a trio of sambal-coated stingray, cuttlefish, and clams.

The piquant sambal melds everything together, elevating the well-cooked seafood with its umami-laden zing. You can also order takeaway or delivery from the Rasa Istimewa website!

Address: 6A Admiralty Road, Woodlands Waterfront Park, Singapore 757445 Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11:30pm Tel: 6366 9339

Website

Rasa Istimewa Restaurant is a halal-certified eatery.

• 2. Yes! Nasi Kukus

Coconut rice and fried chicken form a sinfully addictive pairing, so it’s no surprise that locals throng to Yes! Nasi Kukus for their Nasi Dagang With Fried Chicken ($5.50).

Steamed in coconut milk, their lemak-rich nasi dagang marries beautifully with the earthy curry to create a moreish and delectable plate. While this simple duo proves to be a flavour-packed combination, it’s their drool-worthy fried chicken that provides the knockout punch.

Bolstered by a potent rub of turmeric, the thicc and succulent meat excites with its luscious and buttery notes. Address: 573 Woodlands Drive 16, #01-01, Singapore 730573 Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9pm

Tel: 9101 5711

Website

Yes! Nasi Kukus is a halal-certified eatery.

• 3. 9PM Kkochi

Kkochi (꼬치) translates to ‘skewers’ in Korean and that’s exactly what 9PM Kkochi specialises in. Think of a Tori-Q-like kiosk, with a couple of deft hands churning out multiple marinated Korean skewers.

Make room for favourites such as their Pork Zig Zag ($2) and Beef Zig Zag ($2). Grilled over charcoal and subsequently flame-torched, these skewers effuse a smoky aroma that pair nicely with their natural savouriness.

They are also offering takeaway and delivery with discounts when you order off the 9PM Kkochi website. Address: 1 Woodlands Square, #B1-K11, Causeway Point, Singapore 738099 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 8:15pm

Tel: 6219 5884

Website

9pm Kkochi is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 4. Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop

One of Singapore’s most popular fried chicken chain, Tenderfresh continues to set the bar high with its latest concept—Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop. Reminiscent of the school canteens from before, this industrial cafe ought to relax anyone with their minimalist decor and jazzy ambience.

Complete a relaxing afternoon here with their fried chicken dishes, including the funky Fried Chicken Caramel ($5.90). Golden-brown wafers of fried chicken skin are stashed in a dollop of creamy vanilla ice-cream, supplying a much-needed textural contrast with their delicious crunch. Address: 39 Woodlands Close, #01-68, MEGA@Woodlands, Singapore 737854

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 11am to 10:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am to 11:30pm Tel: 8738 6494

Website

Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop is a halal-certified eatery.

• 5. Ivan’s Carbina

Instead of heading to town for Marche Movenpick’s rosti, try out the Chicken Cutlet Roesti ($8.80) from Ivan’s Carbina instead! Featuring a substantial patty of grated potato pancake and an equally large slab of fried chicken, this hearty set certainly stretches your dollar.

Special mention goes to the crispy cutlet, which impresses with its ASMR-worthy crackle and full-bodied kick. Address: 354A Woodlands Avenue 5, #01-01, Lucky Star Coffeeshop, Singapore 730354

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 9pm Tel: 9048 0333

Website

Ivan’s Carbina is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 6. Coal 3606

Agree to disagree, but school canteens churn up some of Singapore’s best meals. Take for example Coal 3606, which offers a bite of the famous chicken wings (six pieces for $9) from CHIJ St.

Nicholas Girl’s School. Adorned with a crackling crust and glistening with chicken juices, these juicy treats tick all the boxes of a textbook-perfect fried chicken.

Address: Woodlands Avenue 9, Block W4/W6 Level 3, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore 738984 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm

Tel: 9858 9792

Website

Coal 3606 is a Muslim-owned eatery.

• 7. Kuai San Dian Xin

Kuai San Dian Xian proves that you can enjoy a filling yum cha without breaking the bank, as their dim sum are all priced at just $1.30. Jio a friend and pamper yourselves with their house-made dishes, including the signature char siew pau.

A trove of fatty pork belly hides within these pillowy buns, waiting to excite the palate with their rich, sweet, and aptly savoury flavours. They also have outlets in Ang Mo Kio and Chinese Gardens, if Woodlands is too far for you.

Address: 21 Woodlands Close, Level 1, Singapore 737854 Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

Website

Kuai San Dian Xin is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 8. Wei Ji Braised Duck

Wei Ji Braised Duck, situated in Woodlands Industrial Park, is run by a young hawker intent on keeping up a family legacy. The stall specialises in braised duck and pork, served alongside bowlfuls of piping hot kway chap, noodles, or yam rice.

Portions here start from $3, and you can add on toppings such as tau kwa, egg, fish cake, and more, from $0.50. They also sell duck offal such as gizzard and liver, from $0.50 a portion, if you want to zhng-up your duck rice! Address: 280 Woodlands Industrial Park, E5 Singapore Harvest, Singapore 757322

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6am to 1:30pm

Website

Wei Ji Braised Duck is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 9. Shi Mei Roasted

Not all roast meats are equal. At Shi Mei Roasted, the mouth-watering Char Siew Rice ($4) reigns supreme.

Adorned with a generous layer of fat, the juicy and tender slabs of barbecued pork brim with meaty richness. A caramelised glaze rounds off this luxurious protein, giving a combination of both savoury and sweet undertones.

Address: 211 Marsiling Crescent, Lucky Star Eating House, Singapore 730211 Opening hours: Daily 8am to 3pm

Shi Mei Roasted is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 10. Master Wang

No Woodlands food listicle will be complete without Master Wang’s value-for-money Original Steamed Dumpling ($4++). We also recommend saving extra tummy space for their Scallop Steamed Dumpling ($5.50++). Laced with umami-rich dried scallops, these xiao long bao have a seafood-esque sweetness that ties in with the porky richness of the meat.

For a heartier meal, try the “Rainbow La Mian” ($13.80++), comprising handmade noodles displayed like a fountain and served with thick sauce and abalone. Address: 27 Woodlands Link, Chang Cheng HQ, Singapore 738732

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 9pm, Sun 10am to 2pm

Website

Master Wang is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 11. Tipsy Panda

Tipsy Panda is the Tipsy Collective’s latest dining concept, serving Asian fusion dishes including moonlight truffle beef hor fun, and mala karaage. Treat yourself to the Lobster Bisque ($14++), packed to the brim with lobster pieces, prawns, mussels, and uni, or the Steak & Lobster ($11++), served on a satay stick alongside a garlic dipping sauce.

While on the pricey side, the Anago Claypot Rice ($32++) can be shared among two to three people. The claypot rice is infused with salt-water eel and topped with bonito flakes and spicy gochujang rice puffs for added texture. Address: 6 Woodlands Square, #01-01, Singapore 737737

Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10:30pm Tel: 8028 1580

Website

Tipsy Panda is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 12. Warung Hajjah Anis

Warung Hajjah Anis is a top late-night Woodlands food option, as this nasi padang stall is open 24 hours from Tuesday to Saturday. They have a variety of ingredients to choose from and prices are affordable as well. Their Nasi Goreng Sambal (from $5) offerings are also another hot favourite with fans.

If you’re not big on rice, they have mee goreng, kway teow goreng, mee soto, and more, priced from $4. Address: 883 Woodlands Street 82, #01-20, Singapore 730883 Opening hours: Sun 12pm to 2am, Mon 6:30pm to 10:30pm, Tue-Sat 24 hours

Tel: 9019 9952

Website

Warung Hajjah Anis is a halal-certified eatery.

• 13. Black & White Rojak

A hidden gem for rojak in Woodlands is Black & White Rojak. Choose from two types of rojak here: Black ($4), or White ($4), all served with a medley of fried dough fritters, crunchy fruit, and vegetables.

For those who don’t know, black rojak has a sauce made of shrimp paste, while white rojak is topped with a sweet-and-sour plum sauce. Address: Blk 515A Woodlands Drive 14, Singapore 731515

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am to 9:30pm Black & White Rojak is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 14. Ashes Burnnit

What started out as a humble stall in Golden Mile Food Centre has since expanded into a popular burger brand with six locations islandwide. Muslim-owned Ashes Burnnit is known for their affordably priced gourmet burgers including the Ashes Smashes Cheeseburger (from $6.50) and Truffle Mushroom Burger (from $8). The burgers come with a side of fries and the option to top up $2 for a salad instead.

Yummy sides are also available, with the Classic Mac & Cheese ($5.50) being a crowd favourite. It features three kinds of cheese—smoked cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—and also comes in Mushroom ($6.50) and Grilled Chicken ($7.50) flavours. Address: 883 Woodlands Street 82, Singapore 730883

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 3:30pm, 4pm to 8pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 3:30pm, 4pm to 8:30pm

Website

Ashes Burnnit is a Muslim-owned eatery.

• 15. Burgerprek

Formerly known as Burger Geprek, Burgerprek serves Western food with an Indonesian twist. They are also open till 3:30am daily, which makes them a good supper spot. The stall’s best-seller is the Burger Geprek ($6), comprising a chunky chicken patty slathered in spicy geprek sambal.

Cheeseburger lovers can try the Cheezilla ($9), a double patty burger oozing with cheese and served with your choice of beef or chicken. Address: 883 Woodlands Street 82, Singapore 730883

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 3:30am Tel: 8874 6631

Website

Burgerprek is a halal-certified eatery.

Woodlands food places worth travelling to the North for

Besides the rows of restaurant outlets at Causeway Point, a plethora of deliciousness lies within these Woodlands food options.

The next time you’re wondering what to eat in Woodlands, take a short walk around this exciting neighbourhood and check out these lesser-known stalls instead. If you’re combing the ulu North for more hidden food gems, check out these 10 Yew Tee food places as well. Whether it’s celebrity-endorsed chicken rice or Western fusion creations, these exciting eateries prove that Yew Tee is not just a random neighbourhood near Choa Chu Kang.

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