Another night, another dinner at Rob Quay? Away from the shiny centre of the red dot lies the island’s heartlands – the authentic side of Singapore where wet markets bustle, Mama shops overflow with all manner of wares, void decks house communities as they catch up on gossip, and the clacking sound of mahjong tiles serve as a soundtrack. However, not only will you find a slice of true life here, but also some cool local hangouts connecting the masses and concocting inventive food and drink menus. Read on for some of our favourites.
Cocktails in Woodlands
O/T Bar
Run by the Tipsy Collective, this bespoke bar is inspired by a 1940s Manhattan office, seats around 50 people, and boasts a hidden karaoke lounge. O/T Bar’s signature drink is the Royal Recognition, a barrel-aged Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, served straight-up with a mini apple. Pure hip in the heartlands.
6 Woodlands Square, #01-02, Woods Square, 737737
tipsycollective.com/otbar
Japanese in Kovan
Tachinomiya Japanese Izakaya & Bar
Izakayas are famously intimate bars in Japan – and you can find one under an HDB block in Kovan. This little diamond first opened in 2017 to cater to working-late locals returning home who fancied a quick bowl of ramen noodles or pan-fried gyoza. Since then this charming neighbourhood haunt has gone from strength to strength; today you’ll find Kushiyaki, Crispy Chicken Karaage, Japanese liquor, and Sapporo Premium Draft pints attracting punters from across the island.
211 Hougang Street 21, #01-285, 530211
tachinomiya.com.sg
Korean in Jurong West
Na Oh
Three-Michelin Star Korean-American chef Corey Lee opened Na Oh in June. As if being in Jurong isn’t different enough, it’s located inside an actual car showroom as part of a collab with the Korean motoring group, Hyundai. The 40-seat restaurant features clean lines, high ceilings, glass walls, and fabric dividers. It offers traditional Korean food that updates four times a year, including dishes like Golden Queen rice cooked in a gamasot pot, chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, and house-made buckwheat noodles served in chilled beef broth.
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), 2 Bulim Avenue, Level 3, 640536
hyundai.com/sg/naoh
Italian in Sengkang
Essen @ The Anchorvale
Extend an evening stroll along Sengkang’s Riverside Park with a stop at Essen @ The Anchorvale. This food hall features stalls serving Italian, Western, and Asian cuisine to tables of diners enjoying the sounds of live music. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, this is a go-to come rain or shine and is especially buzzy on Friday nights. Who needs central?
59 Anchorvale Rd, #01-06, 544965
facebook.com/EssenDiningandBar
Pub Grub in Hillview
The Jolly Roger
Craving a pork pie and a cold pint? Head to Cornwall, England, via Hillview, Upper Bukit Timah. The Jolly Roger has been a beloved fixture since June 2012 with its distinctly Brit-pub vibes which draw inspiration from Cornish tales of turbulent seas and piracy. You’ll find the full English breakfast, Fish ‘n’ Chips, Bangers and Mash, and a classic English roast (including Yorkshire pudding!) on the menu. Wholly unpretentious, there’s indoor and outdoor seating, a pool table, and a solid range of draught beers, ciders, and pilsners. The only thing missing? The English weather (phew!).
15 Chu Lin Road, 669907
thejollyroger.org
Craft Beer in Clementi
Get Some
Look for the neon sign flanked by HDB buildings and you’ve found Get Some, a local crowd-pleaser known for its extensive selection of craft beers on tap (the majority from local breweries, rather than the usual Heineken and Tiger). Rumour has it that this place popped up in 2022 after a group of foreign oil riggers, who were building an oil rig out in Jurong, lived in a condominium across the road from the restaurant. The homely bar has a cosy feel, with much of its decor being gifts from customers. Indeed, it’s so beloved that Get Some now also has outlets in Ang Mo Kio and on Guillemard Road.
727 Clementi West Street 2, #01-282, 120727
getsome.sg
