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The Rail Corridor stretches from Woodlands to Tanjong Pagar. It’s a 24-kilometre route, so you’re likely to get hungry along the way. Beyond its scenic walking trails, there are many makan spots to discover and try out.
If you’re looking for spots to makan to survive the trail, here is a mini curated list of 5 makan spots along the Rail Corridor where you can rest and fill your tummy.
How I chose the makan spots
These are the 2 main criteria I used to decide which spots to recommend:
- Environment: I picked out spots which have air conditioning for some respite after walking the trail.
- Cuisine: This list covers various cuisine types so you can pick one that suits your mood at the time.
This isn’t a ranked best-to-worst list, but a collection of the best eateries along the Rail Corridor, in my opinion and in no particular order.
| Name | Best for | Location / Area | Key highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli Padi Tok Panjang | Hearty Peranakan meals | The Rail Mall | Air-conditioned respite and communal dining |
| Yi Qian Hong Kong Café | Light, comforting meals | The Rail Mall | Dim sum, congee and wonton noodles |
| Yeast Side | Quick meals and sharing | KAP Mall | Sourdough bakes and hand-stretched pizzas |
| Acqua e Farina | Substantial meals | The Rail Mall | Northern and Southern Italian cuisine |
| Rangooli | North and South Indian cuisine | The Rail Mall | Thali, briyani and curries |
1. Chilli Padi Tok Panjang
If you want a hearty meal, Chilli Padi Tok Panjang is a good place to stop at. The brand started in 1997, with the opening of Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant in the Tiong Bahru estate. Today, they have 2 outlets, one of which is located near the rail corridor, in The Rail Mall.
The brand honours the Peranakan tradition of communal dining in various ways. First, Tok means table in Hokkien and Panjang means long in Malay; this means ‘long table’, which is especially significant in communal dining as the generous spread of dishes would be shared across this exact long table. Next, the menu itself features iconic Peranakan dishes with familiar flavours and elevated ingredients.
Get their Sambal Sotong (S$20) for some fresh stir-fried squid tossed in homemade aromatic sambal sauce. Pair this with their Dry Laksa (S$16.50), which is a stir-fried vermicelli coated in creamy, punchy coconut paste. The noodles have prawns and fishcakes as well.
380 & 382 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678040
+65 6340 1946
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
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2. Yi Qian Hong Kong Café
I know sometimes when I’m beat down and tired, I want something comforting and warm. If you’re anything like me, check out Yi Qian Hong Kong Café located in The Rail Mall. This casual dining spot specialises in dim sum, congee and wonton noodles.
The menu is centred around Hong Kong flavours, so the dishes are easy to eat and simple, in my opinion. Plus, if you’re not that hungry and just feeling peckish, their dim sums are great to share with friends and family.
Something light on the stomach would be their Pork and Century Egg Congee (S$8). If you dislike century eggs, fear not; get their Meat Ball Congee (S$8) instead. You can’t eat Hong Kong cuisine without their iconic Noodle with Luncheon Meat and Egg in Soup (S$7.80). Swap out the luncheon meat with ham or sausages for the same price.
Lastly, for their dimsum, I recommend their Steamed Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, known as Har Kao (3 pieces for S$6).
438 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678063
+65 8821 5988
Daily: 8am – 11pm
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3. Yeast Side
Somehow, I seem to always gravitate towards pizzas and bakes when I want a quick meal. I think it has to do with how convenient it is to enjoy; I can just use my hands. Luckily, Yeast Side, located in KAP Mall, offers just this.
Yeast Side specialises in sourdough bakes, hand-stretched pizzas and craft beer. The dough used in their pizzas and bakes is slow-fermented, hand-stretched and hand-dimpled.
I recommend their Bestside Sandwich (S$15), that consists of maple bacon, egg mayo, gherkins and fried onion rings for some crunch. If you prefer something more umami, get their Miso Prawn (S$16), which has a prawn patty, red miso butter, leek, seaweed and romaine lettuce.
If you want something to share, some of their pizza options include Queen Margherita (S$18), Bestside Breakfast (S$22) and Prosciutto and Arugula (S$24). Their Bestside Breakfast comes with an entire onsen egg on top, making the pizza irresistibly creamy.
9 King Albert Park, #01-09, Singapore 598332
+65 8891 0525
Wed to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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4. Acqua e Farina
For those who are absolutely famished and want something more substantial, Acqua e Farina at The Rail Mall is the restaurant for you. Helmed by 2 trained Italian chefs, Antonio Manetto, who hails from the sunny South, and Roberto Galbiati, a proud native of northern Milan, Acqua e Farina offers authentic and unique Italian cuisine.
The 2 chefs have over 55 years of combined Italian cooking experience, uniting to blend Northern and Southern Italian flavours harmoniously.
What I like most about Acqua e Farina is their refreshing starters. I recommend the Insalata (S$13), composed of mixed greens with cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese and tangy balsamic vinegar dressing.
Savour their pastas; there’s a wide variety available, but my personal favourites are the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (S$18), Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (S$19) and the Ravioli (S$21). What’s a meal without dessert? Treat yourself after all that walking with their Mini Dessert Trio (S$10); it is a decadent party of creme brulee, panna cotta and tiramisu.
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678050
+65 8499 7156
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Rangooli
Want something bold and flavourful? Rangooli is perfect for you. The restaurant was first established in 2005, and offers authentic North and South Indian cuisine. Its menu covers an extensive amount of dishes, from Dosa to Briyani, signature Thali meals and rich curries; they’ve got it all.
For South Indian Thali specials which are non-vegetarian, you can choose between Chicken (S$13.50), Fried Fish (S$16.50), Regular Fish (S$15.50) and Mutton (S$15.50). If you love the local twist on curry — Fish Head Curry — it’s also available for S$32. The vegetarian option goes for S$11.50.
They have a wide range of Briyanis, but I like their Chicken Tikka Briyani (S$14.50) and Tandoori Chicken Briyani (S$14.50). If you’re a seafood lover, opt for their unique Prawn Briyani (S$21).
Cool down from the heat with their beverages. Their Fresh Lime Juice, Sweet & Salt (S$4) will invigorate you for your walk. There is a soda version for the same price if you prefer something fizzy. They also offer Mango Lassi (S$5.50) if you prefer something sweeter.
456 Upper Bukit Timah Road, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678072
+65 6972 6275
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
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How to choose a makan spot along the Rail Corridor
Choose based on how much you want to eat and your cuisine preferences. For a quick bite or something to share, Yeast Side offers sandwiches and pizzas at KAP Mall, while Yi Qian Hong Kong Café suits lighter meals such as congee and dim sum.
Chilli Padi Tok Panjang works for a hearty Peranakan meal, while Acqua e Farina is better suited to a more substantial Italian sit-down meal. For Indian food, Rangooli offers thali, briyani and curries, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. These choices suit different appetites and dining preferences after a walk.
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