11 best spots in Tampines Mall for the people you will fight for

Tampines Mall was built in 1995 and it has stood the test of time. Housing more than 160 tenants that span F&B, retail and entertainment, it has been “the go-to family mall in the East” for the past 30 years. 

There’s one thing that both Easties and Westies can agree on: Tampines is one of the reasons why the hashtag #EastSideBestSide exists. You will never run out of food options here.

Looking for a place to bond with your loved ones over a wholesome meal? Here are the 11 best spots in Tampines Mall for great food at a great price.

1. Lola’s Cafe (#01-50, #02-32)

Surprise surprise. 

Situated at the spot Starbucks previously occupied, the third (and largest) outlet of Lola’s Cafe is here to stay. Boasting a minimalistic yet cosy interior, the cafe is set in a whooping two-storey location that features full length windows!

Just a few weeks old at the time of writing, this is their first mall outlet and showcases exclusive dishes including Lamb Shakshuka (S$18) and Cereal Milk Soft Serve Waffle (S$14). While the shakshuka is a lamblike spin on their robust Shakshuka (as seen in their Simon Road and Holland Village Menu), the buttermilk waffles come with Sea Salt Butter Cookie Cereal Crunch, Caramel Sauce and that creamy soft serve that can be also enjoyed as a Parfait (S$6.50).

Of course, if you are a sucker for all things green and/or tea-based like me, the Uji Matcha Soft Serve Waffle (S$14) is next on the must-try list.

Want something heavier? The Fried Hake Burger (S$20), Spicy Tomato Crab Rigatoni (S$20) or Tuscan Seafood Stew (S$22) are yours to pick. Meanwhile, I will be digging into my favourite Black Sesame Tart (S$7) with Black Sesame White Chocolate Ganache and Matcha Cookie. 

Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
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2. Alley Wei (#B1-K21)

Dare to try Beef Beancurd (Hot)(S$5.80)?

Dishing out unique Taiwanese-Chinese food in the basement of Tampines Mall is halal-certified Alley Wei. They have a second outlet at Northpoint City too! Aside from specialising in both sweet and savoury beancard, the stall serves other popular Taiwanese dishes like beef noodles, pancakes, dumplings and pau.

Circling back to the Beef Beancurd – Yes, this actually features silky soft beancurd with tender beef. And if this isn’t exotic enough for the adventurous side in you, fancy a comforting bowl of Chicken Soup Beancurd (Hot)(S$3.80).

Fret not though, you can always fall back on Alley Wei’s traditional Almond Soybean Milk (Hot/Cold)(S$2.50) or Sweet Beancurd (Hot)(S$2.60), and pair that with a crispy Scallion Pancake (S$4.20) or golden-staple Youtiao (S$1.80).

Doused in palatable broth with peppery undertones, their Beef Noodles (S$8.80) that are served with QQ noodles, fresh scallions and radish shouldn’t be missed.

Daily: 11am – 9pm
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3. Mango Ice (#02-K3)

Say goodbye to that parched throat in this tropical climate. 

Originating from Taiwan, Mango Ice, otherwise known as Yang Xiao Xian is famed for their snow-like 绵绵冰 (referred to as Milk Ice) and its refreshing variety of desserts like Milk Tea with Grass Jelly (Hot/ Cold)(S$4.90), Roasted Pears with Osmanthus (Hot)(S$5.20), Mango Pomelo Sago Ice (S$8.90) and the titular Mango Cotton Ice (S$16.90). This is also their second outlet after its first at Orchard Gateway.

Let’s talk Mango. Topped with juicy mango chunks, Mango Ice’s signature Mango Cotton Ice is drenched in decadent milky syrup with an essential base of melt-in-your-mouth fluffy shaved ice. Not alone? Go for the Super Mango Cotton Ice (S$28.80), which can be shared among 3 to 5 people. 

Among their Fresh Fruit Tea Series, I personally have tried the Mango Pomelo Sago (S$5.90) drink and it’s not bad. Jokes, this is the ultimate thirst-quencher and I’m yearning for the Red Bean Pudding Milk Tea (S$3.90) now.

Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
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4. Big Fish Small Fish (#B1-K3)

Long John Silver’s? Nope.

Cue Singapore’s very own Big Fish Small Fish, a halal-certified Fish & Chips spot which has a menu that consists of 5 different Signature Fishes – Fried Dory (S$13.90), Fried Wild-Caught Sea Bass (S$17.90), Fried Halibut (S$17.90), Fried Haddock (S$18.90) and Fried Salmon (S$19.90). Unsurprisingly, those fishies are fin-tastically good. 

After choosing a fish of choice in Original or Spicy, contemplate your preferred Base and Sauce. We’ve been there. While their Base Selection includes Fresh Potato Crisps and Curly Fries (S$3 add-on), the Sauce Selection includes complementary specialities like Truffle Aioli, Yangnyeom Sauce and Garlic Butter Sauce!

Big Fish Small Fish has dishes other than fish as well. Coming with a Base and Sauce, meet meats under their “Meat Beyond Fish” category. Feeling bougie? The Chicken Leg Confit (S$17.90) and Sirloin Steak (S$25.90) are worth trying. Feeling creative? Play around with a Mix & Match Pasta (from S$13.90). 

Select a Fried or Grilled Protein that will accompany this al dente plate of Aglio Olio or Pomodoro (S$1 add-on) spaghetti. 

+65 6260 0215
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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5. Swensen’s (#03-30)

You can call this home.

Since the opening of its first Singapore outlet in 1979, Swensen’s has secured itself as a household name for the ideal fuss-free spot for a family dinner or date, no matter what day of the week. Lighted by sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious restaurant is also coupled with colourful sofas and stained glass lamps that they are well known for.

Apart from their extensive range of mains like Go Green Lasagne (S$14.90), Carbonara Smoked Duck Baked Rice (S$15.90) and Southern Style Chicken ‘N’ Waffle (S$16.90), what sets Swensen’s apart from other Western restaurants are its offerings that encapsulate every sweet tooth’s dream.

More than 180 flavours of ice cream have been created since Earle Swensen (aka America’s Ice Cream Man) established his first ice cream shop in San Francisco in 1948!

Some hot favourites include Swensen’s Banana Split (S$12.80) and Earthquake (S$23.80), which features 8 scoops of ice cream and 8 toppings. From Chocolate Peanut Buttercup to Salted Gula Melaka Ice Cream and Chocolate Profiteroles to Marshmallow Topping, the possibilities are endless here. 

+65 6781 5489
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
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6. Seorae (#B1-02)

Seorae first started out in South Korea in Apr 2007 as Seorae Galmaegi, the leading brand for skirt meat. Also known as galmaegisal, this cut of pork was so prized for its exemplary distribution of fat and meat that it was only reserved for monarchs and royal families. To put it into perspective, a fully-grown pig only produces 250g of such meat. 

Now, you can grab a bite of the elusive Galmaegisal at S$25.90. Try the Original, which features 170g of pork skirt-meat marinated with authentic Korean spices, or go for other options like Spicy and Garlic for a kick of flavour. 

Want the best of the best? Feast on the King Galmaegisal 3-in-1 (S$33.90 for 270g, S$59.90 for 500g), which has all 3 flavours.

The K-BBQ also has a wide variety of meats and cuts to cater to your preferences. For example, there’s Chestnut Pork Samgyeobsal (Pork Belly)(S$25.90), Woosamgyeob (U.S. Beef Shortplate)(S$25.90), and even Wooseol (Ox Tongue)(S$24.90).

Be sure to catch their Kkochi (Skewer)(S$23.90) that comes in 3 mouthwatering platters too! Think Kimchi Pork Belly and Enoki Beef Belly dipped in Grilled Cheese (S$2).

+65 8139 9675
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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7. White Express (#B1-K17)

Oh, they don’t have Service Charge.

Tucked away in the basement of Tampines Mall, is White Restaurant’s first-ever (and only) White Express. With a tight one-page menu, this express concept caters to smaller dining groups or busy individuals looking for a quick meal.

Did you know that The Original White Beehoon (S$8.50/ S$14.90) was founded by Mr Tay King Huak in 1999? Comprising of rice vermicelli soaked in a rich broth, this famous dish comes with egg, seafood and vegetables. 

Though this might look incredibly simple, the broth is said to be the hero of the show, with a sweet yet full-bodied stocky flavour that many have tried to recreate, without success.

What’s more, White Express also offers other hearty meals that pack a punch. 

This includes XO Twin Scallop Fried Rice (S$9.90/ S$14.90) and Curry Fish Slices (S$12.80). If you are looking for something to complete your meal, the Signature Meat & Seafood Roll (S$8.80) is perfect for you. Otherwise known as Teochew’s Hei Zhor, this handmade snack is wrapped in crispy beancurd skin and loaded with pork, fish, prawn and chestnuts. 

+65 8896 8060

Daily: 11am – 10pm
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8. Nando’s (#01-46)

Why does it feel hot in here?  

Maybe it’s this fiery PERi-PERi Chicken. Hailing from South Africa, Nando’s is renowned for their well-marinated servings of juicy chicken that are flame-grilled to perfection. And the aforementioned PERi-PERi Chicken is the one thing you should definitely order. 

Pick between different sizes such as 1/4 Chicken (S$15.30 for 1 regular side, S$17.80 for 2 regular sides), Boneless Thighs (S$16.30 for 1 regular side, S$18.80 for 2 regular sides) or even Chicken Butterfly (S$18.30 for 1 regular side, S$20.80 for 2 regular sides).

My family’s favourite side is the Signature Rice (S$4.50/ S$6.90)! This is a fragrant Singapore-inspired jasmine rice with chicken, coconut and zesty lime. You can also opt for Nando’s newly-launched PERI-Mac & Cheese Bowl (S$12.90) or PERI-Honey Chicken Thigh Bowl (S$14.90) which is a Signature Rice bowl with Peri-Honey and Yuzu Chicken Thigh on skewers.

Whatever you’re having, be sure to pair it with their PERi-PERi sauce, which comes in Lemon & Herb, Mild, Hot and Extra Hot.

+65 6789 5052
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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9. So Pho (#04-30)

So Pho So Good indeed. 

Decorated with low-hanging lanterns, halal-certified So Pho is the no-brainer place for a piping hot bowl of pho. This classic Vietnamese noodle soup dish was the ultimate comfort food during my stay in Vietnam – The savoury, beefy soup that’s packed with fresh notes of herbs and garnishes is perfect for rainy days.

So Pho offers 2 main types of pho: Pho Noodle Soup and Pho Spicy Noodle Soup, that are both served with aromatic broth cooked with star anis, cinnamon, ginger and “wonderful healing spices”. Ranging from classic Sliced Beef (Pho Noodle Soup)(S$10.80) to Marbled Sirloin Beef & Beef Balls (Pho Spicy Noodle Soup) (S$18.50), prices go by the chosen protein. 

If you’d like something really clean-tasting, the no-frills Pho Noodle Chicken Soup is priced at S$12.50 with the option of either Chicken Meatballs or Chicken Chop.

Don’t forget to pair that pho with authentic Vietnamese side dishes like Summer Rolls with Prawns, Grilled Chicken & Chicken Ham (S$6.20/ S$8.80) and Bánh Xèo (S$12.50/ S$13.50), which is basically traditional Viet-style crêpes with a vibrant mix of ingredients such as minced chicken, prawns and tau geh. 

+65 6789 0659
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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10. Tokyo Shokudo (#04-02)

WHAT, Ramen and tendon that utilises a no pork no lard recipe?!

Found on the 4th floor of Tampines Mall, Tokyo Shokudo brings the best of what Japan has to offer. Opened by the folks behind recognisable Japanese eateries like Ajisen Ramen, Maze Soba Hototogisu, Osaka Ohsho and Fruit Paradise, Tokyo Shokudo is Japan Foods Holding’s first halal-certified concept.

There’s something for everyone here. Starting from its Chicken Cha Shu Ramen (S$10.90/ S$12.90) and Signature Tendon (S$14.90), the latter of which comes with prawn, fish, egg, nori, assorted vegetables and rice. Furthermore, you can also pick between Signature and Spicy tendon sauce. As a shabu beef lover though, I’ve been eyeing their Gyu Don (S$13.90) for a really long time. 

Calling all seafood aficionados! Topped with ajitsuke tamago (ramen egg), the highly-recommended Seafood Ramen (S$15.90) comes with briny clams, scallops and squid.

+65 6786 3221
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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11. Genki Sushi (#03-26/27)

Now this, shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you.

With 18 outlets dotted around our sunny shores, Japan’s ever-expanding Genki Sushi that we know and love today has soared to be one of the most popular sushi chains in Singapore. But what you might not know is that they were the pioneers of using the revolving conveyor belt to serve sushi.

It all started in 1968 when Fumio Saito, a 24-year-old Japanese sushi chef, dreamed of creating a traditional sushi restaurant with a modern touch. Fast forward to the present, Genki Sushi’s conveyor belt system involves cute conveyors that resemble bullet trains! Similarly, I sure think that the time taken to receive your order is real speedy too.

This ensures that every dish is served at its utmost freshness and quality – Most importantly, for items like Maguro Sashimi (Tuna)(S$2.90), Hamachi Sushi (Yellowtail)(S$4.30) and Salmon Belly Sashimi (S$6.90).

You can’t miss the Tamago Mentai (S$3.30), Hotate Garlic Butter (S$3.90) and other flame-torched delights as well. Maybe I am basic, but their Chawanmushi (S$3.30) is the only chawanmushi I’d ever eat. Same goes for the Ebi Tempura Udon (S$8.60) that is sprinkled with tempura batter to provide a delightful crunch.

+65 6816 4574
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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