Brace yourself as we head north today to discover all the food spots that give Yishun and Sembawang something to boast about. From traditional hawker favourites to ice cream cafes, there’s always something to eat there any time your hunger pangs strike.
Most of the places in this list are a walkable distance away from Yishun MRT station, so dress cool, come hungry, and let’s start exploring these 20 food spots in Yishun and Sembawang.
1. 928 Yishun Laksa
North-dwellers and laksa lovers will surely be familiar with 928 Yishun Laksa. Hailed as one of the top must-try laksas in Singapore, be prepared to join a long queue at any time of day. Here, laksa is an all-day affair.
The Laksa (S$3.60 for small) comes in a bowl chock full of ingredients, including chopped bee hoon (rice vermicelli), tau pok (fried puffy beancurd), crabsticks, bean sprouts, cockles and half a boiled egg. Try ordering an extra portion of cockles—they go really well with the mix.
The soup is particularly noteworthy; the coconut milk is distinct enough against the spiciness, resulting in a flavourful and slightly sweet broth. It isn’t the spiciest laksa, tending more towards the milky side.
Ditch the chopsticks; all you need is a spoon to scoop the bite-sized pieces of chopped bee hoon as you slurp everything up. If the hunger pangs are stronger that day, opt for the large size at S$4.10.
Blk 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928
+65 9731 9586
Mon to Sat: 9am – 6pm
2. Yishun 925 Chicken Rice
Yishun 925 Chicken Rice has been faithfully dishing out their signature boneless chicken for over 20 years, establishing their place as comfort food for the nearby residents.
Not many places are able to steam their chicken to perfection, but here, you’ll find that the meat is tender and fragrant. Get sharing portions of chicken at S$15 and S$30 for small and large sizes respectively. Alternatively, if you’re dining alone, you can get a single serving at S$4.20.
Blk 925 Yishun Central 1, #01-249, Singapore 760925
+65 6924 7742
Daily: 10am – 8.30pm
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3. Coba Coba
Coba Coba is a cafe serving homely and affordable nasi ambeng (an Indonesian dish served with rice and an assortment of sides). Their name refers to the Indonesian phrase ‘try try’ that is used endearingly by elders to coax the young to try unfamiliar food. Already, the place evokes such a strong feeling of family and home.
The Deluxe Nasi Ambeng (S$43.90 for two pax) comes with 14 different ingredients on a generous platter, making for a great sharing meal. Some of the highlights on this dish are the sambal goreng (fried tofu, tempeh and long beans in spicy coconut sauce) as well as the beef rendang, which is tender and flavourful.
If you prefer something smaller, they also serve noodles, such as the Mee Rebus for S$4.50, which would be more suited for single diners.
156 Yishun Street 11, #01-06, Singapore 760156
+65 6382 2622
Wed to Mon: 7.45am – 7pm
Closed on Tue
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4. Hao Bang General Wholesales Trading
For all the croissants and pancakes we hanker for, sometimes we just want to circle back to the old-school bakeries. This is where Hao Bang General Wholesales Trading has your back.
Situated across Block 928, this bakery is most well-known for its huge floss breads. The most expensive is the BBQ Chicken + Ham + Cheese + Egg version, priced at S$15. They also have all sorts of other tasty bakes like Walnut Butter Cake (S$4) and Chicken Char Siew Shao Bao (S$1.50 for 1 piece, S$4.50 for 3 pieces).
Block 925, Yishun Central 1, #01-241, Singapore 760928
+65 6755 1673
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
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5. Thailand Street Food
Thailand Street Food in Junction 9 Shopping Mall is the place to go for some tasty and authentic Thai cuisine without breaking the bank.
For a light bite, try the Pandan Chicken (S$8 for 4 pieces). These savoury morsels are wrapped in pandan leaves by hand before being fried to a crispy exterior.
Of course, you’d probably be hungrier than that. From the mains, try out the Tom Yam Fried Rice (S$6 for small, S$10 for large) for a smoky, tangy meal. Though lighter on the spice, it’s no less fragrant. You can also choose between chicken, pork or seafood for this dish.
18 Yishun Avenue 9, Junction 9 Shopping Mall, #01-03, Singapore 768897
+65 9699 5959
Daily: 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm
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6. Baker’s Brew Studio
Baker’s Brew Studio established its beginnings at Jalan Tampang, Sembawang, offering baking classes and delicious cakes.
For a local slant to your dessert, try the Ondeh Ondeh Cake (S$7.50 per slice, S$59 per 6” whole) for a beautifully intricate indulgence made of moist pandan sponge cake, grated coconut, gula melaka, and coconut swiss meringue buttercream.
For a variety of different cakes, opt for Baker’s Brew’s Best Six V3.0 (S$65), consisting of 6 cake slices in the flavours of Ondeh Ondeh, Earl Grey Lavender, Roasted Pistachio and Rose, Kochu Yuzu Pear, Yubari Melon Peach and Hokkaido Strawberry Shortcake.
6 Jalan Tampang, Singapore 758950
+65 6635 7166
Daily: 11am – 8.30pm
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7. Sembawang Traditional Claypot Rice
Right next to Baker’s Brew Studio, Sembawang Traditional Claypot Rice serves up its signature fragrant claypot rice and popular bee hoon dishes.
The Traditional Claypot Rice (S$8.80 for small, S$18.80 for medium, S$19.80 for large) features a sizzling bowl of chicken, mushroom and Chinese sausage that pair comfortingly well with the charred rice drizzled in black soy sauce and oil.
If noodles are more of your thang, there’s also the LaLa Bee Hoon (S$5.80 for small, S$9.80 for large) for a homely dish of clams with noodles.
4 Jalan Tampang, Singapore 758948
+65 6757 7144
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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8. White Restaurant 三巴旺百米粉
White Restaurant, probably most famous for their white bee hoon, has also expanded since its early beginnings at Sembawang. Now with 8 outlets, they’ve definitely made themselves more accessible to those in the east and west.
A small plate of Original White Beehoon is yours at S$9.35, with a flavourful wok hei depth and smooth, slightly starchy gravy. Though it may be less endowed in colour, the aromas and textures make up for it.
Though they have sprouted across the island, there’s always a sense of nostalgia dining at the OG outlet, where they first started. If you live near or have the time to spare, I’d recommend making the trip to Sembawang for the experience.
22 Jalan Tampang, Singapore 758966
+65 8827 5578
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
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9. Holy Cow Creamery
Who doesn’t love a nice cafe to chill out over ice cream? It’s true when they say that there’s a second stomach for dessert.
Holy Cow Creamery offers a wide range of ice cream and sorbet flavours. Of course, ice cream isn’t complete without a carb, which in this case, is their Charcoal Waffles (S$6).
The best thing about these waffles is that they remain fluffy on the inside even as the edges crisp up. That’s one of the hallmarks of a good waffle. Pair that with some of their premium ice cream flavours, such as Rocher and Chocolate (S$4 for single scoop, S$7.50 for double scoop). I love the camaraderie of sharing ice cream on waffles with a friend.
292 Yishun Street 22, #01-291, Singapore 760292
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
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10. Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand 北胜泰国小食
Bei Sheng Taste of Thailand is a zi char (cook and fry) place that sells Thai-Chinese cuisine. They’re often packed with customers and long queues.
Some of the most popular dishes here are the Thai Deep Fried Fish Delight ($22 for small) and Pineapple Fried Rice ($5 for small). The fish, though fried till crispy on the outside, retains its tenderness and moisture on the inside.
Loved for their consistent quality and affordability, it’s no wonder that people flock here on the daily.
Block 701A, Yishun Ave 5, #01-01, Singapore 761701
+65 6756 4883
Wed to Mon: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
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11. Chong Pang Nasi Lemak 忠邦椰奖饭
Chong Pang Nasi Lemak is the place to go to satisfy the late-night rumbles.
Customise your nasi lemak with your choice of ingredients, including Chicken Drumstick (S$2.50-S$2.80), Sambal Sotong (S$3.50) and Ngoh Hiang (S$1.30). Whatever sides you pick, don’t leave out the juicy, crispy Chicken Wing (S$1.80), which is arguably one of their most unrivalled strengths.
Still not convinced? The myriad of other ingredients to add include Sambal Prawn (S$2.50), Otah (Mackerel) (S$1.70) and even a Sushi Roll (S$1.30). You’ll be spoilt for choice!
447 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758404
+65 9655 1868
Daily: 5pm – 6.30am
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12. Seoul Kitchen
Seoul Kitchen is one of the gems of the north, with fried chicken in multiple deep, tantalising flavours.
Diners flock to this Sembawang eatery for their super affordable KBBQ and fried chicken buffet, priced at just S$20.90++ per pax.
In 90 minutes, indulge in a free-flow of KBBQ meat like Pork Belly, Teriyaki Chicken and Marinated Beef. They also have pre-cooked dishes such as Korean Fried Chicken and Jap-Chae. I don’t know about you, but all this for just S$20.90++ sounds like a good deal to me.
435 Sembawang Road, Singapore 758398
+65 6483 0818
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
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13. The Daily Scoop
Whether you’re here for a quick ice-cream stop or an indulgent waffle sesh, The Daily Scoop has something for you. Their huge display of ice cream flavours will compel you to return to try them all out.
Some of their cult-favourites are the Kookie Monster and Simply Chocolate. Get a single scoop for S$4.50 or pair your favourite two flavours together for a S$8.50 double scoop.
The ultimate indulgence here, though, is a single scoop of ice cream perched atop their warm, fluffy Classic Waffle for S$9.50. They even have a Churro Waffle (S$10.20) and Mochi Waffle (S$10.20), each coming with a scoop of ice cream.
369 Sembawang Road, #01-05, Singapore 758382
+65 6754 1233
Mon to Wed, Fri & Sat: 3.30pm – 9pm
Thu: 4pm – 9pm
Sun: 2pm – 9pm
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14. 618 Sim Carrot Cake
Stans of black carrot cake will be disappointed to know that 618 Sim Carrot Cake only serves white carrot cake. Meanwhile, inside, I’m smugly grinning.
Treat yourself with a hearty plate of White Carrot Cake (starting from S$4), with the option to add on prawns (from S$6). The chye poh (preserved radish), prawns and chives fried together with the mix adds more fragrance and crunch to the entire experience.
With generous portions enough for sharing, this fried carrot cake definitely counts as a crowd-pleaser. To the fans of black carrot cake, don’t hang back. Come and give this a try; you just might like it.
618 Yishun Ring Road, Fujo Eating House, #01-3230, Singapore 760618
Wed to Mon: 6.30am – 1pm
Closed on Tue
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15. Munchi Pancakes
With a modern take on traditional min jiang kueh (traditional thick pancake with fillings), Munchi Delights reinvents these chewy, airy pancakes in flavours such as charcoal and matcha (ground green tea leaf powder). For S$1.60, try the Matcha Pancake With Peanut for a throwback to childhood.
Whatever flavour you pick, their pancakes retain the airy, chewy consistency that makes min jiang kueh so iconic and satisfying. For a further break from tradition, opt for their unique flavours like Oreo Cheese (S$2.30) and Earl Grey (S$2.30). There’s no other min jiang kueh shop in Singapore that does it like Munchi Pancakes.
51 Yishun Avenue 11, Yishun Park Hawker Centre, #01-43, Singapore 768867
+65 8312 6203
Daily: 8am – 8.30pm
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16. Ichi Umai
The well-hidden Ichi Umai is a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant within Junction 9 in Yishun, with affordable contemporary Japanese dishes. To make things better, they don’t have GST or service charge.
For sashimi fans, try the Ajisai Sashimi Moriwase (S$18.90), which comes with 3 pieces each of yellowtail, swordfish and scallop sashimi. The Bara Chirashi Don (S$15.90) is a fantastic rice bowl topped with soy marinade sashimi cubes and sweet shrimp.
I couldn’t get enough of the Ryu Chizu Roll (S$12.90), a unique fusion maki roll topped with nacho cheese sauce. Of course, for something a little more classic, why not have the Kuri Buta Katsu Kare (S$14.90), a fantastic take on the traditional Japanese curry rice?
Yishun Avenue 9, Junction 9, #01-19, Singapore 768897
+65 8887 1976
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
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17. Oh My Don
Oh My Don could be considered one of Yishun’s best kept secrets—this humble coffeeshop stall in Yishun is helmed by a former hotel chef, bringing atas donburi bowls to the comfort of the North.
What stands out most about Oh My Don is their incredibly affordable prices—the Beef Steak Don with Truffle Ponzu comes in at only S$10.90!
Topped with a luscious onsen egg and tender beef cubes, this dish perfectly ties together the savoury ingredients with the citrusy sweetness of the ponzu and the earthier aroma of truffle.
Don’t miss out on the other offerings like the Japanese Curry Meatball Don (S$8.90), Salmon Don with Mentaiko Sauce (S$8.90) and the Korean Glazed Pork Belly Don (S$6.90).
431 Yishun Avenue 1, #01-01, Singapore 760431
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
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18. Golden Chef SG
Golden Chef was founded by 3 young men from Johor Bahru, 2 of whom met while they were working as chefs at Jumbo Seafood. This Yishun stall specialises in claypot rice, with some unique Western-fusion creations on the menu.
The Cheesy Half Shelled Scallops & Fresh Prawn Claypot Rice (S$9.80) is like a combination between lasagna and baked rice nested within a claypot. The seafood elements are most commendable, with perfectly cooked scallops and succulent prawns.
For something more classic, Golden Chef offers the Signature Chicken Claypot Rice (S$8.80). This classic claypot dish stuns in every way, possessing all traits that a good claypot rice should have. It’s no wonder that this establishment managed to garner rave reviews just a short while after opening.
256 Yishun Ring Road, #01-1005, Singapore 760256
+65 9385 3144
Daily: 11am – 12am
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19. Liu Kou Shui
Making a trip down to Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre soon? Be sure to check out Liu Kou Shui, started by a 24-year-old culinary school graduate. The menu consists of 8 different kinds of rice bowls, with the option of switching from white rice to ramen or brown rice.
The Beef Sukiyaki Don (S$8) is topped with sliced beef and sauteed onions, plus a runny egg. Every bite of this dish welcomes a delicious smokey aftertaste, with the creaminess of the egg complementing the other ingredients beneath.
The Mala Char Siew Don (S$7) is another popular pick here—the marinated pork belly is grilled and flame-torched before being slathered with mala chilli oil and a secret sauce.
21 Canberra Link, #01-29 Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre, Singapore 756973
+65 9721 0211
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
Closed on Wed
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20. Ipoh Curry Mee 怡保咖喱面
Ever tried curry chee cheong fun? This savoury Hong Kong-style creation can be found at Ipoh Curry Mee 怡保咖喱面, situated within A’Posh Bizhub in Yishun. As the name suggests, you can enjoy Curry Chicken Noodles here for S$4.80, though their menu also extends to other Ipoh-style noodle dishes.
The Ipoh-style Curry Char Siew & Roast Meat Chee Cheong Fun (S$6.30) dons a deep orange shade. Despite its intense colour, it isn’t jelak and is instead fragrant and easy on the palate. The roasted meat and curry combination works surprisingly well too.
For a simple yet satisfying dish, go for the classic Ipoh Hor Fun (S$4.30)—topped with steamed chicken breast and bok choy, you can’t go wrong with this.
1 Yishun Industrial Street 1, A Posh Bizhub, #01-12, Singapore 768160
Daily: 8am – 8.30pm
7 food spots in Northpoint City that make Yishun great again
