Novena might not be the first neighborhood that comes to mind when you think about Singapore’s food scene, but this medical district has been quietly building a reputation as one of the island’s most exciting culinary destinations. While most tourists flock to Newton or Lau Pa Sat, savvy locals know that Novena offers an incredible mix of traditional hawker fare, trendy cafes, and hidden gems that serve some of the best food in Singapore.
This guide will take you through 12 exceptional food spots in Novena that deserve a place on every food lover’s bucket list. From authentic local dishes that have been perfected over decades to innovative fusion concepts that are redefining Singapore cuisine, these establishments represent the diverse and dynamic food culture that makes this neighborhood special.
Whether you’re a longtime resident looking to explore your own backyard or a visitor seeking authentic flavors beyond the typical tourist spots, these Novena food destinations will give you a true taste of what makes Singapore’s culinary scene so remarkable.
Traditional Hawker Favorites That Define Novena
1. Ah Chiang’s Porridge (United Square Food Court)
Hidden within United Square’s bustling food court, Ah Chiang’s Porridge has been serving comforting bowls of congee for over two decades. The secret lies in their slow-cooked rice base, which simmers for hours until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
Their signature fish porridge features fresh slices of pomfret in a savory broth that’s been enhanced with ginger and white pepper. The century egg and lean pork porridge is another standout, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that locals have been craving since the 1990s.
What sets Ah Chiang’s apart is their attention to detail. Each bowl is garnished with fresh spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil, while the accompaniments—pickled vegetables and salted peanuts—provide the perfect contrast to the smooth porridge.
2. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
While technically spanning multiple locations, the Novena branch of Swee Choon deserves special recognition for maintaining the authentic Hong Kong dim sum experience that made the original so famous. Operating 24 hours, this restaurant serves fresh dim sum around the clock, making it a favorite among shift workers and late-night diners.
Their har gow (shrimp dumplings) showcase translucent wrappers that hold plump, sweet prawns seasoned with just the right amount of seasoning. The siu mai (pork dumplings) are equally impressive, featuring a perfect ratio of pork and shrimp topped with a bright orange crab roe.
Don’t miss their signature mee sua, a comforting bowl of thin wheat noodles in a rich, cloudy broth. It’s the kind of soul-warming dish that explains why Swee Choon has maintained such a devoted following across generations of Singapore diners.
Modern Cafes Redefining Novena’s Food Scene
3. Nylon Coffee Roasters
Nylon Coffee Roasters brought specialty coffee culture to Novena long before it became trendy elsewhere in Singapore. Their industrial-chic space serves some of the city’s best single-origin coffees, roasted in-house with meticulous attention to flavor profiles and brewing methods.
The cafe’s signature flat white showcases their house blend—a carefully balanced combination of Brazilian and Ethiopian beans that produces notes of chocolate and citrus. For those preferring alternative brewing methods, their pour-over selection rotates regularly, featuring beans from small farms across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Beyond coffee, Nylon offers a thoughtfully curated food menu. Their sourdough toast topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a perfectly poached egg has become an Instagram favorite, while their croissants—buttery, flaky, and made fresh daily—pair beautifully with their espresso-based drinks.
4. The Providore
Located in the heart of Novena’s shopping district, The Providore combines gourmet market and restaurant concepts under one roof. Their commitment to using premium ingredients and supporting local suppliers has made them a favorite among discerning diners seeking elevated comfort food.
Their truffle mac and cheese represents indulgence at its finest—creamy bechamel sauce mixed with aged cheddar and parmesan, finished with aromatic truffle oil and crispy bacon bits. The portion is generous enough to share, though you might not want to.
The weekend brunch menu features their famous big breakfast, which includes free-range eggs, artisanal sausages, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and thick-cut bacon. Everything is prepared with attention to quality that justifies the premium pricing, making it perfect for special occasions or treating yourself after a long week.
Authentic International Cuisines
5. Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle
This humble stall proves that some of Singapore’s best food comes from the most unassuming locations. Operating from a simple setup in Novena Square, Tanjong Rhu Wanton Noodle has perfected the art of this classic Cantonese dish over more than three decades.
Their wantons are hand-wrapped daily, each dumpling containing a mixture of fresh prawns and pork that’s been seasoned with white pepper and sesame oil. The noodles—thin egg noodles that provide the perfect texture—are tossed in a light soy sauce mixture that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
The char siu (barbecued pork) deserves special mention. Each slice is tender and flavorful, with a beautiful caramelized exterior that speaks to traditional roasting techniques. Combined with fresh vegetables and served in a clear, aromatic broth, this dish represents comfort food at its finest.
6. Udon Thai (Velocity @ Novena Square)
Udon Thai brings authentic Thai flavors to Novena with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their tom yum soup stands out as particularly exceptional—a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and aromatic elements that transport you straight to Bangkok’s street food stalls.
The green curry with chicken showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. Made with fresh green chilies, Thai basil, and coconut milk, the curry achieves that perfect balance of heat and creaminess that defines great Thai cuisine. Served with jasmine rice, it’s a complete meal that satisfies both flavor and comfort cravings.
Their pad thai deserves recognition for avoiding the overly sweet preparations common in many local Thai restaurants. Instead, it achieves the proper balance of tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar that makes this dish a Thai classic.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets
7. Ji Xiang Confectionery
Tucked away in a residential area near Novena MRT, Ji Xiang Confectionery represents old-school Singapore baking at its finest. This traditional bakery has been serving the neighborhood for over 40 years, maintaining recipes and techniques that have largely disappeared from modern Singapore.
Their curry puffs are legendary among locals—crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced potatoes, chicken, and hard-boiled egg. Each one is hand-crimped and deep-fried to order, resulting in a golden exterior that shatters at first bite.
The traditional Swiss roll deserves equal attention. Made with a light sponge cake and filled with fresh cream, it represents the kind of simple perfection that has kept customers returning for decades. These items sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
8. Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh
This family-run restaurant has been serving some of Singapore’s best bak kut teh for over three generations. Their Teochew-style preparation focuses on the natural sweetness of pork ribs, enhanced with a light pepper broth that allows the meat’s flavor to shine through.
The secret lies in their soup base, which simmers for hours using a blend of white peppercorns, garlic, and proprietary spices. The result is a clear, aromatic broth that warms you from the inside out while perfectly complementing the tender pork ribs.
Don’t leave without trying their braised pig’s trotters and tau kwa (firm tofu). Both dishes showcase the kitchen’s skill with traditional Teochew flavors and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Contemporary Asian Fusion
9. PS.Cafe (Novena Square)
PS.Cafe brought their signature blend of comfort food and Instagram-worthy presentation to Novena, creating a space that appeals to both food enthusiasts and social media lovers. Their truffle shoestring fries have achieved cult status among Singapore diners, and for good reason.
The restaurant’s signature green goddess salad combines mixed greens, avocado, edamame, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy herb dressing that’s both indulgent and surprisingly healthy. It’s the kind of dish that makes eating vegetables feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Their weekend brunch menu features creative takes on classic dishes. The eggs Benedict comes with a choice of premium toppings, while their French toast—thick brioche soaked in vanilla custard and grilled to perfection—represents comfort food at its most refined.
10. Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
This authentic Italian restaurant brings genuine Italian flavors to Novena through traditional recipes and imported ingredients. Their handmade pasta showcases techniques that owner Salvatore learned growing up in Italy, resulting in dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian countryside.
The aglio olio represents simplicity at its finest—perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed with golden olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Fresh parsley and parmesan cheese complete this classic dish that proves great Italian food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Their tiramisu deserves special recognition as one of Singapore’s best versions of this classic dessert. Made with authentic mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, it provides the perfect ending to any meal.
Sweet Endings and Dessert Destinations
11. Twelve Cupcakes (United Square)
While Twelve Cupcakes has multiple locations across Singapore, their Novena outlet holds special significance as one of their original shops. The brand’s commitment to using premium ingredients and creative flavor combinations has made them a favorite for celebrations and everyday treats.
Their signature red velvet cupcake remains their most popular item, featuring moist cake with a subtle cocoa flavor topped with rich cream cheese frosting. The chocolate mudslide offers pure indulgence, while seasonal flavors keep the menu exciting for regular customers.
The shop also offers custom decoration services, making them popular for birthdays and special occasions. Their cupcake decorating classes have become particularly popular among families looking for fun weekend activities.
12. Kki Sweets
This Korean-inspired dessert cafe brings Seoul’s trendy dessert culture to Novena through Instagram-worthy creations and authentic Korean sweets. Their bingsu (shaved ice dessert) represents Korean comfort food at its finest, particularly during Singapore’s hot afternoons.
The mango bingsu features fluffy shaved ice topped with fresh mango chunks, condensed milk, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The textures and temperatures create a refreshing treat that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying.
Their Korean-style macarons deserve recognition for their unique flavors like black sesame and green tea. These delicate cookies showcase French technique with Korean flavor profiles, creating something uniquely appealing to both local and international palates.
Planning Your Novena Food Adventure
Exploring Novena’s food scene at places such as HK Street Restaurant requires some strategic planning to make the most of your culinary journey. The neighborhood’s compact size makes it possible to visit multiple venues in a single day, though you’ll want to pace yourself to fully appreciate each experience.
Start your day early at Ji Xiang Confectionery, where the best items sell out quickly. Follow this with coffee at Nylon Coffee Roasters, then work your way through the hawker options during lunch hours when they’re at their freshest.
Evening dining works well at the more upscale establishments like PS.Cafe or The Providore, while late-night options include Swee Choon for those craving dim sum after midnight.
Most venues are within walking distance of Novena MRT station, making the neighborhood highly accessible by public transportation. Parking can be challenging during peak hours, so public transport is often the most convenient option.
Savoring Novena’s Culinary Future
Novena’s food scene represents something special in Singapore’s culinary landscape—a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern innovation that reflects the city-state’s evolving food culture. These 12 establishments showcase the diversity and quality that make this neighborhood a destination worth exploring beyond its medical facilities and shopping centers.
From century-old recipes preserved by dedicated hawkers to innovative dishes created by passionate chefs, Novena offers authentic experiences that satisfy both curiosity and appetite. The neighborhood’s continued development promises even more exciting additions to its already impressive food scene.
Take time to explore these culinary gems at your own pace. Each venue offers its own unique story and flavors that contribute to Novena’s growing reputation as one of Singapore’s most exciting food neighborhoods. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure.
