Singapore is a global food paradise, a place where culinary traditions from across Asia and beyond meet and mingle. While areas like Chinatown, Little India, and the Marina Bay Sands often steal the spotlight, a quieter neighborhood has steadily built a reputation as one of the island’s most exciting food destinations. That neighborhood is Novena.
For those in the know, Novena offers a remarkable concentration of culinary gems. It’s a district where you can find Michelin-recognized street food, sophisticated international restaurants, and cozy, hidden cafes, often just a short walk from each other. Novena is more than just a convenient stop on the MRT; it’s a vibrant ecosystem of flavor that reflects Singapore’s diverse heritage and modern palate.
This guide explores what makes Novena’s food scene so special. We’ll take a journey through its famous food centers, highlight some of the must-try dishes, and showcase the variety that makes this neighborhood a true contender for the best foodie hub in Singapore. Get ready to discover the delicious secrets that make Novena a must-visit for any serious food lover.
The Heart of the Action: Novena’s Malls
Unlike other foodie hotspots that are centered around shophouses or specific streets, much of Novena’s culinary identity is shaped by its interconnected shopping malls: Velocity@Novena Square, United Square, and Square 2. This unique setup makes it an incredibly convenient and comfortable place to explore, regardless of the weather. You can seamlessly move from one culinary experience to another in air-conditioned comfort.
Square 2: A Taste of Asia Under One Roof
Square 2 is arguably the epicenter of Novena’s affordable and diverse food offerings. The basement level, in particular, is a bustling haven for foodies. It’s famous for its “Korean street,” a collection of eateries serving authentic and modern Korean cuisine. From sizzling bibimbap and savory stews to crispy fried chicken and trendy cheese-pull snacks, it’s a little slice of Seoul in the heart of Singapore.
But the delights of Square 2 don’t stop at Korean food. The mall is packed with a wide array of options:
- Japanese Cuisine: You’ll find everything from quick and satisfying ramen bowls to fresh sushi and donburi. Restaurants like Kogane Yama are popular for their tendon (tempura on rice) bowls, offering crispy, perfectly fried ingredients over a bed of fluffy rice.
- Thai Flavors: For those craving the bold, aromatic tastes of Thailand, places like Thai Tantric deliver authentic dishes that pack a punch. Their green curry and tom yum soup are local favorites.
- Local Delights: Even within the modern mall setting, you can find traditional Singaporean fare. Look for stalls selling classic chicken rice, fragrant laksa, and comforting bowls of fish soup.
Velocity@Novena Square: Fueling the Active Lifestyle
Connected directly to Square 2, Velocity bills itself as a sports-themed mall. This theme extends to its food offerings, with many cafes and restaurants providing healthier options alongside indulgent treats. It’s a place where you can grab a post-workout smoothie or settle in for a substantial meal.
Some highlights include:
- International Chains: Popular global brands like Nando’s and MOS Burger have a strong presence, offering familiar comfort food.
- Western & Fusion: You’ll find a good mix of Western-style cafes and restaurants. The Marmalade Pantry is a chic spot known for its elegant brunch menu, pasta dishes, and beautiful cupcakes. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely weekend meal or a sophisticated afternoon tea.
- Healthy Choices: Reflecting its sports theme, Velocity has several eateries focusing on fresh, healthy ingredients. Think salad bars, juice kiosks, and restaurants that highlight lean proteins and whole grains.
United Square: A Family-Friendly Food Paradise
Just across the road, United Square caters primarily to families. Its food and beverage outlets reflect this, with a mix of kid-friendly restaurants and casual dining spots that appeal to all ages. It’s a reliable choice for a family meal where everyone can find something they enjoy.
Popular options include:
- Family Favorites: Chains like Pizza Hut and Ichiban Boshi are mainstays, offering crowd-pleasing menus that are perfect for a family outing.
- Cafes and Bakeries: You’ll find numerous spots to grab a coffee and a pastry, like Starbucks Reserve, which offers a more premium coffee experience.
- Hidden Gems: Tucked away in United Square are smaller eateries offering quality food without the long queues you might find elsewhere. It’s worth exploring the different floors to uncover these spots.
Beyond the Malls: Goldhill Plaza and Pek Kio Market
While the malls form the modern core of Novena’s food scene, the surrounding area holds some of its most cherished culinary treasures.
The Famous Beef Kway Teow at Goldhill Plaza
A short walk from the main mall cluster is Goldhill Plaza, home to a legendary eatery that draws crowds from all over the island: Hock Lam Street Beef Kway Teow. With a history stretching back over a century, this establishment is a Singaporean institution. They have even earned a Michelin Plate recognition for their dedication to quality.
What makes their beef noodles so special?
- The Broth: The soup is the star of the show. It’s a rich, complex broth that has been simmered for hours with beef bones and a secret blend of herbs and spices. It’s both savory and slightly sweet, with a deep, comforting flavor.
- The Beef: The beef is incredibly tender, whether you opt for the thinly sliced meat, the melt-in-your-mouth tendon, or the bouncy beef balls.
- The Chili Sauce: Their homemade chili sauce is the perfect accompaniment, adding a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the broth.
A visit to Hock Lam is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of Singapore’s rich hawker heritage. Be prepared to queue, especially during peak lunch hours, but the reward is a bowl of noodles you won’t soon forget.
Pek Kio Market & Food Centre: Authentic Hawker Flavors
For a truly local experience, a trip to Pek Kio Market & Food Centre is essential. Located on the edge of the Novena district, this bustling market offers a glimpse into the daily life of Singaporeans and serves up some of the best and most affordable hawker food in the area.
Pek Kio is renowned for several stalls that have been perfecting their craft for decades:
- Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles: This is one of the most famous prawn noodle stalls in Singapore. The broth is a flavor bomb—rich, briny, and bursting with the sweet essence of prawn heads. The prawns themselves are large, fresh, and succulent. It’s an indulgent dish that’s worth every cent.
- Good Spice Carrot Cake: Don’t be fooled by the name; this isn’t a sweet dessert. “Carrot cake” or chai tow kway is a savory dish made from steamed radish cake stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and either a sweet dark sauce (black version) or just with egg (white version). The version here is known for being perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Pin Wei Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun: This stall elevates the humble rice noodle roll. Their chee cheong fun is silky smooth and served with a variety of fillings, from prawns to char siu (barbecued pork), all drenched in a light, savory soy sauce.
Exploring Pek Kio Market offers a more rustic, authentic counterpoint to the polished eateries in the malls. It’s where you can enjoy Michelin-worthy food while sitting on a plastic stool, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a traditional Singaporean market.
Why Novena Deserves the Title of “Best Foodie Hub”
So, what elevates Novena from just another neighborhood with good food to one of the best in Singapore?
- Unmatched Variety: The sheer diversity of food available in such a compact area is staggering. You can have authentic Korean street food for lunch, a classic Singaporean beef noodle soup for a mid-afternoon snack, and a refined Italian dinner, all without leaving the neighborhood.
- A Spectrum of Price Points: Novena caters to every budget. You can enjoy a world-class, Michelin-recognized meal for under $10 at a hawker center or indulge in a multi-course tasting menu at a high-end restaurant. This accessibility makes it a dining destination for everyone, from students to discerning gourmands.
- Convenience and Comfort: The interconnected malls make Novena an incredibly easy place to navigate. This “under-one-roof” convenience means you can go on a food crawl without breaking a sweat, a significant advantage in Singapore’s tropical climate.
- A Blend of Old and New: Novena perfectly encapsulates Singapore’s culinary identity. It respects and preserves its heritage through institutions like Hock Lam and the stalls at Pek Kio Market, while also embracing modern trends and international cuisines in its sleek mall restaurants.
Your Next Culinary Adventure Awaits
Novena’s food scene is a dynamic and delicious reflection of Singapore itself. It’s a neighborhood that rewards the curious and satisfies every craving. Whether you are a tourist looking for an authentic taste of the city or a local in search of a new favorite spot, Novena offers a culinary journey unlike any other.
The next time you’re planning a meal out at places like HK Street Restaurant, look beyond the usual hotspots. Take the MRT to Novena and spend a day exploring its diverse offerings. Start with a hearty bowl of beef noodles, wander through the bustling basement of Square 2, and finish with a coffee at a chic cafe. You’ll quickly discover why this unassuming neighborhood is truly one of Singapore’s best-kept foodie secrets.