We’ve all been there — eating our feelings to cope with the stress of the daily grind. No shame; I’m prone to that myself. For real, though, we do need a little boost to keep us going at times. Why not think of it as a bit of constructive self-care?
As someone who lives near and frequents the Bukit Timah-Holland district, I’ll tell you for a fact that the area teems with great food options. So if that’s not a call for some systematic indulgence, I don’t know what is.
Here’s a list of 18 best food spots along the Bukit Timah-Holland belt to stress-eat at. This should come in handy as you eat your way to emotional stability.
1. Top One Home Made Noodle
Top 1 Home Made Noodle — how apt for a first entry! This famed stall in Beauty World Food Centre is known and loved for its fresh handmade noodles. The best part? Your dish is fully customisable from noodle type, to soup or sauce, and ingredients.
Oh, and brace yourself for a long wait; queues here form hours before they open at 11am, and persist throughout the day. I personally have had a couple of ‘failed endeavours’, having made visits while short on time.
First time? Fret not, you can simply follow the stall’s ordering guide. You’ll start with your choice of noodles from a range of 7 types, which includes handmade Mee Hoon Kway, Ban Mian and U Mian that bear a satisfyingly firm, QQ texture.
It’s then time to choose a base. There’s the clear Soup (S$4.50) perfect for the chilly weather and Dry (S$5) for those who prefer their noodles saucy, while daredevils with a penchant for spice can opt for the tongue-numbing Mala Soup (S$5) or the tasty Tom Yum Soup (S$5).
Finally, top your noodles off with some protein in the likes of Meatball, Salmon (S$1.50), Prawn (seasonal prices) and even Whole Abalone (S$12). Spruce it up with some mandatory Egg/Vegetables (S$0.50) or as many additional toppings as you please.
144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Beauty World Food Centre, #04-44, Singapore 588177
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sat: 11am – 6.30pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Wed
2. That’s My Pizza
Few things scream ‘comfort food’ like pizza does. Well, you can find Neapolitan-style pizzas in a wide variety of classic and fusion flavours at That’s My Pizza in Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre.
Their pizzas are 100% handmade and hand-stretched, from dough that’s made with Italian flour and fermented over 72 hours. Baked and served fresh from the oven, these pies are best enjoyed hot on the spot.
An interesting flavour absolutely worth a try (and happens to be one of the owner’s faves) is the Mala Smoked Duck (S$22). This delectable Asian-inspired pie is topped with tongue-tingling mala sauce with a distinct peppercorn aroma that is complemented by juicy smoked duck cubes and stretchy mozzarella cheese. Don’t also miss out on the other of the owner’s picks: the Japanese Chashu Kurobuta (S$28).
If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, you can certainly rely on the Applewood Bacon (S$23), Margherita (S$20) and Quattro Formaggi (S$30) to please. They even have dessert pizzas for my fellow sweet tooths, in the flavours of Chocolate Marshmallow (S$18) and Nutella Cheese (S$20).
2A Jalan Seh Chuan, Bukit Timah Food Centre (Interim), #01-071, Singapore 599213
+65 9753 1577
Tue to Fri: 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 2pm & 4.30pm – 8pm
Closed on Mon
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3. Butter Town
With the hype for shio pan at an all-time high now, we have just the recommendation for everyone who’s jumped on that bandwagon. Butter Town at Holland Drive Food Centre is a stellar hawker bakery that prides itself on an array of affordable yet high quality shio pan and sourdough bakes.
The stall is said to sell out hours ahead of their closing time at 2pm, so it’s best that you plan your visit strategically or pre-order your bakes to avoid disappointment.
As someone who’s had my share of shio pan from authentic Japanese bakeries and famous joints from Seoul and Tokyo, I dare say that the O.G. Shio Pan (S$2) from Butter Town is on par with many. Don’t let its simple appearance fool you — it’s lightly crisp on the outside and stretchy and fluffy within, with an incredibly buttery flavour complemented by salt flakes that adorn its surface.
You’ll also find an assortment of other flavours that are rotated weekly, including Scallion (S$2.40), Black Sesame Mochi (S$2.60) and the sweet-savoury Maple Bacon (S$2.60).
That aside, the stall also offers several cakes, such as the cottony Gula Melaka Pistachio Pandan Sourdough Cake (S$3.50) and my personal favourite: the ultra-decadent Triple Chocolate Sourdough Cake (S$4.80).
44 Holland Drive, Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, #02-35, Singapore 270044
Tue to Sat: 10am – 2pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
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4. SSADA GIMBAB
Who doesn’t love Korean food? You can find a plethora of Korean favourites at SSADA GIMBAB, a cosy hole-in-the-wall eatery in the basement of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. It’s the perfect spot for a chill meal with friends and family, in my opinion.
There’s nothing better to whet your appetite than with some of their titular gimbab. Each roll is loaded with ingredients: crunchy vegetables, egg and tasty meat filling in the embrace of rice and seaweed. These come in 12 varieties, including flavours like Cheese (S$9), spicy Buldak (S$11) and Mala Pork (S$11).
Beef up your meal with some mains, such as Beef Bibimbap (S$13), Curry Tonkatsu Rice (S$14), Rabokki (S$13) and the indulgent Cheese Spicy Stir-fried Pork Rice (S$15), which features an irresistible combo of kimchi fried rice, marinated pork and creamy cheese.
170 Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, #B1-14, Singapore 588179
+65 8267 3730
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 9pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Al-Ameen
Need something to sate those late-night hunger pangs? Al-Ameen’s gotcha. This eatery along the bustling Cheong Chin Nam Road supper stretch welcomes you with open arms till 3am daily and has a gargantuan menu of over 300 dishes. From Indian to Thai, Western and local cuisines, they cater to any craving.
The perfect supper treat in my books is Al-Ameen’s Cheese Naan (S$4.50) — a huge basket of soft, fluffy naan stuffed to the brim with stretchy mozzarella cheese. You simply must have it with some Butter Chicken (S$8), a creamy dish of tender chicken chunks doused in a fragrant, luscious gravy.
The naan comes in other flavours if you prefer, including Plain (S$1.80), Butter (S$2.50) and Garlic (S$3.50), which is another of my go-tos.
4 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599729
+65 6465 1000
Daily: 8am – 3am
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6. Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon
One of the most underrated dishes of Singapore’s rich culinary tapestry, the delicious satay bee hoon is a pretty rare find nowadays. Thankfully, Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre is home to none other than the best-rated satay bee hoon in Singapore: Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon.
The Satay Bee Hoon (S$5/S$6/S$7) may not be the most aesthetically pleasing dish, but it sure does the trick gastronomically. What sets Sin Chew Satay Bee Hoon apart from many is definitely their rich satay gravy, made from a mix of ground peanuts, coconut milk, chilli, garlic and spices. Comparable to liquefied peanut butter, it begs to be polished off the plate.
The luscious sauce blankets a heap of bee hoon studded with a generous medley of ingredients: pork slices, cuttlefish, prawns, tau pok, kang kong and taugeh. When mixed and evenly lathered in gravy, the elements go together to give you an utterly satisfying meal.
2A Jalan Seh Chuan, Bukit Timah Food Centre (Interim), #01-037, Singapore 599213
+65 9826 0782
Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun: 11am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 8.30pm
Closed on Mon, Tue & Fri
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7. Sushi Zanmai
With 36 outlets throughout Malaysia and frankly bussin’ Japanese fare, Sushi Zanmai is one of my favourite places to eat on day trips across the causeway. No need to travel over specifically for that anymore, as the establishment has an outlet right here in Raffles Holland V Mall.
Expect to tuck into high quality authentic Japanese fare at affordable prices; Sushi Zanmai’s menu spotlights produce fresh from the motherland, including tuna from Tokyo, scallops from Hokkaido and kanpaichi from Kagoshima.
What’s Sushi Zanmai without the sushi? The Mentai Spider Roll (S$12.80) features crispy soft-shell crab rolled up in rice then crowned with avocado slices, mentaiko and tobiko. We enjoyed the combination of creamy avocado and mentaiko, complete with the crunch of the crab within.
Another of our favourites is the Spicy Japanese Pork Belly Nabe (S$14.80), a soul-warming hotpot starring a thick nabe broth that has a mildly tongue-numbing character from its incorporation of Sichuan elements. You’ll be given a platter of pork belly slices to dunk into and enjoy with the soup, which also comes packed with a medley of ingredients like tofu, enoki mushrooms, vermicelli and vegetables.
118 Holland Avenue, Raffles Holland V Mall, #03-04, Singapore 278997
+65 6250 1383
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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8. The Goodburger Food Truck
The Goodburger Food Truck easily ranks among the coolest dining concepts in all of Singapore. As their name suggests, they operate out of a food truck — which is parked right outside Coronation Shopping Plaza.
You won’t have to stand around or hunt elsewhere for a spot to enjoy your grub; there are plenty of seats scattered around where the truck is stationed.
Here’s an interesting catch: the burgers here are plant-based, but will have you fooled with both their flavours and appearances. At least I was.
Don’t know what to start with? There’s no better contender than The Classic (S$16), AKA The Goodburger’s take on a classic American cheeseburger. Also their top-seller, this delightful handheld creation features an Impossible beef patty, cheese, house-made pickles and their secret sauce. It’s so good you’ll forget that you aren’t actually eating beef.
If you need a pick-me-up, get the aptly-named Happy Days (S$20), which includes crispy onion rings and smoky BBQ sauce — sure to put a smile on your face. Or else, suckers for anything truffle (like myself) can opt for The Black Tie (S$18), which sees your patty topped with an indulgent truffle aioli.
587 Bukit Timah Road, Coronation Shopping Plaza, Singapore 269707
+65 8484 9984
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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9. Bosong Rice Cake
Tucked away in Beauty World Plaza is Bosong Rice Cake which, chances are, you’ve come across on social media. This humble shop, helmed by a mother-son duo, went viral for its variety of handmade tteok (rice cakes). No, not the savoury version served with gochujang that we all know and love — we’re referring to its sweet counterparts.
The shop is open for just 3 days a week, and it sports a winding queue that forms way before its shutters are lifted.
Start with the best-selling Honey Rice Cake (S$5 for 9), known traditionally as Ggul Tteok. Filled with honey and white sesame, these candy-esque morsels explode in your mouth as you sink your teeth into them with a pleasant sweetness that’s reminiscent of tang yuan.
Another popular item is the Honey Baekseolgi (S$5 for 2), a rectangular tteok that looks like a sandwich. It’s soft and chewy like tutu kueh, and has a brown sugar filling that tastes like gula melaka.
There’s plenty of other tteoks to try out at Bosong Rice Cake, including the flower-shaped Kkot Tteok (S$10 for 3), rainbow-coloured Mujigae Tteok (S$5 for 2) and the nutty Injeolmi (S$5 per box).
140 Bukit Timah Road, Beauty World Plaza, #02-04, Singapore 588176
+65 9169 3587
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 7pm
Closed on Sun to Wed
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10. Umi Nami
Not all quality sashimi and chirashi don has to be expensive! Not those at Umi Nami, at least. This casual yet classy Japanese restaurant in Holland Village serves chirashi don and other delicious donburis at nett prices from as low as S$12, and sashimi from S$6.
Yep, you no longer have to worry about burning a hole in your wallet when all you want is to treat yourself to a platter of fresh sashimi.
Umi Nami offers 5 varieties of sashimi, including the perennial favourite Salmon (S$6 for 3 pieces, S$9 for 5 pieces), Tuna (S$7/S$10) and Hamachi (S$8/S$13). For maximum indulgence, get the Mix Sashimi (S$16), an 8-piece platter of salmon, tuna, yellowtail and swordfish sashimi.
You won’t be able to say no to their best-selling Bara Chirashi Don (S$12), which sees a bed of vinegared sushi rice topped with plenty of salmon and tuna sashimi cubes, cucumber slices, tamago and tobiko. Another crowd pleaser is the Aburi Salmon Don (S$16), complete with hefty aburi salmon chunks that boast a fragrant char and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
8 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277674
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm & 4.30pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11pm
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11. Cha Cha Cha
If you’re in the mood for some bright, punchy flavours, head to Cha Cha Cha for a Mexican feast. This beloved establishment, one of Singapore’s oldest Mexican restaurants, has been a staple in the heart of Holland Village since it opened its doors in 1990.
The Chimichangas with Pulled Pork (S$17) are a must-try. The tortilla wrap is deep-fried to an immaculate crisp, contrasting wonderfully with the tender pulled pork and gooey melted cheese within. Paired with zesty guacamole, fresh salsa and tangy sour cream, it’s a dish you won’t be able to stop eating.
No Mexican meal is complete without tacos either. The soft Flour Tortilla Tacos with Fish (S$17) are packed with flavour, featuring tender fish topped with piquant salsa, onions and a dash of lime for the perfect balance.
32 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277690
+65 6462 1650
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12am
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12. Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice
Ah, chicken rice — a fuss-free dish that can be enjoyed all day, every day. For avid fans of this widely-dubbed ‘national dish’, Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice is a spot you should add to your repertoire.
While the eatery’s location in the basement of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre may seem pretty inconspicuous, its signature chicken rice is a crowd favourite.
For a taste of their best, get the Lovely Meal (S$9.80) — a single pax meal that includes Jew Kit’s signature steamed chicken, bok choy, meatball soup and fragrant oil rice. Prepared sous vide, the chicken ticks all the right boxes: it’s tender, velvety and juicy, with a pleasantly gelatinous skin.
Share the love with the aptly-named Valentine Meal (S$25.80), which includes Thai-style fried beancurd and is fit for 2 pax to enjoy. Or, you could go all out on a Whole Chicken (S$42).
170 Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, #B1-17/18, Singapore 588179
+65 6463 2637
Daily: 10am – 9pm
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13. Sanpoutei Ramen
Sanpoutei Ramen brings you the full ramen experience with ingredients imported from Niigata, Japan and specially crafted bowls that retain heat. With noodles that are handmade daily to ensure maximum freshness and springiness, there’s nothing to say that they don’t put out all the stops for their customers.
The Niigata Shoyu Ramen (from S$15) is a house special, made with a clear fish broth instead of the usual pork bone broth. This unique adaptation boasts a more refined taste that distinguishes Sanpoutei Ramen from other ramen joints.
If that’s not enough to satiate your love for carbs, sneak an extra treat with the Butakiri Niigata Rice Mini Don (S$5), a mini bowl featuring tantalising slices of fatty pork and creamy egg yolk over fluffy Japanese rice.
253 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278982
+65 6463 7277
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
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14. La Nonna
With a name that means ‘the grandmother’ in Italian, La Nonna is an Italian restaurant that uses time-honoured recipes passed down from an Italian grandmother. What you’ll find there is a menu of unpretentious, authentic Italian fare.
Complete with a warm, homely ambience reminiscent of the European countryside, it’s the perfect spot for date nights and family dinners.
Made with utmost effort and love, La Nonna’s pizzas look exactly like they are photographed. Their signature pizza, the titular La Nonna (S$26), is a heavenly creation that features tomato sauce, parmesan, mozzarella asparagus, egg and truffle paste. It’s truly a decadent treat that any pizza lover will fold for.
Alternatively, you could opt for the classic Margherita (S$23) or the crowd favourite Burrata (S$28.50), which is crowned with a mound of fresh burrata cheese.
26/26B Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277685
+65 6468 1982
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
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15. Carpenter And Cook
Nothing beats starting your day right with a hearty brunch. While the area has no shortage of cafes for your fix, Carpenter And Cook is a good one to check off your list. This quaint bakery-cafe along Lorong Kilat began by specialising in handcrafted pastries and later expanded its menu to include brunch items.
Carpenter And Cook whips up a great Big Breakfast (S$29), which includes bacon, chicken sausages, hash browns, scrambled eggs, frisee salad and your choice of rustic country bread or brioche. The French Toast (S$26) is another great choice — complete with mixed fruit, almond flakes, vanilla bean chantilly, berry coulis and maple syrup, this treat will be right up any sweet tooth’s alley.
Don’t forget to grab yourself some of their famed bakes while you’re there. From classic pastries like Croissant (S$5) and their Quiche Of The Day (from S$9) to tarts and sliced cakes, you’re bound to find something to brighten up your day a little.
19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06, Singapore 598120
+65 6463 3648
Daily: 8am – 6pm
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16. Greenwood Fish Market
Some days just call for indulgence in the form of fresh seafood, and Greenwood Fish Market is just the place for that. They’ve got a huge variety of seafood — from fish to crustaceans and shellfish — which you can opt to have cooked the way you prefer.
We’re talking Boiled Live Prawns (S$27.95 for 300g) with cocktail dip, Black Mussels (S$28.95), fresh fish fillets like Red Snapper (S$32.95) and Atlantic Halibut (S$39.95) and even Live Boston Lobster (S$74.95).
Catch them on Oyster Tuesdays, where you can slurp up fresh house oysters at just S$1.95++ per piece and 20% off a la carte oyster orders. With a wide range of oysters in their menu, treat yourself to the likes of GFM-exclusive KYS Specials No. 3 (S$8.95), the delicate Fine de Claire No. 3 (S$4.95) and the briny Coffin Bay (S$5.95).
Not a fan of seafood? Greenwood Fish Market has a selection of burgers and pizzas for you to relish. The Angus Portobello Burger (S$26.95) features a thick patty cooked to medium-rare, stacked with butter-slicked portobello mushrooms, caramelised onions, fried caper aioli and gherkins inside a pillowy brioche bun. Guess you no longer have to feel FOMO when you tag along with your seafood-loving friends!
34 & 38 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289236
+65 6467 4950
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
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17. Meat ‘n Chill
Netflix n’ Chill? Pass, let’s Meat n’ Chill instead. Touted as “the meanest steak n’ ribs in town”, this restaurant in Sixth Avenue Centre offers pork ribs marinated for over 24 hours in a special marinade and gourmet hand-cut steaks among a variety of hearty meats.
Sink your teeth into a juicy flame-grilled steak, in cuts like New York Strip (S$24), Angus Ribeye (S$45), Grass-fed Flat Iron (S$31) and Grass-fed Ribeye (S$39). Sauce it up with either the Classic Red Wine Sauce, Porcini Mushroom Cream Sauce or Green Chimichurri (+S$1).
Level up your feast with some finger-licking delicious BBQ pork ribs slow-cooked till they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. Choose from a total of 14 flavours, including the sweet and smoky Hickory (S$25), pineapple and rum-glazed Caribbean (S$27) and the refreshing Chipotle Lime Peach (S$26).
Oh, try out the Spicy #YOLO Challenge if you dare. There’s the Walk in the Park (S$28) and On Cloud Nine (S$31), marked with 3 and 9 chilli peppers respectively, and the Live Free or Die Hard (S$38), marked by a fiery skull.
805 Bukit Timah Road, Sixth Avenue Centre, #01-04, Singapore 279883
+65 8812 4455
Tue: 5pm – 9pm
Wed & Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Mon
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18. Udders
Let’s wrap it up with something sweet, because there’s always space for dessert. Situated in Kilat Court is none other than Udders — undeniably one of the most iconic ice cream parlours in Singapore.
Since its inception in 2007, this locally-grown establishment has been innovating and serving up delicious and punny ice cream flavours that keep loyal fans coming back for more.
Pick your favourite flavour from their Classic (S$4.50 for single scoop, S$8.50 for double, S$14.90 for pint), Premium (S$5.60/S$10.60/S$18.50) and Connoisseur (S$7.20/S$13.60/S$23.80). Whether it’s classics like Vanilla Beanz and Cookies & Cream or interesting ones like Salted Speculoos, Peanut Butter Crunch and Yakult Soju, you’ll definitely find something that you like here.
There’s even a series of locally-inspired flavours, such as Muah Chee, Singapore Chendol, Kueh Salat and Milo Dinosaur, if you fancy.
17 Lorong Kilat, Kilat Court, #01-09, Singapore 598139
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
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