(Photo adapted from: Miss Tam Chiak and SethLui)

Ming Kee Chicken Rice is no stranger to Bishanians, and we know exactly why. This legendary three-generation-old stall is known not only for its long, snaking lines but also for using the ice bath technique to prepare its chicken. The result is fresh and tender meat with a jellyish texture under the skin for that extra flavour.

In addition, the rice is also famed for striking the right balance between taste and texture. It’s neither too salty nor too greasy, and goes perfectly with the fragrant soup.

Address: Kim San Leng Coffee Shop, 511 Bishan Street 13, #01-522, Singapore 570511
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm
🍴Halal status: Not halal
Website: facebook.com/mingkeechicken

(Photo: gilmangirl)

Did you know that there’s a restaurant in Bishan where you can satisfy your Western food cravings without splurging? Located in Bishan ActiveSG Sports Hall, Good Bites is a chic cafe-cum-restaurant that straight-up serves no-nonsense classics like the Turkey Bacon & Chicken Ham Carbonara, Grilled Free Range Chicken, bountiful sharing platters, juicy burgers, and everyone’s favourite, the Fried Chicken & Waffles.

Our top pick is, without a doubt, the Tom Yum Pasta. The dish is drenched in a tangy sauce that packs a delightful punch when combined with the pasta and the seafood toppings.

But wait, there’s more — Good Bites is also known for its pastel-coloured mini milkshakes, signature iced coffees, and desserts that won’t only excite your sweet tooth, but also rake in likes on Instagram. After working out at the sports hall, what better way to load up on some calories than to indulge in a milkshake?

📍 Address: Bishan Sports Hall, 5 Bishan Street 14, Singapore 579783
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 5am daily
📞 Contact: 6970 0233
🍴 Halal status: Halal-certified
🌐 Website: goodbites.com.sg

💡 Pro tip: Dine at the alfresco section of the cafe after sunset to enjoy the charming ambience created by outdoor fairy lights.

(Photo: The Living Room Cafe – Zion Bishan) 

The Living Room Cafe’s intimate space and small team create a warm, cosy environment for anyone looking to unwind after a long day. It’s a peaceful place to eat, chat, read, and even get some work done. And it’s not just the ambience — the cafe’s food is served fresh and in generous portions, reminding you of comforting home-cooked meals.

Our recommendation, which seems to be a crowd-favourite, is the Fish and Chips. Imagine a large portion of fresh fish fried to perfection, served with a generous dollop of creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy cabbages for that dose of fibre and texture. It’s no wonder why this is one of the cafe’s bestsellers!

📍 Address: 4 Bishan St. 13, Singapore 579792
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Fri, 11am – 5pm | Sat, 9am – 4pm
📞 Contact: 6715 7899
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: facebook.com/thelivingroombishan

(Photo: Foodpanda)

Tenderbest is every meat lover’s paradise, mainly because of its large, Charcoal BBQ Spring Chicken, which is satisfyingly crispy and tasty. It’s also one of those places where you can buy a whole roasted or fried chicken for parties and gatherings without stressing about the price.

Whether you’re sitting down at one of their outlets for a hearty meal after a work day, or taking away for the entire family, know that you’re about to put your hard-earned money in a good place.

Address: Blk 514A, Bishan Bus Interchange, Singapore 571514
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 10.30am – 9.30pm | Sat, 10.30am – 9.45pm | Sun, 10am – 9.45pm
Halal status: Halal-certified
Website: g.co/kgs/kmE2tsE

(Photo: SethLui)

Chocolat N’ Spice is a small store that packs a sweet punch with its wide, delectable array of cakes and muffins. Pop by and snag a scrumptious muffin, or indulge in their sugary good brownies.

A popular choice for sharing is the Lemon Buttercake. Topped with lemons baked onto a moist and soft base, this sweet and fluffy cake is just what you need to inject joy into your day. 

The great thing about this place is that it also has something for savoury food fans. Check out the 3-cheese quiche which combines the right amount of creaminess from the filling and flakiness of the pastry.

📍 Address: 320 Shunfu Road, #02-12, Singapore 570320z
⏰ Opening hours: Tue to Sat, 7.30am – 2.30pm
📞 Contact: 9383 0413
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: chocnspice.com

(Photo adapted from: Foursquare)

Known to offer some of the best food in Bishan, Nurul Sakinah Malay Food is a humble hawker stall that has received hundreds of rave reviews. It’s become a staple in the Bishan neighbourhood.

We’re not joking when we say that the Nasi Padang alone will make you a fan. The dish consists of fragrant steamed rice, an assortment of soft, savoury vegetables, and a terrifically flavoured meat of your choice. We highly vouch for the Beef Rendang, in call its spicy and coconutty goodness.

Address: 11 Clover Way, Singapore 579082
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 8am – 3pm | Sat, 8am – 1pm
Halal status: Halal-certified
Website: g.co/kgs/Mgcr4vQ

(Photo adapted from: Nickblitzz and GRUB) 

Don’t worry, you won’t be swallowing insects here. GRUB Pasta Kitchen serves only the most wholesome Western meals that will warm your tummy.

Famed for staying true to traditions and authenticity, the restaurant goes the extra mile by making its own pasta and sauces from scratch! Even their desserts are handcrafted in-house. 

A stand-out dish is the Prawn Aglio Olio Bucatini. It’s blisteringly spicy yet irresistible, with crispy Tiger Prawns and pasta dressed in white wine, chilli flakes, and a mix of other ingredients that will make your taste buds do a happy twirl. 

Finish off your meal with some Cinnamon Churros. Dunking the fluffy dough sticks into their Nutella Dip is guaranteed to bring a burst of freshness to your dining experience.

💡 Pro tip: This restaurant is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along! Remember to keep your pet in a locked carrier while travelling in a GetGo car. 🙌🏽

📍 Address: 1380 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, River Plains, Bishan Park, 569930
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 11am – 10pm | Sat and Sun, 8.30am – 10pm
📞 Contact: 8891 9298
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: pastakitchen.my.canva.site/grub-pasta-kitchen

(Photo: Foodpanda)

284 Kway Chap takes the crown as the king of Bishan Kway Chap, hands-down. Dive into a warm and comforting bowl of silky rice noodle sheets swimming in a tasty and herbal broth. The dish is also packed with various cuts of tender pork that are sure to melt in your mouth.

You’ll be happy to know that 284 Kway Chap closes at 2am, so your late-night hunger pangs are sorted.

Address: KPT Ka Fei Dian, Bishan Street 22
Opening hours: 6pm – 2am daily
Contact: 9856 3117
Halal status: Not halal
Website: g.co/kgs/dmU19sj

(Photo: Foodpanda)

When your craving for Japanese food hits and you hit the internet for where to go, remember our recommendation: Edo Ichi Japanese Cuisine. This tastefully designed Japanese restaurant is revered by the neighbourhood and is one of the places with the best Japanese food in Bishan. 

For one, their sashimi slices are super-fresh and thick, giving your taste buds ample flavour and texture to experience. Remember to dip them in soy sauce and wasabi for that pure umami goodness!

📍 Address: 9 Clover Way, Singapore 579081
⏰ Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm daily
📞 Contact: 6702 7866
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: edoichigroup.com.my

(Photo adapted from: HappyCow and Abillion)

If you’re scouring the internet for vegetarian food in Bishan, your search stops here. Pure Heart Vegetarian is an affordable hawker that dishes out local favourites for breakfast like Bee Hoon and Kway Teow. It’s not surprising to find long lines here, so remember to head down early to get your share of a filling brekkie.

Address: 150A Bishan Street 11, #01-139, Singapore 571150
Opening hours: 6.30am – 1.30pm daily
Halal status: Not halal
Website: g.co/kgs/1TpdsJr

Things to do in the neighbourhood

(Photo: TheSmartLocal)

Ride your way into fun at the BHP Skate Park. What’s unique about this skate park is that it’s particularly suited for beginners. With friendly ramps, spines, and a wide bowl with a soft incline, the skate park is truly a good place for budding skaters to train. There’s even a wide, open area with barely any obstacles for first-timers — so, even the newbies can skate like Tony Hawk!

When you’re done sweating it out, check out the nearby hedge maze for a nice stroll and Insta-worthy photos.

📍 Address: Bishan Road, Singapore 579778
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24 hours
📞 Contact: 1800 225 5432

(Photo: All About City)

Step into a world of tranquillity at Singapore’s largest Buddhist temple. Spanning an area of almost 11 football fields, this spiritual oasis offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. 

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring 13.8-metre-tall bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Asia. For a moment of reflection, find solace in the monastery’s serene garden with its gentle water stream. The Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas is another must-see, offering a unique spiritual experience.

💡 Pro tip: Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, to show respect for the sacred space.

📍 Address: 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
⏰ Opening hours: 8am – 4pm daily
📞 Contact: 6849 5300
🌐 Website: kmspks.org

(Photo: DREISEITL Consulting)

Water Playground@Bishan promises a tonne of splishy-splashy fun and is unlike regular playgrounds. You’ll get to observe how water moves under different conditions, which is a great activity to keep the kids engaged. Not only that, but you can even control the flow of water using metal sluice gates and barriers. What better way to learn about gravity and engineering outside the classroom?

💡 Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes and towels — you’re bound to get wet!

📍 Address: Opposite Block 223, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
⏰ Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 8am – 11am, 4pm – 8pm

(Photo: Taipei Representative Office)

It’s not often that you find gateball in Singapore. The mallet game is similar to polo and croquet, and is fast-paced and requires great teamwork. The good news is that this fun game is offered at the Bishan Community Club (CC) and isn’t ‘gatekept’ to a certain age group or gender. It’s a non-contact game perfect for mixed and diverse groups of people.

💡 Pro tip: Bring some friends along as the sport involves 2 teams of 5 players. 

📍 Address: 51, Bishan Street 13, Bishan Community Club, Singapore 579799
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
📞 Contact: 6259 4720
🌐 Website: onepa.gov.sg/interest-groups/bishan-east-csc-gateball-sig-i000011982

(Photo: JackThePeepur) 

For a blast from the past, head down to the charming Clock Playground in Bishan. This retro gem, nestled next to Bishan Interchange, is a delightful throwback to the 1980s that’ll make you feel like a kid again.

Picture this: 2 giant cuckoo clocks connected by a bridge that invites you to climb and explore. The playground even boasts its original sandpit (no boring modern rubber matting here) and quaint rocking horses on metal springs. It’s the perfect spot to snap some vintage-inspired photos!

📍 Address: 514B Bishan Street 13, Bishan Bus Interchange, Singapore 572514
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24 hours

(Featured photo adapted from: YumzYumz, JackThePeepur, Tripadvisor, and TimeOut)

To feasts and adventures! 
Amanda 🌞