Food

10 food places in Kovan so good you just want to shift there forever (many are near Kovan MRT)

2016-05-30 , 4:18 pm

Last Updated on 2023-07-12 , 5:17 pm

For all my west-side friends, Kovan MRT not just an MRT station with a fancy name.

And it is becoming increasingly famous for its good food; here’re some of them!

Punggol Nasi Lemak Centre

Wait, what has Punggol got to do with Kovan? Well, we do not know the premise behind the name but Punggol Nasi Lemak is a five-minute walk from Kovan MRT and it has hands down, one of the best nasi lemak you would have had.

Chewy glutinous rice with sweet and spicy shrimp sambal, topped with achar and extra crispy chicken, it is so sinful but you would not regret it at all.

Opening Hours: Mon-Wed: 430pm-1230am, Fri- Sun: 430am-1230am
Address: 965 Upper Serangoon Rd

Nakhon Kitchen

Cheap, good and authentic Thai food anyone? Nakhon Kitchen is well-known for staying true to its roots and it is almost always filled with customers. Its Green Curry is a must-try for anyone who is coming here for the first time. Smooth with a little bit of spice, this dish is guaranteed to make you want to go for seconds.

Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm (closed on wed)
Address: 212 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530212

Lola’s Cafe

A very popular cafe among the youths, Lola‘s was relatively unknown until a lot later. Located only five minutes away from Kovan MRT, (everything good is near Kovan MRT) this cafe has a variety of food that satisfies your taste buds. They serve brunch and dinner. Their brunch menu has the classic Avocado Eggs Benedict (a must-try!) and Mushroom & Cheese Sandwich. If you prefer dinner, their famously delicious and crispy Confit of Duck Leg is a dish you must order.

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11am-9pm
Address: 5 Simon Road

Ciel Patisserie

This cute French Patisserie serves an interesting variety of cakes and tarts. Some of the popular creations you can look forward to trying are Lemon Meringue Tart, Chocolate Caramel Tart, Strawberry Shortcake, and Brownie.

The Chocolate Caramel Tart is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a sweet fix while the Lemon Meringue tart is a good option if you are craving for a zesty flavour. Their classic Bombes which is filled with chocolate mousse and blueberries are a definite must-try too!

Opening Hours: Mon -Sun : 11am-8pm
Address: 124 Hougang Ave 1 #01-1444 Singapore 530124

Soon Soon Teochew Porridge

A great hangout after a night of heavy partying, this is where you will see many tired souls coming here to cure their hangover. It is also a good place for anyone who is looking for a simple yet satisfying meal. This place isn’t near Kovan MRT but it has your traditional Teochew Muay and a variety of side dishes, from the all-time favourite homemade fish cakes to the healthy steamed rabbit fish.

Opening Hours: Daily 10am-5am
Address: 1012 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534750

Tachinomaya

Elegant with dark cosy interiors, this sake bar is not something you will expect to stumble upon in a heartland. It is sleek and it serves up value bento meals during lunch. Their Katsu Cheese Curry set is a must-try with its juicy chicken coated in cheese and soaked in curry. The comfortable ambience surrounded by smooth jazz music also makes it a nice place to chill with friends.

Opening Hours: Lunch: 1130am – 230pm, Dinner: 530pm-12am(Mon – Thurs & Sun), 530pm- 1am(Fri) , 5.30-2am (Sat & public holiday eve)
Address: 211 Hougang Street 21 #01-285

Flavour Flings

Halal and western, this brunch-style Cafe gives French and American classics. Their Eggs Royale is a favourite, made from old fashioned poached eggs on smoked salmon. If you are in the mood for something sweet, their Awesome One Pancakes, with its salted caramel sauce and fresh banana topping, should do the trick. It’s not too near Kovan MRT but, it will make your mouth happy.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11.30am-4pm, 530pm-10pm (Closed Tuesday)

Hougang Avenue 1 #01-1348

Punggol Noodle

Once again, we do not know the premise behind its name but what we do know is that they serve amazing Bak Chor Mee. Its unique take on this regular dish is the reason you cannot find anything like it. Instead of minced meat, the stall makes meatballs that are chewy and delicious. The meatballs are also filled with dried sole fish, creating an entirely unique flavour.

Opening Hours: Daily (closed Mon & Fri): 7:00AM to 12:30PM
Address: 105 Hougang Ave 1,#02-24

Hatter Street

Just like its name suggests, this cafe is a little whimsical and well, crazy! From popcorn cakes (what??) to candy-filled cakes (you’ve got to be kidding me), this cafe has baked up some of the most original and craziest cakes ever. It’s not exactly near Kovan MRT but their food is good and their desserts are to die for. If you are looking for a little adventure, this is the place to go to.

Opening Hours: Daily: 1pm-10pm
Address: 212 Hougang Street 21, #01-333

Lickers

Ignoring the many interpretations this name could result in, this brand new ice cream parlour is a darling. With its quirky and bright interior, it is well-loved by many hipsters. Besides the regular ice cream flavours, they have a unique collection of flavours like Gula Melaka and Yakult Oreo, which tastes rich and creamy (yum!). They also have crispy waffles that go great with the ice cream toppings. Definitely a go-to place for ice cream!

Opening Hours: Tue-Thu: 1pm-2am, Fri-Sun: 12pm-2am
Address: Block 124 Hougang Avenue 1 #01-1446

Kovan doesn’t seem so cut-off from the world now does it? If you haven’t been there yet, grab your friend and go check it out! Many places are just a few steps from Kovan MRT!