10 hidden gems in Dover most Singaporeans probably didn’t know exist

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:53 pm

If you do not stay here or have your school situated nearby, chances are you had never heard of Dover. A relatively small neighbourhood, Dover lies on the south of Ghim Moh and north of Kent Ridge, within where a sheer number of educational facilities are located. Here are 10 things in Dover that will likely make you check out this place if you haven’t.

Singapore Polytechnic (SP)
You might have heard of SP, but how much do you really know about it? The first polytechnic established in Singapore formerly located at Prince Edward Road has since relocated to its current location at Dover in 1978. From Llaollao and Starbucks to the heavenly chicken rice at Food Court 3, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and places to chill find cute girls (and guys) in SP. If you’re into suits and ties, be sure to check out the new Business block which used to be high up on the hill. Oh, did I mention that it’s right outside the Dover MRT Station?

Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild (SPGG)
Just a stone’s throw away from SP sits this heavenly-looking realm. No, it’s not just opened to SP graduates. With facilities including a 10-lane bowling alley, a gymnasium, and even a Jackpot room; look no further while in Dover (it rhymes!) when it comes to the real deal for entertainment. Although there’s a monthly subscription fee to become a member, trust me when I say it’s much more worth it to spend your money here than at Universal Studios Singapore – it’s that awesome!

NUS University Town (UTown)
Just like SP, with many places to “chill”! *winks* No, but really, with atas dining places like Sapore Italiano, Hwang’s Korean Restaurant, The Royals Bistro, and even Pizza Hut Express (yes, pizza!) – UTown is a must-go if you want to kill time while getting your tummy filled.

Holland Village XO Fish Head Bee Hoon Restaurant
Enough of campuses, let’s get down to the smaller places that are hidden within the neighbourhood. Well-received with mainly positive reviews online, this restaurant beside a multi-storey carpark at Dover Crescent is known to serve one of the best fish bee hoon soups.

Blk 19A Dover Crescent, #01-05, Singapore 131019
Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. / 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Uncle Louis Hainanese Chicken Rice
Looking for a plate of chicken rice with original, unrefined, and traditional taste? Beside the same multi-storey carpark at Dover Crescent is where Uncle Louis Hainanese Chicken Rice is located, and serves an ever-present queue during lunch time.

Blk 19A Dover Crescent, #01-05, Singapore 131019
Opening hours: 8 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

Wah Chee
This tze char restaurant is a good place to catch up with your buddies over some beer and local delicacies. Their popular dishes include salted egg squid, Mongolian pork, and their signature Wah Chee tofu – *drools* I already can’t wait for dinner time!

5 Dover Crescent, #01-02, Dover Court, Singapore 130005
Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 11.30 p.m.

Na Na Homemade Curry
Previously located in Amara, this curry house has since moved to Dover. With a variety of curry available, including beef, mutton, and vegetable curry – they are known to serve generous portions of ingredients and curry!

Blk 34 Dover Road, #01-159, Singapore 130034
Opening hours: 10.30 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.

Quarterdeck Xavier’s Café
All right, this one isn’t exactly in Dover… but it’s cheap, good, and most importantly – worth it, so let’s have it here as it’s good to know. Just around the corner of Dover Road, this café serves finger foods, snacks, and drinks. Husband Xavier operates the café as a chef while his wife serves. Be sure to try their prata, with a recipe said to have been passed down generations from Xavier’s grandfather.

1 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139295
Opening hours: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Mon – Fri) / 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Sat & Sun)

Lao Ban Soya Beancurd
Remember the hype about Lao Ban some time back? And yes, you must be wondering, this isn’t at Dover but at CityVibe which is just a few bus stops away. Nonetheless, I thought this would deserve some attention, because it would be really nice to get a few to-go so you enjoy at home, and away from all these heat that we are melting under.

Blk 3151 Commonwealth Avenue West, Level 1, Singapore 129581
Opening hours: 1 p.m. till while stocks last

Mr Bean
Otherwise, getting a cold classic soya milk or soya ice cream at the Mr Bean outlet located outside Dover MRT station isn’t a bad idea too!

200 Commonwealth Avenue West, #02-03, Dover MRT Station, Singapore 138677
Opening hours: 7 a.m. – 9.30 p.m. (Mon – Fri) / 7 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Sat) / 8.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. (Sun)