Discover the attractive neighbourhoods of Novena and Balestier!

Inquisitive about issues to do in Balestier and Novena? We’ve acquired you with this epic information to 2 of our fave neighbourhoods.

The juxtaposition of Balestier and Novena is what makes Singapore distinctive. From swanky condominiums and posh motels to heritage shophouses and old style eateries within the neighborhood, you get the most effective of each worlds. A stone’s throw away from Orchard, these two neighbourhoods provide iconic native eats, hidden cafes, chill bars and fuss-free eating places. Dive in!

Finest meals spots in Balestier and Novena

1. Da Luca Italian Restaurant

novena singapore pasta
Pictures: Danijela Prijovic through Unsplash

In case you love Italian delicacies, head to this underrated gem for a complicated meal. Costs can veer in the direction of the excessive finish (particularly in case you order off-menu specials), however the pasta plates are oh so value it. Don’t miss out on the heavenly tiramisu to finish your meal!
Da Luca Italian Restaurant, #01-19/21, Goldhill Plaza, 1 Goldhill Plaza, Singapore 308899

2. Chao Chao Gyoza

Obsessive about gyozas? Hit up this joint for dumplings in an assortment of flavours. We’re speaking about ginger pork, curry pork, onsen egg and cheese, cabbage with sriracha, shrimp and crab stick, and extra. You will get combined platters to share, together with sides like potato mochi cheese and lotus root chips. For one thing extra substantial, flick through the soba dishes, maki rolls and sashimi plates.
Chao Chao Gyoza, #01-05, Royal Sq. @ Novena, 103 Irrawaddy Highway, Singapore 329566

3. Lechon Republic

We’re already dreaming about that satisfyingly crispy pores and skin and juicy roasted pork from this no-frills Filipino eatery simply reverse Novena Church. Pair your order of the signature lechon with sisig, kare kare, paksiw and extra to refill on good grub.
Lechon Republic, #01-09, Novena Regency, 275 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307645

4. Loy Kee Finest Hen Rice

Chicken Rice Balestier Loy Kee
Pictures: Loy Kee Finest Hen Rice through Fb

Hen rice is ubiquitous and, dare we are saying, synonymous with Singapore – and Loy Kee has been serving this dish since 1953. One of many cornerstones of hen rice must be its aromatic aroma, and that just about seals the deal for us. Add a touch of chilli and darkish soy sauce to the roasted hen with a spoonful of rice – it’s perfection proper there.
Loy Kee Finest Hen Rice, 342 Balestier Highway, Singapore 329774

5. Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah

For the uninitiated, tau sar piah is a flaky Chinese language pastry that is available in two flavours: salty and candy. Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah has been serving these since 1948, so it ain’t messing round. The well-known store additionally provides butter truffles and cream puffs that can have you ever full of nostalgia. Tip: be ready to attend as a result of the traces are at all times lengthy.
Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah, 639 Balestier Highway, Singapore 329922

6. The Clueless Goat

novena singapore food | the clueless goat
Pictures: The Clueless Goat through Fb

This cosy espresso spot serves brews that can excite any espresso junkie – piccolo, anybody? These of us additionally provide typical brunch fare like eggs benny, waffles, avocado BLT sandwiches, and truffle fries.
The Clueless Goat, Goldhill Centre, 189 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307631

7. Founder Bak Kut Teh

One other native favorite must be bak kut teh. With 40 years of expertise below its belt, Founder Bak Kut Teh delivers a imply bowl. Even celebrities have frequented the place – simply try the photograph partitions. Every peppery bowl is replete with tender pork ribs and has the correct amount of kick to it that can clear your sinuses.
Founder Bak Kut Teh, 347 Balestier Highway, Singapore 329777

8. Craftsmen Specialty Espresso

novena singapore food | craftsmen coffee
Pictures: Craftsmen Specialty Espresso through Fb

Craftsmen Specialty Espresso has all of the makings of an incredible neighbourhood cafe. Sourcing single-origin beans from locales like Costa Rica, Kenya and Ethiopia, the joint provides high quality brews. Meals-wise, dig into buttermilk waffles topped with strawberries and bananas, brunch dishes akin to croissant sandwiches, rosti and smoked salmon brioche, and plates of pasta.
Craftsmen Specialty Espresso, Goldhill Centre, 173 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307623

9. Otto Sourdough Pizza & Espresso Bar

Tucked away in an unassuming location, on the eighth ground of a medical centre, this cafe is a hidden gem. In case you love a superb sourdough pizza, hit up Otto for pies topped with mushroom, salami, cajun shrimp or parma ham. You may also get pasta, breakfast dishes and sides like meatballs or burrata to share.
Otto Sourdough Pizza & Espresso Bar, #08-37, Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307506

10. Nanta BBQ

novena singapore food nanta bbq
Pictures: Nanta BBQ through Fb

Seize your oppa and head over to this Korean BBQ joint for a meaty feast slathered with cheese. On high of the same old meat cuts like pork stomach, wagyu ribeye and quick plate, the eatery additionally has a smorgasbord of traditional Korean dishes ready for you. We’re speaking about beef bulgogi, spicy soups, japchae and extra.
Nanta BBQ, #01-175 to 177, Goldhill Centre, 175 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307624

Ann Siang Hill Park

11. Togather Kitchen & Bar

Merging completely different stalls below one roof, right here’s the place you possibly can take your decide from burgers, sushi, oysters and native eats in a single spot. Consider it as a barely upscale hawker centre. It additionally makes for an honest consuming den with pals because the beers are served in towers.
Togather Kitchen & Bar, #01-05, 1 Goldhill Plaza, Singapore 308899

12. Udders

Pictures: Udders through Fb

A neighborhood homegrown ice cream model, Udders produces distinctive flavours like Bailey’s and bourbon (from the liqueur flavour vary) and Snickers Mars honeycomb vanilla (for an unforgiving chocolate-y expertise). We suggest pairing your creamy dessert with the fluffy waffles!
Udders, 155 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307608

13. Nickeldime Drafthouse

novena singapore food | nickeldime drafthouse
Pictures: Nickeldime Drafthouse through Fb

Craft beer lovers ought to add this beer joint to their checklist of breweries to take a look at. The place options loads of worldwide craft beers from Denmark, Germany and extra on faucet. Pair your drink of alternative with sourdough pizzas – the right combo, in case you ask us.
Nickeldime Drafthouse, #01-01, Regency, 275 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307645


Finest issues to do in Balestier and Novena: Discover and keep

14. Church of Saint Alphonsus

church in singapore - Novena Church
Pictures: Novena Church through Fb

You might know the long-lasting landmark as Novena Church, a Catholic church that hosts mass and devotion periods for believers of the religion. It’s a beautiful construction that sits proper subsequent to Velocity, so you possibly can’t miss it.
Church of Saint Alphonsus, 300 Thomson Highway, Singapore 307653

15. The department stores

Situated in a detailed cluster, the trio of malls in Novena is value a go to. For health club bunnies, try the in depth vary of sports activities retailers (howdy, Decathalon!) at Velocity. In the meantime, Sq. 2 is the right place for Japanese goodies with Daiso and Don Don Donki within the combine. Plus, United Sq. has a grocery store, meals courtroom, clinics, salons and a wide selection of eating choices – all of the hallmarks of a superb neighbourhood mall.

Oh, and in case you’re within the Balestier space, the shiny new Shaw Plaza will stand out. Swing by for some playground time with the kiddos or gas up at eating places like Picolino, Menya Aoi, and Ontama Don. The constructing additionally homes a grocery store, loads of exercise studios for teenagers, and a cinema.

16. Solar Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Corridor

novena singapore balestier | sun yat sen memorial hall
A particular set up on the garden of the memorial corridor. Pictures: Solar Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Corridor through Fb

This museum offers insights into Dr. Solar Yat Sen’s work. All through the exhibition, guests can achieve a deeper understanding of his mission, which led to the success of the Chinese language Revolution. Additionally, try the veranda overlooking the serene backyard entrance.
Solar Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Corridor, 12 Tai Gin Highway, Singapore 327874

17. Burmese Buddhist Temple

Simply across the nook from the Solar Yat Sen Museum lies one of many oldest temples in Singapore. Enter to admire conventional arts and crafts from Burma, in addition to stunning pagodas and bridges.
Burmese Buddhist Temple, 4 Tai Gin Highway, Singapore 327873

18. Lam Yeo Espresso Powder Manufacturing unit

Coffee Powder Factory Balestier
Pictures: Lam Yeo Espresso Powder Manufacturing unit

Espresso connoisseurs, you should definitely try this in depth assortment of espresso beans from locales akin to Brazil and Ethiopia. And in case you don’t have a espresso grinder, these of us will do it for you on the spot.
Lam Yeo Espresso Powder Manufacturing unit, 328 Balestier Highway, Singapore 329760

19. Balestier Heritage Path

Right here at Honeycombers, we love heritage trails. That’s why they’re at all times on our checklist of issues to do! So be ready to catch Artwork Deco shophouses, pre-war terrace homes and extra on this pretty path by the Nationwide Heritage Board.

20. Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

novena singapore | courtyard by marriott
Pictures: Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

In case you plan to do all of the issues listed above, a staycation is so as. This resort is conveniently situated subsequent to Velocity and all its rooms are on excessive flooring, boasting both metropolis or lush nature views. Did we point out the infinity pool is situated proper subsequent to the best bar in Novena? Throw again a drink or two at Las Palmas, the place tropical decor and chill vibes abound.
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, 99 Irrawaddy Highway, Singapore 329568

21. Oasia Lodge Novena, Singapore

With 5 varieties of rooms to select from – Membership Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Room Plus, Superior Room and Suite Room – that is the place you possibly can unwind your physique, soul and thoughts. Moreover providing amenities like a swimming pool and sauna room, the resort is ideal for a rejuvenating keep.
Oasia Lodge Novena, Singapore, 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470

And there you might have it, the most effective meals spots and issues to do in Balestier and Novena!

[This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2023 by Benita Lee.]

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