Explore Novena & Balestier: Dining in Balestier

Just a few minutes’ walk or three bus stops away from Novena is Balestier Road and its offshoots like Kim Keat Road and Whampoa Drive—a busy thoroughfare with a treasure trove of experiences. Sure, it may lack Novena’s order and convenience, but it’s precisely in that unpredictable chaos that you’ll find its charms. Many old shophouses can be found here, alongside a multitude of famous old makan places, countless lighting shops (certainly a fixture here), furniture specialists and vintage retail shops that you simply must check out.

13 years ago

city living

By Terry Ong | Feb 17, 2011

Just a few minutes’ walk or three bus stops away from Novena is Balestier Road and its offshoots like Kim Keat Road and Whampoa Drive—a busy thoroughfare with a treasure trove of experiences. Sure, it may lack Novena’s order and convenience, but it’s precisely in that unpredictable chaos that you’ll find its charms. Many old shophouses can be found here, alongside a multitude of famous old makan places, countless lighting shops (certainly a fixture here), furniture specialists and vintage retail shops that you simply must check out.

By Terry Ong
| Feb 17, 2011

Balestier is famous for its age-old street food—especially the bah kut teh and chicken rice stalls. For the former, noteworthy mentions include the slightly peppery version at Founder Bah Kut Teh (347 Balestier Rd.), or 333 Bah Kut Teh (333 Balestier Rd.) for its generous servings.

Chicken rice lovers can head for Loy Kee Chicken Rice (342 Balestier Rd., 6252-2318) or Boon Tong Kee (401 Balestier Rd., 6254-3937). Their signature juicy roast chicken is the star (any foodie can testify). But if you prefer duck, choose the succulent roasted ducks at Golden Duck Restaurant (369 Balestier Rd.)

For variety, head to the restored coffee shop Tuckshoppe (312 Balestier Rd.), which serves up classic hawker fare like curry rice and roasted pork rice. If you really want more and don’t mind getting down and dirty with the rest of the locals, move on to Whampoa Makan Place (Blk. 90/91 Whampoa Dr.), an expansive hawker center that serves up a wide and very affordable array of local cuisine. Must-tries here include the frog porridge at Tian Fu Live Frog and Porridge, the handmade Chinese cha siew buns at Yep Seng Handmade Pau Tim, and the Chinese pancakes at Granny’s Pancake.

If you’re coming late into the area, just head straight to the 24-hour food court Balestier Market (401 Balestier Rd.), where local favorites like rojak and satay are served till the wee hours of the morning.