Everything You Need to Know about Hougang in Singapore
In my opinion, Hougang is one of the most underrated planning areas in Singapore. Even I used to assume that it was boring there because what was there to do in an area that used to be a pig farming capital and is now a mature residential town?
The answer, it turns out, is a lot. Hougang still has remnants of the past, and it’s so cool to see them still standing to this day. There are several malls that will satisfy the shopaholic in you, and of course, there are countless restaurants that foodies will love.
If you want to explore the area, I wrote this guide to help you out!
Where is Hougang in Singapore?
Hougang is located in the North-East Region of Singapore. It’s bordered by Sengkang to the north, Geylang to the south, Bedok to the southeast, Toa Payoh to the southwest, Serangoon to the west, and Paya Lebar to the east.
What is the main street of Hougang?
Hougang Avenue is the main street of Hougang, as it connects the western and eastern sides of the area. Upper Serangoon Road is also a major street, as that’s where most businesses are located.
How to Get to Hougang
By MRT: The MRT is the best way to reach and get around Hougang because there are currently three MRT stations situated here. These are the Hougang MRT station (serviced by the North East Line and Cross Island Line), Kovan (North East Line), and Tai Seng (Circle Line). Two MRT stations will be added in the future: Defu (Cross Island) and Serangoon North (Cross Island).
By Bus: SBS Transit buses are all over Hougang. There are also two bus terminals here: the Hougang Central Bus Interchange and Hougang Bus Depot.
What to Do
Check out Kampong Lorong Buangkok
From: youtuber.cupu
Location: Around Lor Buangkok
Before Hougang became a modern residential town, it was a rural area with several villages. Most villages are now gone, but one has survived: Kampong Lorong Buangkok. And you can actually visit it!
Walking around this kampong is fascinating. I always feel like I’ve time-travelled because of how rustic everything looks. It also has a bunch of green spaces, making it perfect for a scenic hike.
Just keep in mind that although this village is known for its historic value, it’s not a museum. People still live here. So, when you’re visiting, be sure that you’re not disturbing anyone else.
Walk under the pretty floral archways at the Japanese Cemetery Park
From: bebethepoodle
Address: 825B Chuan Hoe Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm
Website
I know out of context, it’s weird that I’m recommending you stop by a cemetery, especially when this particular cemetery—the Japanese Cemetery Park—has a dark history (this was where convicted Japanese war criminals were buried). But I have my reasons, okay?
This cemetery has a pathway with a beautiful floral arch, and it’s such a sight to behold! The pink buds of flowers look pretty in person and are very photogenic; your IG friends will appreciate your snaps.
Just make sure to stay on the floral pathway and don’t disturb the tombs!
Enjoy a picnic at Punggol Park
From: worldthroughjx
Address: Hougang Ave 10
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +6518004717300
Tired? Take a good long break at Punggol Park!
At 16 hectares, this park is pretty big, and it has a densely forested area that will make you feel like you’re not in the modern world anymore. I personally love strolling through it and pretending I’m a wood sprite.
But my favourite part of the park is the lake and the lawn in front of it. The lawn is pretty spacious, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.
Enjoy a scenic jog or bike ride at Sungei Serangoon Park Connector
From: bentosetc
Address: Sungei Serangoon Park Connector
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +6518004717300
If you hike at Punggol Park and want to extend it, then you might want to take on the Sungei Serangoon Park Connector. It’s a route that cuts through the park, and it takes you on a picturesque journey along Serangoon Reservoir.
What I love about this route is there are many things to observe, so I never get bored. I especially love bird-watching; so far, I’ve spotted the Grey Heron, Little Egret, and the collared and white-throated kingfisher.
Where to Eat
Lazy Lizard
From: lazylizard_main
Address: 183 Jln Pelikat, #01-20 The Promenade@Pelikat
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 9:30 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562436826
Website
Craving Western cuisine? Then, I have the best place for you: Lazy Lizard! It’s best known for comfort dishes—from steaks and burgers to pasta and pizza.
I love to treat myself to a classic ribeye here. The steak weighs 250 g, making it perfect for sharing, and it’s wonderfully tender and juicy. It’s also served with peppercorn sauce, which adds umami and heat.
I also like that the pizza flavours aren’t the usual ones you’ll find in other restaurants. My current favourite is the tikka masala chicken pizza. It’s tangy and buttery, and if you’re spice-averse, beware because it also packs quite the punch.
Lola’s Cafe
From: lolascafesg
Address: 5 Simon Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562840349
Website
What I love about Lola’s Cafe is its chill and casual vibe. The decor is simple and bright, the noise levels are low, and the place often smells like freshly ground coffee and buttery eggs. I feel at ease here!
I love coming here for brunch, and my go-to order here is the shakshuka. I’m obsessed with how tangy and acidic the tomato sauce is and how runny the poached eggs are. It’s so satisfying using the buttered sourdough to scoop the eggs and sauce, and when I bite into it, I relish the explosion of spicy, savoury, and garlicky flavours.
Beer Basket
From: beerbasketsg
Address: 1010 Upper Serangoon Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4:30 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +6588213780
Website
Another great spot you might want to check out if you want a casual restaurant with a menu full of comfort dishes is Beer Basket.
I recommend ordering the crab and shrimp aglio olio pasta. It’s perfectly garlicky, with a hint of sweetness from the seafood. It also has a spicy aftertaste that I really like.
Complete your meal with a drink. There are many options for beer, gin, and other spirits, but I personally love the cocktails. The espresso martini is a classic. I love the strong coffee taste.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre
From: choppassports
Address: 965 Upper Serangoon Rd, Mee Sek Food Court
Operating Hours: Friday to Wednesday—4:30 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +6562810020
Website
Nasi lemak, which is rice cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of protein and vegetables, is one of the most iconic dishes here in Singapore, and Ponggol Nasi Lemak Center is one of the best places to get it.
At first glance, the nasi lemak here seems simple, but when you eat a spoonful of rice, you’ll be surprised by how fluffy it is. It also has a hint of sweetness because of the coconut milk.
Usually, I get the nasi lemak with fried chicken because I love how crispy and juicy the chicken is. The dish is also served with sambal, which adds a nice kick of spice to every bite.
Lickers
From: lickerssg
Address: 124 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1446 Block 124 HDB Hougang
Operating Hours:
- Monday—6:30 pm to 2 am
- Tuesday to Thursday—1 pm to 2 am
- Friday to Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Do you love ice cream as much as I do? Then Lickers should be on your itinerary!
My current flavour obsession is the Milo Mallow; the Milo flavour is so strong that it brings me back to my childhood, and I love the added soft texture of the marshmallows.
As much as I love eating ice cream in a cone or a cup, I prefer eating it with waffles. The cold ice cream with the steaming hot waffles is a match made in heaven. The way the ice cream melts into every nook of the waffle is just top-notch.
Sweedy Patisserie
From: rainraineeataway
Address: 377 Hougang St. 32, #01-32 Hougang RiverCourt
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday—12 pm to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6594368160
Website
If your preferred dessert is pastries, then you need to check out Sweedy Patisserie. The treats here look so gorgeous that it’s almost a shame to eat them!
This shop is best known for its durian cakes, so I recommend getting them. I’m especially biased toward the mousse cake; I love how velvety the mousse feels, and the durian flavour is subtle but distinct enough. It’s also not so sweet, so I can devour several slices without getting sick of it.
Arnold’s Fried Chicken
From: arnoldsfriedchicken
Address: Hougang St 51, #01-49 Hougang Green Shopping Mall
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9:45 pm
Contact Number: +6563869015
Website
Fried chicken may not be the healthiest dish, but I can never resist it—especially if it comes from Arnold’s Fried Chicken!
In my moments of weakness, I always get the Spring Chicken Meal, which is essentially a whole young chicken that’s deep-fried. It’s marinated very well—the umami, savoury flavours penetrate deep into the meat—so I don’t need any sauces to elevate the taste.
It also comes with potato fries that are thick and salty and coleslaw that’s tangy and refreshing.
Ci Yuan Hawker Centre
From: 1iang_ge
Address: 51 Hougang Ave 9, Ci Yuan Community Centre
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 10 pm
Website
When you’re short on cash, hawker centres are your saviours. One of the best hawker centres in Hougang is Ci Yuan Hawker Centre, so I recommend stopping by.
I could talk all day about my favourite stalls in this hawker centre, but off the top of my head, my ultimate recommendation is the HK Wanton Noodle. Their noodle bowls are pretty cheap, yet they’re always filled to the brim with noodles and toppings.
Plus, they don’t skimp on the flavours—the noodles are dripping with umami and savoury notes. Your order will also come with a clear broth that’s refreshing and tastes slightly sweet.
Buddy Hoagies Steak and Grill Restaurant
From: buddyhoagies_sg
Address: 205 Hougang St 21, #01-27 Heartland Mall Kovan
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6569701283
Website
It’s hard not to love Buddy Hoagies Steak and Grill Restaurant when it delivers a wonderful, cosy atmosphere and delicious Western delights! They also offer promotions, so you can score a discount or treat yourself to a limited-edition dish.
I can’t say no to the Double-Up Chicken. This dish makes my chicken-loving heart happy because it lets me enjoy both grilled pepper chicken and country-fried chicken. Plus, it comes with a baked potato that’s super velvety and buttery.
If you love desserts, I recommend getting the tiramisu. The coffee flavour shines through, the ladyfingers are wonderfully moist, and the whipped cream with mascarpone cheese is so light and fluffy it’s like eating a cloud.
Labula Mala Hotpot Restaurant
From: sgfwoodie
Address: 683 Hougang Ave 8, #01-923 Hougang Village
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10:30 am to 4:30 am
Contact Number: +6589089088
Website
I hear you like spice, is that right? If yes, then I challenge you to test just how high your spice tolerance is by trying out Labula Mala Hotpot Restaurant.
This mala restaurant is popular for its dan dan noodles. You can already tell just how spicy the dish is from the smell, and when you take a sip of the broth, your tongue might go numb!
Aside from the heat, I love that this dish has a kick of sourness because it stops the broth from tasting greasy. I also really like the noodles; they’re springy and absorb the broth’s flavours really well.
Sin Heng Kee Porridge
From: nusfatclub
Address: 685 Hougang St. 61, #01-150 Block 685 HDB Hougang
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—7 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6591181569
Facebook
I know Sin Heng Kee Porridge doesn’t seem like much from the outside, but don’t pass up on this local gem. This restaurant serves some of the most comforting bowls of porridge. Seriously, I feel like receiving a warm hug every time I eat here.
I recommend the Century Egg and Meatball Porridge. The porridge tastes sharp and umami, and there’s also a hint of gingery flavour that I like. Sometimes, I request an extra egg yolk to be mixed in just to make the porridge even richer.
Where to Shop
Cheong Ann Watch Maker
From: theclockmakerson
Address: 4 Lim Tua Tow Rd
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday—10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562884603
Facebook
Cheong Ann Watch Maker is the perfect example of an underrated gem. It’s situated in a sleepy corner of the neighbourhood, and inside, it’s even more sleep-inducing, thanks to all the lullaby-like chimes of the clocks.
Despite its name, this store doesn’t actually sell watches. Instead, you can find antique clocks that will definitely add an old-school charm to your home. The last time I visited, I found grandfather’s clocks and even a rare, 19th-century, French-made clock!
Other antiques you can find here include gramophones and musical boxes.
Emmanuel Cycles
From: emmanuelcycles
Address: 356 Hougang Ave 7, #01-787 Block 356 HDB Hougang
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6592973960
Website
If you love to bike, then you might want to check out Emmanuel Cycles. This shop offers all sorts of bike goodies—from essential parts to fancy auxiliary accessories.
My favourite thing about this shop is that some of the products come in different vibrant colours and shapes. For example, they have seatpost clamps that look like wolf’s teeth and come in various colours. These would be great blings for my bicycle!
Hougang Mall
From: hougangmall
Address: 90 Hougang Ave 10
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6564889617
Website
Hougang Mall is probably the most well-known shopping mall in the neighbourhood (at least, it is for me)—and for good reason. Its array of shops and restaurants is broad, so casual and luxury shoppers alike love coming here.
One of my go-to shops here is 2 PM Apparel because I love their cute and quirky clothes. I bought a maxi dress with a floral print here), and its pastel colour palette makes me feel like I’m a flower princess!
I also love to frequent Japan Home. This store sells house goods, which range from simple, utilitarian ones to quirky-looking ones. I love getting the cute, usually animal-shaped kitchen and dining items because I’m just a child at heart.
Hougang 1
Address: 1 Hougang Street 91
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Website
Another popular mall in Hougang is Hougang 1, which is one of the Far East Malls. Its vibe is on the luxurious end of the spectrum, but in my opinion, this mall is still great for casual shoppers.
As much as I love shopping for clothes, makeup, and the like, I actually come here for FairPrice Xtra, a supermarket that’s also super in size. Since it’s much bigger than your typical grocery store, it holds a lot more. So, not only will you find fresh produce and other grocery items, but you’ll also find all sorts of electronic gadgets!
Hougang Green Shopping Mall
From: daily.snaps.sg
Address: 21 Hougang St 51
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 am to 4 am
Contact Number: +6586570711
If you’re looking for a mall with a much cosier vibe, then Hougang Green Shopping Mall is for you. This is also great if you’re on a budget because from what I’ve noticed, the shops here offer cheaper prices than the ones in Hougang Mall and Hougang 1.
I love coming here just for Collate Nails. They’re my go-to when I want to make my nails look pretty for an occasion. This shop, dare I say, nails it!
Heartland Mall Kovan
From: sot.love
Address: 205 Hougang St 21
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562873808
Website
Heartland Mall Koval may look unassuming, but don’t let its humble exterior fool you! This quaint mall has its fair share of hidden gems!
I come here for TOYS2KOOL. I’m an adult, but my inner child still yearns for the squishy plushies. There are also video games available here (especially the Nintendo ones), and that makes my gamer heart happy!
There’s also a POPULAR bookstore here, one of the, well, most popular bookstore franchises in Singapore. Reading more books is one of my goals this 2025, and so far, I’ve enjoyed the novels I picked out from this store.
Buangkok Square Mall
From: buangkoksquare
Address: Block 991 Buangkok Link
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Buangkok Square Mall has to be one of the most underrated malls I’ve ever visited. I only heard about it recently, and I assumed it was just a tiny mall. But no, it’s bigger than expected and has a lovely, modern vibe.
Currently, the shops that are in here are mostly selling furniture, electronics, and health and beauty products.
There are also shops offering services. During my last visit, I noticed interior design centres and educational institutions offering classes in dance, art, and the Chinese language.
Where to Stay
Village Residence Hougang
From: rave_photography_
Address: 1 Hougang Street 91
Contact Number: +6560190400
Website
Village Residence Hougang is the perfect choice if you want to stay close to all the fun and convenient things. After all, it sits atop Hougang 1, so you’re just a short walk away from shopping, dining, and other forms of entertainment.
The rooms here don’t feel like your typical hotel room. Instead of just a bed, a TV, and a bathroom, the rooms here are fully equipped with all the necessary things—including a kitchen.
There’s also a bathtub in the bathroom, which I love because I enjoy taking long baths at the end of a long day.
Fragrance Hotel—Kovan
From: fragrancehotel
Address: SG, Upper Serangoon Rd, #760 Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre
Contact Number: +6568589888
Website
If you’re on a budget, then Fragrance Hotel—Kovan is the best option. With areas ranging from 12 to 15 square meters, the rooms here are pretty small, but they’re cosy and comfortable all the same.
All rooms have a queen-size bed, cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee/tea/water. I also love that this hotel is located near the Kovan MRT station, so travelling isn’t so much of a hassle.
Hotel 81 Kovan
From: hotel81sg
Address: 768 Upper Serangoon Rd
Contact Number: +6562868181
Website
Another great hotel for people on a budget is Hotel 81 Kovan. It’s also perfect for people who’ll be spending most of their time travelling (as opposed to a chill staycation) because this hotel is located near both the Kovan MRT station and the Upper Serangoon Road bus stop.
Most rooms here can only accommodate two people, but there are options that can host up to three. Aside from all the typical hotel amenities, you can also enjoy free parking.