Everything You Need to Know about Toa Payoh in Singapore
Toa Payoh has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Once a swampy area—hence its name, which is Hokkien for “big swamp”—and then a notorious squatter district, this neighborhood is now an urbanized mature residential town.
But aside from being one of the most sought-after residential areas in Singapore’s Central Region, Toa Payoh is rich in culture and heritage. Restaurants serving various cuisines and grand temples and shrines line the main streets.
If you’re planning to visit Toa Payoh soon, here’s a guide to ensure a memorable trip.
Where is Toa Payoh?
Toa Payoh is located in the northern part of the Central Region. It borders Bishan and Serangoon to the north, Kallang to the south, Geylang to the southeast, Novena to the west, and Hougang to the east.
The Central Water Catchment is also near Toa Payoh, on the neighborhood’s northwest border.
What is the main street of Toa Payoh?
The main street of Toa Payoh is the Lor 1 and 6 Toa Payoh, a circular road situated roughly in the neighborhood’s center. This road branches off to several smaller streets, effectively connecting the various residential sectors.
Thomson Road is also a major road since it connects the southern and northern parts of the neighborhood.
How to Get to Toa Payoh
By MRT: This neighborhood is well-serviced by the MRT system. There are two stations here, namely the Toa Payoh and Braddell MRT stations.
By Bus: You can also find a Toa Payoh Bus Interchange here if you prefer riding buses.
What to Do and See in Toa Payoh
Let your inner child loose in the Dragon Playground
From: vanessapxh
Address: 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
The Dragon Playground is one of the most popular landmarks in the neighborhood. At first, I couldn’t understand why this was such a big deal. Then, I learned that this is one of the last two dragon playgrounds in Singapore (the other in Ang Mo Kio)!
The playground features a dragon head with terrazzo tiles and a body made of colorful rings and slides. Usually, I come here with my young nieces and nephews, and together we climb the rings and go down slides.
Have fun in SAFRA Toa Payoh
From: safrasg
Address: 6 Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562594000
Website
If you’re looking for more recreational things to do, then you better head to SAFRA Toa Payoh as soon as possible. This is like a shopping mall, a club, and a big playground rolled into one, so you’ll undoubtedly have many options.
I’m a simple gal, so my go-to facility here is the swimming pool, especially when it’s hot out (which is basically every day in Singapore). The pool is big enough that I can swim several laps, and it has various depth levels, so my nieces and nephews can join me if they want.
Visit Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple
From: finding.god.within
Address: 8 Toa Payoh
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday—6 am to 12 pm, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Friday—6 am to 12 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6562595238
Website
Toa Payoh has many beautiful temples that are worth checking out—even if you don’t practice the religion—and one of them is Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple. This was established all the way back in the 1860s, and it’s dedicated to Kaliamman, the Hindu goddess for time, death, and destruction.
The temple’s entrance tower is nothing short of magnificent. It’s tall and intricately carved, and in the middle is a grand statue of the main deity.
The interior is just as beautiful. The deity statues are draped in colorful clothes, and there are elaborate golden details everywhere!
Marvel at the Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple
From: tptstst
Address: 6 Toa Payoh
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +6562546768
Website
Another fantastic temple you might want to visit is the Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple. This one is made to honor Song Da Feng, a monk-turned-saint who lived during the Song Dynasty. Even though Taoism is the main religion here, worship rituals of Buddhism and Confucianism are also welcome.
This temple feels so grand and out-of-this-world. Every time I climb up the stately red entrance stairs, I feel like I’m stepping onto palace grounds. The entrance gate towers over me, with an old-school roof and lots of golden accents. How can I not feel awe at this sight?
Check out the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery
From: shuanglinmonastery
Address: 184 Jalan Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6562596924
Website
Also known as Siong Lim Temple, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that’s now considered a national monument. This landmark is a picture of serenity, what with the manicured lawns and the well-trimmed green trees and hedges scattered around.
My favorite feature of this temple is the pagoda, which is said to be a replica of the 800-year-old Shanfeng temple pagoda in Fujian. This pagoda stands seven stories tall, and it has a gold top. It looks so regal and beautiful that I end up just staring at it for a long time!
Where to Eat in Toa Payoh
Swatow Seafood
From: swatowrestaurant
Address: 4 Toa Payoh, #02-602 Toa Payoh Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 2:30 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 2:30 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
Swatow Seafood is more than just a seafood restaurant. This is also a great place to taste authentic Teochew cuisine!
The menu is quite extensive, so I always take the time before I order something. Usually, I gravitate toward their signature chicken, which is tender and oozing with umami flavors.
The Larder Cafe
From: thelardercafesg
Address: Blk 177 Toa Payoh Central, #01-124 Toa Payoh Mall
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562538382
Pricing: $$
Website
What I like about The Larder Cafe is that it has such a calming and relaxing vibe. Because of this, it’s now one of my go-to places whenever I want to catch up with friends or I want to work for a bit in a different environment.
I love getting the duck confit. The duck leg is massive and oozing with savory juices! This dish comes with an orange that adds a nice fruity sweetness to every bite and creamy mashed potatoes that fill my stomach in no time.
Tims Restaurant and Cafe
From: tims.restaurant
Address: 4 Toa Payoh, #01-52 Block 95 HDB Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562505246
Pricing: $$
Website
If comfort food is what you’re after, then you might like Tims Restaurant and Cafe. It’s definitely one of my favorite places whenever I need a pick-me-up.
I love to splurge and get their lobster with sirloin steak (even though I know this isn’t good for my heart). The lobster is mellow and sweet with a bit of smokiness from its char, while the sirloin is thick, tender, and peppery. It also comes with baked potato and seasonal vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.
Soi 47 Thai Food
From: dearfoodiepebbles
Address: 6 Toa Payoh, East Payoh Spring
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562664747
Pricing: $$
Website
Are you looking for a Thai restaurant serving authentic dishes at an affordable rate? Then, look no further than Soi 47 Thai Food!
I like to start my meal with tom yum soup; the spice from the broth is enough to wake my taste buds. Then, I move on to my main course: the stir-fried chicken with honey sauce. I love how the savory flavors of the chicken pair well with the sauce’s sweetness!
Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market and Hawker Center
From: misstamchiak
Address: 8 Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—12 pm to 9 pm
Pricing: $
Even if you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy great food in Toa Payoh. This neighborhood has several hawker centers, and Toa Payoh Lorong 8 Market and Hawker Center is one of the best.
I usually make a beeline to Nine Stone Avenue — Seletar Sheng Mian and Mee Hoon Kway because I love their mee hoon kway soup. The noodles are handmade, so they’re quite springy; meanwhile, the broth boasts rich, umami flavors.
Uno Beef House
From: thisisjeffrey
Address: 1 Toa Payoh, Maxim Coffee Shop
Operating Hours: Thursday to Tuesday—11:30 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6596776007
Pricing: $$
Facebook
Uno Beef House is basically a hidden gem. It’s tucked away inside a coffee shop, so you’ll have a hard time finding it if you’re not paying attention. I should know because I literally had to call the number since I kept walking around in circles in the area!
This spot specializes in Western food with a Singaporean twist.
My favorite thing to order so far is the fried rice with chicken chop. The chicken thigh is wonderfully seared and laid atop a bed of fragrant fried rice. The plate also has a sunny-side-up egg, so the dish is incredibly hearty and filling!
Siam Kitchen SAFRA Toa Payoh
From: siamkitchensg
Address: 6 Toa Payoh, #01-04
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6531252769
Pricing: $$
Website
SAFRA Toa Payoh isn’t just a recreation center; it also has an impressive array of restaurants. If you ask me what my favorite is from the lineup, I’d probably say Siam Kitchen. I can never resist tasty Thai cuisine.
I mostly come to this halal restaurant for its buffet. I pile my plate high with the mango salad (I love how sweet and refreshing it is), minced chicken basil (savory and smoky), and pineapple fried rice with egg.
Kelly Jie Seafood
From: adt_____
Address: 211 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-11/15 Block 211 HDB Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6581234156
Pricing: $$
Website
Another great spot that seafood lovers will appreciate is Kelly Jie Seafood.
The crab dishes are the showstoppers here. My personal favorite is their chili crab because I find the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly balanced in this one. The creamy butter crab is great as well (though not good for your heart health).
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
From: crystaljadesg
Address: 6 Toa Payoh, #01-70 Toa Payoh Mall
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6583663228
Pricing: $$$
Website
Crystal Jade has received a Michelin star and multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, so you just know that you can trust this restaurant to deliver greatness.
I’m obsessed with the dim sum menu. I love getting the pan-fried chili crab dumpling (the burst of spicy-sweet flavors is amazing) and the classic pork dumpling (so juicy).
Creamier
From: creamier_sg
Address: 1 Toa Payoh, #01-02
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6588825106
Pricing: $$
Website
If you love sweet treats like I do, especially ice cream, then you can’t pass up the opportunity to stop by Creamier.
This ice cream spot has some of the most interesting flavors. For example, there’s orange milk chocolate ice cream, which has a lovely blend of fruitiness and indulgent sweetness!
Shrove Tuesday
From: shrovetuesday_sg
Address: 4 Toa Payoh, #01-32
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6587783862
Pricing: $$
Shrove Tuesday is another spot I would recommend to people who are obsessed with desserts. This small, cozy shop sells a wide variety of sweet treats—from the classic ice cream to the most decadent cakes.
I always get their waffles with ice cream. The waffles are pretty big, enough to satisfy my hunger, and they’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re topped with vanilla ice cream that melts into the crevices, which I love because that means every bite is an explosion of sweetness!
Where to Shop in Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh Mall
From: caveman_sean
Address: 185 Toa Payoh Central
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Website
If you’re in the mood for shopping in Toa Payoh, then Toa Payoh Mall should be your top priority. This is the region’s main shopping center, and it’s home to stores selling all sorts of merchandise.
I love coming here to buy new clothes (I’m starting to redefine my fashion). My go-to store is Liew’s Creation, which is a tiny shop with adorable, bright tops and bottoms. I find the prices to be reasonable here, and I also like that I can request alterations, which is such a relief!
COURTS @Toa Payoh
From: courtssg
Address: 6 Toa Payoh
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6518002226868
Website
COURTS @Toa Payoh is the perfect place to go if you want to buy electronics. This shop always has promotions and exclusive deals, so you can get a brand-new gadget at a discounted price!
My friends who live in Toa Payoh bought their flat-screen televisions here, which all had at least 20% discounts! When I came here to check out the store’s products, I was surprised to discover that there were also furniture and office supplies.
Kiddy Palace
From: kiddypalacesg
Address: 500 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #03-30 HDB Hub
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6563527781
Website
Looking to buy new gifts for the little children in your life? Then, you must head to Kiddy Palace!
This shop boasts such a wide range of products—from toys to clothes. The last time we came here, my nieces and nephews went crazy over the kiddy bicycles and cars. Their parents ended up buying the toys because the kids loved them so much!
Where to Stay in Toa Payoh
Value Hotel Thomson
From: valuehotelsg
Address: 592 Balestier Rd
Contact Number: +6563582323
Pricing: $$
Website
Sleek and modern, Value Hotel Thomson is a great place if you want a staycation that’s within your budget. The rooms are super cozy with a 32-inch LCD/LED TV and complimentary beverages and toiletries. You can also request an iron and ironing board if you need them.
Additionally, this hotel has a simple gym for people who love working out and a swimming pool. The pool is located on the 7th floor, so you can enjoy a great view of the city while swimming around.
ibis Styles Singapore on Macpherson
Address: 401 MacPherson Rd
Contact Number: +6566226000
Pricing: $$
Website
The great thing about ibis Styles Singapore is that its services are akin to a first-class hotel without the hefty price tag! The rooms are bright and colorful with all the essentials like a flat-screen television for entertainment and a desk for work.
You’ll also have access to other perks. Breakfast is already included, and if you want to exercise, there’s a fitness center. My favorite amenity is the pool because I love to end my day with a relaxing swim.