Bishan is more than just a convenient MRT station located right smack in the middle of our tiny, sunny island of Singapore. The neighbourhood has a ton of hidden gems, from unique dining establishments to mosaic-covered playgrounds that the locals don't want you to know about!
With hidden gems all over the neighbourhood, I encourage you to spend a day exploring these places and experience everything that Bishan has to offer. You're bound to find something that tickles your fancy.
Good Bites
Nestled atop the Bishan Sports Centre, Good Bites is a halal-certified cafe that serves up affordable and delectable fusion western cuisine. With a wide variety of mains, burgers, pasta, and desserts that won’t leave a hole in your wallet, what’s not to love? Be sure to order the crowd-favourite Tom Yum Seafood Pasta ($13.90), paired with their unique Blue Lagoon Latte ($7.90). Oh, did I also forget to mention that they are covered with fairy lights and neon signs? Take some Instagrammable pictures while the food’s being prepared!
Address: 5 Bishan Street 14, #03-01, Singapore 579783
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11am–11pm
Contact: 6970 0233
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The Hideout at District 20
A five-minute walk from Marymount MRT, it is easy to miss The Hideout at District 20 if you don’t pay attention. This is a perfect spot for an after-work drink, a weekend date, or a fun get-together with your friends. They serve up a wide array of specialty craft beers and a fuss-free fusion mix of western and Asian cuisine. What’s even better is that they have dartboards where you can play darts with your friends, or you can choose to start a game at the pool table. A great place to chill and have fun!
Address: 38 Jln Pemimpin, #01-03, Singapore 577178
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11.30am–10.30pm
Contact: 9710 2232
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Trattoria da Mimmo
Chef Mimmo proudly serves up authentic, traditional Tuscan-style Italian cuisine that is, in my humble opinion, some of the best in Singapore. The restaurant is truly a hidden gem, concealed in a quiet neighbourhood off Jalan Pemimpin. Run by Chef Mimmo – who grew up in San Marzano, Italy – and his team, you can be assured of the quality of food and service. The pastas, pizzas, steaks, and wine will transport you back to the rustic streets of Italy.
Address: 3 Clover Way, Singapore 579078
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11.45am–2pm, 5.45pm–10pm
Closed on Tuesday
Contact: 9088 2659
Buta Kin
You might be more aware of Buta Kin’s Beauty World outlet, as they are one of the first stalls to serve up affordable ramen in a hawker centre. They have opened their second outlet at Thomson V Two, as a small shop selling some of Singapore’s best Tonkotsu Ramen, priced only at $7.90. If you’re not a fan of ramen, they also serve up delicious Japanese curry rice, donburi, and side dishes such as cold tofu and chicken karaage.
Address: 11 Sin Ming Rd, #01-13 Thomson V Two, Singapore 575629
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11.30am–10pm
Contact: 9613 2615
The Straits People Cafe
The Straits People Cafe, also commonly known as TSP Coffee, is a breakfast and brunch cafe hidden in the quiet industrial area of Jalan Pemimpin. They serve up delicious and affordable brunch food like burgers and sandwiches, but the standouts are the cakes and tarts. Their rustic dark chocolate tarts and lemon blueberry cakes are well-loved, so do be sure to go down and pair their signature tarts and cakes with a fresh cup of coffee!
Address: 1 Pemimpin Dr, #01-02, Singapore 576151
Opening hours: Monday 8.30am–5pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 8.30am–8.30pm
Thursday 8.30am–3pm
Closed on Friday to Sunday
Contact: 8756 6724
Iseecream
Enjoy late-night gelatos at Iseecream! Iseecream is one of the newer kids on the block, opening just October last year. They take pride in serving up artisan gelatos that are self-made and not mass-produced, highlighting the quality of their gelatos. With zero artificial flavouring, colouring, and preservatives, feel free to indulge in their handmade creamy gelatos without feeling guilty! The highly recommended flavours are Pistachio and Valrhona Chocolate, both priced at $5.
Address: 11 Sin Ming Rd, #01-14, Singapore 575629
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 2pm–11pm
Friday & Saturday 2pm–2am
Closed on Monday
Contact: 9325 3923
Clock Playground
This old mosaic clock playground screams retro and is located just next to the Bishan Bus Interchange. Built in the 1980s when Bishan was undergoing housing developments, this colourful and whimsical playground was designed based on children’s nursery rhymes. It consists of a cuckoo clock with a ladder and a slide. The clock playground is one of the only sandpit playgrounds left in Singapore, so why not go explore it?
Address: 514B Bishan Street 13, Bishan Bus Interchange, Singapore 572514
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is one of the biggest urban parks in central Singapore, filled with bridges, ponds, lawns, playgrounds, dog parks, and various walking paths. It is a great place for fitness enthusiasts, nature and picnic lovers, cafe hoppers, and children. You will also find an array of food establishments here as well, including the likes of GRUB, Canopy Garden Dining, ToriYard, and McDonald’s. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park also has an adventure playground, a water playground, and an all-inclusive playground for children with special needs.
Address: 1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983
