Sengkang & Punggol Guide: 7 new dining spots and cafes to check out

Anna’s is a new sourdough-forward bakery cafe and retail space located at the idyllic Oasis Terraces. Helmed by The Soup Spoon’s founder Anna Lim, the concept was conceived during the pandemic and adopts the same philosophy of serving nourishing meals through sourdough-based bakes, pizza, pasta and even drinks.

There are whole loaves for sale, as well as casual brunch-style plates to choose from. Think a sourdough bread platter with various dips, chewy sourdough pasta, and airy chewy sourdough pizzas that range from the classic Margherita to the pretty Forest Forager topped with mushrooms and edible flowers.

Anna’s is in the process of receiving its halal certification.

681 Punggol Drive,#01-04, Oasis Terraces, Singapore 820681.

Located at the seafront Northshore Plaza II in Punggol, the new Well Collective is poised as a tranquil spot for weary urbanites. A high ceiling and laidback interiors with rattan fixtures lend a minimalist vibe with a coastal touch. It’s also headed by the same team behind Botany and The Ritual cafes.

The menu, with both Japanese and French influences, is designed to be inclusive with options for flexitarians, vegans, vegetarians, and those on a gluten-free diet in mind; it’s also pork- and lard-free. During the day, enjoy crepes, pasta, toast, protein bowls and other bakes.

When evening comes, it adopts an izakaya concept, with plates like Chicken Yakitori and “No Chicken Tsukune”,  Torched Pitan Tofu, and a rotating dinner pop-up menu with monthly themes. For pet owners, there’s a pet grooming salon and vet clinic conveniently located next door, so you can hang out and wait while you’re waiting for your pets.

Northshore Plaza II (#02-11/12), 418 Northshore Drive, Singapore 820418

Jalan Kayu is well known as a foodie’s enclave and has recently welcomed The Apricus Coffee & Food Co into the fold. It’s helmed by the same team behind The Populus cafe.

Taking inspiration from the Australian cafe scene, this chic breezy spot is where you can pop in for all-day brunch fare — think French toast with roasted rice soft serve, croissants stuffed with creamy scrambled eggs and bacon, seafood pasta, chicken stew and more.

The contemporary light-filled interiors make for a chill space to while the afternoon away, too.

248 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799472.

Tiong Bahru Bakery has opened its 11th and newest outlet at Waterway Point mall in Punggol. Apart from its usual stable of croissants and other bakes, there’s also a new and exclusive menu of hot items here, from a chicken burger to croffles (that’s a croissant + waffle hybrid).

The Punggol outlet is the only one where you’ll find croffles, made with its croissant dough, and options that range from spiced pulled pork to vanilla bean ice cream. What’s also worth the calories is the Crispy Chicken Burger that has a juicy fried chicken thigh with a crisp airy crust and creamy gochujang sauce. Other menu items include the Truffle Mushroom Grilled Cheese, Egg Soldiers with sous vide eggs and sourdough bread, as well as Quinoa Salad.

#01-66 Waterway Point West Wing, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761

To mark Haidilao’s 10^th anniversary, the hotpot chain has opened the first smart Haidilao restaurant in Singapore at Northshore Plaza in Punggol.

A highlight is the Intelligent Food Room with robotic arms that select the dishes and send them to the ‘sorting area’. The specially built cold room is maintained at a constant 0-4 degrees Celsius to maintain the freshness of the dishes. It also minimises any potential risk of transmission of germs and bacteria from human food handling.

There are also roving robot waiters, as well as a customised automatic soup machine that improves the accuracy of ingredients servings and customises soup preferences. This is the first time such equipment is introduced in Singapore.

From now till Dec 4, dine in at any Haidilao outlet islandwide to enjoy its anniversary promotions. There will be two exclusive dishes priced at $10++ each (U.P up to $28++) weekly.

#01-01 Northshore Plaza I, 407 Northshore Drive, Singapore 820407

Whether for an afternoon treat or late-night sugar fix, put Cold Flings on your shortlist. Nestled within the compounds of the High Park Residences condominium, the gelato cafe opens till 2am daily.

Choose from 18 gelato flavours, including unique ones like Grape Yakult, Matcha Kitkat, and Butterfly Pea Lychee, which you can pair with crispy buttermilk waffles. There are also acai bowls on the menu, with eight tempting options like Cookie Crush, Super Nutty, and Oh Fudge.

21 Fernvale Road, #01-05 High Park Residences, Singapore 797637

Dine with T-rexes or Pterodactyls at Nomstar, a new dino- and safari-themed dining enclave at Northshore Plaza. Clad in lsuh greenery and dinosaur sculptures, its full-height glass windows also offer an idyllic waterfront view.

It houses five well-known Asian restaurants: Tim Ho Wan, Tsuta, Hawker Chan, Thai Lae Dee (by Took Lae Dee) and Mrs Pho. To place your order with any of the five stalls, you can scan the QR code at your table and wait for your queue number to be flashed at hanging monitors located within the space.

#03-01, Northshore Plaza 2 , 418 Northshore Drive, Singapore 820418

This article was first published in Singapore Women's Weekly.