Best Mandai Wildlife Reserve food
Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Night Safari—these are the four wildlife parks that form the sprawling Mandai Wildlife Reserve. And with the recent opening of Mandai Wildlife West, which serves as a gateway to Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild, there’s so much to check out there, and that includes food options. This listicle serves as a guide to the best eateries in each of these five areas.
Table of Contents
Singapore Zoo
1. Inuka Cafe
Image credit: yun en
If you’re going to the Singapore Zoo in the morning, and are looking for a solid breakfast fix, Inuka Cafe is a good option. The eatery offers classic local breakfast sets, such as the Butter & Kaya Toast, Butter & Sugar Toast, and the Peanut Butter Toast. These will set you back $2.60 each, and they each come with half-boiled eggs and your choice of drink. Inuka Cafe also whips up a decent Hearty Seeds Rojak ($6.50), so be sure to try that if you’re a fan of the dish.
Location: Singapore Zoo, park entrance
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Inuka Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
2. Ah Meng Restaurant
Image credit: @_t_ing_
Named after the late tourist icon and orangutan, Ah Meng Restaurant offers a wide variety of casual eats. There are local dishes such as Kampung Mandai Chicken Rice ($13.90), Singapore Laksa ($12.90), Western delights including Fish & Chips ($17.90) and Duck Confit ($17.90), and even bento boxes such as the Chicken Teriyaki Bento ($16.90). For those who are bringing their kids to the zoo, dishes such as the Kids Chicken Nuggets with Fries ($9.90) should please them.
Location: Singapore Zoo, opposite Tram Stop 1
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 4pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 4:30pm
Ah Meng Restaurant is a halal-certified eatery.
3. KFC
KFC needs no introduction. The world-famous fast food chain is beloved by people of all ages, so if you’re visiting the zoo with the whole family, some good ol’ Kentucky fried chicken might be a great option. Your usual 2 pcs Meal ($9.30) or 3 pcs Meal ($11.70) should make for a hearty chicken meal either flavoured with the brand’s signature spices or made hot and crispy. Meanwhile, the kids should enjoy some Popcorn Chicken ($5.30), 6 pcs Nuggets ($5.60), and Cheese Fries ($5.20).
Location: Singapore Zoo, park entrance
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 7pm
KFC is a halal-certified eatery.
Bird Paradise
4. Bird Bakery
Image credit: Belina Lee
Like the previously discussed Inuka Cafe, Bird Bakery is a great place to have breakfast before entering Bird Paradise, and it’s also a good stop for a cup of coffee before heading off to other attractions. Its fresh bakes on offer range from more conventional picks such as Chocolate Danish ($6.90) and Butter Croissant ($4.90) to more unique ones including the Chicken Bak Kwa Sesame Brioche ($6.90). For more savoury options, you can get either the Quiche Smoke Salmon ($13.90) or the Quiche Lorraine ($13.90).
Location: Bird Paradise, park entrance
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5:30pm
Bird Bakery is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
5. Penguin Cove Restaurant & Penguin Cove Cafe
Image credit: Penguin Cove Cafe & Shop
The Penguin Cove Restaurant, located on level one, and the Penguin Cove Cafe, on level two, offer diners an immersive view of the penguin habitat as they eat. More specifically, the former, which operates as an international buffet, provide glimpses of the flightless bird’s diving and hunting, while the latter, a cafe with snacks such as Penguin Lemon Fruit Tart ($10.90) and New York Cheese Cake ($11.90), lets you marvel at the social dynamics of the mixed-species colony.
Location: Bird Paradise, Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove Level 1 & 2
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5:30pm
Penguin Cove Restaurant & Penguin Cove Cafe are not halal-certified eateries, but use no pork or lard.
6. Crimson Restaurant
Image credit: chen rojas
With a majestic view of the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands, home to gorgeous coloured birds including the American flamingo and scarlet ibis, Crimson Restaurant offers a specially-curated menu by local celebrity chef Eric Teo. The 3 Course Set Lunch ($58++), for instance, has satisfying starters, moreish mains such as king prawn aglio olio or French yellow spring chicken, and profiteroles for dessert. This set is available daily from 11am to 2:30pm, when the afternoon sun will illuminate the scenery before you.
Location: Bird Paradise, Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 5:30pm
Crimson Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Bird Paradise (Mandai Wildlife West)
7. A&W
There’s plenty to like when it comes to A&W—the burgers, hotdogs, and of course, root beer floats have made it a much-beloved brand globally. The signature Mozza Burger ($7.70) is one of the top picks here, consisting of two juicy beef patties layered with mozzarella, fresh vegetables, and chicken crisp. You can also enjoy it as a combo meal for $11.50, which includes fries and a drink. Don’t forget to get the Root Beer Float ($3), too, where that incredible combination of root beer and vanilla ice cream is served in cold-frosted glass.
Check out our A&W review!
Location: Mandai Wildlife West, #02-01
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 9pm
A&W is a halal-certified eatery.
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8. Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique & Sandwich Bar
Image credit: Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique
Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique & Sandwich Bar is a great place to stop by to beat the heat and indulge in some fine ice cream. Here, you can expect desserts such as their award-winning Gelato (from $5,50), and the Strawberry and Pandan Sundae ($12), which is a refreshing treat topped with coconut flakes, pomegranate seeds, and coconut blossom nectar for natural sweetness. There are also savoury bites from the Sandwich Bar, including the Egg Mayo Sourdough $10.80), which stars fresh coriander and pistachio for crunch.
Read our Birds of Paradise Mandai coverage.
Location: Mandai Wildlife West, #02-03
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 8pm
Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique & Sandwich Bar is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
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9. COLLIN’S
COLLIN’S is one of the more popular Western food chains in the country, and it’s easy to see why. With prices that won’t break the bank and a tantalising selection of grilled meats and other hearty mains, you’re likely to come away from a meal here satisfied and sated. The Mandai outlet, though, has some exclusives that are quite luxurious. Take the Jack’s Creek 450 Days Grain-fed Wagyu Ribeye ($68++), for instance, which is a high-grade steak is served with tomato, broccolini, and black pepper sauce. Another exclusive worth checking out is the Red Sea Seabass ($58++), which is served with ratatouille, grilled corn, shoestring fries, and a choice of either black pepper, brown onion gravy, or COLLINS’s house-made harissa sauce.
Read our COLLIN’S Mandai coverage.
Location: Mandai Wildlife West, #02-10
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 9pm
COLLIN’S is not a halal-certified eatery.
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10. Old Chang Kee Coffee House
Image credit: @ailinlim
Old Chang Kee, or at least the snack store version of the brand, is practically ubiquitous in Singapore. While its eatery, Old Chang Kee Coffee House, may not be as widespread, it still offers tasty, nostalgic eats, but with more options including main dishes and drinks. Get the aromatic Signature Curry Chicken ($8.90), which can be had with either rice, buns, noodles, or plain prata. Another recommended dish is the Kampung Mee Goreng ($8.90), which is old-school mee spicy noodle goodness.
Location: Mandai Wildlife West, #02-04
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm
Old Chang Kee Coffee House is a halal-certified eatery.
11. Pavilion Banana Leaf
Image credit: @wishuponatart
Pavilion Banana Leaf uses centuries-old authentic South Indian recipes, with bits of local influences here and there, to bring you delightful South Indian Chettinad cuisine. If you’re stopping by for lunch before heading to Bird Paradise, be sure to get the value-for-money lunch sets. Among other tasty dishes, there’s the filling and flavourful Chicken Biryani Set ($16.50++), the vegetarian-friendly Thali Set Meal ($11.90++), and the piquant Half Fish Head Curry ($27.90++).
Location: Mandai Wildlife West, #02-06
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 9pm
Pavilion Banana Leaf is a halal-certified eatery.
River Safari
12. Mama Panda Kitchen
Image credit: @jjoeeeyyyy_
With a name like Mama Panda Kitchen, you just know this eatery is going to be a hit with the kids. Panda-themed food and drinks are available here, along with other classic Chinese dishes. The adorable Panda Red Bean Bun ($2.90) and Panda Chocolate Custard Bun ($2.90) are bao with rich and tasty fillings made to look like a panda’s face. You can pair that with the Giant Panda Cappuccino ($6.50) for a decent cup of coffee adorned with latte art of a cartoon panda.
Location: River Wonders, Giant Panda Forest
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 6:30pm
Mama Panda Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
13. Starbucks
When you’re out and about, there are times when you just crave a cup of coffee from Starbucks to re-energise you. If you ever feel that way while visiting River Wonders, then you’re in luck, because there’s one just at the entrance of the park. Plus, if you’re visiting in the morning, Starbucks’ breakfast sets will be a great start to your day. They include treats such as the Truffle Cream & Turkey Bacon Croissant, Scrambled Egg & Cheese Brioche Sandwich, and more—these will set you back $8.50 each.
There’s another Starbucks near Bird Paradise. Read our Starbucks at Bird Paradise coverage.
Location: River Wonders, park entrance
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9am to 7:30pm, Fri-Sun 9am to 7pm
Starbucks is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
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Night Safari
14. Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
Image credit: @allyssa555
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant mimics the experience of enjoying a kampung dinner in days of yore. That means old-school furnishing, dark but inviting lighting, and plenty of Singaporean food classics. Char Kway Teow ($12.90), Rojak ($8.50), and Kampung Mandai Chicken Rice ($13.90) are some of the familiar dishes that you’ll find here. It’s a nice place to have dinner before going into the nocturnal world of the Night Safari, or have supper after you’ve completed your visit.
Location: Night Safari, Entrance Plaza
Opening hours: Daily 6:30pm to 11pm
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
15. New Zealand Natural
Image credit: @chew.and.chill
Many Singaporean nights are hot and humid, and the best way to counter that—outside of air-conditioning, that is—is to have some ice cream. New Zealand Natural allows you to go super indulgent with your cool sweet treats: you can have a Triple Scoop Ice Cream ($13) loaded with various wet or dry toppings, and top it off with Thickshakes ($13.90), which are basically milkshakes that lets you choose from a wide range of ice cream and frozen yoghurts to blend with milk.
Location: Night Safari, Entrance Plaza
Opening hours: 6:30pm to 11pm
New Zealand Natural is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
What to eat at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
There are quite a number of eats across the wider Mandai Wildlife Reserve, so we hope this listicle was helpful in helping you pick what to eat. If you’re keen on shopping at the new Thai Supermarket at Aperia Mall, read our best things to buy at the Thai Supermarket listicle. If you’re looking for bak chang for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, check out our best bak chang delivery and takeaway listicle.
14 Best Things To Buy At The New Thai Supermarket, Including Coffee Beer And More
Feature image adapted from yun en, @alvinongks, @ailinlim, @wishuponatart, @jjoeeeyyyy_, @allyssa555.
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