NEX food guide
As someone who studied in Serangoon, NEX holds fond after-school memories for me. Growing up, one thing that has remained the same about this heartland mall is the plethora of food options available. If you are like me and enjoy visiting the mall, satisfy the foodie in you with these NEX food places for affordable Japanese cuisine, hotpot and more.
Table of Contents
1. Fong Sheng Hao
Hailing from Taipei’s famous Shilin Night Market is Fong Sheng Hao, which offers scrumptious Taiwanese-style toast. Sink your teeth into the signature Pork Egg and Cheese ($6.90) sandwich, comprising their in-house pork cutlet and chilli. They are also known for their Pork Foss Egg Omelette ($6.90), stuffed with pork floss and fluffy egg. For something heartier, try the Braised Pork Rice ($8.60), AKA the classic lu rou fan.
From our Fong Sheng Hao review: “If you’re looking for some solid Taiwanese eats, especially those suitable for breakfast, Fong Sheng Hao is a good option. They’re not going to blow you away with their fare, but there’s enough to appreciate with their charcoal toast and milk tea combination.”
Unit number: #B2-15
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 9pm
Website
Fong Sheng Hao is not a halal-certified eatery.
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2. Beauty In The Pot
Well-known by Singaporeans is Beauty In The Pot, a hotpot restaurant that features nourishing broths such as the Herbal Drunken Chicken Broth (from $9.50++) and Beauty Collagen Broth (from $10.80++). A must-order is the Fried Beancurd Skin (from $6.30++) which absorbs the indulgent broth with its sponge-like texture. Alternatively, get their Ebiko Prawn Paste ($19.80++), made in-house with fresh prawns and crunchy ebiko pearls. The NEX outlet is also unicorn-themed, making for IG-worthy shots!
Unit number: #02-01
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3am
Tel: 6805 8172
Website
Beauty In The Pot is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. Aburi-EN
Aburi means ‘flame-seared’, and as its name suggests, Aburi-EN prides itself on its blow-torched dishes. Topped with thick slabs of pork belly, the Premium Buta Bara Don ($16.90++) is sure to tantalise meat-lovers’ taste buds. Let the flavourful drippings seep into the rice for a more buttery mouthfeel. If you’re not a meat-eater, try their Salmon Mentaiko Don ($16.90++), with tender salmon slices that melt in your mouth.
From our Aburi-EN review: “The grilled beef slices, though thin, were sufficiently tender and flavourful. Slathered with black truffle paste, each piece was elevated with umami and earthy notes.”
Unit number: #01-63/64/65
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6509 0797
Website
Aburi-EN is not a halal-certified eatery.
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4. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
Hailing from Bangkok, with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award to boot, Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice offers chicken rice, and other delectable Thai dishes. For a quick meal, get their Single Portion Chicken (from $5.50++), with succulent poached chicken over a bed of glistening flavoured rice, with a house special green chilli dip on the side. If you are dining in a group and have a bigger budget to spare, order their Steamed Sea Bass with Chilli, Lime & Garlic ($29.90++). This tender fish is doused in a sauce that’s tangy, garlicky and sweet, making it refreshing to the palate.
Unit number: #B1-05/06
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6509 9980
Website
Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice is a halal-certified eatery.
5. Yun Nans
If you love Sichuan dishes and frequent mala xiang guo spots, consider trying Yun Nans, Yunnan’s largest restaurant chain that serves up authentic cuisine from the region. A must-try is their Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($29.90++) which is cooked without a single drop of water! This naturally sweet broth is the closest you can get to pure chicken essence. Another special dish is their Stir-Fried Eggs with Jasmine Petals ($13.90++). The familiar, hearty flavour of stir-fried eggs is elevated in this dish with floral notes from jasmine flowers.
From our Yun Nans review: “It was love at first bite with the soon hock, which was impeccably fresh and clean tasting. The chunks, which fell off the bones without much effort at all, were tender with a bite, boasting a mild sweetness you can only get with live fish.”
Unit number: #B1-15
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 7883
Website
Yun Nans is not a halal-certified eatery.
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6. Penang Culture
Image credit: @jamiegems
Being the first Penang-centric restaurant in Singapore, Penang Culture provides mouthwatering Malaysian fare at affordable prices. As opposed to the coconutty laksa that we all know and love, their signature Penang Assam Laksa ($9.90++) is tangy and refreshing, with its use of tamarind. If you’re feeling something more savoury, get the Penang Char Kway Teow ($10.90++). Heavy on the wok hei, this is less sweet than our local rendition but equally satisfying.
Unit number: #B1-76/77
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 0667
Website
Penang Culture is a halal-certified eatery.
7. Ghost Kakigori
Image credit: Ming Tang
Ghost Kakigori is known for its Japanese shaved ice and dorayaki, all served in a cosy cafe! Choose from six kakigori flavours, including their signature Bean & Matcha ($14.90). Here, you get sweet red beans topped with a layer of creamy brulee, then blanketed by a mountain of shaved ice. Be sure to try the Flamed Strawberry Brulee ($14.90), which comes with a creme brulee-like topping that’s torched to order.
Read our Ghost Kakigori feature.
Unit number: #B1-09
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Ghost Kakigori is not a halal-certified eatery.
Ghost Kakigori: Strawberry Brulee Shaved Ice, Taro Dorayaki And More At NEX
8. Tamago-En
Using only fresh eggs from Okinawa, Tamago-EN is a Japanese eatery that specialises in egg-centric dishes. Their Ultimate Tamago Kake Gohan ($6.50++) features a raw egg that has undergone special UV sterilisation to make it safe for eating. Mix the gooey yolk with the whipped egg whites for a fluffy, cloud-like texture. For something to share, try their 5-kind Dashimaki Tamago Skewers ($10++) which comes with unique toppings like seaweed paste, and cod roe mayo.
Unit number: #02-K5/K6
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6733 3789
Website
Tamago-EN is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Genki Sushi
Of all the conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Singapore, Genki Sushi is probably the most popular one. There’s a lunch special from 11am to 5pm, and you can indulge in Japanese fare from just $7.90++! Other lunch special sets include the Sushi & Soba Set ($10.90++) comprising soba as well as a sushi platter of ebi, ebikko ebi roll, salmon, and unagi. You can also pay an additional $3.90++ for a side of chawanmushi and fried gyoza.
Unit number: #04-21/22
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6974 7061
Website
Genki Sushi is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. Lao Huo Tang
Image credit: @j.oswel
With its origins as a humble hawker stall, Lao Huo Tang is now a restaurant chain that serves up hearty Cantonese soups and zi char dishes. In light of the current rainy weather, get their Beauty Collagen Soup with Peach Gum ($15.80++). Besides being comforting and nourishing, it’s high in collagen content—which only means good things for clear skin. Otherwise, get their White Radish Pork Rib Soup with Wolfberries ($11.80++) great for boosting your immunity.
Unit number: #03-08/09
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Tel: 6509 0355
Website
Lao Huo Tang is not a halal-certified eatery.
11. PUTIEN
Image credit: @foodieteng
PUTIEN has established itself as one of the most well-known Putian-inspired restaurants in Singapore. Their signature lor mee has been replaced by a Red Mushroom Seafood Lor Mee ($18.80++). This unique dish features a broth with a reddish hue, stained from red mushrooms, and topped with fresh clams, squid, and prawns. With a slightly sweet flavour, this dish is best eaten with their potent chilli. Another crowd favourite is the Crispy Oyster ($19.80++) that is savoury in flavour, and extra crispy in texture.
Unit number: #02-18/19
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 7833
Website
PUTIEN is not a halal-certified eatery.
12. Dian Xiao Er
Image credit: @dianxiaoersg
A household name among Singaporeans, Dian Xiao Er is known for their specialty Duck Roasted with Angelica Herb (from $18.50++). This dish spotlights the Angelica herb, otherwise known as dang gui, which comes with various health benefits. It enhances the gravy with a tinge of herbal sweetness, cutting through the more gamey flavour of the duck. A dish that goes well with the roasted duck is their French Beans with XO Sauce (from $14.60++). You’ll surely fancy this if you can appreciate umami-infused flavours with a kick of spice.
Unit number: #02-09/10
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 9:30pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 4828
Website
Dian Xiao Er is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. Sō Ramen
If you’re craving good ramen that’s also affordable, try Sō Ramen. We enjoyed their Grand Tonkotsu Ramen ($17.50++) which not only comes with chashu, but also a thick slab of braised pork belly. Double-boiled for hours, the tonkotsu broth is rich and creamy. If you’re looking for something lighter, opt for the Tamago Shoyu Ramen ($15.50++). Egg-lovers will rejoice as this dish comes with both an Ajitsuke egg and an onsen egg, so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Unit number: #B2-58
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6634 4089
Website
Sō Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
14. Jollibee
Image credit: @jollibeesg
With ever-present queues from day to night, Jollibee is one of the many fast food chains that has been able to survive against other big name competitors. A must-order is Chickenjoy (from $6.50)—their signature crispy chicken that is available in original or spicy options. Another dish that has garnered them their cult following is their Jolly Spaghetti ($5.50), which features a distinct sweet bolognese sauce with pieces of hotdog, sprinkled with shredded cheese.
Unit number: #B1-28/29
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 6578
Website
Jollibee is a halal-certified eatery.
15. The Hainan Story
Newly opened this year, The Hainan Story takes inspiration from traditional coffee houses in Singapore. For starters, get the Hainanese Ah Mai’s Chee Cheong Fun ($8.80++) featuring four different sauces: rojak sauce, light soya sauce, chee cheong fun sauce, and green chilli sauce. To pair with this dish, we recommend their Hainanese Pig’s Trotter Assam Curry Noodle ($10.80++). It comprises yellow noodles, pork trotter, fish cake, and a hard-boiled egg submerged in spicy assam curry. End your meal on a sweet note with their Classic Pandan Waffles (from $2.40++) which comes in more than 10 flavours.
Read our The Hainan Story NEX feature.
Unit number: #02-17
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6509 1025
Website
The Hainan Story is not a halal-certified eatery.
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16. Yakiniku-GO
Famous Japanese grill chain Yakiniku-GO is a great spot for a hearty yet affordable grilled meat sets. There’s the signature Yakiniku-GO Set ($19.90++) perfect for first-timers, which comprises beef short plate, beef ribeye steak, beef tongue, a bowl of rice and soup, and a side of kimchi or salad. If you’d like to try their bestseller, go for the Double Karubi Set ($19.90++). This filling meal consists of beef short plate, beef boneless short rib, rice, soup, and a side of kimchi or salad!
From our Yakiniku-GO review: “Looking at the Karubi short plate, you may think that it’s unappealingly fatty. However, the fat made this cut especially tender, and flavourful.”
Unit number: #B1-78
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Yakiniku-GO is not a halal-certified eatery.
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17. Seorae
Korean restaurants in Singapore are a dime a dozen, so you might not know where to go on days when your K-BBQ craving creeps in. Seorae is an accessible option at NEX—they have a wallet-friendly Ultimate Grill Set (from $88++) that’s ideal for sharing in a group of three people. Each set comes with a good variety of meat cuts, a stew, and japchae. Else, get their Pork Skirt ($23.90++) and Seorae Samgyeobsal ($29.90++) for a premium pork BBQ experience.
From our Seorae review: “I fell in love with the galmaegisal, cheese tteokbokki, and even the watermelon cocktail, which made me slightly tipsy but also a very happy diner.”
Unit number: #B1-73/74
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Website
Seorae is not a halal-certified eatery.
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18. Riverside Grilled Fish
Mala has become indispensable for many Singaporeans, and Riverside Grilled Fish is one of the better-known restaurants that caters to our numbing spice needs. First, choose a fish of your choice: Sea Bass ($42.90++), Patin ($42.90++), Golden Pomfret ($43.90), and Qing Jiang ($48.90++). Then, choose a sauce among 10 different ones, including Mala, Green Pepper, and Fragrant Garlic. If the grilled dish doesn’t suffice, you can opt for add-ons such as Potato Glass Noodles ($4.50++), and Enoki Mushroom ($5.50++).
Find out more about the rise in popularity of mala dishes in Singapore.
Unit number: #B1-34/35
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Riverside Grilled Fish is not a halal-certified eatery.
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19. Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
Image credit: @foodtimesroll
Hunan cuisine has been gaining popularity in recent times, with Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine being one of the more popular names around. Their signature dish is the Hunan Style Stir-Fried Pork ($22.90++), made with juicy Spanish Iberico pork! Also try Beef with Special Chilli (from $18.90++), another of bestselling dish with succulent beef and an overall piquant goodness. Fans also love the Spicy Bullfrog Pot (from $36.90++), with reviews praising the tender bullfrog meat in the fragrant, spicy broth.
Unit number: B1-41/42/43
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6908 1843
Website
Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine is not a halal-certified eatery.
20. Eat 3 Bowls
Known for their value-for-money Taiwanese fare, Eat 3 Bowls is a great option for a hearty lunch. Be sure to try their 3 Bowls Signature Trio Combo ($12.90), which comprises three petite bowls served on a wooden tray, perfect for two diners. These three bowls are Taiwanese street food classics: Braised Pork Rice, Oyster and Pig Intestine Mee Sua, and Shredded Chicken Rice. For some delectable sides, we recommend the Crispy Fried Chicken & Crispy Mushroom Platter ($7.50), where chicken and oyster mushrooms are deep-fried till crispy on the outside and juicy within.
Read our Eat 3 Bowls review.
Unit number:
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Eat 3 Bowls is not a halal-certified eatery.
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Where to dine at NEX
Besides being the largest mall in the Northeast, NEX is a melting pot of food options. Whether you’re feeling a cosy Chinese hotpot, hearty Japanese fare or a quick Taiwanese sandwich, NEX has got your Asian cravings covered.
For more food places around the area, read our Clovelly review to see if their handmade pasta and crab croissant were worth a trip down to the cafe. Alternatively, there’s Tong Xin Gu Wei with thick pork porridge in Serangoon Gardens.
Tong Xin Gu Wei: Under-The-Radar Hawker With Gao Pork Porridge In Serangoon Gardens
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