Where to eat at NEX
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 15 NEX food places for Korean cuisine, hotpot, and more.
1. 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 $12++) and Beauty Collagen Broth (from $15.50++). A must-order is the Fried Beancurd Skin (from $5.40++) which absorbs the indulgent broth with its sponge-like texture. Alternatively, get their Ebiko Prawn Paste ($18.90++), made in-house with fresh prawns and crunchy ebiko pearls. The NEX outlet is also unicorn-themed, making for IG-worthy shots!
Check out our Beauty In The Pot NEX review!
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.
2. 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++) 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 Aburi Salmon Don ($13++), with tender salmon slices that melt in your mouth.
Check out our Aburi-EN review!
Unit number: #01-63/64/65
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6509 0797
Website
Aburi-EN is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. 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 $4.50++), 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 ($28++). This tender fish is doused in a sauce that’s tangy, garlicky and sweet, making it refreshing to the palate.
Check out our Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice review!
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.
4. Yun Nans
At the mention of provincial Chinese food, Sichuan dishes, such as fiery mala xiang guo, come to mind. 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 ($13.90++) 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 Prawn With Salted Egg And Jasmine Petals ($24.90++). The familiar, hearty flavours of salted egg are elevated in this dish with floral notes from jasmine flowers.
Unit number: #B1-15
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6908 3677
Website
Yun Nans is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. 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 Assam Penang Laksa ($7.90++) is tangy and refreshing, with its use of tamarind. If you’re feeling something more savoury, get the Penang Fried Kway Teow ($9.50++). Heavy on the wok hei, this is less sweet than our local rendition but equally satisfying.
Unit number: #B1-76
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 0667
Website
Penang Culture is a halal-certified eatery.
6. Ayam Penyet President
Image credit: @thatgluttonn
Ayam Penyet President is a food chain that serves authentic Indonesian food at low prices in a casual setting. They are known for their signature Smashed Fried Chicken Ayam Penyet ($6.90). With crispy skin and juicy chicken meat, this dish is indulgent but worthwhile. For something non-fried, opt for the Grilled Beef Empal Bakar ($8.50) which features grilled beef slathered in a smoky, sweet sauce.
Unit number: #B1-13/14
Opening hours: Thur-Sun 11:30am to 9:30pm, Fri-Say 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6634 8165
Website
Ayam Penyet President is a halal-certified eatery.
7. Tamago-En
Using only fresh eggs from Okinawa, Tamago-EN is a Japanese eatery that specialises in egg-centric dishes. Their Ultimate Egg Rice ($5.80++) 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 Japanese Omelette Skewer ($8.80++) 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.
8. Jeju Kitchen
Image credit: @imyuxiang
Korea is definitely a country that I miss amidst this travel ban. Luckily, I can head down to Jeju Kitchen for some belly-warming Korean cuisine. Spotted on every table is their signature Volcanic Beef Fried Rice with Cheese ($12.80++)—kimchi fried rice is shaped to resemble Jeju’s iconic Hallasan, served with beef slices on a hotplate, in a pool of creamy eggs. Alternatively, cosy up with the eatery’s Seafood Army Stew ($35.80++). Apart from the standard fixings, their rendition features Korean prawns and octopus.
Unit number: #B1-45
Opening hours: Sun-Thur 11:30am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am to 10:30pm
Tel: 8488 3900
Website
Jeju Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Fong Sheng Hao
Image credit: @laughingblackwhitecarrotcake
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 ($6.30) sandwich, comprising their in-house pork cutlet and chilli. They are also known for their Pork Floss Egg ($4.50), stuffed with fluffy pork floss, egg and condensed milk. If you are a fan of Breadtalk’s floss buns, this savoury-sweet sandwich is for you.
Unit number: #B2-15
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 8:30pm
Website
Fong Sheng Hao is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. Honguo
Image credit: @chew0904
Another eatery that offers Yunnan-style dishes is Honguo. Their hotpot is a provincial delicacy with over a century’s heritage. Warm yourself up with their Zhao Pai Mi Xian 12 Items ($10.20++) that comes with flavourful broth, silky rice noodles and a plethora of other ingredients. The variety of fresh vegetables and proteins makes this an especially nourishing dish. For something heartier, try their Lao Gan Ma Spicy Black Bean Fried Rice ($10.80++) which features Lao Gan Ma, a famous chilli sauce from China. Savoury and spicy, every bite of this dish is packed with flavour.
Unit number: #B1-75
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 4675
Website
Honguo is not a halal-certified eatery.
11. 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 Pork Rib with Apple and Snow Pear Soup ($9.80++). Besides being comforting and nourishing, the apple and snow pear lend a fruity sweetness to the rich meat broth. Meanwhile, kids will love the Nestum Crispy Cereal Fried Fish Skin ($11.80++) which is savoury-sweet and highly addictive. Scoop up the fish slices with heaps of cereal for extra crunch.
Unit number: #03-08/09
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Tel: 6509 0355
Website
Lao Huo Tang is not a halal-certified eatery.
12. Putien
Image credit: @foodieteng
PUTIEN has established itself as one of the most well-known Putian-inspired restaurants in Singapore. My personal favourite is their signature Lor Mee (from $10.90++), which is loaded with fresh clams, squid and prawns. Unlike our local lor mee, this has a savoury, thick soup that’s rich with the taste of pork. Another crowd favourite is the Stir-Fried Yam (from $14.90++). Each deep-fried cube of yam is fluffy on the inside, crisp, and coated in a sticky sauce.
Unit number: #02-18/19
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 4:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6634 7833
Website
PUTIEN is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. Dian Xiao Er
Image credit: @dianxiaoersg
A household name among Singaporeans, Dian Xiao Er is known for their specialty Herbal Roasted Duck (from $13.60++). This dish spotlights Angelica herbs, otherwise known as dang gui, which come with various health benefits. They enhance the gravy with a tinge of herbal sweetness, cutting through the more gamey flavour of the duck. Meanwhile, diners both young and old will definitely enjoy the restaurant’s Marmite Superior Chicken Wing ($10.90++) which is sticky sweet and makes for a moreish bite.
Unit number: #02-09/10
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 4:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 4828
Website
Dian Xiao Er is not a halal-certified eatery.
14. Sō Ramen
If you’re craving for good ramen that’s also affordable, try Sō Ramen. We enjoyed their Grand Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90++) 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 ($12.90++). 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: #02-09/10
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9pm
Tel: 6634 4089
Website
Sō Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
15. Prata Wala
Image credit: @missionsgcafes
You’ll be spoilt for choice with Prata Wala’s extensive offerings of both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. Despite being pricier than the average prata eatery, they do a mean Plain Prata ($3 for two pieces) with crispy outsides and a chewy interior. For a more substantial meal, get their Butter Chicken Prata Set ($9.50), which comes with creamy Northern-style chicken curry. If rice is your preferred carb, opt for their Curry Fish Biryani ($8.50). The fluffy briyani grains, mixed with the fragrant curry, make for a flavourful meal.
Unit number: #02-17
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 2910
Website
Prata Wala is a halal-certified eatery.
NEX food guide
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 Korean fare or a quick Taiwanese sandwich snack, NEX has got your Asian cravings covered.
For more places to eat nearby, check out our Punggol food guide and North-east cafe guide.
10 North-East Cafes Between Serangoon And Punggol To Cafe Hop Till You Drop
