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. Oriental Kopi
Singaporeans love the famous Malaysian cafe Oriental Kopi, and so when they opened their first outlet in Bugis, it became the talk of the town. They opened another branch at NEX in June 2025, with their popular Oriental Signature Nasi Lemak ($9.50++), which was our favourite dish of the lot that we tried. If you’re heading down for breakfast, we recommend the Curry Double Lava Egg Toast ($4.60++) instead. This flavourful dish features a toasted bread topped with two poached eggs and a side of curry sauce to dip your toast in. Pair this with a cup of Oriental Kopi (from $2++) for the full experience!Â
From our Oriental Kopi review: “Every component of the nasi lemak was delicious, but my favourite has to be the fried chicken drumstick and thigh, alongside the aromatic pandan steamed rice. I really enjoyed the crispy skin and tender meat within, perfumed with a rempah of ingredients with distinct notes of onion, garlic, and ginger.”
Unit number: #B1-15
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Oriental Kopi is not a halal-certified eatery.Â
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2. A Hot Hideout
Popular mala chain A Hot Hideout is coming to NEX in August 2025, where you can enjoy both their stir-fry and soup options. Base prices start at $0.50 for the non-spicy Oriental Stir Fry and $1.50 for the classic Mala Stir Fry. We really enjoyed the signature Mala Collagen Soup ($2.50) at a medium spice level, best paired with their iconic scrambled eggs that were silky and buttery. If you’re not a fan of mala soup, go straight for the stir-fry, which comes with a huge bowl of your selected fried goods, including potato, lotus root and more.Â
From our A Hot Hideout review: “With a huge variety of ingredients including some unique ones that can’t be found elsewhere and relatively affordable prices, you can’t call yourself a mala lover if you haven’t given this place a shot!”
Unit number: TBD
Opening hours: TBD
Website
A Hot Hideout is not a halal-certified eatery.Â
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3. CHAGEE
Milk tea fans rejoiced when CHAGEE reopened at orchardgateway in 2024. Also coming to NEX in August, you now have one more outlet to get your milk tea fix. There are plenty of options here, starting with the classic Glutinous Green Milk Tea ($4.90+), the crowd-favourite Peach Oolong Milk Tea ($4.90+), and the vibrant Da Hong Pao Snow Cap Milk Tea ($6.90+). The latter is finished with sweet white peach fresh cream, and topped with freeze-dried fig bits for an added bite.
Read our CHAGEE feature.
Unit number: #02-K2/K3/K4
Opening hours: TBD
Website
CHAGEE is a halal-certified eatery.Â
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4. Bingz
Bingz is probably the most popular Chinese crispy burger chain in Singapore that offers a good selection of rou jia mo. This famed eatery hails from China with over 140 branches in Beijing, and there are four branches in Singapore at the time of writing. For first-timers, The Signature Pork ($5.59) is a must-try; this crispy burger is stuffed with a generous amount of fatty and tender pulled pork. If you’d like more flavours, get the Black Pepper Beef And Mushroom ($6.99) or Butter Chicken ($5.99) instead.Â
Read our Bingz feature.Â
Unit number: #B2-50/51
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Bingz is not a halal-certified eatery.Â
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5. 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 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 Ikura Don ($23.90++), 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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6. 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 ($8.60) sandwich, comprising their in-house pork cutlet and chilli. They are also known for their Spicy Chicken Cutlet ($9.30), stuffed with a crispy, deep-fried chicken cutlet. We can’t forget about egg omelette rolls, with the likes of Pork Floss and Egg Omelette ($8.60) or simply Pork and Egg Omelette ($8.90).Â
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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7. Beauty In The Pot
Well-known by Singaporeans is Beauty In The Pot, a hotpot restaurant that features nourishing broths. It’s not the cheapest hotpot restaurant to go on a whim, but the ongoing Individual Weekday Lunch Set Menu ($16.80++ per person) might make you think otherwise. There’s another set menu priced at $20.80++ per person, and it includes the popular Beauty Collagen Broth and Herbal Druken Chicken Broth. You can choose a variety of ingredients too—Sliced Pork Belly, Cheesy Chicken Ball, Tofu Puff, and La Mian are just some examples.
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.
8. The Hainan Story
The Hainan Story takes inspiration from traditional coffee houses in Singapore. For starters, get 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.Â
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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9. 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.
10. Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine
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 ($19.90++), made with juicy Spanish Iberico pork! Their 18-Second Angus Beef Stir-fry ($22.90++) is also worth a try for an overall piquant goodness. Fans also love the Spicy Bullfrog Pot (from $39.90++), 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.
11. Tamago-En
Using only fresh eggs from Okinawa, Tamago-EN is a Japanese eatery that specialises in egg-centric dishes. For something to share, try their 5-kinds Dashimaki Tamago Skewers ($10++) which comes with unique toppings like seaweed paste, and cod roe mayo. They also have something unique called the Japanese Kaya Toast Set ($8.90++), which features Japanese sweet potato and kaya spread with unsalted butter on a toasted white bread, alongside two Japanese onsen eggs and a cup of black coffee.
Read our Tamago-EN feature.Â
Unit number: #02-K5/K6
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6733 3789
Website
Tamago-EN is not a halal-certified eatery.
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12. Genki Sushi
Of all the conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Singapore, Genki Sushi is probably the most popular one. Their menu is constantly changing with new seasonal items, including Akami Avocado with Saku Saku ($3.20++) and Spicy Kaisen Gunkan ($4.40++). Alternatively, you can opt for mainstays such as Ebi Katsu ($2.90++), Hamachi Sushi ($3.40++), and California Handroll ($2.60++).Â
Unit number: #04-21/22
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6974 7061
Website
Genki Sushi is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. PUTIEN
PUTIEN has established itself as one of the most well-known Putian-inspired restaurants in Singapore. Their signature lor mee has been replaced by Fujian Seafood Lor Mee (from $13.80++). 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.
14. SĹŤ 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
SĹŤ Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
15. 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 Galmaegisal (from $21.90++) AKA pork skirt and Black Pork Seorae Samgyeobsal ($32.90++) for a premium pork BBQ experience.Â
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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16. Riverside Canton Claypot Cuisine
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. Their Original Wushan-styled Grilled Fish ($36.90++) is the perfect meal to share with your dining companion; you can choose either Signature Fragrant Spicy Sauce Grilled Sea Bass or Fragrant Paste Sauce Grilled Sea Bass for the flavour, then pick any three add-on dishes, and have them with rice or instant noodles. As for claypot dishes, there are plenty to choose from: Claypot Braised Pork Belly ($22.90++), Claypot Sliced Fish with Beancurd Skin ($19.90++) and more.Â
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.
https://eatbook.sg/mala-popular-singapore/
17. Yakiniku-GO
Famous Japanese grill chain Yakiniku-GO is a great spot for 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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18. 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 ($14.90), which comprises three petite bowls served on a wooden tray, perfect for two diners. These bowls are Taiwanese street food classics: Braised Pork Rice, Oyster and Pig Intestine Mee Sua, and Shredded Chicken Rice, usually priced at $6.90 each. You can get some sides to go with your mains, including Salt & Pepper Deep Fried Oyster ($12.80), Braised Pig Intestine ($7.90), and Three Cup Style Chicken ($13.90).
From our Eat 3 Bowls review: “The Oyster and Pig Intestine Mee Sua was my favourite out of the three bowls. This comforting bowl of noodles features a strong bonito-flavoured broth that is accompanied by silky smooth mee sua. It’s then topped with a dollop of minced garlic, plump oysters, and sprigs of fresh coriander.”
Unit number: #B1-13/14 23
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 11am to 10pm, Mon-Thurs 11am to 3pm, 4pm to 10pm
Website
Eat 3 Bowls is not a halal-certified eatery.
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19. Dian Xiao Er
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 $14.90++). 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 11am to 9:30pm, Fri-Sun 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6634 4828
Website
Dian Xiao Er is not a halal-certified eatery.
20. Ghost Kakigori
Image credit: Bethany Lim via Google Maps
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 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Ghost Kakigori is not a halal-certified eatery.
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21. Lao Huo Tang
Image credit: Britney Khu via Google Maps
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. Their signature is, of course, Chilli Crab Sauce with Prawn ($24.80++), great for sharing with friends and family. Getting the chilli crab alone might not be filling, so we recommend getting the San Lou Hor Fun ($14.80++) as well as Wasabi Prawn ($19.80++) for the best experience at Lao Huo Tang.
Unit number: #03-08/09
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Tel: 6509 0355
Website
Lao Huo Tang is not a halal-certified eatery.
22. Jolibee
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 and Spaghetti (from $7.80)—their signature crispy chicken that is available in original or spicy options. Another dish that has garnered them their cult following is their Spaghetti (from $5.30), which features a distinct sweet sauce with pieces of hotdog, sprinkled with shredded cheese.Â
Unit number: #B1-28/29
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6970 6578
Website
Jollibee is a halal-certified eatery.
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 guide to the best Serangoon cafes. Otherwise, head to NEX Food Junction for new trendy stalls, from China-famous handmade dumplings to Song Fa Kway Chap.
15 Best Serangoon Cafes For Brunch And Desserts, Including Late-Night Spots
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