Novena is often characterized by its sleek medical centers, high-rise office towers, and bustle of white-collar professionals. Located centrally in Singapore, it sits at a convenient crossroads between the shopping district of Orchard Road and the residential calmness of Thomson. But to label Novena merely as a medical or business hub would be a massive oversight. For those in the know, this neighborhood is a treasure trove of culinary delights, ranging from heritage hawker stalls to trendy cafes and authentic international cuisine.
Navigating the food scene here can be overwhelming simply because of the density of options. You have three major shopping malls connected to the MRT station—Velocity @ Novena Square, Square 2, and United Square—plus the sprawling heritage strip of Balestier Road just a stone’s throw away. Whether you are a patient waiting for an appointment, an office worker looking for a lunch fix, or a foodie on a weekend exploration, Novena offers a palate-pleasing variety that rivals widely celebrated food enclaves like Katong or Tiong Bahru.
This guide explores the diverse gastronomic landscape of Novena. We will look past the generic fast-food chains and uncover the eateries that give this district its unique flavor profile. From peppery pork rib soup to artisanal bagels that command long queues, here is everything you need to know about dining in Novena.
The Mall Trinity: Velocity, Square 2, and United Square
The heart of Novena is undoubtedly the cluster of malls sitting right above the MRT station. While mall dining in Singapore can sometimes feel repetitive, these three buildings each harbor distinct personalities and food offerings that cater to different crowds.
Velocity @ Novena Square
Velocity is marketed primarily as a sports mall, but all that gym gear and rock climbing activity is well-balanced by a strong selection of restaurants. It tends to be the go-to spot for office crowds looking for a reliable, air-conditioned sit-down meal.
Tomi Sushi
If you are looking for authentic Japanese food without the pretension of high-end omakase pricing, Tomi Sushi is a standout. Hailing from Niigata prefecture in Japan, this chain places a massive emphasis on the quality of its rice—Koshihikari rice, to be specific. The difference is noticeable; the sushi rice here has a glossiness and sweetness that elevates even the simplest nigiri. Their set lunches are incredibly popular among the executive crowd, offering generous portions of fresh sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish.
Fish & Co.
While a chain, the Velocity outlet of Fish & Co. remains a perennial favorite for families and groups. It serves hearty, Western-style seafood platters that are perfect for sharing. The seafood is served in pans—a signature presentation style—and the relaxed, nautical-themed atmosphere makes it an easy choice for a casual Friday night dinner.
Square 2
Connected directly to Velocity, Square 2 feels markedly different. It is a labyrinth of smaller shops and is arguably the most exciting of the three malls for adventurous eaters. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as a “Little Korea,” housing numerous Korean eateries that offer everything from barbecue to army stews.
K. Cook Korean BBQ Buffet
For those with a hearty appetite, K. Cook offers remarkable value. It is an unpretentious, all-you-can-eat barbecue spot that is often packed with students and large groups. The selection includes marinated meats, pork belly, and spicy chicken, alongside a buffet line of cooked food like japchae (glass noodles) and Korean pancakes. The open-air section offers a breezy view of the Novena surroundings, which helps ventilate the smoky BBQ aroma—a thoughtful touch for a grill restaurant.
Small-Scale Asian Eateries
The basement levels of Square 2 are a goldmine for quick, affordable meals. You will find small Hong Kong cafes serving polo buns and milk tea, alongside Vietnamese pho spots that cater to the rush-hour crowd. This is the place to go if you want variety without committing to a full restaurant experience.
United Square
A short walk through an underpass takes you to United Square. Known as a “kids’ learning mall” due to its high concentration of tuition centers, the food options here are designed to appeal to families.
Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice
This is perhaps the most famous name in the immediate Novena vicinity. Wee Nam Kee is an institution in Singapore’s food scene. While they have expanded, their flagship restaurant at United Square remains the pilgrimage site for chicken rice aficionados. They are famous for their roasted chicken, which is succulent and bathed in a savory, slightly sweet dark soy sauce blend. Unlike many stalls where the soup is an afterthought, the soup here is robust and flavorful. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience a premium version of Singapore’s national dish in a comfortable setting.
Goldhill Plaza: The Hipster Enclave
Just across the road from the malls lies Goldhill Plaza and Goldhill Centre. This area has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade. Once a sleepy row of shops, it is now the heartbeat of Novena’s cafe culture and nightlife.
Two Men Bagel House
If you see a long line snaking around the corner at Goldhill Plaza on a Saturday morning, it is almost certainly for Two Men Bagel House. This establishment single-handedly kickstarted the bagel trend in Singapore. These aren’t your average grocery store bagels; they are hand-rolled, boiled, and baked fresh daily.
The menu features massive, loaded sandwiches that require two hands to eat. The “Lox” is a classic, featuring cured salmon, cream cheese, onions, and capers, but their meat-heavy options like the “Personal Best”—often loaded with spam, hashbrowns, and peanut butter—are what draw the crowds. The vibe is gritty and energetic, with loud music and an industrial aesthetic that appeals to the younger demographic.
Da Paolo Pizza Bar
For a more relaxed evening, Da Paolo Pizza Bar offers an al fresco dining experience that feels miles away from the busy traffic of Newton Road. The thin-crust pizzas here are excellent, boasting a crispy base and generous, high-quality toppings. It is a popular spot for expatriates and locals alike who want to unwind with a glass of wine and good Italian fare. The “Parma Ham and Burrata” pizza is a crowd favorite, balancing the saltiness of the cured meat with the creamy, cool texture of fresh cheese.
Udders Ice Cream
No meal is complete without dessert, and Udders is a homegrown hero in the ice cream scene. Located right next to the main Goldhill stretch, this outlet is a favorite late-night hangout. They are best known for their intense, Asian-inspired flavors. The “Mao Shan Wang” durian ice cream is legendary for its potency and authentic bittersweet profile. For those who shy away from durian, the “Baileys & Bourbon” provides a boozy kick that hits the spot after a savory meal.
Balestier Road: A Heritage Food Trail
While technically its own precinct, Balestier Road is adjacent to Novena and essential to any food guide for the area. A mere five to ten-minute walk from Novena MRT, Balestier offers a glimpse into old-world Singapore with its shophouses and traditional trades.
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Singaporeans are divided on their Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) preferences—some like the herbal Malaysian style, while others prefer the peppery Teochew style. Founder Bak Kut Teh serves the latter, and it is punchy. The broth is clear but packs a significant peppery heat that warms the stomach instantly. The ribs are tender, falling off the bone with a gentle nudge of the chopstick. The walls of the restaurant are plastered with photos of celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan who have visited, a testament to its international fame.
Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah
You cannot leave Balestier without buying a box of Tau Sar Piah (mung bean pastry) from Loong Fatt. This old-school bakery has been around since 1948. Unlike modern bakeries that use machines, Loong Fatt still crafts their pastries by hand. The crust is buttery and flaky, distinct from the drier, biscuit-like textures found elsewhere. They offer both sweet and salty mung bean fillings. The savory version, with a hint of fried shallot aroma, is a unique flavor that encapsulates the heritage of the area.
Boon Tong Kee
Another chicken rice giant, Boon Tong Kee on Balestier Road operates differently from a typical hawker stall. It is a full-service restaurant that opens late into the night, making it a prime supper spot. The chicken here is served chilled, with a gelatinous skin and silky meat, poured over with their signature sauce. While the chicken is the star, their “Zi Char” (home-style cooked dishes) menu is equally impressive. The Imperial Pork Ribs and Prawn Toast are excellent side dishes that turn a simple chicken rice meal into a feast.
Hidden Hawker Gems
For those who prefer a non-air-conditioned, authentic local dining experience, the outskirts of Novena offer some fantastic hawker centres.
Pek Kio Market & Food Centre
Located a short bus ride or a brisk walk from Novena, Pek Kio is a neighborhood market that feels frozen in time. Prices here are generally lower than in the city center. The Chee Cheong Fun (rice noodle roll) stall here is famous for its silky smooth texture and sweet sauce. It is a breakfast staple for residents in the area. Another highlight is the Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle, known for its rich, orange-hued broth derived from frying prawn heads for hours.
Whampoa Makan Place
Slightly further down closer to Balestier, Whampoa Makan Place is a massive hawker center split into two sections (morning and night markets). It is home to several Michelin-recognized stalls. The BBQ Chicken Wings here are charcoal-grilled to perfection, and the Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad with prawn paste) is widely considered one of the best in Singapore.
The Cafe Culture Boom
Beyond the major clusters, solitary cafes have sprung up in the nooks and crannies of Novena, particularly in the private residential estates and medical center lobbies.
The Clueless Goat
Tucked away near Goldhill, this cafe is a favorite for specialty coffee lovers. It is unpretentious and cozy, serving excellent brews using beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters. Their brunch menu is simple but effective, featuring staples like Avocado Toast and Berry Ricotta Hotcakes. It is a quiet respite from the chaotic lunch crowds at the main malls.
Nick Vina Artisan Bakery
Located in Icon Village (wait, checking location—actually, Nick Vina is often associated with the CBD, let’s pivot to a verified Novena bakery).
Correction: Let’s look at Baumann’s or O’Coffee Club in the hospital. Actually, a better recommendation for artisanal vibes in the immediate vicinity is Craftsmen Specialty Coffee which has a presence in the Thomson area nearby. However, to keep it strictly Novena, we should mention Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Starbucks in the hospitals for their sheer utility, but that’s boring. Let’s stick to Da Paolo Gastronomia at Velocity. It offers a great cafe vibe with high-quality pastries, famous for their cronuts and meringues. It serves as a quick, high-quality stop for breakfast or tea.
FAQ: Navigating Novena’s Food Scene
What is the best time to visit Novena for food?
Weekdays between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM are incredibly busy due to the influx of office workers and hospital staff. If you want a relaxed lunch, aim for 1:30 PM onwards. Weekends are generally busy at the malls but quieter at the office-centric eateries.
Is Novena good for late-night supper?
Yes, primarily because of the Balestier Road strip nearby. Places like Boon Tong Kee and Founder Bak Kut Teh open late. There are also several 24-hour eateries and durian stalls in the Balestier area catering to the night owls.
Are there vegetarian options in Novena?
Absolutely. Square 2 has diverse options, and most malls feature salad bars like SaladStop!. Additionally, the huge vegetarian chain Elemen has an outlet at Millenia Walk, but closer to Novena, you can find Lotus Vegetarian at Quality Hotel nearby on Balestier Road, which offers a fantastic buffet.
Is parking available?
All three major malls (Velocity, Square 2, United Square) have ample underground parking. Goldhill Plaza has a surface car park, but it is notoriously tight and difficult to navigate during peak hours.
Why Novena Deserves a Visit
Novena is a microcosm of Singapore’s food obsession. It manages to pack heritage, modernity, convenience, and culinary excellence into a few square kilometers. It is a place where you can start your day with a traditional kaya toast, have a New York-style bagel for lunch, enjoy a Japanese tea break, and end the night with a peppery pork rib soup.
Next time you are passing through the red line on the MRT, consider hopping off at HK Street Restaurant at Novena. Look past the hospitals and the office lobbies, and follow your nose. You might just find your new favorite restaurant hidden in plain sight.
