The ultimate guide to Admiralty

This new-ish kid on the hawker block first opened in 2017 with the commitment to preserve the traditional hawker culture while embracing modernity. It also fosters inclusivity, sustainability, and healthy dining (look out for the healthier options). Slurp up a hearty bowl of laksa from Ah Choon Traditional Lor Mee Prawn Noodle Laksa, savour fried carrot cake from Father & Son, and gather the fam for a communal fishy affair at San Yi Xuan. You no longer have to wait for Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar to have a taste of The Original Vadai either. Find them at Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre.

Bringing over 30 years of culinary mastery, head chef Yassin Ng opens up Yassin Kampung with the aim to bring the authentic zi char experience to the halal scene. The menu boasts a seafood symphony featuring gems like kampung 3 rasa fish (from $35), sichuan mala fragrant fish (from $38), salted egg yolk prawn (from $20), and the iconic chilli crab (from $38). For solo diners, there's the delectable kampung fried rice (S$6) and tantalising fried kway teow with cockles (S$6).

Satisfy your cravings at this halal eatery serving an enticing mix of Korean-Japanese delights at wallet-friendly prices. First-timers must try the signature OMMAS fried chicken rice bowl ($7.90). Japanese enthusiasts can savour the hit dish salmon mentaiyaki rice bowl ($9.50), or one of the classic curry rice bowls (from $7.90). For those who relish Korean cuisine, the slightly spicy beef bibimbap ($7.50), crowned with an oozy sous vide egg is a must-try. Not a fan of rice? Ramyeon and udon dishes are also on the menu.

The owner of this unpretentious bar made a culinary trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand to perfect the art of mookata. For the uninitiated, it's a cooking method similar to a Chinese hot pot, but with charcoal. At The Carpenters Bar, you can sample the taste of the mookata platter (from $44) with fresh draught beers on tap including Carlsberg, 1664 Blanc, and Asahi Black, as well as bottled beers and wine. Bar bites are available too, and with fun activities such as karaoke, darts, pool and card games, a weekend wind down will never be the same. 

From the minds behind Tipsy Collective, comes the first cocktail bar in the north. O/T Bar is your "office away from work.” In this playful 1940s Manhattan office-esque drinking den, you can "drink on the job" by clocking in and out, and earning stamps for each cocktail enjoyed. The in-house mixologists have curated a diverse selection of cocktails (from $16) that will lift your spirits, from sweet to spicy. Found a little Dutch courage? Sing your heart out at its charming little karaoke lounge – with a drink in hand, of course.

This unassuming little cafe is a hidden gem that has won the hearts of north-siders. It serves barista-style coffees and teas at affordable prices. A latte starts from $3, and to sweeten the deal, you can add flavoured syrups at no more than $1. Staying away from caffeine? Check out its slushy and milkshake options (from $3). And if you’re feeling peckish, order some waffles and breakfast sets (from $3) to go with your cup of joe.

If you're in the know, you're already hip to Fassler Gourmet's legendary smoked salmon – a real steal for your taste buds and wallet. Now, dive into a world of frozen, fresh, and smoked seafood, plus a treasure trove of ready-to-cook goodies. Its soup game is pretty strong too. Flavours range from creamy mushroom to luxurious lobster bisque, all ready to snag and sizzle in your own kitchen. It’s a little far out as compared to its Tiong Bahru outlet, but the variety here is much more extensive.

Navigate the lush corners of Plants and Friends where there's an array of gorgeous greenery waiting to be rehomed. But this plant paradise isn't just your regular nursery – each plant is handpicked and nestled into ingenious self-watering pots and planters, taking the guesswork out of plant parenting. It also carries grow lights, garden supplies, and accessories that will delight any green fingers. And if you're looking for the perfect gift, you can personalise an air plant that makes for a beautiful table display.