The best hidden gems in heartland malls

The underrated mall to large and flashy Vivocity, HarbourFront Centre has its own gems for those who're willing to venture there. Pick up Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh (#01-84D) for a quick snack, or try out the well-rated Ramen Hitoyoshi (#01-99) for a more satisfying meal. Need to stock up your pantry? There's the crowd favourite Don Don Donki (#03-23/28) and Shine Korea (#01-41/42), as well as Taste Original (#03-57) for a range of organic and natural products. Catering to more niche interests, shop for crystals at World of Nature (#02-61) to up the good vibes. 

Northpoint City is the largest mall in northern Singapore and the closest shopping centre to Yishun MRT. Besides a specialty food precinct called The Makan Town (#B1-182/183), sink your teeth into croissant and waffles hybrids at Crolo (#B2-144). Brought to you by humble Swee Heng, this store offers up croissants, waffles and croffles stuffed with savoury toppings like otah as well as sweet toppings like chocolates and mixed fruits. If Asian snacks are more your thing, Dough Magic (#B2-128) has traditional mantou, brown sugar buns, spring onion pancakes and other steamed and fried snacks. On the retail side, check out Osaka Owl (#01-104) for stylish bags designed in Japan. If they're good enough for the Singapore National Bowling team, then they're good enough for you!

An East Coast institution for more than 20 years, Parkway Parade contains 250 shops spread over six levels. The boutiques are varied, charming and 
surprisingly urban. Parents will want to visit Château de Sable (#02-34C) to pick up some adorable apparel for the little ones, or perhaps Lampe Burger (#B1-152) for some relaxing home fragrances. The mall is also home to the Table Matters (#B1-83B) flagship store, where there is a wide selection of beautiful ceramic tableware worthy of your next dinner party.

Queensway Shopping Centre is known as a haven for ridiculously cheap sneakers, racquets and sporting apparel. But other hidden gems lurking in this mall include Threadlightly (#02-22), a relatively new kid on the block where avid thrifters can buy pre-loved, vintage and vintage-inspired clothing. For some exquisite leatherwork, visit Frank's Leathersmith (#02-41H) or Fancy Pin (#02-41G). The former has been around since 1967, and owner Frank is capable of creating almost anything you desire out of leather – be it watch straps, wallets, binders or even baby boots.

This six-storey suburban mall is the largest in Northeast Singapore and the main playground of folks in Serangoon. Speaking of playgrounds, let your kids cool off at Kidzplay @ SkyGarden (Level 4R), a spacious waterpark with mist machines and a huge centrepiece bucket that unleashes a torrential waterfall when full. Other highlights include Virtualand (#04-65), an arcade that's chockful of claw machines, racing games, rhythm games, table hockey and more. There's a huge selection of food to sate the appetite, but we wouldn't miss out on Chinatown Tan's Tutu Coconut Cake (#03-K15) for a mid-afternoon snack. 

Situated on the shopping stretch at Geylang Serai, this shopping mall is a bargain hunter's haven for pre-loved fashion. Check out Refash (#01-23) and PEONY Collection (#03-130) for pre-loved clothing and fashion finds for $10 or less. Make a pit stop at Arnold's Fried Chicken (#02-99) for spicy, golden-brown crispy chicken, before continuing your search for your next #OOTD. Poon Nah (#05-02) also serves up addictive ban mian at $4 for an affordable yet delicious meal.

Say hello to the largest heartland shopping centre of them all. Recently extended and revamp, Jurong Point has approximately 450 retailers under its roof. For those missing the food across the border, go to Malaysia Boleh (#03-28) to chow down smokey Hokkien mee from Penang Gurney Drive, fragrant nasi lemak from Kuantan Nasi Lemak and refreshing chendol from Penang Road's Famous Chendol. On the other hand, the new &JOY Dining Hall (#B1-49) will bring you on a gastronomic journey to Japan. Try out popular Osaka ramen chain Ramen KIOU or Japanese-Italian fare at Pittarino. Once you're stuffed and energised, pick up mobile accessories, skincare products and other knick-knacks from local brands at HAKO (#02-44). There's also City Mahjong Centre (#03-82) for the obsessed. Huat ah!

Goodbye MacDonald's at King Albert Park, and hello KAP Mall. This swanky new mixed development has its fair share of dining options and boutique outlets. Exude elegance with clothing from Ying Atelier (#01-18) – high-quality fabrics from Japan, Korea and Indonesia are digitally printed with one-of-a-kind prints and patterns designed by the founder herself. Jomachi (#01-70) and Y Sneakers (#01-71) retails trendy, faith-based streetwear for the young and young at heart. Feeling hungry? Fuel up at Royal Thai Boat Noodle and Bar (#01-01/02), and end the day on a sweet note at Kindred Folk (#01-09), which has a delicious cereal milk ice cream.