The ultimate guide to Choa Chu Kang

As its name suggests, this Thai dessert go-to satisfies every sweet tooth in the ‘hood with a mango-centric menu. But forget your average mango sticky rice – Oh My Mango hits the spot with toast ($9.90), ice cream ($11.90), and frappe ($5.90) versions of the classic dessert. Other must-try sweets include mango bingsu ($13.90) complete with Thai honey mangoes and shaved milk ice, as well as thick Shibuya toast topped with Thai milk tea ice cream ($9.90).

The snaking queue leading towards this noodle stall is a clear indicator of how popular its dishes are. Depending on your preference, you can order the signature prawn noodles ($3.50) dry or soupy. It comes in a big bowl of yellow noodles or kway teow (or both if you like), soaked in fragrant dark sweet sauce and finished with fresh prawns and slices of fish cake. For an extra dollar, you can have it topped with offal. Do come early as the stall closes after lunchtime.

When the craving hits, whet your appetite for pad thai noodles ($6), tom yam seafood ($6), and green curry chicken ($6) without breaking the bank at this Thai resto. If you’re filling a table of up to five people, order up the aromatic basil leaves rice platter ($29.90) – and perhaps a glass of iced Thai milk tea to ease that burning sensation from the spicy dish.

Raved by celebrity chef Eric Teo, this chicken rice stall in Choa Chu Kang has drawn in crowds from every corner of Singapore. For $3, you get a plate of the aromatic rice and a choice between roasted chicken with thin, crispy skin and poached chicken with meat that's melt-in-your-mouth tender. The chicken is topped with a flavourful mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken oil, and served with tangy chilli sauce on the side.

This venue is temporarily closed.

Pick your poison – and we don't just mean beer, wine or cocktail. Managed by Cue Guru, Jest D'Place hits the spot with reasonably priced drinks and a variety of bar games such as pool, foosball, and darts. Challenge your mates on the 6-feet Brunswick pool table or the air hockey table. On match days, gather with your fellow football fans and support your favourite team as it also screens live football matches. Otherwise, there are live music performances to complete the entertainment factor.

Surround yourself with the national flower of the Garden City – the orchid. The nursery specialises in growing orchids, so expect different varieties of the bright, rich purple cluster. Speak to one of its gardeners and learn more about the blooms. While you’re at it, bag some orchids for your vase back home.

Whether you're looking to shop fresh threads from Cotton On, electronics from Courts, or back-to-school accessories, you can get 'em all under one roof at Lot One. Plus, with both wet and dry playgrounds, and lots of space for kids to run around, it clearly caters to family-friendly types. In addition, the nearby Choa Chu Kang Community Library, sprawling Popular bookstores, Zone X gaming arcade, and Shaw cineplex, means there are lots of pre- and post-shopping activities.

This vibrant suburban food and lifestyle hub offers convenience at north-westerners' doorsteps – think a giant supermarket and food court in one massive space. The mall is also home to a plethora of affordable beauty, healthcare, fashion, and lifestyle shops, as well as educational services like Mind Stretcher Learning Centre for families in this tranquil neighbourhood. You can also treat yourself to a post-shopping treat at established F&B stores such as Eighteen Chefs, and Toast Box.