Some might argue that Ang Mo Kio is one of the hottest heartland destinations for food-loving folk like you and me. Seriously, you can find just about anything your heart desires, like wallet-friendly thick toasts, Vietnamese banh mi, and of course, a whole lotta ice cream cafes.
Here to reinforce that claim is Food Haus, a neighbourhood coffeeshop in Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 that brands itself as “Singapore’s first IG-worthy kopitiam“.
There are 11 stalls in total, all bearing flashy neon-lit signboards that make for some pretty decent photo-ops, featuring a diverse range of local and international cuisines.
In our excitement, we attempted to eat our way through this trendy kopitiam in the North, and here’s what you can expect:
No good local food court or coffeeshop is complete without a trusty ol’ economical rice (cai fan) stall, and you can certainly rely on Hong Yun Mix Veg Rice for an affordable and fuss-free lunch fix.
You could go for your usual 2 Veg 1 Meat cai fan combo, but the stall also sells zi char dishes like Assam Stingray, Fragrant Spicy Lala, and even Curry Fish Head — ideal for group dining.
Although we didn’t get to try every single individual dish, the gorgeously glazed Salted Egg Chicken is a must-order.
Food Haus’ resident Western stall, Hola, doles out comforting classics like Chicken Chop (S$6.50) and Fish & Chips (S$6.90), alongside breakfast staples like Rosti (S$6.80), Pancake (S$6.80), and American Breakfast (S$8.80). The signature is, however, pasta, with ingredients and sauces you can mix and match.
We opted for the generously portioned Spicy Cream Linguine with Mix Seafood (S$9.80), which could’ve been amped up, flavour-wise.
Don’t expect it to be like a creamy Korean-style rose pasta — the heat comes from the addition of cut chilli, not a paste or sauce (like gochujang).
If you’re in the mood for local delights, look no further than Tai Hong Mee Rebus and Nasi Lemak Sedap, located side by side.
The former makes a mean bowl of Laksa (S$4) — rich and coconut-ty, with a good balance of spice to creaminess.
The nasi lemak, which comes in six different variations, is also not to be overlooked. Go for the crispy chicken cutlet (Set 5) or curry chicken (Set 6), and ask for a teeny bit more of the surprisingly stellar sambal chilli, if you can. Very addictive.
Now here’s a name you may recognise, especially if you can never resist a good bowl of KL-style dry chilli pan mee — Ng Guan Chilli Pan Mee.
This is the brand’s fourth outlet, and its signature dish, the Dry Chilli Pan Mee (S$5.80), is still as good as ever.
Each bowl comprises an oh-so-effective combination of springy noodles (choose from you mian, ban mian, mee hoon kueh, and mee sua), ikan billis, fried garlic, minced pork, dry chilli, and a runny onsen egg.
You can also bulk up your meal with a side of Fried Enoki Mushroom (S$4) or Boiled Lala with Garlic & Chilli (S$6).
Having previously worked in restaurants like Imperial Treasure and Crystal Jade, it’s no wonder that the chef of Tham’s Roasted Delights has chosen to once again specialise in Cantonese-style roasted meats.
Sure, you can take your pick of rice or noodles with Roast Duck, (super fatty) Roast Pork, Honey Char Siew, or Steamed Kampong Chicken (my personal favourite), but why not have the best of all worlds with the 4 Combo Platter (S$24)?
Moving on to one of the main highlights at Food Haus, those looking to get their fix of spicy authentic Chinese fare can check out Niu Xiao Er.
The stall is opened by a former first-generation chef from the popular Chong Qing Grilled Fish, so you know it’s the real deal.
The reasonably priced Chong Qing Grilled Fish (S$25) comes in five different variations, ranging from the fiery Ecstacy Mala Soup to the piquant Pickled Veg Soup — just order a round of beers, and you’re all set!
If you’re dining in a larger group, the Stewed Pork Ribs w Green Bean (S$25), Stewed Lamb Ribs (S$38), or Big Plate Chicken (S$25), spicy, mildly numbing braised chicken stew, will more than suffice.
And hello, at those prices? Very, very value-for-money.
Alternatively, you can also order Mala Xiang Guo (from S$2.20 for 100g) or Chinese skewers (chuan chuan), a supper staple.
They’ve got all the favourites, like Lamb Skewers (S$1.50), Squid (S$6), Pork Belly (S$1.50), Slice Potato (S$1.50), Aluminum Foil Eggplant (S$6), King Oyster Mushroom (S$1.50), and even Oysters (S$20 for three).
Last but not least, did you also know that the popular mookata chain Bangkok Street Mookata‘s first flagship outlet is actually located right here in Ang Mo Kio?
We highly recommend the Sirloin Beef Cubes, Crayfish, Scallop, and Thai Fishcake if you’re planning to go a la carte, with prices starting from S$1.90 per plate. Otherwise, you can also order platters for groups of two (S$25) and four (S$45).
All orders are served with two different homemade dipping sauces — I couldn’t get enough of the invigoratingly sour and spicy Thai chilli sauce!
Wash down everything with a beer, Thai Milk Tea, or the uncommonly found Hawthorn Vinegar, a fizzy, sour, and refreshing drink (a must-order for those who enjoy the nostalgic Haw Flakes/Shan Zha candy).
Do note that there were two stalls — Aladdin Indian Muslim Cuisine and Chiangmai Thai Kitchen — that were not yet open during our visit, but the entire Food Haus will officially open on 10 March 2023 (all stalls will definitely be operating in full swing by then).
You can also look forward to free coffee and tea from 10 to 12 March.
At this rate, I might need to start travelling to Ang Mo Kio more often!
Food Haus
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????421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 560421
???? 6am–11pm (Daily)
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Photos by Cindy Abner
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨