Written by: Chong Tien Ee (19-E3), Zhao Keyang (19-I1), Wong Siew Yee (19-O3)
Designed by: Athena Lim (19-A4)
These writers have risked their waistlines and NAPFA Test Scores (they’re J2s taking the dreaded A-Levels this year) – by reviewing food establishments located near the Bishan Campus. From cheap-and-good to the atas, you’ll find something in here for you! Reviewing these eateries using a strict set of criteria, you’ll be expecting a useful compilation of food options to help you survive your two (or one) years in the wonderful vicinity of Bishan.
Dino Cake House and Cafe
Address: 257 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574384
Distance : 18 min (walk), 5 min (car), 11 min (130 bus and walk 4 min)
This cafe is not located too far away from the bus stop. Cozily tucked away in a hidden alley, one should try to master Google maps before attempting to find this place. Be prepared to frantically run across a street with no traffic lights or zebra crossings to get to your destination. Stepping foot into the cafe, the lack of cafe vibes became uncomfortably apparent. The walls were beautifully (read: plainly) painted in pure white, and the standard tables and chairs did their jobs well enough in holding my weight. Nevertheless, the cafe’s air conditioner provided our hunger enzymes with the optimal temperature to function. With a constant and neverending chatter in the background, it is almost impossible to enjoy a moment of silence with our cake.
We decided to order a block of walnut crepe ($2.80) which did not bear resemblance to a traditional crepe. It reminded us more of cookies stacked together after extracting all available moisture. However, the texture is surprisingly satisfying and we can taste a hint of walnut. We also ordered their bestseller, a sugar roll ($0.90). This was a welcomed surprise. Although it looks simple, it is moist, light and fluffy, basically all you can expect from a roll. There was no overbearing sweetness and will definitely not induce diabetes. The waiting time is negligible, though the short waiting time can be attributed to the fact that there was almost no one in the cafe at that time.
Rating: 3/5
Sembawang Hills Food Centre
Address: 590 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574419
Distance from School: 26 min (walk), 8 min (car), 17 min (162, 410, 52, 163, 167, 855 bus and walk 3 min)
We arrived on a ghostly Monday and lucky for us, this location was easily accessible as it was just opposite the bus stop. However, arriving at our destination proved to be a harrowing experience and this brings me to an important tip for our readers to look out for traffic when traveling there. The food centre was generally clean, with very little people but this was probably because we were not in the food centre during its peak hour. Some of the more popular stalls include Jing Ji Fishball Noodles, Fried Carrot Cake, Ping Kee Popiah and Grill and Pasta. Other upsides would be the short waiting times for the many stalls as well as the fact that WiFi is available (wireless@sg).
Rating: 3/5
S-11
Address: 504 Bishan Street 11, Singapore 570504
Distance from School: 28 min (walk), 10 min (car), 17 min (bus 52 and walk 3 min)
After traveling between the locations in this review, going to S-11 served as a respite for our tired feet as it was conveniently located right next to Bishan MRT station, with a covered footpath connecting the two locations. The waiting time for most of the stalls were pretty prompt, as expected of a food court and we got our meals quite quickly. Some of the best sellers in S-11 would be the BBQ Seafood and Penang Prawn Mee. However, the sweltering conditions of the food court proved to be trying for all of us. Not to mention the dinner crowd who were a noisy bunch.
Rating: 4/5
Sky Bubble Tea
Address: 282 Bishan Street 22, Singapore 570282
Distance from School: 10 min (walk), 10 min (car)
Lies . . . This bubble tea shop was just disappointing. Although this shop prices its items reasonably ($2 for their best selling cup of original milk tea with pearls), it is a clear example of you get what you pay for. It is a simple combination of bubble and milk tea and that’s it. The pearls have a weirdly artificial taste to it, compared to the chewy texture that one would expect. The tea, although not as bad as the pearls, tasted like a very diluted caffeinated drink. Nevertheless, if you just want to have a cold drink, there’s no harm buying bubble tea here. Location wise, Sky Bubble Tea is a reasonable distance away from the campus.
Rating: 1/5
Menage Cafe
Address: 6 Sin Ming Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 575585
Distance: 16 min( walk), 4 min (car), 8 min (bus 130 and walk 3 min)
This cafe is easily the most unique location in this list. Patrons are encouraged to bring their pets to the cafe and patrons without pets are welcomed too. This is a good place to interact with animals and have a meal (they offer food for pets as well). This cafe is a little on the pricey side so should you go there, we recommend bringing more cash. The interior of the cafe is very attractive to youths as it gives a warm and homely vibe. However, we do think that the food and atmosphere at the cafe justify the price tag. Do take note that Menage Cafe is closed on Mondays. The signature Fish & Chips ($17.90), Duck Confit ($18.90) and Spicy Crabmeat Linguine ($17.90) are a few of their recommended dishes.
Rating: 4/5
The Origin* 