Sengkang Riverside Park
Photograph: cattan2011/Flickr
Photograph: cattan2011/Flickr

The ultimate guide to Sengkang

Sengkang is home to a lush riverside park and plenty of hawker eats

Delfina Utomo
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Sengkang has progressed heaps since its early days as a fishing village. The area was part of Kangkar back in the day – a name that means 'prosperous harbour' – and besides fishing, it was also used for rubber, pepper and also pineapple plantations.

These days Sengkang is better known for its comprehensive LRT system, the beautiful Riverside Park, and delicious hawker eats. Here are some reasons why you should check out this young 'hood.

RECOMMENDED: Check out more neighbourhood guides like Tiong Bahru and Queenstown

DO

  • Things to do
  • Sengkang

Opened in 2008, the riveting park has constructed wetlands that collect and filter rainwater naturally through aquatic plants. The wetlands also double as a wildlife habitat and attract mangrove birds such as purple herons, collared kingfishers and little terns. Dragonflies & damselflies, like the Red Scarlet and Common Bluetail damselfly, can also be found resting on the aquatic plants. For an immersive experience, walk right up to the edge of these ponds to observe the wildlife for yourself. 

Sengkang Riverside Park was also awarded the ABC Waters Certification (that stands for Active, Beautiful, and Clean Waters) as an excellent example of how the protection of our water resources can be creatively integrated with urban planning in a sustainable manner. 

Nearby, over Sungei Punggol, you can also find Singapore's largest man-made wetland, the Sengkang Floating Wetland. Cross the bridge to get closer to the floating island of aquatic plants or sit on the seats shaped like orange slices on the bridge for a breather.

Another interesting feature of Sengkang Riverside Park is its cluster of edible fruit trees. In the aptly named Mango Hilltop, Citrus Grove, and Pineapple Valley, you can find common fruits like star fruit, chiku, pineapple and dragon fruits. But no picking!

  • Sport and fitness
  • Gyms and fitness centres
  • Sengkang

Unless you live somewhere along the North East Line, this public pool is out of the way but definitely worth the trek – especially if you have active kids who love giant pool slides.

The most eye-catching feature in this swimming complex are the eight colourful giant slides – there are both open-top and tube slides – that send the young (or the young-at-heart) splashing straight into the pool. There's also a relaxing jacuzzi and kiddy pool fitted with a small slide for toddlers. Over at the two Olympic-sized pools, you can sign up for group swimming lessons conducted regularly throughout the week.

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  • Things to do
  • Sengkang

If you're looking for art in the middle of the heartlands, Sengkang Sculpture Park in Compassvale is a hidden gem. Divided into two main areas, the theme of the sculptural pieces focuses on marine life and fishing activities – a nod to Sengkang's history. Unlike a museum, the sculptures in this park are meant to be interactive. 

You'll find colourful spheres, a patch of grass made to represent the waves in the ocean and one in the shape of a whale's bones. Anyone can come to the park for free and there are plenty of activities happening there frequently. 

EAT

  • Chinese
  • Sengkang

Anytime you're in the Sengkang neighbourhood and in the mood for rich, fiery flavours, head over to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine. Located in Sengkang Grand Mall, this restaurant matches friendly, efficient service with fragrant Xiang cuisine rich in chilli peppers and garlic – a winning combination for diners here. Go for signatures like Hunan-style fried pork, stir-fried cauliflower, spicy bullfrog pot, and Chairman Mao's special. 

  • Hawker
  • Sengkang

The key to a good plate of char kway teow is the lard. At this humble stall in Anchorvale Link, you'll find char kway teow with a history dating back to 1949, when it was a streetside stall in Armenian Street. It might have had a couple of changes in address but the recipe still remains a classic loved by many.

Each serving comes with a generous portion of fishcake, sausage and cockles and the pork lard is prepared daily. Get ready to wait a little longer for your food and to queue at peak times – this is one of Sengkang's food gems after all. 

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  • Indonesian
  • Sengkang

Established in 2004 as a family-owned restaurant, Ayam Penyet Ria now has five branches around Singapore including Lucky Plaza in Orchard and Rivervale Plaza in Sengkang. It serves a variety of Indonesian dishes including ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken), ayam bakar (grilled chicken), ikan bawal penyet (smashed fried pomfret), bakso (beefballs soup) and gado-gado (Indonesia salad with peanut sauce). 

If you want something different, order the dory penyet with sambal matah, a Balinese-style chilli with onions, garlic and fresh chilli. The sambal serves as a spicy and savoury side that goes well with the fried dory fillet, tempeh and fried tofu.

  • Fast food outlets
  • Sengkang

Zoey’s Diner is a casual eatery in Compass One that offers salads, burgers, pasta and its signature dish – modern bao burgers (called Baobaes) crafted with fresh, preservative-free ingredients. Everything – from the buns for burgers to the pasta sauces – is made daily from scratch, making this eatery a great alternative from regular fast-food options. 

One of the best-sellers at this joint is the Pepper Braised Steak ($10.90), a burger with beef short rib that has been slow-cooked for 12 hours. If you prefer chicken, try the Zoey’s Chicken Burger ($7.90) with tender chicken thigh and a delicious garlic aioli sauce. 

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  • Sengkang

You might see this concept pop up quite a bit over the past years but VendCafe at 320C Anchorvale Drive is Singapore's first vending machine café. For an alternative 'dine-in' experience, this 24-hour joint is where you can get a hot meal from the Chef-In-Box vending machines. But these are no ordinary vending machines, the selection they offer is vast – pick up local favourites like hor fun and chicken rice, Western dishes like mac and cheese and spaghetti bolognese, and other options like Japanese and Korean cuisine.

  • Chinese
  • Sengkang

A popular Halal family restaurant, Yassin Kampung had humble beginnings before branching out to a few outlets in Singapore in Clementi, Admiralty, Woodlands, Bedok and more. The menu has also expanded since, and now includes a lot of local zi char favourites like hotplate beancurd, kang kong, sweet and sour fish, egg fried rice and more on top of a variety of dim sum dishes, seafood family favourites and more. The restaurant is also popular with its family set meals that include the signature dishes and will save you the hassle of choosing from the vast menu.

DRINK

  • Bubble tea
  • Sengkang

The aquatic theme of this bubble tea chain extends beyond its name, and into its adorable drinks. The Rivervale Mall branch is the only 24-hour outlet in Singapore. With roots as one of the largest dessert stores in China, The Whale Tea brings to Singapore its range of blue-hued sweet treats. Try the Volcanic Sapphire Whale ($4.50) made with peach gum, coconut milk, and blue spirulina for a tri-coloured photogenic drink. Or get the fluffy Whale Island Soufflé ($7.50) where stacks of airy pancakes come topped with blue spirulina milk cream, chocolate pearls, and a cute white chocolate whale tail.

Mr. Coconut

Mr. Coconut needs no introduction. This wildly popular chain is the perfect go-to to beat the heat thanks to its refreshing coconut-based drinks and desserts. Head over to Sengkang Grand Mall (#01-08) to find this neighbourhood's outlet and take your pick from options like the fresh coconut signature shake (always a safe bet) or fun blends like the coconut avocado shake or the coconut oreo shake. 

SHOP

  • Shopping
  • Toys and games
  • Sengkang

If you're looking for a stay-in activity to keep everyone occupied for hours, Lego-building is a top choice. It's complex but fun – and you can get the whole family involved. The Brick Shop at Sengkang's Compass One is one of the three Lego certified stores in Singapore. Shop Lego toy sets, accessories, souvenirs, collectables and exclusive sets like the Harry Potter or Stranger Things collection, mini figurines, the city architecture range, the limited edition Star Wars builds and more.

  • Shopping
  • Bishan

Whether you're looking for colourful stationery, quirky home décor, whimsical gifts or nifty bits for your next DIY project, Klosh has your back. This lifestyle brand is a treasure trove of gifts – think everything from planners and cards to tote bags and clocks. It even has themed merch like Harry Potter for the  Potterheads. A gift that keeps on giving, Klosh champions the evolution of globally inspired designs, bringing the creations of designers around the world together under one roof. 

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