Hidden Gems in Popular Hoods: Bedok
One of the oldest residential estates in Singapore, Bedok got its name from the Malay word ‘bedoh’ – a large drum used to produce prayer calls during the nation’s early days. If you have some time to kill before or after a flight, take a wander around this neighbourhood.
1. Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery
From its humble beginnings as a home kitchen in the Sixties, Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery has grown into a Bedok institution famed for its Peranakan sweets and cakes handmade with love. Peel the colours off its best-selling Kueh Lapis Nonya, layer by layer, or pop a bite-sized Oneh Gula Melaka into your mouth and savour the sweet coconut palm syrup as it oozes from the centre. With its extensive selection of kueh at no more than a dollar a piece, come prepared for a foodie adventure through these ethnic delicacies of Singapore’s Straits-born Chinese.
Where it’s at: Blk 84 Bedok North Street 4,
#01-21
Tel: 64490815
Website: http://www.kuehkueh.com.sg
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 6:30am – 6pm; Sun
6:30 – 2pm
2. Percolate
Indie cafes have recently been mushrooming up around Bedok and its region, but Percolate probably has the honour of being our favourite of the lot. Lauded as a quiet little haven in a bustling neighbourhood, kick back at this café with a cuppa and be won over by the exceptional service. Tea lovers will love its cold brewed tea, fragrant without any hint of bitterness. No trip to Percolate is complete without having at least one of its famous pastries – the red velvet cake and the banana date loaf have our vote.
Where it’s at: Blk 136 Bedok North Ave 3,
#01-152
Tel: 8259-0316
Website: http://percolate.sg/
Opens: Mon 10:30am – 9:30pm; Wed – Fri 10:30am
– 9:30pm; Sat & Sun 9am – 9:30pm
3. Fengshan Market and Food Centre
Better known as ‘Bedok 85’, this food centre is an open secret among the island’s residents who live in the east, who throng its aisles day and night for some of Singapore’s best street food. You’ll see most of them slurping down piping hot bowls of bak chor mee (minced pork noodles), hands down the most popular dish here with three stalls each with its own loyal following. You won’t go wrong with the orh luack (oyster omelette) and sambal stingray as side accompaniments to your noodles, but be prepared to wait in line!
Where it’s at: Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4
4. Bedok Reservoir Park
Raring to work off those calories after ingesting all that amazing food in Bedok? Go for a jog around the 4.3 kilometre track around the Bedok Reservoir. Here’s where you can go to take in a slice of nature and escape city life.
In need of adrenaline? The park offers opportunities for kayaking, wakeboarding, or zip lining your way through the Forest Adventure treetop obstacle course.
