The Pokémon GO trend has become as second-nature in our daily lives as it is to check in to see your Facebook news feed. With the need to hunt down your Pokémons and hatch eggs and whatever else the game requires, players have proven themselves dedicated enough to go to great lengths to truly, catch ‘em all. If you’re guilty of this, you’ll be very familiar the fatigue and thirst and hunger that comes along with the journey of trying to be a Pokémon master. Don’t worry though; we’ve got your back. Here are some super popular Pokémon-rich zones that also have great makan stops for you and your friends to re-fuel at.
1 Jurong East
More specifically, Chinese Garden, if we want to be really accurate. The place is home to no less than three gyms and at least 20 Poké-stops, going by user feedback and online reports.
Bali Thai – You’ve been walking for hours and you need to replenish your energy levels. Why not get a hearty authentic Thai meal in a chilled air-conditioned location and satisfy those tummy growls? Dig into Thai Prawn Cakes, Thai Green Curry (Beef) and classic Tom Yum with Seafood, in addition to a wide selection of Thai sides, fried rice and noodle mains.
Eighteen Chefs – Want affordable Western fare? Eighteen Chefs is the place to go, with options like Aglio Olio with Half Spring Chicken, Rib Eye Steak, the Heart Attack Fried Rice Series (which we have to say, is fantastic!) and an-almost endless list of sides and starters for when you’re only feeling a tad peckish. Need a sweet finish? We say go for their Just Chocolate in a Jar (4 scoops of ice cream sprinkled with M&Ms, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with almond flakes) or Black Beauty (a generous portion of homemade brownies with two scoops of ice cream and chocolate sauce).
Pezzo – If you need to feed your army of fellow Poké masters-in-training, pizza is the answer. Get a Big Daddy (minced beef, turkey ham, Italian sausages, mozzarella cheese with a dash of BBQ sauce) to feed famished troops or a Hot Chick (spicy shredded chicken, special chilli sauce, red chillies, green and red peppers, roast garlic topped with mozzarella cheese) if you want to kick it up a notch. You also have the option to mix-and-match your pizza (up to 6 flavours in a 6-slices pan: Hola Hawaiian, Hot Chick, Pepperoni Party, Cheesy Cheese, Very Veggie and Chicken Delight) to keep the whole army belly happy.
2 Serangoon
Before Pokemon Go, this neighbourhood was known for NEX shopping mall and Chomp Chomp Food Centre. These days, people will most likely speak of how one is able to possibly spot a Snorlax nest in the area.
Bee Kee Wanton Noodles – For S$6, you can get yourself a scrumptious bowl of Truffle Wanton Noodles. Yes, you read that right. Packed with ingredients like boiled and fried wanton, flame-torched char siew and springy noodles, this bowl of wanton noodles packs a punch in both aroma and flavour.
Tai Lei Loi Kei – Be transported to Macau’s Taipa Village, where they are famous for their pork chop buns from Tai Lei Loi Kei. If you’re curious to try other savoury delights, we recommend their Bouncy Noodles and Macau Curry Fishball.
3 Hougang
The area has become notorious for hordes of Poké players gathering and causing quite a commotion and disruption to traffic, as seen on several viral videos. Bet you didn’t know it’s also known for some fancy nosh, huh? We highlight three possible rest stops for your tired feet.
Chef’s Hats – Get your triple dose of meat fix with their Bacon, Ham and Chipolata Sausages Pasta in Neapolitan Sauce or if you prefer something lighter, Flower Clams and Prawns Pasta. For the ravenous, they also serve Whole Spring Chicken (served with homemade coleslaw and fries with their special concoction of Thai chilli sauce).
NeNe Chicken – Protein will help keep you full throughout your Poké quest, without the food coma (and we hear it’s good for muscle-building as well!). Health benefits aside, we’re sure no one can resist a good serving of fried chicken, especially when it comes with four sauce options – Spicy, Freaking Hot, Honey Mustard Dip and Cheese Dip. They also serve Bap Burgers (rice burgers made with 2 savoury rice patties to replace the traditional bun, with three choices of filling – Kimchi Tuna, Chicken Ham and Chicken Tenders).
Lenas – Having been around for years now, Lenas offers diners such an expansive menu that we’re scratching our head as to how the kitchen manages to fulfil every single order! If you want pasta, they have plenty; if you’re craving Japanse curry, consider it done; if your palate is picky and is in need of something lighter, you can have your pick of salmon or dory specials that are served with more than 5 different types of sauce options! And if you’re out reeling in those Pokémon in the morning, they also have a section that serves all-day breakfast. How’s that for catching them all!
Wani’s writing has always spoken on her behalf far more than the spoken word. Her emotional relationship with food is almost as intense as her crazy love for HIIT workouts. Having written all things lifestyle, Wani now embarks on her freelance journey, journalling her epicurean trails and sweaty gym sessions with relentless fervor.