For those with a craving for great Singapore style and international foods, there can be no better destination on the ‘Little Red Dot’ than Kallang. This hip and trendy neighbourhood has transformed itself from a place where people once flocked to enjoy concerts or sporting events into one of the most vibrant dining spots on the island.
Some History
The Kallang River was initially settled by the Orang Kallang people who originally haled from Java, Indonesia. The group was already well settled by the time Sir Stamford Raffles arrived on the island in. By 1824, the original inhabitants had been relocated to Johor, however, their Javanese heritage lives on – even if it is now represented by the wonderful coffee shops that can be found in the neighbourhood.
• The enormous mangrove swamps that were a feature of the area are now sadly lost, due to development.
• The Kallang River is Singapore’s longest.
• No need to travel to Japan to enjoy the benefits of rejuvenating hot baths. The Yunomori Onsen awaits visitors to the neighbourhood.
Dining Hotspots
If there is one Kallang destination that every aspiring Singapore foodie should have on their bucket list, it is the Kallang Wave Mall. 41,000 square metres of retail space plays host to over 30 casual and fine dining venues. Restaurants such as the much-adored Issho Izakaya where Chef Takayuki Fukushima produces mouthwatering dishes with ingredients flown in directly from Japan make a visit an exploration of culinary delight.
There are other delights in the neighbourhood for those who are seeking to immerse themselves in the culinary scene of the area. For those in search of that Singapore classic, Chilli Crab, Roland Restaurant is highly recommended – they’ve been around since 1956, so they know their business and how to keep customers happy. Another seafood hotspot is Hong Kong Seafood and Steamboat. Head to Leisure Park and tuck into some wonderful Cantonese and Teochew cuisine (hint: the crispy duck served with lotus buns is unmissable).
Getting to Kallang
Access to Kallang is simple thanks to Singapore’s highly efficient public transportation system. The Circle Line of the MRT (underground) system will deliver visitors to within metres of the venue, as does the Singapore bus system.
Kallang is an essential stop for those in search of culinary delights. It is an area that will reward exploration. However, ordering out is another option – and Foodpanda provides the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy dishes from the neighbourhood in the comfort of their own homes.