While Punggol has often been synonymous with ulu, the past few years have seen considerable developments in the neighbourhood – especially in the F&B sector. These new establishments, ranging from cafes to seafood restaurants, have encouraged Singaporeans from other regions to come flocking. In the spirit of Punggol Pride, we’ve compiled a list of 12 places worth your journey to the east.

1. Wayne's Chill-out

Wayne’s Chill-out is a laid-back café serving both sweet and savoury goodies. Their Ice-cream Waffles ($12.50, two scoops of ice-cream) and Pan Pizzas ($12.80) have met with plenty of rave reviews, both being hand-made by the boss himself. As such, you can expect innovative ice-cream flavours like the childhood-inspired lemon puff and haw flakes. If the weather permits, grab a seat in their outdoors area for a lovely view of the sunset, unhindered by HDBs (psst, perks of being ulu). Wayne’s Chill-out, 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-11, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: OpenRice user jiaksimipng)

2. Rilek 1 Korner

Although Rilek 1 Korner is the only Halal restaurant in the Punggol Settlement area, they most certainly do not abuse their monopoly. The increasingly popular joint serves a wide variety of tze char style mains at competitive prices, and we hear that the seafood is exceedingly fresh. Try the Seabass Tiger Rasa ($25), which is accompanied by a skilfully prepared sweet and sour sauce. They also have mocktails and fusion teas – enjoy the sea breeze with an invigorating Lychee Cucumber Tea ($3) for the “rilek 1 korner” vibe. Rilek 1 Korner, 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-02, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694. (Image: Rilek 1 Korner’s Facebook page)

3. Just the Place

A European bistro with seafront dining – need we to say more? But just in case you’re not convinced, we’ll let you know that Just the Place's menu covers an extensive selection of brunch and mains. The Farmer’s Platter ($17.90) looks promising with grilled sausages, beef patty, streaky bacon, hash, and wild mushroom ragout. Another tempting option is the Roast Chicken ($19.90), which comes with fingerling potatoes, wild mushroom, and mustard sauce. Just the Place, 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-07/08, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: Just the Place’s Facebook page)

4. Georges by the Bay

Georges by the Bay stands out as a Balinese themed bar, serving good ol’ Western Grill. Familiar dishes like BBQ Pork Ribs ($21.90 for half a rack) and Banger and Mash ($15.90) are available here, along with popular finger food like Luncheon Meat ($9.90) and Jumbo Fries ($5.90). With screenings of sports matches on the weekends, the bar conducts a bustling atmosphere with its lively crowd. Georges by the Bay, 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-12, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: OpenRice user Chubby Botak Koala)

5. White Restaurant

Notorious for its snaking queue and hour-long wait, Sembawang White Beehoon has made its way to the north-eastern shores of Singapore as White Restaurant. Naturally, one would go for the Signature White Beehoon ($6), which comes with a medley of seafood, vegetables, and egg in their famous gravy. Another dish to order would be the Signature Meat and Seafood Roll ($10), or what we locals call Ngoh Hiang. Crisp and aromatic, it makes for a good add-on to their beehoon. White Restaurant, 3 Punggol Point Road, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: http://tailim.blogspot.sg)

6. Horizon Bistronomy

Horizon Bistronomy is, in a nutshell, a French restaurant. However, many of its customers have found it to be more than just that. Exquisite plating aside, the restaurant also offers excellent quality for reasonable prices. One of their more popular items is the Truffle Angel Hair with Crab Meat ($11.90), topped with salmon roe and sizeable chunks of crab meat which are not shredded. For your main course, the Horizon Pork 2 Way ($25) is a good call with its 24-hour slow braised pork belly and Kurobuta pork tenderloin, served with roasted cauliflower puree, vegetables, grape mustard, and black pepper sauce. Horizon Bistronomy, 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-04, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: Horizon Bistronomy’s Facebook page)

7. Izakaya 95

Izakaya 95 banks on Japanese small plate dining with grilled skewers of meat and seafood (among other things) paired with sake or wine. Although hidden away on the second level of The Punggol Settlement, the restaurant has already received a torrent of positive reviews on their exceptional food and service. Go for the Kagoshima Buta Pork Belly ($5) and Signature Niniku Fried Rice ($6), which the restaurant touts as a must-try. Izakaya 95, 3 Punggol Point #02-05, The Punggol Settlement, Singapore 828694 (Image: Izakaya 95’s Facebook page)

8. Cravings

While dessert cafés are common enough, Cravings lives up to its name with Trios ($8.90), a customizable platter of bite-sized treats from what’s in store – think cheesecakes, cookies, and brownies. If you prefer not to think, get an Earl Grey Cheesecake ($3.90 per slice) or the classic Waffles with Ice-cream ($10.90, two scoops of ice-cream). They also have speciality drinks like Yuzu Fizz ($7.90) and Lycheetini ($7.90), which are fizzes of their respective flavours topped with a scoop of sorbet. Cravings, 6 Tebing Lane, #01-05, Singapore 828835 (Image: Craving’s Facebook page)

9. Whisk & Paddle

Besides quintessential brunch items like Eggs Benedict ($13.80, with smoked salmon) and Whisk Breakfast Plate (their version of Big Breakfast) ($19.80), Whisk & Paddle also serves a wide variety of main courses, from seafood to pasta. However, their Mac and Cheese ($12.80) seems to be the more popular option among café-goers, so we recommend you give that a try as well. Alternatively, unwind with a drink (they have ciders, beers, and wines) in their open-concept space and idyllic atmosphere. Whisk & Paddle,10 Tebing Lane, #01-01, Singapore 828836 (Image: OpenRice user Kaeting)

10. Uncle Leong Seafood

uncle leong seafood shimmering sand crab

What’s a food enclave without a good seafood restaurant? Uncle Leong Seafood is well-known for their crab dishes, especially the Shimmering Sand Crab Delight (seasonal price). The dish comprises of a creamy sauce made with butter, white pepper, and curry leaves, topped with lightly toasted cereal oats. If you’re looking for something other than seafood, the Guiness Pork Ribs ($12) is also well-received by patrons. Uncle Leong Seafood, 6 Tebing Lane #01-03, Singapore 828835 (Image: Uncle Leong Seafood Facebook’s page)

11. Frenzie Bar & Bistro

Frenzie Bar and Bistro scores big on ambience and scenery, and is fast becoming one of the residents’ favourite chill-out spots. While reviews on the food are mixed, the pizzas are a safe choice with their thin, cracker-like crust and savoury toppings - especially the Hawaii 5-0 ($16.90). Otherwise, the place is ideal for a gathering with friends or some after-dinner drinks. Frenzie Bar and Bistro, 10 Tebing Lane, #01-02, Singapore 828836 (Image: Frenzie Bar and Bistro’s Facebook page)

12. Great Atlantic Seafood

Located right beside marina, Great Atlantic Seafood offers not only a great view, but also quality seafood. The restaurant prides themselves on their Signature Lala Bee Hoon ($18), which comes with a slightly peppery stock that is homely and comforting. Additionally, the Cereal Squid ($20) is crazily addictive with its springy texture and crisp toppings. Unfortunately, their service has received some unfavourable feedback, although the food makes up for it. Great Atlantic Seafood, Marina Country Club, 600 Punggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 829734 (Image: Great Atlantic Seafood’s Facebook page)

Written by Mandy How