It's that time of the year again - Singapore's National Day is here! ? Whether you've been counting down since 10 August 2019 or you've only just pulled your red and white clothes out from the closet, the annual parade and firework displays are truly something to look forward to. Due to COVID-19 safe distancing measures, this year's festivities will be a little different with many more activities being brought to the heartlands - and yes, including the iconic firework displays! ? To help you 'chope' the best spots, we've gathered up some halal eateries near the NDP 2020 fireworks displays so you can enjoy a delicious meal before or even after the show! ?
Marina Reservoir
The Marina Reservoir has some of the best places to see the fireworks up close - which means they're usually pretty packed! With safe distancing measures in place, we're guessing that it'll be even harder to find a space this year. If you have enough time, try to go down early to secure your spot so that you won't have to fight against the crowds later on. The Marina Bay area is the place to be for the most breathtaking view of the fireworks. Whether you're chilling on the rooftop of Marina Barrage, watching the lights from the shadowed greenery of Gardens By The Bay, or viewing them from the stunning Marina Bay Sands - we guarantee it'll be a display to take your breath away.
Prime locations to see fireworks: Gardens By The Bay, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Victoria Theatre
If you're near the Esplanade, dine on zi char specialties at Jiak Modern Tze Char or maybe have some fusion Asian-Western dishes at Noosh. You can even treat yourself to a KBBQ feast at Seoul Garden at Marina Square or a steaming bowl of Hokkaido ramen at Ichikokudo at Suntec City before taking a short stroll over to your viewing spot. There's lots of halal choices in and around Marina Bay so you won't have to go hungry while waiting for the display to start! If you have enough time you could even have dinner along Orchard Road before taking the train over to Marina Bay.
Heartland locations
Apart from Marina Bay, fireworks will be released at several heartland locations this year to bring the party closer to you! ? You won't be able to get up close to the exact location where they're being set off, but this heartland effort means you can just look outside your window to enjoy the bright display.
#HHWT Tip: Unlike Marina Bay, the heartlands are full of halal late-night and 24-hour eateries which are perfect for a meal up until the show starts. ? So don't worry if you can't make it down to Marina Barrage in time - you might even get a better view seated at home!
1. Ang Mo Kio
Ang Mo Kio is home to 2 Mr Teh Tarik outlets (Blk 608 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, and Blk 728 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6) so you can get a late-night supper of local delights with no problems. Ayam penyet, Western fare, zi char - you name it, you've got it! ? Head over to OK Chicken Rice at Ave 8 to grab their limited-time National Day offer - 55% off the menu if you show up wearing red and white on National Day itself! Abang Gemuk by Fatty Bom Bom also has an outlet along Ave 10, where burgers and more await fans of halal local Western hawker fare. ?
2. Bishan
Bishan's Junction 8mall has quite a few halal eateries you can choose from! If you're going local opt for Crave nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice from Fitra Chicken Rice, or a customisable spin on stir-fried rice and noodles from Wok Hey to indulge in some affordable and familiar favourites. ? Mata Thai along St 11 also has a variety of Thai and local dishes - and they have delivery too! If you're willing to travel before heading back home for the fireworks to start, Toa Payoh's Fork and Spoon halal food court also has Lanzhou beef noodles, Thai food, and more!
3. Buona Vista
Though it's a little more difficult to find unique halal options in the Buona Vista area, there are still a handful for a special National Day dinner. ? Head to JW Korean Food Storyin Ghim Moh for grilled bulgogi bowls, Army Stew steamboats, Seafood Jjamppong ramen and more! Omoomo at Star Vistaalso serves up DIY customizable Korean and Japanese rice bowls, and if you're willing to travel a little bit you can head to nearby Clementi for a taste of the iconic Da Jie Yong Tau Foo or Thaksin Beef Noodles!
P.S. If you're going to be exploring the West of SG before the NDP festivities begin, here are 14 awesome halal eateries that prove West is best!
4. Jurong Lake Gardens
The Jurong Lake Gardens stretch out across 3 MRT stations so you can take your pick from the many halal eateries around! Nearer to Jurong East MRT and Westgate mall, there's the classic Hajjah Mariam Cafe with its delicious Nasi Ambeng platters - and they're on GrabFood too. ? There's also Mr Teh Tarik (Blk 456 Jurong West St 41) - an all-halal 24-hour hawker centre serving up zi char, Western fare, beef noodles, and more. There's a lot to eat in Jurong East and Jurong West so here are even more halal eateries to get you started!
5. Punggol
Late-night dim sum, fresh seafood, and some of the best halal char kway teow around - Punggol and its neighbours are full of awesome halal choices! We've already covered some of the best halal eateries in Punggol, Sengkang, and Hougang but here are some must-visit spots to include in your NDP celebrations. If you're craving fried chicken, Arnold's at Hougang Green Shopping Mall has some of the juiciest wings deep-fried to golden perfection. ? For night owls, you might prefer the Sengkang Square Oyster Omelette for some local flavour, or Tang Tea House at Jalan Kayu for dim sum, zi char, and more!
6. Sembawang & Woodlands
Sembawang and Woodlands are each getting a firework display this National Day, but since these 2 neighborhoods are so close by we decided to group them together. ? Flying Wok at Sembawang's Yong Li Coffeeshop has huge Giant Mama Wok tom yum noodle bowls that will get you and your friends in a festive mood. And of course, Al Ameen Eating Corner in Marsiling is open 24 hours daily for all your supper cravings! If you're a seafood lover however then you need to get a table at Woodlands' Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant. This popular seafood and zi char restaurant is open until midnight daily so we can imagine it'll be a popular spot to chill and wait for the fireworks!
P.S. Here are even more halal eateries in Woodlands, Sembawang, and Marsiling so you can plan out your #SG55 dinner with your family ?
7. Tampines
Oh Tampines, you definitely have quite the halal selection to choose from! ? From Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot to Fat Papa's to Al Azhar there are so many mouth-watering dishes awaiting you here. If you're feeling something more local and affordable, Century Square's The Food Market has halal stalls selling Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hokkien Mee, Hong Kong-style Beef Noodles and more! Check out more halal spots in Tampines here - including some late-night supper spots perfect for a post-firework chit chat with your buddies. ?
8. Yew Tee
Yew Tee is getting its own fireworks display this year but it's also another neighbourhood where it can be difficult to find halal options. ? Thankfully, nearby areas like Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang help make up for it! Hillion Mall has Ichikokudo and Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles if you're looking forward to treating yourself to something fancy. And Mr Teh Tarik Cartel in Choa Chu Kang Park is open 24 hours for a pre- and post-fireworks feast! ?
Time to plan out your special #SG55 supper! ?