New Food Republic at Mandai Wildlife Reserve has more than 20 stalls and charming 1970s decor

Food Republic is probably one of the most recognisable food court or food hall concepts in Singapore, known for carefully curating its hawker line-up at every new outlet.

This March, Food Republic unveils its latest outlet at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a cool new 600-seater food hall that pays homage to the 1970s.

The decor here is truly one-of-a-kind, with rustic shophouse facades, posters parodying old-school films (see if you can spot a gorilla poster with the name “Kang Kong”), and a fake sky ceiling — much like the one we used to see at good ol’ Great World City.

Every element is meant to recreate a sense of nostalgia, harking back to the early days of the Singapore Zoo, and when Mandai Kampong was still around.

Around the nearly 1,500sqm space, you will also find a handful of interactive photo-worthy corners, including “durian carts” and “drinks stall carts”, so families can take some fun shots before or after their meals, for memories’ sake!

More than 20 curated stalls

So, what stalls can you find at Food Republic Mandai Wildlife Reserve?

Its more than 20 stalls are actually quite the eclectic mix.

Food Republic has specifically curated a mix of legacy and modern brands that would appeal to Mandai Wildlife Reserve visitors, which are typically a mix of local families and tourists.

And when we say legacy, we really mean it: Some of the recipes at these stalls can be traced back to the roaring 1920s!

So you can expect to feast on a table full of local classics such as laksa and you tiao, and also supplement them with treats from trendy labels such as Mr Coconut and Yuen Kee Dumpling!

Wondering which Food Republic Mandai stalls we enjoyed? Here are five of our favourite ones:

1. Old Amoy Chendol (kiosk 3)

Old Amoy Chendol is a heritage brand with its flagship at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and is actually one of our favourite places to get chendol in Singapore, and we are glad that it has opened an outlet at Food Republic Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Its traditional chendol (S$4.50) is a no-brainer if you are looking to get some dessert — afterall there’s no better way to cool down after a hot day out in the sun.

As always, the gula melaka in its rendition is thick and fragrant, the ice is fine and silky, and most importantly, the pandan jelly is still remarkably soft and almost melts your mouth!

2. Aarthy Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine (stall 5)

You might not be too familiar with Aarthy Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine, but surely Jalan Kayu Prata rings a bell? This concept, run by Jalan Kayu Prata’s second-generation, is a continuation of the family legacy!

The coin prata with mutton curry (S$10.50) might just be one of our favourite dishes at Food Republic Mandai Wildlife Reserve. 

Granted, the coin pratas are great — lightly crispy on the outside, and gently chewy on the inside — but the richness of the mutton curry is what really charmed us. It’s a huge thumbs up from us for this stall!

3. Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings & Satay (stall 9)

The supper-crazed foodies in Singapore know how much a good plate of satay or BBQ chicken wings can change up an entire meal.

With a charcoal-grilled recipe that dates back to the 1980s, it’s safe to say Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings & Satay’s chicken & pork satay (S$1.20 per piece) and chicken wings (S$1.80) are the real deal. 

We can never resist a stick of tender, juicy, and smoky satay, especially when it comes with a rich, moreish sauce, and Huat Huat definitely delivers.

4. Tanjong Rhu Pau (kiosk 2)

In case you are not looking to chow down on some carb heavy chicken rice or prata, we have the ultimate “finger food” option for you: Tanjong Rhu Pau.

This second-gen-run homemade pau brand is undoubtedly a familiar name for many, having been around for more than three decades. (We even tried our hand at making its legendary baos — it’s not easy!)

There is just something different about its homemade baos and its char siew pau ($1.40 per pc) is the best proof of that, with its fluffy exterior and sweet, juicy filling.

5. Toast Today (stall 16)

Being kaya toast fans, we are always on the look out for a slice of pandan-filled comfort — and the kaya butter toast set (S$5.50), which comes with the usuals of a drink and soft-boiled eggs, at Toast Today hit the spot.

Light toast, robust kaya, and a thick slab of butter? We have never heard of the brand before, but we thought that this was way better than the usual food court kaya toast!

Full list of Food Republic Mandai Wildlife Reserve stalls

Here’s the full rundown of the brands at Food Republic Mandai:

1. Bagus Kitchen Nasi Padang
2. Yang Sayang Chicken Rice
3. Monster Western
4. Aarthy Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine 
5. Kebabs Faktory Turkish Kebabs
6. Weld Quay Chilli Ban Mee
7. Boon Tat Seafood 
8. Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings
9. King Grouper Fish Soup
10. Hong Xing Fishballs and Meatball Noodles
11. Guan Chee HK Roast
12. Odeon Beef Soup Noodles
13. Shou Yi Fried Dough Fritters
14. Toast Today
15. Yuen Kee Dumpling
16. Uncle Lee’s Confectionary 
17. Mr Coconut
18. Nya Nya Nyonya Laksa
19. Tanjong Rhu Pau
20. Old Amoy Chendol
21. Chinatown Tan’s Tutu Coconut Cake

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on all the other great eats in Mandai and the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2026!