Ulu food finds: South Union Park, an underrated decade-old cafe in Kembangan with winning duck pasta
Ulu food finds is a HungryGoWhere series where we explore cult-favourite spots in more far-flung or as some people say “bird no lay egg” — a direct translation of the Chinese idiom 鸟不生蛋 — remote locations?
How often have you thought to yourself: “Today is such a nice day, I should probably go to Kembagan for a brunch date”?
Probably not very often, unless you are familiar with South Union Park.
Nestled inside a quiet estate in Kembangan, this long-standing cafe may not be one of Singapore’s hottest and trendiest cafes, but it has developed a pretty strong cult following in the decade that it’s been around. (In fact, it’s celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year!)
The younger cafe crowd may not know this, but it was actually one of the most popular names for affordable pasta and quaint brunch vibes in the 2010s!
The journey to Kembangan
If you are going to South Union Park by public transport, you’ll want to stop at Kembangan on the east-west line.
Once there, make your way to exit B.
Getting to South Union Park is actually a pretty straightforward 10- to 15-minute trek from there, as long as you’re going in the right direction (or using good ole’ Google Maps).
The route along Jalan Kembangan, through an enclave of private housing, doesn’t have much shade from Singapore’s usually harsh sun, so gear up with some sunscreen or umbrellas if needed!
You’ll find South Union Park sitting in a corner unit on the ground floor of a shophouse building, where you can also find a bike shop and a few other establishments.
10 years of South Union Park
The space in South Union Park is minimalistic and welcoming, built on a melange of whites and wooden tones, embellished by a smattering of rustic lamps and paintings.
The understated ambience can basically be summarised as “cosy neighbourhood bistro”.
But trendy decor was never meant to be a highlight of South Union Park, anyways — the spotlight has always been on its food, crafted by award-winning chef-owner Terence Chuah.
Terence is a chef with a wealth of experience, boasting experience overseas at spots such as the legendary two Michelin-starred Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain.
The talented chef is also the man behind another popular pasta cafe, Eleven Strands in Yio Chu Kang, and opened Tombok Tombok, a Peranakan restaurant in Bedok, last year.
But before all of these, South Union Park was his first baby that he launched in 2016, and it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Don’t we all just love seeing small independent restaurants thrive, especially in the current competitive F&B climate?
Visit South Union Park for handmade pasta
For as long as it has operated for, the cafe has been known for its handmade pasta. At one point, it was going viral for its unique chocolate pappardelle — though it is no longer on the menu.
On a whole, South Union Park’s menu features a healthy mix of both traditional flavours and creations inspired by Singapore’s own cuisine.
To celebrate the big 10, chef Terence has also recently expanded the menu, adding a variety of new items!
Among the dozens of pasta choices, though, South Union Park’s crowning jewel is undeniably the duck confit tagliatelle (S$28) — the dish that claimed top honours at the Barilla Pasta Championship Singapore 2024, where seasoned local chefs compete to represent Singapore at the regional championship.
This menu mainstay combines springy handmade tagliatelle with shredded duck confit, hazelnut, masala cream, parmesan, and parsley.
When duck is not executed well in a dish, it runs the risk of developing an unpleasant gamey funk, but that’s not the case here.
South Union’s version is quite the opposite. Here, a gentle tinge of earthly spice from the masala complements the duck delightfully, with a little help from the spinach and hazelnut.
On the other hand, those who haven’t been back in a while might also want to try one of its best-selling new additions: the porcini ravioli with mixed mushrooms (S$28).
We are always on the lookout for good ravioli, which isn’t given as much love locally as some other pasta variations, and we thought South Union Park does a solid rendition.
The skin is rolled out to be delicate but not too sheer, so you still get a pleasant chew in the mix, and each parcel of ravioli comes loaded with creamy forest mushroom filling.
Everything is also doused in a rich mushroom cream sauce, with the distinct fragrance of porcini shining right through in the overall profile.
Brunch in Kembangan
Aside from the handmade pasta, South Union Park’s menu is also filled with a wealth of charming brunch favourites, which are served till 4pm daily.
Four crepes have been newly introduced to South Union Park’s menu for the cafe’s 10th anniversary and are easily one of our top picks for a comforting brunch dish.
The lemon cream seafood crepe (S$20) is an interesting idea for a savoury crepe, which is topped with an abundance of seafood and a tangy lemon cream sauce that contrasts with the heartiness of the base crepe.
If we are talking about best-selling new additions, though, we have to highlight South Union Park’s rosti eggs Benedict — this newcomer features a “rosti” moulded into a peculiar conical nest shape, a la Chinese fried yam rings.
For your topping, you can choose from four proteins: mushroom (S$18), bacon (S$19), smoked salmon (S$19), or even oxtail (S$20).
Airy and crunchy rosti that’s not too greasy? Check. Beautifully jammy poached eggs? Check. Bright and tangy Hollandaise sauce to cut through it all? Check.
There’s even creamy mashed potatoes and ikura to add to the textures and richness.
While pastas and brunch are what most people would visit South Union Park for, don’t forget to also check out its more substantial mains, especially if you are coming in for dinner.
These mains range from the reliable squid ink risotto (S$27) to a hearty braised Australian lambshank (S$33) — there’s plenty of diversity for different palates.
We quite enjoyed the bone-in beef short rib (S$32) that is cooked til fork-tender and is dressed up with a robust red wine jus.
It is accompanied by chopped-up bacon and mushrooms, on a bed of mashed potatoes.
There’s also a poached egg at the side if you wish to add more silkiness to the fray — we’d recommend trying the beef first before adding the yolk lest it gets too cloying for you afterwards. Whichever way you have it, it’s still a winner in our books.
Is it worth the journey?
So, was South Union Park worth the pilgrimage into this ulu, bird no lay egg corner of the east? On our scale, we’d say:
- Just Grab there now!
- Travel-worthy
- Only if you’re nearby
Especially for the brunch lovers and pasta fans.
It is not too hard to get to, considering its proximity to Kembangan MRT! Plus, the walk also helps whet up a good appetite for your meal ahead.
Perhaps it’s time to consider Kembangan as a stop for your next cafe hop in the east?
This was a hosted tasting.
For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the hawker stall selling affordable Japanese omurice and the brand from Busan that serves ube makgeolli and hot-stone dishes!
Wed 11.30am - 9.30pm
Thu 11.30am - 9.30pm
Fri 11.30am - 10pm
Sat 11am - 10pm
Sun 11am - 9pm
- Kembangan
Evan started off writing about food on Instagram, before joining outlets such as Buro and Confirm Good to pursue his passion. His best work usually comes after his first whisky shot in the morning.
Read more stories from this writer.
