8 Jurong West food gems worth a journey to the west

It’s well-established that the easties are blessed with an abundance of food options, with Katong, East Coast, and Bedok all playing host to a variety of popular makan spots, old and new. 

But in case you feel that the west has few to no options, we’re here to prove you wrong. Those who know, know — neighbourhoods such as Beauty World, Jurong West and Teban Gardens are teeming with food gems waiting to be uncovered.

As we all know, Singaporeans are passionate when it comes to all things food and will gladly travel to new places for new flavours.

Where better to start your expedition than in Jurong West, an underrated area where Jurong Point, Boon Lay Place Food Village and 505 Jurong West Food Centre are all at close quarters?

If you’re curious to know what this under-explored neighbourhood has to offer, check out these food gems that are worth a journey down to far-flung Jurong West.

1. Surrey Hills Grocer

511 Upper Jurong Road, 01-01
Open:  Monday to Sunday (10am to 9pm)

Why visit? Most people are aware of the Australian speciality grocer for its trendier deli in Raffles Place and its hidden cafe in Ion Orchard. But for those living near Jurong West, Surrey Hills Grocer is also one of the few places you can enjoy a chic brunch date.

Not only can you find a whole assortment of imported Australian goods for your stay-home meals, but its inviting al fresco cafe, located just outside its store, is a great place to chill with good food. Best of all, the cafe is pet-friendly!

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: As it’s one of the few spots in Jurong you can have an Australian-style brunch, it’s a no-brainer to go for comforts such as the Melbourne breakfast avo (S$19, fresh Australian avocado, whipped ricotta, vegemite emulsification, spiced sweet almond sukkah and toasted sourdough). The cafe also serves up a plethora of hearty mains, including an aromatic truffle pasta (S$27) and rich hot honey fried chicken burger/waffle (S$29).

2. Feng Zhen Lor Mee

Taman Jurong Food Centre, 03-146, 3 Yung Sheng Road
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (5.30am to 2pm)

Why visit? Feng Zhen Lor Mee is probably one of the most renowned food haunts in the west. Although it’s now more accessible after recent expansion saw new branches in locations such as Tampines Street 44 and Yishun Ave 11, nothing quite beats the original. The Jurong outlet was also awarded a Michelin Plate in the Michelin Guide.

You have to head down early though, since it usually commands one of the longest queues at Taman Jurong Food Centre. You don’t want to risk its rich lor mee being sold out before you reach the front of the queue.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: It’s obvious what to go for at this Jurong West icon. The traditional lor mee (from S$4) is a heavenly bowl of bouncy noodles enrobed in a rich, viscous gravy, topped with meatballs and a hard-boiled egg. You can also opt for the fish lor mee (from S$5) instead, which comes with tender fried fish.

3. Loong Kee Yong Tau Foo

Jurong West 505 Market and Food Centre, 01-31, 505 Jurong West Street 52
Open: Friday to Wednesday (6.30am to 8pm)

Why visit? A name that’s more familiar to residents there, Loong Kee Yong Tau Foo has also earned itself a Michelin Plate on the Singapore edition of the Michelin Guide.

The nondescript stall is known for its wide assortment of ingredients, including both deep-fried and boiled varieties. You can get your food in the typical dry and soup versions, or with laksa. Bonus: Its location in Jurong West 505 Food Centre also houses two other Michelin-recommended stalls, so foodies can try everything in one swoop.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: The selection here starts from S$4.20 for a minimum of five pieces with mee/rice, S$4.90 for a minimum of five pieces with laksa broth and a choice of mee/rice, or S$5 for a minimum of five pieces with chee cheong fun. Besides being able to choose your choice of carbs, you also get to customise your meal with the store’s dizzying array of ingredients. Many swear by the fried items, such as the fried meatballs, which are refried before serving.

4. Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak

Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, 01-06, 221B Boon Lay Place
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (10.30am to 4pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Those living in the west probably don’t need to be introduced to this wildly popular nasi lemak stall located at the entrance of Boon Lay Place Food Village. The incessant queues are proof enough of its popularity.

Known for its aromatic coconut rice and fresh ingredients, the iconic Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak is one of the top spots hawker aficionados make a beeline for when they are in the Jurong West-Boon Lay vicinity.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Most fans would recommend the signature chicken set (S$4) to newcomers, who would enjoy the fragrant coconut rice with crispy fried chicken wings. Alternatively, there are options such as the otah set (S$3.50) and fish fillet set (S$3.50) for smaller eaters, and a saba fish set (S$6) for anyone looking to indulge in a more substantial protein pairing. All sets come with a piquant sambal and the usual trimmings of fried egg, ikan bills and peanuts.

5. Suzuki Gourmet Coffee

8 Chin Bee Avenue
Open: Tuesday to Friday (10am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm)

Why visit? Pining for a different kind of cafe atmosphere from the ubiquitous style of sleek, white-dominated minimalism? This gorgeous Japanese-style coffeehouse in the west will make you feel as if you’ve been spirited away to Japan.

Located in a secluded industrial area in Jurong West, Suzuki Gourmet Coffee was originally involved in the business of roasting coffee. It opened its first sit-down cafe in 2021 and quickly gained social media notoriety for its gorgeous wooden decor that’s reminiscent of a Kyoto teahouse.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Coffee aficionados will be tempted by the cafe’s comprehensive curation of V60 artisanal filter coffee. It comprises mainly light roasts that range from the understated and fruity Mexico Bella Vista Altura (S$7.80) to the exclusive and luxe Hacienda Esmeralda Geisha Natural (S$17.80). Otherwise, its Hokkaido matcha latte (S$8) and Hokkaido hojicha latte (S$8) are also popular choices for those who prefer espresso-based drinks.

6. Time Table Cafe

Block 456, Jurong West Street 41, 01-726
Open: Monday to Thursday (11am to 11pm), Friday (11am to 3am), Saturday and Sunday (10.30am to 3am)

Why visit? Did you know the quiet neighbourhood of Jurong West already had its own brunch haunt, way before Surrey Hills Grocer popped up? It’s a cosy little cafe that’s been around since 2014, snuggled comfortably in a corner unit under a HDB block.

There’s nothing showy about the quaint Time Table Cafe, which offers the usual comforts of cakes, waffles, and pastas for anyone looking to laze the afternoon away in relative tranquillity.  However, it’s not merely a brunch hangout — the cafe is open until 3am on weekends for those in need of a late-night supper spot.

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Affordable, almost-typical, casual Western fare is served here. It’s strength is its staggering range of favourites, which run the gamut of classics such as mushroom aglio olio (S$8.80) and grilled salmon (S$14.80), and wackier creations such as the salted egg yolk crayfish spaghetti (S$19.90).

7. Traditional Hakka Lui Cha

Boon Lay Place Market and Food Village, 01-96, 221B Boon Lay Place
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (6am to 2pm)

Why visit? Here’s something most people wouldn’t expect — Jurong West is home to a respected hundred-year-old family recipe. 

Traditional Hakka Lui Cha serves a mean rendition of thunder tea rice, made with a treasured recipe that has been passed down for generations. Its bowl is chock full of fresh vegetables, tofu and nuts, paired with flavourful tea broth. The stall is popular during lunchtime, so come early.

Price range: $

Crowd favourites: Here, diners are given a choice of either white rice (S$4) or brown rice (S$5) as the base for their bowls. It’s then piled high with a slew of antioxidant-rich ingredients, including leeks, white cabbage, long beans, sayur manis (sweet leaf), firm tofu, and chye poh (pickled radish). Then the final magic touch — a special savoury tea soup that is meant to imbue the ingredients with a wholesome earthy richness.

8. Big Boy Franks

165A Yung Kuang Road, 01-42
Open: Monday to Friday (5pm to 9pm), Saturday (5pm to 8pm)

Why visit? Big Boy Franks is a Muslim-owned establishment that is one of a kind. It is a hot dog specialist that can be found operating out of an HDB void deck in Jurong West.

Besides its main feature of loaded hot dogs, the establishment is also known for serving up the most sinful burgers and fries. This hidden gem in the west is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a hefty, meaty meal.

Price range: $$

Crowd favourites: Let’s be frank, most people love Big Boy Franks for its signature juicy hot dogs. You can’t visit without getting favourites such as the Beefy Big Boy (S$12) or Chicky Big Boy (S$12), drowned in the stall’s special chilli concoction. If hot dogs aren’t your thing, you can also get your hands on its affordable burgers, including the mouthwatering double smash beef (S$10) and double Chicky burger (S$10).

Surrey Hills Grocer, Feng Zhen Lor Mee, Loong Kee Yong Tau Foo, Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, Traditional Hakka Lui Cha, Big Boy Franks, and Time Table Cafe are on the GrabFood delivery service and offering free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. You can also book a ride to the stores mentioned in the article.