Some of us eat to run, but most of us run to eat. Let’s face it; running gives us the excuse to eat something extra sinful, because we feel we deserve it after a good, long run!
We’ve previously covered 5 great places to run and eat in Singapore, and the response was so encouraging, we cracked our brains (and stuffed ourselves) to bring you 5 more wonderful places to run and eat in Singapore!
Marina Bay
Running Route: Marina Bay Loop
There are so many scenic spots along this 5km loop that qualifies this run as a definite ‘must-try’ for both local and foreign runners alike. This route is also very convenient, starting and ending near Clarke Quay MRT Station. Starting from Coleman Bridge, run east along the Singapore River, passing UOB Plaza and the Fullerton Hotel to reach Marina Bay.
Once here, you’ll see the sights of Singapore that postcards are made of. Once you reach the Fullerton Hotel, cross the road and you will be able to see Singapore’s national mascot, the Merlion. From here, turn right and run past Fullerton Bay, The Promontory @ Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands Resort, crossing the Helix Bridge, the Marina Bay Floating Platform, and the Esplanade. You’ll also pass the newly reopened Victoria Concert Hall and Parliament House, before crossing Coleman Bridge and arriving back where you started.
Where to Eat?
If you’re running this route in the morning, you can head to Hong Lim Food Centre. Receiving a major facelift in 2011 and boasting improved ventilation and larger seating capacity, the majority of stalls here cater to the office crowd, closing at 3pm daily. Several famous food stalls have been here for decades! Try the Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee, or the Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist, which serves some delivious and fresh prawn dumpling noodles. Or you can have the Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa, which includes crayfish inside! For the health-conscious, try their specially invented (but surprisingly tasty) Fruit Juice Mee Siam, which is a spin on the local Malay noodle dish.
But night time is where this route really shines! The buildings and attractions are all lit up fantastically after sunset, making it of the most beautiful running routes you can experience in Singapore! Remember to bring a camera!
End your run at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, which is located at the Esplanade. This is where local food guru KF Seetoh gathered some of the island’s best hawkers in an outdoor dining area right by the scenic Marina Bay. From signature chilli crab from Rong Guan BBQ Seafood to satay from Alhambra Padang, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
The third alternative is to end the run at Hong Lim Park, take a shower there (the park is light from 7pm to 7am), and head northwards to the air-conditioned Central Mall, which has a large selection of restaurants to choose from. With Chili’s for those with large appetites, to Real Food for vegans, there is something for everyone here.
Gardens by the Bay
Running Route: Central Business District (CBD) to Gardens by the Bay
Here’s a route that will take you through the office buildings of CBD, Marina Bay Sands Resort and into the Gardens by the Bay. You can start your run at the Thian Hock Keng Temple at Telok Ayer Street. Head north and turn right at Cross Street, running past the Telok Ayer Market. Turn left at Raffles Quay, running until you see Marina Boulevard and the Marina Bay Sands Resort to your right. Turn right and run along The Promontory at Marina Bay and the length of Marina Bay Sands Resort.
Once you reach the ArtScience Museum, turn right and head into the scenic Gardens by the Bay, and run the length of the park.
Once you’re done soaking in the sights, you can run back to the starting point for a total distance of approximately 10km.
Where to Eat?
Located just 400m away is the Maxwell Food Centre, which has lots of delectable delights. The majority of food stalls are open until 8pm, while some stalls are even open till the wee hours of the morning to cater to the pub-goers around the area. Try the Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which recently “defeated” international celebrity chef Gorden Ramsay in a food competition last year. Runners watching their diet can also try Zhen Zhen Porridge, with their porridge topped with generous servings of spring onion, shallots and chopped preserved vegetables.
For those of you who want to cool down, you can end your run at Asia Square, which has an air-conditioned Food Garden located on the second floor of Tower 1. Located only 400m from The Promontory at Marina Bay, you can sample the rotisserie chicken from 180˚ Rotisserie, helmed by local celebrity chef Eric Teo. Or enjoy a selection of soups from Soup Stock Tokyo, such as Hokkaido Crab Bisque or Tokyo Borsch. The Asia Square Food Garden opens from 8am to 9pm (closed on weekends), making it an excellent stop for your weeknight runs!
Botanic Gardens
Running Route: Botanic Gardens
Located near Singapore’s prime shopping street Orchard Road, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great scenic location. You will find everybody from expatriates with gigantic pet dogs to young dating couples enjoying the beautifully landscaped greenery. Apart from the National Orchid Garden, the rest of the 183 acre park is free for entry, and open from 5am to midnight daily.
From the Botanic Gardens MRT Station on the Circle Line, head into the Botanic Gardens via the Bukit Timah Gate. Depending on the route you choose, the distance can be anywhere from 1km to 4km loop. Apart from the wonderful horticultural attractions and artistic sculptures within the park, there are also free concert performances on the weekends.
It might get a little complicated inside, so if it’s your first time, do acquaint yourself with the maps beforehand, or bring along a friend who is familiar with the place!
After your run, freshen up at the nearby MOE Co-Curricular Activities Branch, which has shower facilities for the public.
Where to Eat?
There are a couple of dining options within the park. Food For Thought is a café located near Tanglin Gate, and seats 300! Large tables and generous aisles make a great chill-out spot after a run. Casa Verde is another casual place with al-fresco dining, and they serve an appetising brunch menu too.
Or you can go local and try Mr Prata at Evans Lodge, which is a 24 hour store selling the delicious local dish. Try their savoury Tissue Prata, which has been stretched thinly and is delightfully crispy and light!
West Coast
Running Route: West Coast Park
West Coast Park is a beautiful 5km loop gives you a great waterfront view. Take a detour into the boardwalks over Sungei Pandan Kecil, which is a miniature marshlands reserve. The park is divided into 2 segments, but there is an underground tunnel connecting the 2 sides seamlessly.
Where to Eat?
After ending your run, head over to West Coast Plaza, which is approximately 700m away. Xin Wang Hong Kong Café has some outdoor seats for a relaxed atmosphere, or grab a sandwich at Subway or Quiznos!
Additionally, you can add 2km to your running route, and head northwards to the Ayer Rajah Food Centre, located at 503 West Coast Drive. Try the Mee Goreng (Malay style fried noodles) from NM Abdul Rahim, which has a loyal following. This food centre also has 2 great Indian Rojak stalls (Habib’s Rojak and Abdhus Salam Rojak), both which serving delicious fried fritters that go well with thick, spicy peanut sauce.
Serangoon
Running Route: Loop around Upper Serangoon, Boundary Road, Lorong Chuan and Bradell Road
This 5.1km running loop takes you to the quaint neighbourhood of Serangoon. Run alongside HDB apartment blocks of the Serangoon estate and plenty of greenery and wide open spaces along Lorong Chuan to truly get a feel of heartland Singapore.
Starting at Serangoon MRT Station at Nex, head north along Upper Serangoon Road and turn left at Boundary Road, running straight past Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, turning left when you reach Lorong Chuan. Continue southwards along the length of Lorong Chuan, then left again at Braddell Road. Once you see Upper Serangoon Road, turn left to complete the loop!
Where to Eat?
Run as many loops as you want to clock up your mileage, and end your run back at Nex! This shopping mall also serves as an interchange between the North East and Circle MRT Lines, and is a constant bustle of activity. Nex has so many restaurants and eateries, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Anything from Japanese cuisine at Ichiban Boshi, to western delights from Jack’s Place, there are over a dozen eateries here from you to choose from!
Or you can head north along the intersection where Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Boundary Road, Lorong Chuan and Serangoon Avenue meet. Head northwards along Lorong Chuan for local hawker delights at Chomp Chomp Food Centre! This place is a hit with locals, with the place filling to capacity at dinnertime. Try the mouth-watering Ang Sa Lee Fried Oyster or the tasty Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles.
If you’re confused by the directions, you can view the location of Chomp Chomp Food Centre here.
You can also freshen up before your meals at the nearby Serangoon Stadium, where there are shower facilities available for the public!
Clock up your Mileage and Fill Your Tummy with Good Food!
And there you have it: another 5 wonderful places for you to run your heart out and eat to your fill! We hope you enjoy running these routes (and feasting!) as much as we enjoyed compiling them for you!
Share the love and don’t worry about overconsumption! Bring your friends and enjoy a day (or night) of running and eating with them!
