Mandai Wildlife Reserve welcomes another exciting food option with the opening of Food Republic! This massive food atrium houses classic Singaporean foods in an indoor, air-conditioned space designed to transport you back in time.
Inspired By 1970s Singapore
The 600-seater venue has been transformed into an immersive reflection of 1970s Singapore.
Inspired by the old Mandai Village that once stood on the land, the space incorporates motifs of olden-day Singapore in great detail.
From the two-storey shophouse storefronts to ornately replicated push carts, they spared no expense in the design. Some of the signs are originals from the 1970s!
My favourite one was the wall paintings of movie screening timings. These are an homage to the open-air movie theatre that was in the village.
You can spend time just walking and exploring all the small elements hidden within the bright colours and painted signs.
Food Republic Food Menu
There are 21 food stalls offering local Singaporean cuisine, with many brands established since the 70s!
Some recognisable ones are Tanjong Rhu Pau, Shou Yi Fried Fritters and Hong Xing Fishball Noodle, which are now helmed by second and third generation owners.
Nostalgic treats from Uncle Lee Confectionery, Chinatown Tu Tu Kueh and Old Amoy Chendol round off the savoury offerings with their menu of freshly made sweets.
I appreciated this detail in the curation of the food, which added personality to the usual offerings.
Of course, there are some “new age” offerings, including beloved coconut shake brand Mr Coconut and viral dumplings by Yuen Kee Dumpling (not a Singaporean brand but Singaporeans like it!).
Familiar Food Republic brands like King Grouper Fish Soup and Blanco Court Beef Noodles are available.
I did note that the prices are considered steep for a food court – between $7 to $15 for a meal – taking into consideration the location and offerings.
What We Tried From Food Republic Mandai
My meal started with Coin Prata with Mutton Curry ($10.50) from Aarthy Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine, named after the owner’s daughter.
Crispy and slightly chewy, the prata was the perfect carrier for the rich, spiced mutton curry. The curry wasn’t gamey either!
No Singaporean feast is complete without satay and sambal stingray. Boon Tat Seafood and Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings & Satay satiated these with their signature items.
The BBQ Sambal Stingray with White Rice ($17/Small) had juicy meat and prickly sambal that could be spicier for local tastebuds. Admittedly, the portion size is a bit small for the price.
I also liked the Chicken & Pork Satay ($1.20/pcs) and Chicken Wings ($1.80/ pcs), both grilled to a nice charred exterior while keeping the same tender meaty bite.
For those looking for something different, Nya Nya Nyonya Laksa presents Peranakan-style Nonya Laksa ($8.90).
This broth was slightly lighter than the usual laksa with a more fragrant profile. I personally prefer my laksa on the thicker, lemak side, but this version was still equally moreish.
Chicken rice is a Singaporean staple, and Yang Sayang Chicken Rice presents a humble but hearty halal version. The Duo Style Chicken Rice ($9.80) came with fragrant oil rice that was addictive, alongside tender chicken pieces.
Fun fact: The stall uses a recipe from Sargeant’s Chicken Rice, a brand old-timers might recognise.
The experience closed with Traditional Chendol ($4.50) from Old Amoy Chendol, prepared with a traditional ice-shaving machine!
With smoky gula melaka syrup and chewy chendol, this had that ‘traditional’ taste that isn’t commonly found anymore.
What To Eat In Mandai Wildlife Reserve
With its comfortable air-conditioned seating and dazzling selection of Singaporean food, Food Republic is the perfect place to eat in Mandai after a day of exploring the zoo or Bird’s Paradise!
Check out more eats in the West side:
- Cavern Restaurant Review: Singapore’s First and Only Restaurant in a Cave Setting in Mandai Wildlife Reserve
- Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, Luke’s Lobster & Leckerbaer Now In Mandai Under One Roof
- Starbucks Has a New Picturesque Outlet in Bird Paradise, Focusing on Sustainability
Food Republic Mandai Wildlife Reserve
80 Mandai Lake Rd, Food Republic #01-01/02, Singapore 729826
Open daily, 8am – 9pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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