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Besides the opening of the multimedia nature attraction Exploria, there's another reason to visit Mandai Wildlife Reserve this March: Food Republic, one of Singapore’s staple food eateries, is debuting at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Its newest outlet is set to open on March 20 2026, and will officially be the first food hall in the nature-and-wildlife destination.
Zoo-goers will be able to indulge in 23 carefully curated stalls of heritage hawker favourites, legacy recipes, and local brands under one roof, right in the heart of Mandai. The big draw? Four hawker heavyweights and beloved brands – Boon Tat BBQ Seafood, Tanjong Rhu Pau, Old Amoy Chendol, and Mr Coconut – will be landing in Food Republic for the very first time.
Boon Tat BBQ Seafood, which began as a pushcart along Boon Tat Street in 1985, is famous for its mouthwatering grilled seafood that’s smothered in a secret sambal sauce and wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. Meanwhile, Tanjong Rhu Pau has been delighting Singaporeans for over 30 years with its signature da pau (“big bun”) and char siew pau, made fresh daily using a unique yeast-free dough.
Not forgetting Old Amoy Chendol either, Singapore’s first specialist chendol stall since the 1950s that sticks to strict artisan principles: freshly cold-pressed coconut milk, charcoal-brewed gula melaka, and natural pandan chendol with zero preservatives. Local favourite Mr Coconut will also open its first-ever Food Atrium outlet, serving up its thirst-quenching coconut shakes and juices.
Other highlights include Shou Yi Fried Fritters, Nya Nya Nonya Laksa, Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings, Chinatown Tutu Kueh, and Yang Sayang Chicken.
The outlet itself is more than just a food hall, too – think of it as a mini time machine. With interiors and photo spots inspired by old-school hawker streets, you get all the nostalgia of Singapore’s hawker scene, but with Mandai’s greenery right outside the window.
For updates, check their page here, and follow Food Republic on Instagram here.
Food Republic at Mandai Wildlife Reserve is located at 80 Mandai Lake Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 729826.
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