Visiting Ang Mo Kio heartland

Along the main broadwalk, you will see this welcome sign.

Being away from Japan and staying alone in Singapore, I have many chances to visit many places in Singapore that is interesting.

I like Orchard Road, Marina Bay and the new Marina Bay Sands very much as I can see many different people from different countries. I also like to go where my Singaporean friends go, and they sometimes ask me to visit their homes in the heartlands.

So there was a chance to visit a heartland town in Singapore. The place was called Ang Mo Kio Town, a heartland town in the north of Singapore. My friends tell me the Ang Mo Kio is a dialect name for 'tomato'. So funny to me, because the town does not look like a tomato.

Even though I am a Japanese, I can move around by myself without much help. Because of my English studies, I am able to read, write, and talk well in English, which helps alot for a English-speaking country like Singapore. I can imagine many of my other Japanese counterparts may get lost in the heartland. But I am glad for them because they will have the opportunities to ask many helpful Singaporeans for directions.

Back to 'Tomato' town. I spent one afternoon to visit on my own, after feeling bored from working. I took the break to explore the town center, and visit the many food places there. As I enjoy food, I am glad I could find Japanese food sold everywhere, from cheap to more family restaurant ones like Ichiban Sushi.



Blk 724 Hawker Center
and signpost to point you to the right directions





 But today, I wanted a cheap & fast meal in Singapore style, which my friend, Dave, told me to find at the hawker food center at Blk 724. To my surprise, the food here was very popular. The stalls that Dave recommended were all very busy with people! I could see another example of Singaporean's passion for food, and if I joined the queue, I will get to try the good recommendations. Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice one stall as the wait was too long for my hungry stomach. So at the same place a few stalls away, I chose to eat the famous Singapore chicken rice which I am very fond of.  And no queue too!

The no-queue chicken rice stall!

Queuing up for good food was not the only thing people like to do in humid Singapore. They like to get to try their favourite drinks by waiting in line too! This I also saw again at another shop in Ang Mo Kio. They sold the 'Koi' tea (I checked and asked if they were from Japan, but the manager said it was from Taiwan). They even have a registration number, so you collect your drinks when your number is on the LED board.

Outside the popular Koi shop at 'Tomato'

Anyway, enough of food for now. I want to show you where you can visit and see nearby.

1) National Library: Here you can get many good books to read over coffee / tea. When I was came to Singapore, I did many research on culture and people of Singapore here.

2) For fresh air, try the park. It was opposite the library, and I took a nice walk there.

The long staircase I took to go up the park.

Entrance to the park opposite the library.

3) Pine Garden Cakeshop (http://www.pgcake.com/) : I did not know how to go to this place as Dave did not give me the map. So I asked him to show me next time. To him, the cakes here are the best in Singapore and they are very popular with Singaporeans. I am a sweet tooth, so I will love to try this place soon. When can we go, Dave?