Neighbourhood guides: Hougang – 5 places to check out on the weekend

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What do you know about this neighbourhood which always evokes heated conversations whenever the General Elections roll around? For the uninformed, Hougang used to be home to a Teochew village, where one could walk down the road and witness street wayangs and Chinese traditional healers working on their craft.

Fast forward a few decades later, and it has been transformed into a self-sufficient residential town with lots to do, and even more to eat. Want to know more? Here are 5 places in Hougang to check out on your next day off!

• Explore the rare sight that is this beautiful Gothic-style church
• Get in touch with your geeky side at this paradise for trading cards lovers
• Have a hearty steak that’s easy on your wallet at this western food stall
• Try the yummy scrambled egg waffles at this creative dessert store
• Tuck into some steaming hot frog leg porridge at this popular porridge stall

Explore the rare sight that is this beautiful Gothic-style church

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Who knew that Singapore has gorgeous Gothic style churches that can rival those you see in Europe? The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located at Upper Serangoon Road, is a national monument that was constructed in 1901. Mass is held every single day in a range of languages, so feel free to pop by to attend a session, or simply to admire the surroundings!

Get in touch with your geeky side at this paradise for trading cards lovers

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Regardless of whether you’re an avid fan of trading cards or you’re a newbie interested to learn more, Dueller’s Point is your best bet. Here’s where you can get your hands on Magic: The Gathering trading cards, board games such as Warhammer Quest, and even the best-selling crowdfunded games from Kickstarter!

Have a hearty steak that’s easy on your wallet at this western food stall

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Steak for under $10? Only at 5 Star Corner Western Food.

Also known affectionately as the ‘Ah Beng Western Food Stall’, this is where you can sink your teeth into a thick, juicy slab of steak at a highly affordable price. The stall is staffed by several young men (most of whom sport brightly coloured hair), who take orders quickly and efficiently in order to ensure that the perpetual queue doesn’t become unmanageable.

Other than the sumptuous steak, the fish and chips and chicken chop here also come highly recommended.

Try the yummy scrambled egg waffles at this creative dessert store

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Regardless of whether you prefer sweet or savoury waffles, Nit & Grit has them all. Take your pick from the Buttermilk Waffle With Scrambled Eggs and Maple Syrup, Crabstick Hotdog Waffle, and Nutella and Marshmallow Waffle. If you’re feeling thirsty, round up your snack with their home-brewed Earl Grey Cookie Milk Tea, which comes with rave reviews!

Tuck into some steaming hot frog leg porridge at this popular porridge stall

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Craving for some comfort food on a cold, rainy night? Head down to Sin Heng Kee Porridge, which is bound to satisfy. The fragrant aroma from the robust, flavourful sauce and the tender, succulent frog legs hits you on your first mouthful, and trust us when we say you’ll be sold!

Want to stay around Hougang?

With its many amenities and varied food options, Hougang is definitely a great choice to live in. If you think that Hougang is the neighbourhood for you, check out this table of average resale flat prices in the past.

Source: HDB.

Want to get a condo instead? Here are some great options in Hougang:

Florence Regency – $664 average psf.

Evergreen Park – $719 average psf.

Parc Vera – $1,045 average psf.

The Florentine – $1,058 average psf.

Harmony @ 1a – $1,206 average psf.

Naung Residence – $1,328 average psf.

Midtown Residences – $1,631 average psf.