This laid-back neighbourhood used to house British officers during the colonial period and is home to one of the best hawker centres in Singapore. While there’s no doubt about its reputation as a popular food haunt, this place is so much more than that. Here are 10 tell-tale signs that you’re definitely in the ‘Goon.
The same old Post Office
You can’t help but wonder if it’ll ever be torn down — more than 50 years since it opened, the building hasn’t changed one bit.
British road names
Most of the roads cramped in this small estate are named after places in Britain — Berwick, Cardiff, Kensington, Portchester, Tavistock — sometimes it doesn’t feel like you’re in Singapore.
When you hear “Gardens” or “Ang Sar Lee”
Serangoon Gardens is a mouthful to say and residents fondly refer to this estate as just “Gardens” or “Ang Sar Lee” (for its distinctive “red zinc roofed” buildings back in the ’50s and ’60s)
Serangoon Garden Circus
This iconic roundabout is one of the few remaining in Singapore and hasn’t changed much over the years, with only the trees in the centre which undergo makeovers.
French and Australian expats
There’s been an influx of expats in this little estate because of the French and Australian schools nearby and as far as expat enclaves go, this place is unofficially known to some as the French enclave.
Overwhelming aroma of food
You know you’re in the ‘Goon when you’re just assaulted by food smells from all directions because with its growing popularity with bars, cafes and restaurants, the ‘Goon is just foodie galore.
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
The famous local delights (BBQ stingray, chicken wings, Hokkien mee) are just so good that even the atrocious ventilation doesn’t deter crowds from flocking to this gastronomic gem.
Low-rise shophouses and single-storey houses
While many of the original houses are gone, with three-storey monstrosities taking their place, what’s left of the low-rise nature of this estate will make you feel like you’re in The Shire.
Village vibes
Practically oozing with quiet charm, this neighbourhood offers a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city where you can experience some old-school nostalgia.
Narrow one-way streets haphazardly packed with cars
It can be a real pain to manouevre through this obstacle course and sometimes you wonder why some residents have no issues with leaving their Ferraris on the roads and not in their car porches.
Photos: Nicole Nee
