For a peaceful retreat away from Singapore’s skyscrapers, Punggol Park is a cluster of greenery housing a casual bistro with idyllic lakeside views. A new concept by the team behind the Timbre Group, Five & 2 takes over the 230-seater space formerly occupied by Wild Oats, and dishes out good food for a good cause.
Its name refers to the eatery’s policy of giving out one free nutritious meal to a child from a “resource-poor background” for every five meals sold, as well as its two social missions — to feed the underprivileged in the community and to create an inclusive workplace environment with equal job opportunities for all, including individuals with disabilities and former prison inmates.
And in the same do-gooder vein, Five & 2 does not offer wifi to its patrons. The idea is that this is a space for unplugging, and for enhancing engagement with your fellow diners (or at least, your food). So, no — that neon sign ain’t playin’.
To ease the duties of its employees, Five & 2 relies on the concept of self-service quite a bit, with touch-and-pay ordering machines, a tray return counter where you can get your $1 deposit back, and automated drink dispensers that shake up cocktails and mocktails with pre-programmed recipes.
On the Asian-influenced menu, you’ll find items like Sarawak curry chicken ($12.80), crab meat pasta ($18.80), herbal chicken soup ($10.80), and Thai green beef curry ($10.80). Wash it all down with boozy concoctions such as Whisky Lemak ($12), a mix of coconut- and pandan-infused whiskey, butterscotch liqueur, and milk, or Ang-Mo-Politan ($12), a blend of Cointreau, Japanese cucumber-infused vodka, cranberry juice, and calamansi juice.
It’s decent grub in a tranquil spot, ideal for whiling the weekend away — especially if you already live in the neighborhood.
Five & 2 is at Punggol Park, 97 Hougang Ave 8. Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm.
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