If you’ve ever dropped by City Plaza on a weekend to do some errands or light shopping, chances are you were following the unmistakable aroma of deep-fried chicken straight up to Arnold’s. And fair enough—this local chicken spot earned its legendary status for a reason. But standing in an hour-long queue while your stomach growls is a rookie mistake, especially when some of the best, most authentic budget eats in the East are hiding just a few paces away.
From fine-dining-level Chinese home cooking squeezed into a tiny kitchen to fiery, uncompromising Indonesian comfort food, City Plaza is quietly one of Singapore’s most exciting food havens. Next time you visit, bypass the usual crowd and dig into these five underrated dining spots instead.
1. Chiderful Eating House
Don’t show up expecting white tablecloths, dedicated waitstaff, or anyone to seat you. At Chiderful Eating House, you walk in, grab your own cutlery and condiments straight out of the fridge, and settle in. It feels less like a commercial eatery and more like visiting a wildly talented chef friend who invited you over for an extraordinary home-cooked feast.
Operating as a complete one-man show, the chef works magic inside a compact kitchen where you can watch him execute every single dish from scratch. Despite the humble, self-service setup, the zi char output easily matches the standards of a fine Chinese restaurant.
The salt-baked chicken is extraordinarily tender and juicy, while the herbal chicken delivers a brilliant double hit: crackling, crispy skin paired with tender meat floating in a deeply nutritious, aromatic herbal soup. Round out your order with a bowl of comforting clam soup and their rich, homey chap chye for a meal that truly touches the heart.
Chiderful Eating House
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-73 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 1 PM – 9 PM | Closed on Sundays
2. Dapur Penyet
You know an Indonesian spot is legit when native Indonesians consistently fill the tables. Dapur Penyet has built a devoted following by keeping its regional flavours completely authentic, serving generous, hearty portions at prices that feel like a throwback.
While most joints stick strictly to standard ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken), this spot broadens the horizon with bebek penyet (tender fried duck) and a rich, comforting oxtail soup that easily steals the show.
If you stick with the classic ayam penyet, it comes with rice and your choice of five distinct sambal varieties. Consider yourself warned: the chilli is beautifully fragrant, but it packs a seriously fiery punch.
Pro tip: Give their ayam bakar (grilled chicken) a shot instead—plenty of regulars claim its sweet, smoky marinade is even better than the fried version. Pair it all with one of their sweet regional iced drinks to tame the heat.
Dapur Penyet
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-43/44, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 7:30 PM
3. Waroeng Bakso by Hamburguesa
Tucked inside the bustling food court on the top floor, Waroeng Bakso is a major draw for weekend crowds searching for a genuine taste of Jakarta street food. The specialty here is simple, soulful, and executed with total precision: authentic Indonesian bakso (beef meatball soup).
A standard bowl comes loaded with smooth bee hoon and several oversized, substantial meatballs swimming in a deeply rich, slow-simmered beef broth. The real magic happens at the condiment counter, where adding your own mix of traditional sauces and chilli paste elevates the flavour to another level.
If you thrive on intense heat, they offer an ultra-spicy version—though it’s strictly recommended for those with a serious spice tolerance.
Waroeng Bakso by Hamburguesa
Location: Blk 810, #05-06 Geylang Rd, City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Closed on Weekdays
4. SK Café
Hidden away in the mall’s quiet corridors, SK Café is a cozy, no-frills nook serving honest Western comfort fare. The physical space is undeniably tight, but the friendly staff and warm atmosphere make you feel instantly welcome.
Don’t come expecting pretentious gourmet gimmicks; this place excels at doing classic steaks, chops, and pasta right using sharp culinary technique. The signature Chicken Chop is a non-negotiable order—tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to order.
If you want something lighter, the seared salmon salad is surprisingly refined. The salmon is expertly seared on the outside while remaining juicy inside, accompanied by a bright, lemon-tempered dressing that cuts clean through the richness. Paired with a plate of simple, spot-on spaghetti, it’s one of the best-value Western lunches in the area.
SK Café
Location: City Plaza #04-18/19, 810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM – 7:30 PM | Closed on Sundays
Final Thoughts
Beyond the undeniable pull of Arnold’s Fried Chicken lies a handful of culinary gems, where single chefs dedicate themselves to fine-restaurant standards in tiny kitchens and regional cooks preserve authentic flavours that keep homesick diners coming back week after week.
Whether you’re craving a fiery sambal challenge, a soul-warming bowl of herbal chicken soup, or a relaxed Western lunch that won’t break the bank, this classic Paya Lebar landmark delivers incredible value and unforgettable tastes.
So the next time you find yourself near Paya Lebar, bypass the long queues and glossy chain outlets. Head upstairs, explore the corridors, and let City Plaza’s hidden kitchens surprise you—one delicious dish at a time.