Whilst it is not unknown that there has been quite a fair bit of works going on at Mandai Wildlife East that seen the addition of quite a number of new dining options within the area around Mandai Wildlife Reserves closer to Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari such as that of Roberta’s, an outlet of Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and Sushiro’s Digiro outlet, it is only in the past week that the area has seen its very first food court open in the non-ticketed zone of the area. Having visited Singapore Zoo (and also worked there at some point of time), this is definitely a significant development as part of Mandai Wildlife Reserves’ attempt to make the area not just one to visit for the paid attractions, but also one that feels integrated as an alternative destination for locals on weekends as well as tourists looking for an experience in Singapore outside of the city especially with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree also located in the Mandai Wildlife East zone.
The Food Republic here covers quite a wide area that seats a good number of patrons — the outlet is being themed after the typical street scene of Singapore in the 1970s; do check out the many props with details seems to draw reference from some familiar sights left from the past, as well as the witty puns on the posters indoors. This outlet boasts 20 stalls in operation since its grand opening highlighting various local favourites and other cuisine forms to appeal to the wider audiences; notable ones that we had tried includes the following:-
- Nya Nya (Nonya Laksa & Snacks; also located at Food Republic Wisma Atria and by the third-generation owners of Nonya Delicatessen at Bukit Timah Plaza)
- Uncle Lee’s Confectionery (Traditional Singapore Cakes; most notable for their Kaya Cake and Peanut Cake sold through several vending machines in Singapore — available in slices as well as in whole cakes)
- Weld Quay Chili Pan Mee (Malaysian-style Chili Pan Mee; similar to what is offered in the Penang Jiak sub-zone in Food Republic Shaw House and seemingly affiliated to the i Mum Mum brand in Penang)
- Tanjong Rhu Pau (Traditional Steamed Pau; think Yuan Yang Pau, as well as classic dim sum items such as Fan Choy, Chwee Kueh, Chee Cheong Fun, Siew Mai, and Glutinous Chicken Rice — originated from Guillemard Road)
