Meet Geneo – the new ‘it’ spot at Singapore Science Park. Think outdoor vibes, pet-friendly perks, and plenty to ‘gram.
If you live and breathe social media, you’ve probably seen the buzz around Singapore’s newest hotspot, Geneo Mall. While most content creators call it the latest outdoor lifestyle hub or a pet-friendly paradise, it’s simply my everyday workplace (yep, the Shopee office is right next door). That’s exactly why I think I’m the perfect person to give you the inside scoop on the food we love, the best things to do, and what makes Geneo Science Park special, all from someone who’s here five days a week!
Food at Geneo @ Science Park
Luckin Coffee: Daily coffee run at Geneo
Unit no: #01-32
Luckin Coffee probably needs no introduction – most people know it as the place to get your first cup for just $0.99. When we’re in the mood for something a little more Western-style, this is usually where we end up. Some drinks worth trying include the Orange Americano, Velvet Latte, and Pistachio Latte. That said, they are a little sweet for some of my colleagues’ tastes.
Olive & Peach: Speciality coffee and freshly baked focaccia
Unit no: #01-31
Olive & Peach is the kind of café you head to when the office gets too loud and your brain needs a reset. With its white walls, dark wooden floors, and soft globe lighting, the space feels more like a Pinterest board than a coffee shop. Prices are on the higher side (a tiny cup of matcha is $7.50), whereas their focaccia sandwiches start from $7.20. Made with freshly baked bread that’s got just the right amount of chew, they offer both comforting classics – like egg, tomato, and mozzarella – and bolder, locally inspired creations for the more adventurous.
Xi Men Jie: Nostalgic Taiwan vibes
Unit no: #01-35
Xi Men Jie serves up Taiwanese milk tea that’s delightfully reminiscent of the familiar neighbourhood staples – think gao milk tea paired with soft, chewy pearls. Alongside their drinks, they offer popular Taiwanese comfort food like their signature lu rou fan and crispy chicken fried rice, both of which have earned praise from many satisfied customers. Service can be on the slower side, so it may not be ideal if you’re feeling especially hungry. It’s best enjoyed as a leisurely teatime treat.
Swensen’s Unlimited: Halal lunch and dinner buffet
Unit no: #01-06
Buffets aren’t exactly the go-to for a weekday lunch, but curiosity got the better of us – and we’re glad it did. We stepped in to check out the spread, and wow, it definitely delivered. Carb lovers, this one’s for you: pizza, pasta, and even free-flow baked rice. Beyond the hearty mains, there was a cold seafood section (a bit on the modest side, but still appreciated), and a dessert selection that included ice cream, flat croissants, and more sweet treats to round off the meal. At $35 for lunch and $38 for dinner, we figured we’d save the full feast for another day!
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe: Old-school kopitiam concept
Unit no: #B1-32
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a plate of kaya toast with perfectly soft-boiled eggs or a generous portion of nasi lemak. At Great Nanyang Heritage Café, they’ve mastered the art of classic comfort dishes, but their Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet is the real star of the show. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, it’s the kind of dish that leaves you craving more long after you’ve finished your plate. However, no visit to this kopitiam is complete without the iconic Kopi. It’s rich, aromatic, and so satisfying that we found ourselves ordering it almost daily – sometimes more than once a day! The coffee alone is enough to draw you back.
PUTIEN: Fujian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients
Unit no: #B1-33
High-quality food with zero GST and no service charge? That’s PUTIEN. It’s one of my colleague’s go-to dabao spots, and for good reason. She highly recommends the 虾苗头水紫菜 (Seaweed and Mini Shrimps Dressed with Sauce). The name might sound simple, but the flavour is anything but — refreshing, with a delightful sweet and sour kick. Another favourite is the 竹筒虾 (Bamboo Tube Prawns). It’s one of the most affordable items on the menu, featuring two juicy prawns served in a bamboo tube with a touch of cooking wine.
The 海蛎煎 (Oyster Omelette) is also done just right: crispy on the outside without being burnt or overly greasy. For something more filling, try the 卤面 (Lor Mee). The balance of noodles and ingredients is spot on, with a texture that’s neither too dry nor too soupy.
Yang Guo Fu: World-famous Mala Tang
Unit no: #B2-33
Since Yang Guo Fu opened three weeks ago, we’ve somehow managed to eat there more times than we’d like to admit. We always go for the classic beef broth – spicy, bold and seriously addictive (even the xiao la level had me sweating). For the spice-averse, the Chicken Collagen soup is creamy, mellow and surprisingly good. Everything’s priced at $2.88 per 100g, so you just load up on whatever you’re craving – meat, veg, noodles, prawns – and don’t overthink it. We usually end up paying around $10 – $12 each, especially with the ongoing 15% opening promo, which helps justify our weekly (okay, multiple times a week) visits.
Ha-Jun Korean Food: Value-for-money set meals from $6.30
Unit no: #B2-32
Ha-Jun Korean Food at Geneo offers a lineup of familiar Korean favourites like Bean Paste Soup, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Kimchi Chicken Steamboat, perfect for when you’re craving something warm and comforting. While the dishes looked promising, we found the flavours a little underwhelming and on the lighter side. It’s not the place for bold, punchy spice, but if you’re after a simple meal that won’t leave you feeling too full, this Kent Ridge MRT food store might just do the trick.
Grains & Co: Healthy, filling salad bowls
Unit no: #B2-41
Think Makisan, but better. That’s how we’d sum up Grains & Co. We always go for the Gain Bowl, which lets us mix and match 1 base, 3 supplements, 1 dressing, and 2 proteins. For the base, there’s a choice between veggies or pasta, and the supplements range from crunchy carrots and creamy feta to that perfectly jammy onsen egg. The Japanese sesame dressing is hands-down the winner – nutty, rich, and ties everything together. The Cajun fish and basil chicken are our top protein picks as they’re flavourful, juicy, and way more satisfying than your average salad bar fare.
Other shops and features at Geneo @ Singapore Science Park
Minso: Haven of blind boxes and all things cute
Unit no: #B2-34
Miniso has been a familiar name for years, and well, most of us have wandered in just to take a look and only to end up leaving with a handful of unexpected finds. We always joke about having a monthly $15.90 budget set aside for Miniso, thanks to their irresistible range of blind boxes. Beyond the adorable items, they also offer a surprisingly wide range of practical essentials. You’ll find things like mouthwash, stationery, small gadgets, and even homeware – all well-designed and affordably priced.
Free outdoor seating areas
Some of the stores here offer takeaway only:
- T-BAR 茶吧吧: #B2-36
- Bread Talk: #B2-37/38
- Pasta Express+: #B2-39
- Grains & Co: #B2-41
- The Makan Street: #01-01 – Indoor seating is available, though it tends to have strong food smells.
If you prefer to eat elsewhere, there are plenty of vibrant seating areas around Levels 1 and 2 of this Kent Ridge Mall where you can relax and enjoy the breeze.
Bicycle facilities
Cyclists will find the Kent Ridge Mall to be a welcoming spot, designed with their needs in mind. Boasting a generous total of 466 bicycle parking lots, the precinct makes it easy to ride in without worrying about where to leave your bike. Beyond just parking, Geneo Science Park goes the extra mile by offering shower and locker facilities, so you can freshen up and change comfortably after your ride.
Things to do at Geneo @ Science Park
The Canopy: Enjoy a free space to hang out with your friends
There’s a lot to love about The Canopy at Geneo. With its towering 27-metre-tall mass engineered timber (MET) pillars branching out into a stunning glass canopy, it’s easily one of the most visually striking spots in the area. But beyond the architecture, what we enjoy are the little everyday moments: spotting friendly pets out on their walks (yes, we sayang them with permission!), watching people enjoy their lunch along the wooden steps, and soaking in the cool breeze when the sun isn’t too harsh. It’s not just a pretty space either; there’s often something going on. We’ve caught live bands performing on occasion, and there was even a small food bazaar previously that added to the buzz.
The Seed: Outdoor garden space for a dose of Vitamin D
The Seed is a cosy outdoor garden space at Geneo that offers a much-needed dose of Vitamin D and greenery. I usually take a stroll through it every evening after work, and it’s become a nice part of my routine. Technically, it’s a ginger-themed genomic garden (very cool), though I’ll admit I haven’t paid close attention to the plants themselves. What I do like is the lily pond, which makes it a lovely spot to slow down, get some fresh air and even rest your eyes after a day of screen time.
MyEquilibria: Small fitness corner for callisthenics exercises
MyEquilibria is a small fitness corner tucked away at 5 Science Park Drive, designed by Italian artist Vito Di Bari. While it’s not the most impressive workout spot around (a little underwhelming if you’re expecting a full gym setup), it does the job if you’re just looking to stretch, do some light callisthenics, or clock a few steps between meetings. Think of it as a functional pit stop more than a full-blown fitness destination, but hey, when it’s right there and free to use, who’s complaining?
Citadines Science Park Singapore: Your go-to staycation and co-working destination at Geneo
Citadines Science Park Singapore is your all-in-one staycation right in the heart of Geneo. Whether you’re checking in for a weekend getaway or settling into one of their co-working nooks with a coffee in hand, the space strikes that sweet spot between comfort and productivity. The rooms are sleek and modern, and the shared spaces give off a quiet buzz that’s perfect for getting things done – or pretending to while you people-watch. Plus, right downstairs is Hawkerlab, our go-to lunch spot for budget meals under $6. There’s also Pyroast, which we used to hit up regularly before Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe opened nearby – they serve pretty decent coffee, if you’re wondering.
How to get to Geneo @ Singapore Science Park
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By Train
The nearest MRT station to Geneo is Kent Ridge MRT, which offers sheltered access for a comfortable walk. Just walk about three minutes from the gantry towards exit E, and you’ll find yourself arriving right at B2 of Geneo.
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By Bus
To get to Geneo by bus, you can take several SBS Transit routes, including 14, 33, 92, 92A, 97, 166, 197, 963, and 963e, which stop nearby. The bus stops close to Geneo include 5 Science Park Drive (off the AYE), 1A Science Park Drive, and the Ascent on Science Park Drive.
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By Car
Parking at Geneo @ Singapore Science Park is convenient. It’s free on weekends and public holidays, while standard parking charges apply on weekdays from 12 am to 5.59 pm. After 6 pm until 11.59 pm, parking is free again, making it easy to visit outside of typical working hours without worrying about fees.
Making the most of your weekend at Geneo Science Park
All in all, Geneo Science Park makes for a great spot to unwind, especially if you live nearby and want to enjoy some quality time with your furry friend in a pet-friendly environment. If you’re looking to fill your day with even more adventure, be sure to explore our curated list of the free things to do this weekend. Or, why not plan a short getaway to one of the nearby islands? Either way, you’re set for a weekend full of fun and exploration!