Funan Mall Dining Experience

by | Jan 10, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Overall Ambience & Atmosphere

Funan Mall has undergone a remarkable transformation from its former identity as a dated IT mall into a modern, vibrant dining and shopping destination at City Hall. The revitalized space seamlessly blends high-tech features with a contemporary aesthetic, creating an inviting environment for both casual diners and food enthusiasts.

The Setting: The dining establishments span multiple levels (B1, B2, and upper floors), offering varied atmospheres from bustling food court-style kiosks to polished sit-down restaurants. The atrium area provides an airy, open feel with natural light filtering through, while basement levels house more casual, fast-paced eateries perfect for quick lunches or solo dining.

Ambience Highlights:

  • Casual Dining Zones (B1-B2): Energetic, fast-paced atmosphere ideal for grabbing quick bites
  • Restaurant Level (Upper floors): More refined settings like The Oyster Bank and Godmama offer relaxed, polished spaces for leisurely meals
  • Kiosk Areas: Convenient grab-and-go options with aromatic food stalls creating a lively food hall vibe

The mall’s accessibility via City Hall MRT makes it a convenient pit stop for both office workers and tourists exploring the civic district.

Featured Restaurant Reviews

1. Keming Bing Sat

Cuisine: Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng
Location: #B1-29
Price Range: $$

The Experience: This popular cha chaan teng has achieved cult status, reportedly selling millions of char siew rice bowls in just one year. The restaurant captures the essence of Hong Kong dining culture with its no-frills approach focused squarely on quality comfort food.

Signature Dish Analysis: Char Siew Rice ($10.90++)

  • Presentation: Arrives in a bowl with vibrant colors—glossy caramelized char siew against fluffy white Wuchang rice, crowned with two sunny-side-up eggs
  • Taste Profile: The char siew delivers that perfect balance of sweet caramelization and savory depth. The Wuchang rice provides the ideal fluffy, slightly sticky texture to absorb the meat’s juices
  • Portion Size: Generous and satisfying, with two eggs adding richness and protein
  • Value: At just under $11, this represents excellent value for the quality and portion

Beverage Highlights:

  • Little Bear Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea ($4.90++) – Adorably presented with smooth, creamy tea flavor
  • Signature Iced Lemon Tea ($4.90++) – Refreshing citrus notes, authentically Hong Kong-style

Verdict: A must-visit for char siew enthusiasts. The caramelized pork alone justifies the trip.

2. Yakiniku Shokudo

Cuisine: Halal Japanese BBQ
Location: #B2-25
Price Range: $$
Halal Certified: Yes

The Experience: Yakiniku Shokudo fills an important niche as a wallet-friendly, halal-certified yakiniku option. The casual setup encourages interactive dining with tabletop grills creating an engaging, communal atmosphere.

Signature Dish Analysis: Shokudo Set (from $21.90++) This set is designed for sharing and represents the restaurant’s best value proposition.

Components:

  • Half a beef steak
  • Beef tongue slices
  • Karubi (short rib) slices
  • Rice
  • Three dipping sauces
  • Two side dishes

What Makes It Work: The variety allows diners to experience different cuts and textures. The beef steak provides substantial satisfaction, while the tongue offers a unique, tender experience. Karubi delivers that classic yakiniku richness with beautiful marbling. The three sauces (likely including tare, ponzu, and garlic variations) let you customize each bite.

DIY Element: Grilling your own meat adds theater and ensures you can cook to your preferred doneness.

Alternative Options:

  • Individual meat platters from $8.90 (chicken)
  • Yakiniku don bowls for those who prefer pre-cooked options
  • Various Japanese mains

Verdict: Excellent choice for halal diners seeking Japanese BBQ without breaking the bank. Best enjoyed with a companion to maximize set value.

3. Maji Curry

Cuisine: Japanese Curry House
Location: #B1-28
Price Range: $$

The Experience: This award-winning curry specialist sits conveniently next to Keming Bing Sat, offering over 15 curry variations in a casual counter-service setting.

Signature Dish Analysis: Hamburger Steak Cheese Sauce Curry Rice (from $14.30++)

Visual Appeal: A mountain of curry-drenched rice topped with a substantial hamburger steak, finished with melted cheese creating golden, gooey rivers.

Flavor Profile:

  • Curry Base: House-made curry sauce with layers of sweetness, umami, and gentle spice—more aromatic than fiery
  • Hamburger Steak: Tender, juicy patty with good seasoning that holds together well
  • Cheese Element: Adds creamy richness that mellows the curry’s intensity

Texture Play: Crispy-edged hamburger steak against soft rice and flowing curry, with cheese adding silky mouthfeel.

Alternative: Tonkatsu Omelette Curry (from $14.50++) Swaps cheese for fluffy omelette and hamburger for crispy pork cutlet, offering more textural contrast with the crunchy panko coating.

Verdict: Hearty, comforting Japanese curry that delivers on both flavor and portion size. The cheese variation is indulgent comfort food at its finest.

4. The Oyster Bank

Cuisine: Seafood Bar & Bistro
Location: #02-32
Price Range: $$$

The Experience: The Oyster Bank elevates Funan’s dining scene with its casual-yet-polished space. It’s designed for lingering, whether for a leisurely lunch or after-work drinks.

Ambience: Modern bistro aesthetic with a relaxed vibe that transitions smoothly from day to night service.

Star Offering: Fresh Oysters ($2++ each) The Deal: Order alcoholic drinks between 5-8pm weekdays or all day weekends, and oysters drop to just $2++ each (up to six).

Quality Assessment: Freshly shucked to order, these oysters arrive pristine on ice. The value proposition here is exceptional—comparable establishments charge $4-6 per oyster.

Rice Bowl Analysis:

Bara Chirashi Don ($18.90++)

  • Composition: Assorted sashimi over sushi rice
  • Freshness: Fish quality is commendable at this price point
  • Presentation: Colorful array of seafood creates visual appeal

Spicy Salmon Don ($18.90++)

  • Flavor: Spicy mayo adds kick without overwhelming the salmon’s natural richness
  • Upgrade Option: Spicy truffled rice (+$3++) elevates this with earthy, luxurious notes

Happy Hour: 12pm-9pm daily for alcoholic beverages makes this an excellent spot for extended gatherings.

Verdict: Best suited for oyster lovers and those seeking a more upscale casual dining experience. The oyster deal represents outstanding value.

5. Godmama

Cuisine: Peranakan (Traditional & Modern)
Location: #04-07
Price Range: $$$

The Experience: Godmama brings Nyonya heritage to Funan with both reverent traditional recipes and creative modern interpretations. The restaurant occupies a more spacious footprint on the fourth floor, offering a sit-down dining experience.

Modern Creations:

Buah Keluak Bolognese Pasta ($20.90++) This fusion dish demonstrates culinary creativity, marrying Italian technique with the distinctive, earthy-bitter Peranakan ingredient buah keluak. The black nut’s complex flavor profile adds mysterious depth to the familiar bolognese format.

Durian Pengat Buttermilk Pancakes ($20.90++) A brunch showstopper that divides durian lovers from skeptics. The pengat (coconut milk-based dessert) inspiration brings creamy sweetness, while buttermilk pancakes provide familiar comfort. For durian enthusiasts, this is breakfast heaven.

Traditional Offerings:

Babi Assam ($21.50++) Time-tested Nyonya recipe featuring pork in tamarind-based gravy—the sour-savory balance that defines good Peranakan cooking.

Ngoh Hiang ($11.90++) Five-spice meat rolls, a beloved Peranakan classic, served as an appetizer or side.

Verdict: Ideal for those wanting to explore Peranakan flavors, whether traditionalist or adventurous. The modern interpretations show respect for heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

Quick Bites & Casual Options

Sushi Express (#B2-14)

The Model: Conveyor belt sushi from $1.50 per plate

Why It Works: Extreme affordability meets instant gratification. Perfect for solo diners or those wanting to try multiple items without commitment. The salmon floss gunkan represents localized innovation.

Best For: Budget-conscious sushi cravings, quick lunches, casual dining.

Sukiya (#B1-32)

Specialty: Gyudon (beef bowls) from $4.90

The Appeal: This Yokohama-born chain (established 1962) has perfected the art of simple, satisfying beef bowls. Thinly sliced beef simmers in sweet-savory shoyu alongside onions, creating that addictive umami flavor. Toppings like kimchi or cheese provide variety.

Best For: Fast, filling meals under $10; solo diners; Japanese comfort food cravings.

Xi Men Jie (#B2-13)

Cuisine: Taiwanese Street Food
Price Range: $

Menu Highlights:

  • Oyster Mee Sua (from $6.50) – Silky noodles in savory broth
  • Crispy Chicken Cutlet Egg Fried Rice ($8.80) – Taiwanese night market classic
  • Braised Pork Rice (from $6.50) – Lu rou fan, quintessential comfort food

Verdict: Authentic Taiwanese flavors at hawker-friendly prices. Great for those missing Taiwan’s street food scene.

Mincheng Bibimbap (#01-13)

Cuisine: Chinese-Korean Fusion
Price Range: $

Signature: Beef Bibimbap ($8.80) Arrives dramatically sizzling in a stone bowl. The variety of vegetables, fried egg, and beef create the textural and flavor complexity bibimbap is known for. At under $10, the value is remarkable.

Alternative: Hotplate BBQ (Beef $12.80, Pork $10.80) Theatrical table-side sizzle with tender marinated meat.

Best For: Korean food cravings on a budget; satisfying, complete meals.

Desserts & Sweet Treats

Kazo (#B2-K02)

Specialty: Taiwanese Cream Puffs & Cheese Tarts

Signature: Crispy Cream Puff – Chocolate ($2.80) The shell features craquelin topping providing satisfying crunch, while rich chocolate cream filling delivers indulgence without excessive sweetness. The textural contrast is the key to this pastry’s success.

Baked Cheese Tart ($4) Sweet cream cheese filling baked until edges caramelize, adding depth and slight bitterness to balance the sweetness. Buttery tart shell holds up well.

Verdict: Perfect for a sweet finish or afternoon pick-me-up. The chocolate cream puff offers exceptional value.

Churros Republic (#B2-K08)

Offerings: Classic and full-sized churros

The Format:

  • Mini churros: $3.95 for six
  • Full-sized: $4.95 for six
  • Six dipping sauces: Hazelnut, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate, and others

Execution: Fried fresh and rolled in cinnamon sugar, arriving warm and fragrant. The dipping sauces add variety and customization.

Best For: Sharing, quick energy boost while shopping, sweet cravings.

Sinpopo Coffee (#01-K02)

Concept: Local cafe at the atrium offering traditional kueh and modern drinks

Must-Try Kueh:

  • Steamed Tapioca Kueh ($5 for two) – Soft, slightly chewy traditional snack
  • Peanut Mochi ($3.50) – Nostalgic flavors

Signature Drinks:

Chendol Latte ($7.50) Innovative fusion combining espresso with gula melaka syrup, coconut milk, and chendol. Sweet, nutty, and caffeinated—a uniquely Singaporean coffee experience.

Cookie Milk Latte (from $7) House-made cookie milk blended with espresso creates a dessert-like coffee drink with comforting, nostalgic sweetness.

Verdict: Excellent spot for experiencing local flavors with a modern twist. The creative lattes are conversation starters.

Specialty Categories

Halal-Certified Options

Finding quality halal dining at malls can be challenging. Funan offers several options:

Yakiniku Shokudo – Japanese BBQ (halal-certified) Delibowl – Sichuan cuisine (not certified but offers halal options)

Delibowl Highlights:

  • Sichuan Style Fried Eggplant ($10.95) – Aubergine in addictive black bean sauce
  • Mapo Tofu ($7.75) – Fiery, authentic Sichuan heat (water recommended!)

Budget-Friendly Heroes (Under $10)

  • Sushi Express plates: from $1.50
  • Sukiya gyudon: from $4.90
  • A Gan Guo Kui flatbreads: from $3.50
  • Xi Men Jie mains: from $6.50
  • Mincheng bibimbap: from $8.80

Unique Experiences

A Gan Guo Kui (#B2-K05) – Chinese flatbreads from charcoal-fired clay ovens

The perpetual queue speaks volumes. These crispy flatbreads (guo kui) come with sweet or savory fillings:

  • Spicy Pork ($3.90)
  • Scallion Chicken ($3.90)
  • Brown Sugar Red Bean ($3.50)

Each bite delivers crispy exterior giving way to flavorful filling—aromatic, hot, and incredibly satisfying for under $4.

Gong Yuan Ma La Tang (#B2-09) – Build-your-own soup bowl

The Concept: Choose from soup bases (Spicy Ma La, Pork Bone, Tomato, Chinese Sesame Dressing) and select from 30+ ingredients, priced at $3.28++ per 100g.

The Appeal: Complete customization with pricing transparency based on weight.

Coffee & Beverages

PPP Coffee (#02-19)

Type: Local roastery and cafe
Ambience: Chill, quality-focused space for coffee purists

Offerings:

  • Long Black (from $6++)
  • Flat White (from $6++)
  • Seasonal single-origin offerings

The Experience: For those seeking specialty coffee away from chain cafes, PPP delivers quality beans and proper technique. The quieter upper-floor location provides respite from mall bustle.

Best For: Coffee aficionados, laptop work sessions, quality over quantity seekers.

Delivery & Takeaway Options

While the document doesn’t specify delivery partnerships for individual restaurants, here’s what you should know:

Likely Delivery Platforms

Most Funan Mall establishments likely partner with major delivery services:

  • GrabFood
  • Deliveroo
  • foodpanda

Best Bets for Delivery

Based on cuisine type and packaging considerations:

Travels Well:

  • Keming Bing Sat – Char siew rice holds heat well
  • Maji Curry – Curry dishes maintain temperature and flavor
  • Sukiya – Gyudon bowls are delivery-friendly
  • Xi Men Jie – Taiwanese comfort food travels reliably
  • Godmama – Peranakan dishes in sealed containers

Pickup Recommended:

  • Sushi Express – Sushi quality degrades with time
  • The Oyster Bank – Oysters must be consumed fresh
  • Yakiniku Shokudo – BBQ experience lost in delivery
  • Churros Republic – Churros best enjoyed hot and crispy
  • Kazo – Pastries lose texture during transit

Takeaway Tips

  • Funan’s location near City Hall MRT makes personal pickup convenient
  • Many kiosk-style vendors are optimized for grab-and-go
  • Coffee shops like PPP and Sinpopo offer excellent takeaway options

Recommendation: For the full experience—especially at BBQ spots, oyster bars, and interactive dining concepts—dine in. For rice bowls, curry, and noodles, delivery works well.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Best For Different Occasions

Quick Lunch Under 30 Minutes:

  • Sushi Express
  • Sukiya
  • Little Ribbons Pasta Co
  • A Gan Guo Kui

Leisurely Dining:

  • The Oyster Bank (especially during happy hour)
  • Godmama
  • Mingle Bistro

Group Dining:

  • Yakiniku Shokudo (sharing BBQ sets)
  • Ajumma’s (Korean favorites)
  • Gong Yuan Ma La Tang (customizable for everyone)

Date Night:

  • The Oyster Bank (intimate bistro vibe)
  • Mingle Bistro (Italian-Asian fusion)
  • PPP Coffee (casual coffee date)

Family-Friendly:

  • Mincheng Bibimbap (crowd-pleasing Korean)
  • Maji Curry (comforting Japanese curry)
  • Sukiya (affordable, fast, kid-friendly)

Solo Diners:

  • Sushi Express (quick, no awkwardness)
  • Sukiya (solo-optimized counter seating)
  • PPP Coffee (laptop-friendly)

Value Champions

  1. Sushi Express – $1.50 plates
  2. Sukiya – $4.90 gyudon
  3. The Oyster Bank – $2 oysters during happy hour
  4. Keming Bing Sat – Generous char siew rice $10.90

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Char Siew Rice at Keming Bing Sat
  2. $2 Oysters at The Oyster Bank (happy hour)
  3. Shokudo Set at Yakiniku Shokudo
  4. Chocolate Cream Puff at Kazo
  5. Beef Bibimbap at Mincheng Bibimbap

Overall Assessment

Funan Mall has successfully transformed into a legitimate dining destination beyond its shopping appeal. The range spans from $1.50 sushi plates to $20+ fusion Peranakan dishes, ensuring options for every budget and craving.

Strengths:

  • Excellent variety across cuisines (Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Peranakan, Western fusion)
  • Strong value propositions across price points
  • Multiple halal options
  • Convenient City Hall MRT access
  • Mix of quick bites and sit-down restaurants

Considerations:

  • Peak lunch hours (12-2pm) can get crowded
  • Upper floor restaurants offer more space and quieter ambience
  • Basement levels are more fast-paced, food court-style

Final Score: 4.5/5

Funan Mall delivers on its promise as a revitalized space with dining options that justify a dedicated food trip, not just a shopping afterthought. Whether you’re craving a $2 oyster splurge or a $4.90 comfort bowl, Funan’s got you covered.

Note: Prices listed are subject to change. Most dishes marked with “++” indicate additional service charge and GST. Always check individual restaurant websites or call ahead for the most current pricing and operating hours.