Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) officially opened its doors to patrons four days ago on 30 August. This new mall is directly integrated to Paya Lebar MRT station (accessible via the East-West Line and Circle Line) and has a mix of tenants that are quite different from what you usually see.
We don’t want to overload you with too much information, so here are bite-sized information that you need to know. From a theatre, a facade that lights up as the sun goes down, to a Korean chicken store that you need to queue for at least an hour for – here are what make PLQ the next place you need to check out.
1. It is one of the most sustainable precincts in Singapore
Source: PLQ Mall Facebook
Eco-consciousness is not just cool, but really important. This is why we were so excited to know that PLQ is one of the most sustainable precincts in Singapore. All of its seven buildings have all been awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum. The award is only eligible for buildings with environmentally friendly designs and operations.
If you haven’t seen it in real life, you can only imagine what 100,000 square feet of lush greenery – in a mixed use development – looks like. There’s even a rain terrace feature, which looks mesmerising once it pours. PLQ also features a lot of open air spaces that are absolutely refreshing.
The atrium is also the setting for several dining establishments, and has a fountain and canopies that light up as night falls. It’s definitely a feast for the eyes and it’s great for those of us who want to chill out over a meal with our loved ones, while enjoying an appealing view.
2. It’s a mall, home and office complex, all in one
Source: Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
PLQ is a multi-use building with a total site area that adds up to 3.9 hectares across seven buildings – that’s bigger than three football fields – making it one of the biggest multi-use buildings around.
It’s got something that you’d possibly need hiding in every corner, which is what makes it so exciting. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find there.
3. It’s multi-generational, with something for any person of age or interest!
Source: Shaw Theatres
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall has over 200 shops, spread all across its commercial, retail and residential areas. The mall even features 12 Shaw movie theatres, including the cutting edge IMAX theatre, as well as premium halls. Looking for a workout? Don’t worry, there’s a gym there too!
The kiddos will enjoy Smigy Kid’s Indoor Play – but if the whole family’s looking to flaunt their vocals, check out Sing My Song Family Karaoke. There’s also a picture-perfect corner for you to pose and snap away at. The feature, which will be updated with different designs every few months, currently portrays the nostalgic dragon and dinosaur playground of our childhood memories!
For those who enjoy shopping, you’ll be delighted to know that well-known and established international brands like Uniqlo, Foot Locker, Laneige and The Body Shop are amongst the occupants. Popular homegrown brands like Popular and Challenger are also some of the store tenants you can expect.
The food, oh the food. We were talking about how Paya Lebar Quarter Mall is multi-generational, and that reflects in the food options too! We’ve got Singaporean favourites Starbucks Reserve, The Providore and Haidilao Hot Pot – to name a few.
You’ll be delighted to know that the array of restaurants and eateries offer you different dining experiences as well. Whether its fine dining, alfresco dining, or a thematic Kopitiam food court, PLQM has it for sure.
4. The list of interesting food joints at PLQ
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall has a whole array of eateries to delight your senses. What really pulls us to visit the mall again are the new food establishments which are making their debut in the mall. Here are the top newbies that you should definitely check out.
Morphine Coffee
Source: Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
The local coffee start-up is a micro-roasting kiosk that magnifies our local coffee and tea – instead of the usual artisanal flavours. The healthier options are made with innovative techniques with the finest ingredients, all while paying tribute to culturally rooted recipes.
Best of all, what you’re contributing to is a sustainable brand. From bean production to the moment your cup is poured, the brand is zero waste, keeping any leftovers before turning it into products and more.
Coffee-lovers should definitely try out the White Cold Brew (SGD5.50), and if you’re more of a tea-drinker, try the Hojicha Latte (SGD5)! And go ahead and run your errands while waiting for your order. An SMS will be sent to you once your order is ready.
Morphine, PLQ Plaza, #01-P5. Opens from 9:00AM – 9:30PM on Sun – Thu & Public Holidays; 9:00AM – 12:00AM on Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holidays. Once the team expands, it will open from 7:30AM daily.
Fong Sheng Hao
Source: Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
If you prefer traditional breakfast (think hot teh tarik and really good toast), head to Fong Shen Hao. The Taiwanese brand aims to transport you back in time with retro interiors – rough cement wall, terrazzo flooring, cream chandeliers, and solid wood tables and chairs. If that doesn’t scream nostalgia, what would?
Fong Sheng Hao was recommended in Magazine B: Michelin guide in 2018, so you know it’s a must-try. It is the first brand to introduce Charcoal-Grilled Toast & Milk Tea, which – trust us – is absolutely amazing. The bread itself is so fluffy. Dip it into the Milk Tea and it’s comfort food that is perfect for starting your day on a great note. The eatery offers savoury toasts as well, so be sure to try those too!
Fong Sheng Hao, PLQ Mall, #B2-04. Opens from 8:00AM – 9:30PM daily.
Mom’s Touch Chicken & Burger
From one chicken-lover to another, you need to try this. When the fast-food chain had its soft launch, the queues were insane, and that speaks volumes. The Korean store was established in 2004, and has since grown to have 1,200 outlets in South Korea alone and has set up in USA, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Korean food lover or not, you will love the dishes here, which features its famous hand-battered and hand-breaded chicken, marinated with Mom’s Touch’s very own special seasoning blend.
We tried the spicy Fried Chicken Combo (SGD8.20) and Chicken Thigh Burger (SGD5.70) and they were so good, the crisp, the marinate… no description is enough – you need to try it for yourself. The drinks we tried (Raspberry lemon ade & Eldeflower apple ade, SGD3.80 each), were also a pleasant surprise, with flavourful pearls that simply burst in your mouth. Long story short, try it. You’ll love it.
Mom’s Touch Chicken & Burger, PLQ Mall, #01-37. Opens from 10:00AM to 10:00PM daily.
Hibiki Sake Bar & Dine
Source: Paya Lebar Quarter Mall
End off your night on a high at Hibiki’s only outlet in Singapore. This joint serves up top-notch Japanese cuisine, and equally decadent Japanese Sake. To maintain its Monde Selection Grand Gold Award standard, which it has maintained for 11 years, the restaurant carefully selects high-quality ingredients and strictly inspects their supplies – right down to production.
90% of the sakes that are available in Singapore can be found at Hibiki. Some of them are even exclusive the Japanese restaurant. To ensure you’re served only the best, Hibiki transfers its sake under the best-controlled temperature. If you’re not too sure about what sake to have, don’t feel shy! Ask them for a sample and they’ll provide one.
The media tasting session was filled with many oos and aahs. The Yakitori, Hibiki’s star dish, was the star of the table. A dish that surprised us was the Cheese Miso Zuke, which was a delectable, crowd-pleasing item. The cheese is perfectly balanced with the house made miso and seaweed, and we were glad it wasn’t too salty – a common problem with many cheese dishes.
Hibiki Sake Bar & Dine, PLQ 3, #01-07. Opens at 12:00PM – 11:00PM daily.
Other than its commercial and residential areas, Paya Lebar Quarter Mall already has a long list of possible future developments in its plans.
Paya Lebar Quarter Mall, 1 Paya Lebar Road Link, Singapore 408533. The mall is integrated with Paya Lebar MRT station.
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