Hospitals might seem like the last place to visit for food, drinks or even shopping. But the hospitals in Singapore would change your mind about being destinations for meals, grocery shopping or even some shopping. We check out the stores at NUH Medical Centre with some “bonus spots” you can bum at.
NUH Medical Centre is located right next to Kent Ridge MRT Station. Its convenience via the Circle line means quick access to One@KentRidge, the retail wing of NUH Medical Centre from levels B1 to level 5. Whether you are a patient, visitor or passerby, One@KentRidge’s stores have healthy food options, desserts and even traditional snacks.
Dining and Shopping Options at One@KentRidge, NUH Medical Centre
With a supermarket – Fairprice on level 2 and a food court on level 3, you might be glad to hear of other popular and familiar stores such as Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, Delifrance, Xin Wang Hong Kong cafe, Watsons at One@KentRidge.
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Here are some other food, dining and shopping options you can visit:
Empress Porridge
Empress Porridge is known for its Teochew styled porridge, highly flavourful with pork, dried seafood like scallops and shrimps, peanuts and brown rice. There are sides including Prawn paste chicken, carrot cake and also Consort bee hoon. This is a good option for those craving for something “homemade” and healthy, perhaps even suitable for patients sick of hospital meals.
Two smaller food courts: Juz Eat and Red Spot(Halal)
Apart from the bigger food court at level 5, there are two smaller food courts to dine at. Juz Eat is located at level 2 while Red Spot, a halal food court, is at level 1.
Juz Eat’s fish soup noodle stall seems like a popular choice with a snaking queue. We like how affordable food options are aplenty with halal options as well.
A Poke Theory
For poke bowl fans, you would be thrilled to know there is A Poke Theory at One@KentRidge. Fresh toppings that are customisable paired with rice or quinoa, what’s not to like about this wholesome bowl?
Crave Nasi Lemak
Another local favourite – Crave Nasi Lemak is a crowd-pleaser. Queues were long during lunchtime. Apart from the takeaway kiosk, diners can also choose to dine in at the tables.
Sunny Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine like kimchi soup, ramen, gimbap, grilled saba and meat are offered at Sunny Korean cuisine. Judging by the number of diners, Sunny might be a quick spot to satisfy some Korean cravings.
Masta Kafe (Halal)
Masta Kafe is a halal café serving Western dishes. It also serves drinks like coffee and has a current special of serving Turkey.
QQ Rice
Carb lovers will enjoy the rice rolls from QQ Rice which can be made with purple rice, red rice, mixed grain and five-grain rice. It also serves fresh juices and bento boxes.
Bakery Cuisine
Bread fans will love Bakery Cuisine for its spread of pastries, buns, cakes and even sourdough. Right next to it is a fried snacks store with fishballs, curry puffs, nuggets, kueh and more.
Traditional Snack store (no signboard)
Fans of traditional biscuits that come in tins will be elated to see this store which sells snacks, biscuits, preserved fruits and nuts. It has a good assortment and 4 for $10 deals. It is hard to walk away empty-handed.
BONUS (NUH Main Building)
A short walk away from NUH Medical Centre (via the MRT exit) is NUH Main Building. You will see Qiji as well as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for more food and beverage options.
Others
The dining options are aplenty with a takeaway, fast-food, dine-in choices, fresh fruit stall, a salad stall and bubble tea kiosk (ironically right next to each other). Its offerings are close to that of a mall!
Shopping Options at One@KentRidge, NUH Medical Centre
Dignity Mama
This bookstore is run by Project Dignity, a social enterprise that empowers the differently-abled. Dignity Mama bookstores are at NUH as well as other hospitals like KTPH, SKH and NTFGH. It sells donated books for both adults and children, I highly recommend visiting it and supporting the differently-abled staff fronting the store with great care.
Fairprice Supermarket
The option to do grocery shopping is always welcome. Fairprice supermarket at NUH Medical Centre is well-stocked and would have the basics of what you would need.
Precious Thoughts
Forgot a gift for someone you are visiting? No problem, just pick a card or an adorable figurine from this gift shop!
Other Shops at One@KentRidge: Clothes, Shoe stores and even a Money Changer
It was surprising to see boutiques and orthopaedic shoe stores at NUH Medical Centre. It isn’t the variety you get at a department store but still something nice to have for a hospital. There is also a money-changer in the basement.
One@KentRidge at NUH Medical Centre is an option for those who may want to avoid crowded malls or the usual haunts. It has a good range of food and beverage options for all budgets and places to shop at. There is ample parking at the medical centre for drivers which means a hassle-free, sheltered way to load up those groceries post-shopping.
