If you are planning a hike at MacRitchie Reservoir or tackling the TreeTop Walk, the best food and restaurants nearby are mainly clustered along Upper Thomson Road and Thomson Ridge, just 5–15 minutes from the main park entrances.
From 24-hour prata to specialty brunch cafés and family-friendly zi char, you can refuel safely and comfortably before or after your nature trail adventure.
This focused guide supports our main MacRitchie pillar articles MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk: Local Guide by Homejourney and MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk: Tickets, Prices & Hours | Homejourney , zooming in specifically on where to eat and how to plan a safe, stress-free day around your hike.
Why Eat Around MacRitchie After Your Hike?
MacRitchie is one of Singapore’s most popular spots for hiking Singapore, with the TreeTop Walk, boardwalks and reservoir views attracting both locals and visitors.
Most food options inside the park are basic vending machines or small kiosks, so serious refuelling means heading out to nearby neighbourhoods like Upper Thomson and Sin Ming, which are well-known to locals for casual, reliable food after a trek.[5]
For property buyers, this vibrant F&B belt is also part of why the Thomson–Bishan corridor is so liveable. If you are exploring homes nearby, use Homejourney’s property search to see how close various projects are to these dining clusters: Property Search .
Quick Overview: Best Food Near MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk
Here is a quick summary of reliable options clustered by vibe and timing (indicative prices in SGD per person):
- Casuarina Curry (Upper Thomson) – famous roti prata, Indian Muslim; open early till late; about $8–$15 per person.[5][6]
- The Roti Prata House – another 24/7 favourite for prata and teh tarik; around $7–$12 per person.[5]
- Habitat Coffee – brunch café (all-day breakfast, coffee); about $18–$25 per person.[5]
- Fatboy’s The Burger Bar (Upper Thomson) – hearty burgers and milkshakes; about $18–$25 per person.[5]
- Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters – modern brunch and specialty coffee; $20–$30 per person.[5]
- Cava – spacious all-day brunch with pet-friendly vibe, popular with MacRitchie hikers; $18–$28 per person.[6]
All of these are within a short bus or taxi ride from MacRitchie’s main car park and TreeTop Walk trailheads.[5][6]
How to Get From MacRitchie to Nearby Food Streets
Nearest MRT: Marymount (CC16, Circle Line) and Upper Thomson (TE8, Thomson–East Coast Line). From the MacRitchie Lornie Road entrance, it is usually 5–10 minutes by bus or taxi to Upper Thomson Road food options.
Typical route from MacRitchie Reservoir Park (Lornie Road Entrance):
- Walk out to the bus stops along Lornie Road or Marymount Road (about 5–10 minutes, depending on which exit you take).
- Take a short bus ride (usually 1–3 stops) towards Upper Thomson Road / Thomson Ridge.
- Alternatively, book a taxi or ride-hail; it is typically a 5–8 minute drive off-peak.
Always check current bus routes and train service updates with LTA’s official journey planner or preferred map apps before your trip, as timings and services can change.
Top Food Options After MacRitchie & TreeTop Walk (Local’s Shortlist)
1. Casuarina Curry – Classic Post-Hike Prata Stop
Locals have been ending their MacRitchie and Lower Peirce hikes at Casuarina Curry for years. It is one of the most recognisable Indian Muslim eateries in the Thomson area and a favourite for crispy prata and rich curries.[6]
Why locals love it:
- Wide variety of prata (plain, egg, cheese, mushroom, tissue).
- Strong, sweet teh tarik and iced milo to cool down.
- Good for groups, families and casual meetups.
Insider tips:
- Peak hours are post-hike brunch (9am–11am) and evenings. If you want faster service, aim for slightly off-peak windows like 3pm–5pm.
- Prata can be rich; hydrate properly after your hike, especially in Singapore’s heat and humidity.
- Tell the staff you just came from MacRitchie; they are very used to hikers coming in sweaty gear and will usually seat you somewhere well-ventilated.
2. The Roti Prata House – 24/7 Comfort Food
The Roti Prata House, along Upper Thomson Road, is another go-to for MacRitchie regulars, especially those who prefer late-night or very early-morning hikes.[5]
Good for: hikers who:
- Start before sunrise and want a full breakfast after completing TreeTop Walk.
- Finish evening loops around the reservoir and want supper past 10pm.
Insider tips:
- Try the coin prata or plaster prata (prata with egg and half-boiled egg on top) if you want something more filling.
- It is often busy on Friday and Saturday nights; you may have to share tables or wait a little.
3. Habitat Coffee – Brunch & Specialty Coffee
Habitat Coffee is a well-known café near Upper Thomson, popular for hearty brunch plates and good coffee.[5] Many younger hikers, couples and small groups head here after doing the full MacRitchie nature trail or TreeTop Walk.
Expect:
- Brunch staples like eggs benedict, pancakes, pasta and grain bowls.
- Specialty coffee, iced lattes and cold brews – ideal after a hot trek.
- Indoor, air-conditioned space to cool down.
Insider tips:
- Dress modestly and bring a light change of clothes if you are very sweaty – cafés can get cold with aircon after a hot hike.
- Expect brunch-style pricing (~$18–$25 per person). Factor this into your travel budget.
4. Fatboy’s The Burger Bar (Upper Thomson) – Hearty Western After a Long Hike
For those who finish the full TreeTop Walk and want something substantial, Fatboy’s The Burger Bar is a convenient option along the same Upper Thomson stretch.[5]
Good for:
- Groups who want burgers, fries and milkshakes after burning calories on the nature trail.
- Evening visits when you combine a late-afternoon hike with dinner.
Insider tips:
- Custom burgers can be rich – if you are sensitive after strenuous exercise, go for lighter options like grilled chicken or salads.
- Reserve or come earlier on Friday and weekend nights, as Upper Thomson gets busy.
5. Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters – For Coffee-Loving Hikers
Pacamara is another café name that often comes up when locals talk about food near MacRitchie.[5] It offers a modern, minimalist interior and a good selection of coffee and brunch dishes.
Good for:
- Couples or small groups looking for a slower, more relaxed brunch after the morning rush on the trails.
- Visitors combining MacRitchie with café-hopping in Thomson.
Insider tips:
- Expect a queue on weekend mornings; consider a slightly later hike start and end around 11am–12pm for easier seating.
- Great spot if you like latte art and Instagram-friendly interiors.
6. Cava – Spacious, Pet-Friendly Brunch Near MacRitchie
Cava is highlighted by local media as a spacious all-day brunch spot catering to MacRitchie visitors, cyclists and even pets.[6] It is particularly appreciated for not feeling as cramped as some Upper Thomson cafés.
Why it works for hikers:
- Extra space means easier seating for bigger groups and families.
- Pet-friendly environment suits those walking with dogs (note: verify NParks rules on where pets are allowed on specific trails).
- Good mix of brunch mains and lighter options.
Insider tips:
- Great backup plan if other cafés along Upper Thomson have long queues.
- Bring a small towel if you have been rained on or are soaked in sweat – it is more comfortable for you and more considerate to other diners.
Planning Your MacRitchie Hike + Meal: Safe, Practical Itinerary
For most visitors, a safe and comfortable MacRitchie + food plan looks like this:
- Start early (7–8am) to avoid the midday heat on the TreeTop Walk and nature trail.
- Complete your route (2–4 hours depending on distance and pace). See route options and estimated times in our main guide: MacRitchie Reservoir & TreeTop Walk: Local Guide by Homejourney .
- Cool down and hydrate at MacRitchie’s rest areas and toilets.
- Travel to Upper Thomson (bus or taxi, 5–15 minutes).
- Have brunch or lunch at one of the cafés or prata places above.
To keep your day safe and enjoyable:
- Bring at least 1–1.5L of water per person for the hike.
- Wear breathable clothing and proper footwear; roads and boardwalks can be slippery after rain.
- Apply insect repellent, especially if you are sensitive to bites.
- If you have medical conditions, consult your doctor before long hikes in Singapore’s humid climate.
Budgeting for Food Around MacRitchie
For most tourists and hikers:
- Prata / casual Indian Muslim: around $7–$15 per person.
- Brunch cafés: around $18–$30 per person, including a drink.
- Western burgers / mains: around $18–$28 per person.
Prices are indicative and can change; always check updated menus and GST/service charge policies at each outlet.
If you are exploring property in the Thomson, Bishan or Marymount areas and want to understand broader living costs, Homejourney’s bank rates and mortgage tools can help you model your budget: Bank Rates . For broader new project data along the Thomson–East Coast Line, use: Projects Directory and Projects .
Practical Tips: What to Wear, Bring & Expect
What to wear:
- Light, breathable tops and shorts or sportswear suitable for hiking Singapore’s humid weather.
- Closed-toe sports shoes with good grip; trails and boardwalks may be wet.
- Cap or hat and sunblock for exposed sections of the reservoir.
What to bring:
- Water bottle (top up at park taps where available).
- Small towel, extra T-shirt if you plan to go straight to cafés afterward.
- Insect repellent and basic plasters for minor blisters.
- EZ-Link card or contactless card for MRT and buses.
Accessibility: Some parts of MacRitchie’s boardwalks are relatively accessible, but the full TreeTop Walk includes slopes, stairs and uneven terrain and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Always refer to the latest NParks and official trail updates before planning a visit, especially with elderly or young children.
Nearby Attractions to Combine With Your Meal
MacRitchie sits in the central region, so you can easily combine your hike and meal with:
- Lower Peirce Reservoir Park – quieter boardwalks and another nature trail, plus food options like Social Smoker nearby.[6]
- Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park – popular park with cafés and playgrounds, a short ride away.
- Thomson–Novena food exploration – continue down Thomson Road or hop one or two MRT stops to Novena for more dining.
If you are building a wider Singapore nature itinerary, consider pairing MacRitchie with other hikes and food-focused experiences, similar to how many travellers pair a Johor Bahru day trip with specific food stops: Johor Bahru Day Trip Itinerary from Singapore: Safe Planning with Homejourney and Best Food Near Johor Bahru Day Trip from Singapore | Homejourney .
Staying Connected & Staying Cool
Because MacRitchie and its surroundings are largely outdoors with limited shelter, staying connected and managing the heat are important for safety:
