15 minutes from the MRT - Paya Lebar

Gawk: Singapore Post Centre (10 Eunos Rd 8), the 14-storey behemoth that serves as SingPost HQ, is at the heart of this MRT station. When the sun glints off the building’s sleek metallic exterior, you might think you’re in some tidy, ultramodern city. (Oh wait, you are.)

Run errands: The SingPost Centre is built for getting things done. Of course, there are the usual tasks you can knock off your list at the post office, such as paying that overdue utility bill, but you can also duck into FairPrice, Watsons and Unity NTUC to pick up your dumplings and drugs before heading home. Get your errand-running energy from Coffee & Toast, Coffee Club, Délifrance or the Fren3 Café.

Eat: Beyond the usual chains at the SingPost Centre, the true food finds in this neighbourhood are the Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre, a 955-seater food court home to not one but two legendary nasi padang stalls, including Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang (Stall #01-353). Pick out your favourite dishes from the display window (the beef rendang is outstanding), and decide if you want to adjust the heat level from ‘yawn’ to ‘yikes!’.

Shop: In addition to great hawker food, the bargain-filled Geylang Serai Market also offers fruit and vegetable stands, Malay and Indian clothes, and a wet market that predominantly sells fish. You can get wholesale prices if you buy in bulk from the clothing, jewellery and shoe vendors at City Plaza (810 Geylang Rd).

Stroll: If there’s a break in the heat, a break in the rain or you just need a break from it all, wander a bit farther from the MRT towards the pre-war shophouses on Joo Chiat Road. Be sure to stop at Nam Sam (267 Joo Chiat Rd) where they make killer otah by hand from fresh mackerel, and then stock up on some durian puffs to restore your energy at Puteri Mas (475 Joo Chiat Rd).

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• Joo Chiat and Katong Food Walk
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