Tucked into the lush Kranji countryside, Poison Ivy Bistro offers a dining experience that feels worlds away from Singapore’s bustling city center. Serving as the heart of Bollywood Farms, the bistro is a celebration of fresh, locally-grown produce prepared with care and respect for nature. It reflects the philosophy of co-founder Ivy Singh-Lim, whose vibrant personality and dedication to sustainable farming shape every plate that leaves the kitchen.
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability
Founded in 2000 by Ivy Singh-Lim and her husband Lim Ho Seng, Bollywood Farms was created to promote planet-friendly agriculture while giving urban visitors a space to reconnect with nature. Poison Ivy Bistro grew naturally from this vision. Every ingredient possible is sourced from the farm or nearby producers who share the same commitment to growing without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Singh-Lim’s approach blends environmental responsibility with warm hospitality, making each visit a thoughtful experience rather than just a meal. The name “Poison Ivy” reflects her charismatic and bold persona, adding personality to the bistro’s identity.
A Kampung-style Escape
Stepping into Poison Ivy Bistro is like arriving in a traditional village kitchen. The open-air seating invites diners to relax as the breeze carries the scents of herbs and tropical plants. Its rustic décor and unpretentious charm align with its countryside setting, allowing the focus to remain on the food and the surrounding greenery. The 30-minute drive from central Singapore feels like a short journey into another pace of life. Guests dine to the sound of birdsong and farm activity, deepening the sense of connection to the land.
Farm-to-Table Freshness
The bistro’s menu follows the rhythm of the farm’s harvest. Seasonal changes bring variety and creativity to the kitchen, and some dishes shift throughout the year depending on what is abundant. The cooking style blends local Singaporean flavors with home-style recipes and occasional fusion touches.
Signature and popular dishes include:
- Nasi Lemak Platter featuring fragrant blue pea rice, chicken curry, otah, sambal, and an array of accompaniments.
- Warrior’s Chicken Curry known for its rich and aromatic gravy, a long-standing favorite among regulars.
- Banana Cake made from bananas grown on the farm, often praised for its moist texture and natural sweetness.
- Jackfruit Lemak a vegetarian specialty where jackfruit is stewed in creamy, lontong-like gravy.
- Assorted Tempura showcasing seasonal vegetables like moringa in light batter.
- Roast Chicken Ciabatta served with a crispy bun and hearty filling.
Other menu items may include fish and chips with a spicy edge, comforting bowls of mee soto, and diverse vegetarian choices. Drinks are prepared in-house, such as refreshing lemongrass tea and aloe vera lime coolers, adding a cooling touch to the meal.
Considerations for Diners
Poison Ivy Bistro is not halal-certified by MUIS as alcoholic beverages are available. However, poultry is sourced from halal-certified suppliers, and no pork or lard is served. Muslim diners can choose according to their personal comfort level.
Beyond the Dining Table
A trip to Poison Ivy Bistro often extends into a wider experience at Bollywood Farms. Spread across ten acres, the farm invites visitors to enjoy more than just food.
- Farm Trails guide guests past fruit trees, vegetable plots, and serene fishing ponds. With over 20 varieties of bananas, the farm is one of Singapore’s largest banana producers.
- Food Museum offers a cultural and historical look at food’s role in human civilization through 24 oil paintings depicting key moments in food history.
- Culinary School (Bollywood Bhanchha) provides hands-on learning, from farm-to-table cooking workshops to private omakase-style dining events. Lessons can include rice planting and other agriculture-based activities.
- Earth Shop sells seasonal produce, farm-made products like kaya, sambal, and banana bread, as well as goods from neighboring farms.
Why Poison Ivy Bistro Stands Out
Dining at Poison Ivy Bistro is not just about taste. It is about a deeper awareness of where food comes from and the work that goes into growing it. The farm setting creates a natural reminder of the connection between soil, plant, and plate. Meals are prepared with an understanding of seasonality and sustainability, offering flavors that are as fresh as they are thoughtful.
The atmosphere invites unhurried enjoyment. It is a place where the pace slows down, conversations flow, and every bite carries the story of the land it came from. Visitors leave with more than a satisfied appetite—they often take away a renewed appreciation for nature’s rhythms and the joy of eating fresh, honest food.
Tips for Planning a Visit
- Check seasonal menu updates before going for a sense of current offerings.
- Allow time to walk the farm trails after your meal.
- Visit the Earth Shop to bring home a taste of the farm.
- Weekdays tend to be quieter for those seeking a more relaxed pace.
Poison Ivy Bistro delivers a dining experience that reflects care for the environment, love for honest flavors, and a warm welcome to anyone seeking a meaningful meal. Surrounded by greenery, guided by a commitment to sustainable farming, and supported by a rich array of activities, it remains a distinctive part of Singapore’s food landscape.
