Nestled in the heart of Ang Mo Kio at Blk 202 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, No Horse Run Café is more than just a neighbourhood eatery—it’s the result of a bold vision, a deep love for food, and a desire to serve affordable, hearty meals in a space that locals can call their own.

Behind this unassuming yet charming café is Shawn Seah, 52, who opened the first branch of No Horse Run in Yishun in 2021, shortly after Singapore began emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspiration? A gap he noticed in the local food scene. “I felt that there were limited options for western breakfasts in Singapore. Fast food chains were the norm,” he shared. Wanting to offer something different, he set out to create authentic American-style breakfasts that didn’t break the bank.

But the dream didn’t stop at food. Shawn and his wife also wanted to create a comfortable hangout spot—a place where people could relax, connect, and enjoy a good meal at any time of day. “That’s why we open till late,” he added. Whether it’s a mid-morning brunch, an afternoon study session, or a casual dinner catch-up, the café’s cosy atmosphere has made it a go-to for many in the community.

From Gelato to Mouth-watering Mains

The journey began with gelato, which Shawn served as the core offering. But over time, and with customer feedback and demand, the menu naturally expanded to include a wide variety of Western and American breakfast items—with the signature Big Breakfast and Fried Chicken and Waffles.

The name “No Horse Run”—a playful local phrase, or bo beh zao in Hokkien, meaning “top-class” or “second to none”—captures both the personality and quality of the café. It’s cheeky, relatable, and proudly Singaporean. “We wanted to portray a local spirit,” Shawn explained. 

Over the past four years, Shawn has managed to open two outlets, focusing all his energy and resources on maintaining quality. “There’s a lot of competition,” he admitted. “Consumer preferences have changed, especially after COVID-19. People now understand food costs better because they started cooking at home. They’ve become more careful with how they spend.”

That’s why, value is at the core of everything he does.

Value-for-Money, Without Cutting Corners

Despite rising ingredient and business costs, Shawn has stayed committed to affordability. His philosophy? Make every customer’s dollar worth it. “When a main dish is ordered, we offer free-flow gelato—no gimmicks,” he shared. It’s little touches like this that have kept regulars coming back.

At No Horse Run Café, there’s no service charge either. “We hope to keep our prices affordable,” he said. “That’s why we also provide generous portion sizes.” Even as others raised prices or reduced portions, Shawn chose instead to innovate and find ways to keep his café competitive without compromising quality.

Supporting Students and the Community

Shawn also takes pride in supporting students. “We know budgets can be tight,” he said. To help, the café offers student meals starting from just $5.90, available from 11am to 4pm on weekdays. These affordable sets have become increasingly popular, especially in the afternoons when the student crowd streams in after school.

From creamy butter rice with chicken cutlet to cheesy baked rice and pasta options, the student menu balances affordability with flavour. “We want to give them something value-for-money, so they can enjoy a good meal without overspending.”

Making Meals Fun and Accessible

Most recently, the café introduced a permanent all-day deal: 90 minutes of unlimited fried chicken wings for $20, complete with free-flow drinks, sides, and ice cream. “It’s something fun,” Shawn said. “We want people to come here, relax, and enjoy themselves.”

The café has also launched a weekday lunch set priced at $8.90 nett, available permanently — with no GST or service charges — offering diners even more value any day of the week.

As the menu develops and improves, they always reflect the café’s core belief: that good food can be generous, satisfying, and accessible to all.

A Space Built With Heart

For Shawn, the café is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of his values. Even as he navigates daily operational challenges, he remains focused on what matters most: his customers. He personally oversees the menu and ensures that every plate served lives up to the café’s standard.

Running a café in today’s climate isn’t easy, but Shawn remains passionate. “We want to serve as many people as possible,” he shared. “Our regular customers are very supportive, and we’re grateful for their feedback.” By listening closely to his customers’ needs, he continues to refine the café’s offerings, always staying grounded in the belief that food should be both flavourful and fair-priced.

As No Horse Run Café continues to grow, it does so with its heart in the right place—serving honest food with a local soul and international flair.

📍 No Horse Run Café
Blk 202 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1682, Singapore 560202
🕙 Open daily: 11am–10pm | Weekends from 10am

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