Teo Heng KTV (Hougang CC)

Teo Heng’s Hougang outlet trades under its own name, Heng Out Place, and sits on the third floor of Hougang Community Club rather than in a shopping mall.

Inside, the format is the chain’s: rooms by the hour by size rather than per person, from about $13 before 7pm, with food and drink brought in by guests and no alcohol. Board games have been added alongside the karaoke. Being in a community club rather than a mall gives it a different crowd — residents, CC regulars and family bookings instead of shoppers passing through.

It suits families in Hougang and groups who want somewhere close to home rather than a trip into town, and it is quieter than the Orchard and Suntec branches for the same money. The setting is community club rather than mall: functional, and part of the trade that keeps the rate where it is. Bookings are by phone only.