Neighbourhoods
Joo Chiat
A heritage town known for its charming shophouses
Joo Chiat on Singapore’s eastern coast is a world apart from the CBD’s glass skyscrapers. Expect strolls down leafy streets and rows of ornate, candy-coloured shophouses – one of the country’s singular architectural styles. The area is also home to a cluster of independent retailers, restaurants and laid-back bars. There’s home-goods store Sojao; womenswear boutiques Yumumu and Rye; gelato-maker Birds of Paradise (try the osmanthus pear sorbet); and natural-wine spot Wine Mouth. There are also numerous Peranakan restaurants, showcasing a delightful cuisine of subtle spices and tangy herbs, including Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant and Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen. Continue the cultural tour with a visit to the Intan, a private home museum of Peranakan artefacts, and Rumah Bebe for exquisitely handcrafted souvenirs. In the evening, head to Joo Chiat Oyster House for moreish cocktails and bar bites.
Tiong Bahru
A residential neighbourhood with architectural character
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, not least for the distinctive Streamline Moderne art-deco structures which help it to stand out. Stop by the original outpost of Tiong Bahru Bakery for a coffee and croissant and then conduct a walking tour of the area’s marvellous monochromatic architecture. Shop for quirky souvenirs and handmade crafts at Cat Socrates and Yenidraws & Friends, then head to Graye, one of Singapore’s stellar independent fashion labels, for structured unisex basics. Pause for lunch at Tiong Bahru Market if you’re in the mood for local hawker fare (come hungry, and with a companion, to try as many dishes as possible), Little Elephant for delicious Thai food or Casa Cicheti, a cosy Italian trattoria located on the ground floor of one of Tiong Bahru’s iconic pre-war housing estates. Later in the day, try Dirty Supper for cocktails and Asian-inspired small plates.
Holland Village
A former expatriates’ quarter turned vibrant lifestyle hub
The charming residential enclave of Holland Village has long been a favourite weekend haunt for locals and expatriates alike, with plenty of restaurants and cafés, as well as peaceful tree-lined sidewalks ideal for an afternoon stroll. For a particularly nice walking route, make for the shaded streets of Chip Bee Gardens, a mid-century enclave for British military families that has been converted into beautiful low-rise homes. Local bakeries Sourbombe and Keong Saik Bakery offer pastries, breads and other baked treats that incorporate Asian and Western flavours (such as a miso kouign-amann), Shao Tapas serves bite-sized modern twists on Teochew cuisine, and offbeat wine bar Le Bon Funk is the go-to spot for a leisurely dinner. Stop by fine-art galleries Art Works and Taksu for exhibitions of Asian and European contemporary work; select Independent Market for hand-crafted souvenirs; and Ves Studio for elegant artisanal ceramics (its pint-sized vases make for a perfect present).
