More Neighborhood Guide:
19 Yong Siak St., +65-6221-9307
A newbie from chef-owner Ryan Clift of the Tippling Club, who’s partnered up with Spa Esprit and Harry Grover of 40 Hands, this casual bistro is already drawing in the crowds.
#01-12, 78 Yong Siak St., +65-6225-8545
Unbeatable coffee and a convivial vibe (they’re packed every weekend) continue to make this year-old joint the place to see and be seen in.
#01-68, Blk. 56, Eng Hoon St., +65-9750-3989
A great place for brunch or an espresso. Highlights include its Breakfast Burger and the BBC (bacon, brie and cranberry), with artworks adorning its wall and a nice open space out back.
#01-05, 82 Tiong Poh Rd., +65-6222-0400
This old-school-styled café and bakery is one of the newer additions here, dedicated to whipping up sweet and savory treats as well as coffee standards.
225 Outram Rd., +65-6224-3290
A great alternative to Cold Storage, with friendlier service to boot. Cheese, ice cream, yogurt and coffee grounds are well-stocked at this new spot—great if you’re passing through at the end of the day.
9 Yong Siak St., +65-6222-9195
Embrace your inner bookworm at this delightful indie store. They stock the widest collection of Singaporean literary publications including some out-of-print titles. And they also host the fortnightly Babette’s Feast literary get-together.
7 Yong Siak St., +65-6222-1456
Having moved from Amoy Street, Strangelets is still one of the best spots in town for cool lamps, accessories, bags, notebooks and other unusual objets d’art.
1D Yong Siak St., +65-6236-0750
Dedicated to all things Bhutan, this space carries a small selection of contemporary works by Bhutanese artists (with 20 percent of sales donated to help transport children’s books to Bhutan’s rural schools), organic teas, handmade bags and other lifestyle products. They also organize specially curated tours of the country.
#01-02, 79 Chay Yan St., +65-9117-0430
What started out as a pop-up concept store is now a staple among trendy young things. Highlights here include accessories by local brand By Invite Only and ready to wear by emerging Guangzhou label aijek. It only opens on weekends, 11am-7pm.
#01-41, 78 Guan Chuan St., +65-6220-8723
Setting the tone here since 2009, this truly indie gallery is a friendly and welcoming space showcasing emerging local and regional artists. Currently on show through November are the watercolor works of Ong Kim Seng.
#01-10 Blk. 68, Seng Poh Lane, +65-8139-1133
Opened just last month, this is a treasure trove of eclectic, mostly one-of-a-kind, vintage furniture, clothes, accessories, books, ceramics, homeware and magazines. It’s founded by designer Terence Yeung and his wife Bella Koh.
72 Seng Poh Rd., +65-9687-0854
Not just a regular fitness center, newbie Thrive specializes in workouts that focus on natural human movement patterns, with personal trainers watching over your every move (in a good way). Rates start at S$96 (B2500) for an introductory session.
77 Tiong Bahru Rd., +65-6808-1818
Quaint and charming (even if the rooms are incredibly small), locals often come here to watch football at the alfresco bar Potion out front. You should, too.
Owner, Books Actually
Why open a shop here?
Because the rent was dirt cheap one year ago. I can’t be more brutally honest than that.
How is this a great neighbourhood?
It has always been great, even way before the gentrification. Just ask anyone who has lived in the area for at least five years. It could be the great variety of food, proximity to town and the CBD, friendly neighbours or just the relaxing atmosphere that is inherent within the TB estate.
Are you worried about the evolution of the neighbourhood?
Yes. We hope to see a balance between the gentrification and the original “oldness” of the estate. We hope to remain a neighbourhood bookstore that serves the residents here.
Co-owner, Orange Thimble
Why did you choose to open a shop here?
When we started it was a relatively quiet neighborhood. But we felt that given the uniqueness of this historical enclave it would only be a matter of time before it became a hotspot.
Why is this a great neighborhood?
The space. The people. The uniqueness created by the many different stakeholders here. The government has taken a lighter touch and allowed the place to evolve in its own unique way. A new generation of Singaporeans has begun to appreciate the old, especially those who are educated or have travelled extensively overseas. Expatriates have also discovered that TB is a very convenient and increasingly exciting place to stay, work and enjoy.
How has the neighborhood changed?
There is danger of it becoming another Dempsey Hill [a popular Singaporean lifestyle destination dominated by cafes and restaurants, with a limited life outside the commercial spaces]. But I don’t think this will happen. Tiong Bahru is 90 percent homes (it has 700 residential units) and 10 percent business. So business will never dominate. As more entrepreneurs come here—I heard 2 more bakeries are coming soon—it will make Tiong Bahru even more attractive. Yet, because of how it is constructed, the neighborhood will always be quietly charming. The business areas are tucked away very neatly. Home as a sanctuary is only a door away. And evolution is good.
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