Guide to Tiong Bahru In Singapore

OLIVEANKARA: CHAY YAN STREET

OliveAnkara sells unique women’s, men’s and children’s clothing which combines African fabrics with Italian style. The concept behind OliveAnkara is for African inspired clothing to be enjoyed and worn by people of all races. The fabrics are vibrant, the colors are bold and the prints are unusual. These are great statement pieces. You can find everything from dresses, tops, jumpsuits, shirts and pants through to cheongsams. If accessories are more your style, OliveAnkara also sells fabulous jewelry, shoes, bags, and headpieces.

OliveAnkara, 79 Chay Yan Street, #01-02, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160079, +65 8606 7673, www.oliveankara.com

MERCI MARCEL: ENG HOON STREET

If you are in the mood for something French then drop by Merci Marcel! It is a French café serving coffees, bakery items like croissants, and other typical French cuisines for lunch, brunch, and dinner. They also serve up a great selection of French wines (which are best enjoyed on the shaded outdoor lounge area), and the best bit is, they even have a cheese corner!

Merci Marcel, 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160056, +65 6224 0113, www.mercimarcel.com

TIONG BAHRU BAKERY: ENG HOON STREET

The now-famous Tiong Bahru Bakery is popular for a creamy latte and croissants. A trip to the area is not complete without a pit-stop at the bakery. Get a coffee and a pastry or sandwich to go, and explore the afternoon away

Tiong Bahru Bakery, 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160056, +65 6220 3430, www.tiongbahrubakery.com

WE NEED A HERO – ALL MEN’S GROOMING: ENG HOON STREET

If you are looking for a unique gift idea for any men in your life, then check out We Need A Hero which focuses on all men’s grooming. From the G&T facial (Ginseng & Tonic facial) to waxing, threading, and hair, beard and mustache styling, this salon aims to keep men in good-looking condition.

We Need A Hero, 57 Eng Hoon St, Block 57, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160057, +65 6222 5590, www.weneedahero.sg

TIONG BAHRU HERITAGE TRAIL: SENG POH ROAD

If you are looking for something a bit more educational and are curious about the history of Tiong Bahru, then take the easy 2.5km Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail walk. Along the way, you’ll see famous landmarks, some of the typical architecture as well as sculptures and temples, and you can always stop at the shops, cafes, and restaurants mentioned in this article along the way!

Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail, Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160058, www.roots.sg/visit/trails/tiong-bahru-heritage-trail

LITTLE HOUSE OF DREAMS: SENG POH ROAD

Little House of Dreams is a bakery, café, and party venue. Their specialty is everything that is sweet, so think cakes, cupcakes, macaroons, and waffles, (although they do serve savory hot dishes as well). For the kids, the best part is the menu items based on animals, from mini cakes with panda faces, foxes and raccoons, to the mermaid-inspired ice cream and unicorn waffles.

Little House Of Dreams, 58 Seng Poh Road #01-15, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160058, +64 9030 4959, www.littlehouseofdreams.com/store/pc/home.asp

TIONG BAHRU MARKET: SENG POH ROAD

Tiong Bahru Market sells a range of fresh produce at reasonable prices. From meat to flowers, fruit, clothes, and seafood, all your needs are under one roof! Be sure to get there early (before 1pm) to get the best produce. And if you are feeling hungry, head upstairs to the Tiong Bahru hawker center for some cheap and delicious eats.

Tiong Bahru Wet Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168898, www.sgwetmarket.com.sg/tiong-bahru-wet-market.html

CURATED RECORDS: TIONG BAHRU ROAD

For those that want to show their kids that you can buy music from places other than just i-tunes, visit Curated Records, which is an independent vinyl record store. While the shop is on the small side, there are a vast array of artists such as Britney, Iron Maiden & they even stock the Beatle Juice soundtrack, so everyone will find something to their taste. Along with the classics, the staff at Curated Records have hand picked out some great new tunes.

Curated Records, 55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-53, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160055, +65 6438 3644, www.curatedrecords.com

FORTY HANDS: YONG SIAK STREET

Forty Hands are the new sustainable coffee ambassadors. Come here for a great cup of coffee, a slice of cake or sandwich or simply to relax and watch the world go by.

Forty Hands, 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078, +65 6225 8545, www.40handscoffee.com

BOOKS ACTUALLY: YONG SIAK STREET

If you love books and stationery, prepare to meet your little piece of heaven at Books Actually. You may not want to leave! Full of amazing reads and bohemian gems there is something for everyone including a back room full of vintage finds. Also, if you are the kind of person that likes a bit of mystery in your life, use the vending machine out front where you can purchase a mystery book!

Books Actually, No. 9 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168645, +65 6222 9195, www.booksactually.com

THE BUTCHER’S WIFE: YONG SIAK STREET

The Butcher’s Wife is a restaurant serving Mediterranean style cuisine, where everything on the menu is gluten-free! But don’t worry you don’t have to be a celiac to enjoy this restaurant, the premise of this restaurant is to show that great food can also be gluten-free. This cozy restaurant is the place to come for brunch, lunch or dinner, and don’t forget to enjoy some of the delicious desserts and drinks.

The Butcher’s Wife, 19 Yong Siak St, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168650, +65 6221 9307, hello@thebutcherswifesg.com, www.thebutcherswifesg.com

CAT SOCRATES: YONG SIAK STREET

Cat Socrates is best described as a lifestyle shop, supplying everything from funky homewares to stationery, quirky books, and jewelry. Cat Socrates brings unusual finds from around the world, as well as showcasing local talent. It’s a great place to come if you are looking for a uniquely Singaporean gift, like coasters that feature nasi lemak or roti prata. But if you can’t make it into the shop, don’t stress they have an online shop where you can buy everything you need!

Cat Socrates, 01-14, 78 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 163078, +65 63330870, www.cat-socrates.myshopify.com

NANA & BIRD: YONG SIAK STREET

What started off as a pop-up concept store became a multi-label boutique that stocks fashion and lifestyle products. With everything from kids and women’s fashion, to body creams and eclectic jewellery,  if you are looking for a gift, drop by Nana & bird and you might find something that you need.

Nana & Bird, 1M Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru, Singapore 168641, +65 9117 0430, shop.nanaandbird.com

PLAIN VANILLA BAKERY: YONG SIAK STREET

For good old fashioned cake lovers, this little place is just for you. They are bringing things back to basics, just what your grandma and mom used to make. Delicious home cooked delicacies that are good and honest. They will even deliver too, just in case you need a helping hand.

Plain Vanilla, 1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641, +65 8363 7614, www.plainvanillabakery.com

WOODS IN THE BOOKS: YONG SIAK STREET

If you are looking for kids books, then look no further than Wood in the Books. It will take back to your own childhood with classics like Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl, Peter Rabbit, Tin Tin and the Mr Men books. In addition to these western classics, they stock new titles, have a great selection of Chinese books, as well as an array of games, riddles and brain twisters. Wood in the Books also regularly holds events for kids, so keep an eye on their website for details.

Woods in the Books, 3 Yong Siak St, Tiong Bahru Singapore 168642, +65 6222 9980, www.woodsinthebooks.sg

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Yoga Movement, www.yogamovement.com

Tiong Bahru Park, www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/tiong-bahru-park  

Getting there: The closest MRT is Tiong Bahru but there are many buses e.g. 5, 16, 33, 63, 123, 195, 851. Easily accessible from the city and Orchard Road this is a great afternoon or evening out.

Main Image Credit: Yip Yew Chong, Tiong Bahru Murals, yipyc.com/blog/2016/06/19/the-story-of-ycs-tiong-bahru-murals