Are you looking for a place to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Singapore? Do you want to discover the best cafes, shops, and street art in the city? If yes, then you should definitely visit Haji Lane, a hidden gem in the heart of Singapore’s Kampong Glam district.
Haji Lane is a narrow alley that has transformed from a traditional Muslim enclave to a hipster hotspot over the years. It is now home to some of the most eclectic and creative establishments in Singapore, catering to locals and tourists alike. Whether you are into coffee, fashion, art, or music, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Haji Lane.
In this article, we will show you how to make the most of your visit to Haji Lane, and explore its history, culture, and attractions. We will also give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your trip, and what to expect when you get there. So, let’s get started!
Best Cafes in Haji Lane
One of the main reasons why people flock to Haji Lane is to enjoy the amazing cafes that line the street. Haji Lane is a paradise for cafe lovers, as you can find a variety of cafes that offer specialty coffee, delicious food, and cozy ambiance. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, you will not be disappointed by the cafes in Haji Lane.
Here are some of the best cafes that you should check out in Haji Lane:
Good Luck Beerhouse: If you are a fan of craft beer, then you should not miss this cafe. Good Luck Beerhouse serves a wide range of local and international craft beers, as well as coffee and snacks. You can also enjoy live music and comedy shows at this cafe, which has a rustic and relaxed vibe.
Coffee Donkee: This is a cozy and quirky cafe that offers specialty coffee and pastries. Coffee Donkee roasts its own beans, and brews them using various methods, such as pour-over, siphon, and cold brew. You can also try their signature donuts, which are freshly baked and come in different flavors, such as salted caramel, Nutella, and Oreo.
Bears & Friends: This is a cute and colorful cafe that specializes in gelato and waffles. Bears & Friends has a cheerful and playful decor, featuring stuffed bears and other animals. You can choose from a variety of gelato flavors, such as mango, pistachio, and durian, and pair them with crispy and fluffy waffles. You can also order smoothies, milkshakes, and tea at this cafe.
Pita Bakery: This is a halal-certified cafe that serves fresh and authentic pita bread and hummus. Pita Bakery makes its own pita bread, which is soft and fluffy, and comes in different sizes and flavors, such as garlic, zaatar, and cheese. You can also enjoy their homemade hummus, which is creamy and flavorful, and comes with different toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, and chickpeas.
Afterwit Bar de Burrito: This is a Mexican-inspired cafe that offers burritos, tacos, and nachos. Afterwit Bar de Burrito uses fresh and halal ingredients, and spices up its dishes with its own sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also try their signature drinks, such as horchata, sangria, and margarita, which are refreshing and delicious.
Best Shops in Haji Lane
Another reason why people love Haji Lane is to indulge in some retail therapy. Haji Lane is a haven for shoppers, as you can find a variety of shops that sell unique and trendy items. Whether you are looking for clothing, jewelry, accessories, or homeware, you will find something to suit your style and personality in Haji Lane. Here are some of the best shops that you should check out in Haji Lane:
Hygge:
This is a lifestyle store that sells Scandinavian-inspired homeware and accessories. Hygge, which means cozy and comfortable in Danish, offers a range of products that are minimalist and elegant, such as candles, cushions, vases, and lamps. You can also find some local and regional brands, such as Fika, Olio, and The Paper Bunny, at this store.
Mondays Off:
This is a boutique that offers a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and stationery. Mondays Off, which is named after the owner’s favorite day of the week, features a mix of local and international labels, such as Aijek, In Good Company, and Rifle Paper Co. You can also find some vintage and handmade items, such as dresses, earrings, and notebooks, at this store.
The Silver Triangle:
This is a shop that features handmade silver jewelry and accessories from Thailand. The Silver Triangle, which is run by a Thai couple, showcases a variety of designs and styles, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. You can also customize your own jewelry, by choosing the size, shape, and engraving, at this shop.
The Nail Social:
This is a socially-conscious salon that provides manicures, pedicures, and massages. The Nail Social, which is the first of its kind in Singapore, employs and trains underprivileged women, and uses only eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, Netflix, and snacks, while getting pampered at this salon.
Best Graffiti in Haji Lane
One more reason why people visit Haji Lane is to admire the stunning street art that adorns the walls. Haji Lane is a hotspot for graffiti, as you can find a variety of murals that showcase the creativity and talent of local and international artists. Whether you are into history, culture, or fantasy, you will find something to inspire and impress you in Haji Lane. Here are some of the best graffiti that you should check out in Haji Lane:
The Singapura mural:
This is a large and colorful mural that depicts the history and culture of Singapore. The Singapura mural, which was painted by local artist Yip Yew Chong, features scenes and symbols that represent the different aspects and eras of Singapore, such as the Merlion, the kampung, the colonial buildings, and the skyscrapers. You can also spot some famous figures and icons, such as Lee Kuan Yew, Raffles, and the Singapore Girl, in this mural.
The Merlion mural:
This is a whimsical mural that shows the mythical creature of Singapore in various poses. The Merlion mural, which was painted by Australian artist Drew Funk, features a playful and humorous interpretation of the half-lion, half-fish creature, such as wearing sunglasses, blowing bubbles, and riding a bicycle. You can also see some tropical elements, such as palm trees, flowers, and birds, in this mural.
The Butterfly mural:
This is a vibrant mural that features a giant butterfly and floral motifs. The Butterfly mural, which was painted by Singaporean artist Jaba, showcases a realistic and detailed depiction of a butterfly, with its wings spread across the wall. You can also see some intricate and colorful patterns, such as leaves, vines, and roses, in this mural.
The Lion mural:
This is a striking mural that portrays a roaring lion and geometric patterns. The Lion mural, which was painted by French artist Seth Globepainter, symbolizes the strength and pride of Singapore, as well as its multicultural and multiethnic identity. You can also see some contrasting and complementary colors, such as blue, orange, and yellow, in this mural.
Nearby Attractions in Kampong Glam
Haji Lane is not only a destination in itself, but also a part of Kampong Glam, one of the most historic and cultural districts in Singapore. Kampong Glam, which means “village of the gelam trees” in Malay, was once the seat of the Malay royalty and the center of the Muslim community in Singapore. Today, it is a vibrant and diverse area that offers a glimpse into the rich and varied heritage of the Malay, Arab, and Indian communities in Singapore. Here are some of the nearby attractions that you should check out in Kampong Glam:
Sultan Mosque:
This is a majestic and historic mosque that is the focal point of the Muslim community in Singapore. Sultan Mosque, which was built in 1824 by Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore, features a distinctive golden dome, a massive prayer hall, and a beautiful courtyard. You can also admire the intricate and elegant architecture and design of the mosque, which reflects the Islamic and Malay influences. You can visit the mosque for free, but you need to dress modestly and respectfully, and follow the rules and etiquette of the mosque.
Malay Heritage Centre:
This is a museum that showcases the history and heritage of the Malay community in Singapore. Malay Heritage Centre, which was formerly the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah, displays a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia that tell the stories and experiences of the Malay people in Singapore, from the pre-colonial era to the present day. You can also learn more about the culture and traditions of the Malay community, such as their language, music, art, and cuisine. You can visit the museum for a small fee, and join the guided tours and workshops that are available.
Arab Street:
This is a lively and colorful street that is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants selling Middle Eastern goods and cuisine. Arab Street, which is one of the oldest streets in Singapore, offers a variety of products that are unique and exotic, such as carpets, fabrics, perfumes, spices, and antiques. You can also enjoy some of the best Middle Eastern food in Singapore, such as kebabs, falafel, shawarma, and baklava. You can also experience the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the street, especially during Ramadan and Eid, when the street is decorated with lights and banners, and filled with music and celebrations.
Bugis Street:
This is a bustling and vibrant street that is famous for its cheap and trendy shopping and street food. Bugis Street, which was once a notorious red-light district in the 1950s and 1960s, is now a popular destination for locals and tourists who are looking for bargains and variety. You can find a range of items that are fashionable and affordable, such as clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs. You can also try some of the best street food in Singapore, such as satay, ice kacang, and fried carrot cake. You can also enjoy the lively and energetic vibe of the street, which is open from morning till night, and hosts various events and performances throughout the year.
We hope that you have enjoyed this article, and learned more about Haji Lane, its history, culture, and attractions. Haji Lane is a must-visit place in Singapore, as it offers a unique and diverse experience that you will not find anywhere else in the city. Whether you are a foodie, a shopper, or an art lover, you will find something to delight and satisfy you in Haji Lane.
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your visit to Haji Lane:
1. The best time to visit Haji Lane is in the late afternoon or evening, when the street is more lively and colorful, and the weather is cooler and breezier. You can also catch the sunset and the night view of the street, which are both stunning and romantic.
2. The dress code and etiquette to follow in Haji Lane depend on where you are going and what you are doing. If you are visiting the mosque or the heritage centre, you need to dress modestly and respectfully, and follow the rules and etiquette of the place. If you are going to the cafes, shops, or graffiti, you can dress casually and comfortably, and express your personality and style.
3. The budget and safety considerations to keep in mind in Haji Lane vary depending on what you are buying and eating. Generally, Haji Lane is a relatively affordable and safe place, as you can find a lot of options that are cheap and good, and the street is well-lit and patrolled. However, you should still be careful and vigilant, and avoid any scams or pickpockets that might be lurking around.
4. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you have found it useful and informative. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you, and help you plan your trip to Haji Lane.
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Happy travels, and see you soon in Haji Lane!
