Are you looking for a place to explore in Singapore that is not the usual tourist hotspot? Do you want to experience the authentic and diverse culture of the Lion City? If yes, then you should definitely check out Tiong Bahru, one of the oldest and coolest neighbourhoods in Singapore.
Tiong Bahru is a charming and vibrant area that combines the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the local and the global. It is a place where you can find heritage buildings, street art, trendy cafes, local food, and much more. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or a shopaholic, you will find something to suit your taste and interest in Tiong Bahru.
In this article, we will show you the best things to do in Tiong Bahru, from eating at the famous market to walking through the heritage trail, from admiring the street art to relaxing at the cafes, from browsing the bookstore to enjoying the nightlife, and from shopping at the chic boutiques to indulging in the spa. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your visit to Tiong Bahru, such as the best time to go, the places to stay, the nearby attractions, and the activities to try.
So, are you ready to discover Tiong Bahru, Singapore's hippest neighbourhood? Let's get started!
Tiong Bahru Market: A Foodie's Paradise
One of the first things you should do in Tiong Bahru is to visit the Tiong Bahru Market, a foodie's paradise that offers a wide range of delicious and affordable local dishes. The market is located on the second floor of a building that also houses a wet market and a hawker centre.
It is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm, but the best time to go is in the morning, when the stalls are fresh and the crowds are less. Some of the must-try dishes at the market are:
Chwee kueh: steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish and chilli sauce
Lor mee: thick yellow noodles in a savoury gravy with fish cake, braised pork, and egg
Hainanese chicken rice: tender chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli sauce, and ginger
Tau suan: sweet mung bean soup with fried dough fritters
Teh tarik: pulled milk tea with froth
The market is also a great place to mingle with the locals and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. You can observe how they shop for fresh produce, chat with the friendly stall owners, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You can also take some photos of the colourful and appetizing food, but make sure to ask for permission first.
Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail: A Walk Through Time
If you are interested in the history and architecture of Tiong Bahru, you should join the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail, a self-guided walk that takes you to some of the most significant and interesting landmarks and stories in the neighbourhood. The trail covers about 3 km and takes about 2 hours to complete.
You can download the map and the brochure from the National Heritage Board website, or pick up a copy from the Tiong Bahru Community Centre. Some of the highlights of the trail are:
Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter: a former bomb shelter that was built during World War II and is now a protected monument
Pre-war flats: the oldest public housing estates in Singapore, featuring Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles
Bird corner: a former gathering place for bird enthusiasts, where you can still see some bird cages hanging from the trees
Seng Poh Garden: a tranquil park with a bronze sculpture of a local philanthropist, Tan Tock Seng
The trail is also a good way to appreciate the contrast and harmony between the old and the new in Tiong Bahru. You can see how the neighbourhood has evolved over the years, while retaining its charm and character. You can also learn more about the stories and legends behind the names of the streets and buildings, such as Moh Guan Terrace, Eng Hoon Street, and Link Hotel.
Tiong Bahru Street Art: A Splash of Colour
Another thing you should do in Tiong Bahru is to admire the Tiong Bahru Street Art, a collection of murals that add a splash of colour and creativity to the neighbourhood. The murals are painted by local and international artists, and depict various aspects of Tiong Bahru's history, culture, and identity.
They are scattered around the area, so you can have fun hunting for them and discovering new corners and alleys. Some of the most impressive and meaningful murals are:
The Monkey God: a large and vibrant mural that depicts the Chinese deity Sun Wukong, who is believed to protect the residents from evil spirits
The Kopi Uncle: a realistic and nostalgic mural that portrays an old man selling coffee from a pushcart, a common sight in the past
The Bird Lady: a whimsical and charming mural that shows a woman feeding a flock of birds, a tribute to the bird lovers of Tiong Bahru
The Home: a colourful and geometric mural that represents the diversity and harmony of the people and the architecture of Tiong Bahru
The street art is also a great way to express yourself and your creativity. You can take some photos with the murals and share them on social media, or you can join a workshop and learn how to paint your own mural. You can also support the artists and the community by buying some souvenirs or donating some money.
Tiong Bahru Cafes: A Cozy Retreat
After a day of exploring Tiong Bahru, you might want to relax and unwind at one of the many Tiong Bahru Cafes, which offer a cozy and comfortable retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cafes are known for their unique and stylish decor, their delicious and varied menu, and their friendly and attentive service. They are open from morning to evening, but the best time to go is in the afternoon, when you can enjoy a leisurely tea break or a light snack. Some of the best and most unique cafes are:
Plain Vanilla: a quaint and rustic cafe that specializes in cupcakes, with flavours such as salted caramel, earl grey lavender, and red velvet
Forty Hands: a hip and trendy cafe that serves specialty coffee, with beans sourced from around the world and roasted in-house
Tiong Bahru Bakery: a popular and chic cafe that offers freshly baked pastries, such as croissants, kouign amann, and cruffins
Flock Cafe: a cozy and family-friendly cafe that serves hearty and healthy dishes, such as eggs benedict, french toast, and salads
The cafes are also a great place to meet and socialize with other travellers and locals, who share a common love for Tiong Bahru and its vibe. You can exchange tips and stories, make new friends, or even join a book club or a yoga class. You can also read some magazines or books, listen to some music, or just watch the world go by.
Tiong Bahru Bookstore: A Literary Haven
If you are a book lover, you should not miss the Tiong Bahru Bookstore, a literary haven that offers a wide range of books and genres, from local literature to travel guides, from graphic novels to children's books.
The bookstore is located on the ground floor of a pre-war flat, and has a cozy and inviting ambiance, with wooden shelves, comfy sofas, and quirky ornaments. It is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, but the best time to go is in the evening, when you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing reading session. Some of the best and most rare books are:
Tiong Bahru Stories: a collection of short stories by various authors, inspired by the neighbourhood and its people
The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye: a graphic novel by Sonny Liew, that tells the history of Singapore through the eyes of a fictional comic artist
The Singapore Grip: a historical novel by J.G. Farrell, that depicts the fall of Singapore to the Japanese during World War II
The Little Prince: a classic children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, that explores the themes of love, friendship, and life
The bookstore is also a great place to learn more about the culture and the arts of Tiong Bahru and Singapore. You can attend some events and workshops, such as book launches, readings, and signings. You can also chat with the staff and the owners, who are passionate and knowledgeable about books and the neighbourhood. You can also buy some souvenirs or gifts, such as bookmarks, postcards, or tote bags.
Tiong Bahru Nightlife: A Lively Experience
If you are looking for some fun and excitement in Tiong Bahru, you should check out the Tiong Bahru Nightlife, which offers a lively and varied experience, from bars and clubs to live music and comedy. The nightlife is concentrated around the main road of Tiong Bahru Road, where you can find many options to suit your mood and preference.
It is open from evening to late night, but the best time to go is on weekends, when the crowd is more lively and the entertainment is more varied. Some of the best and most happening bars and clubs are:
Bincho: a hidden and hip bar that is disguised as a traditional mee pok stall, serving Japanese yakitori and cocktails
Coq & Balls: a fun and friendly pub that offers a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as pub grub and games
The Tiong Bahru Club: a cozy and classy lounge that features live music, comedy, and karaoke, as well as fusion cuisine and drinks
The nightlife is also a great way to experience the diversity and vibrancy of Tiong Bahru and Singapore. You can meet and mingle with people from different backgrounds and walks of life, who share a common love for music, laughter, and fun. You can also enjoy some of the best and most talented performers and artists, who showcase their skills and passion.
Tiong Bahru Shopping: A Trendy Affair
If you are looking for some retail therapy in Tiong Bahru, you should check out the Tiong Bahru Shopping, which offers a trendy and fashionable affair, from chic boutiques to quirky shops, from local brands to international labels. The shopping is spread around the neighbourhood, where you can find many options to suit your style and taste.
It is open from morning to evening, but the best time to go is in the afternoon, when you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and browse. Some of the best and most chic shops and products are:
Nana & Bird: a cute and curated shop that sells clothing, accessories, and homeware, from local and regional designers
Strangelets: a funky and eclectic shop that sells jewellery, stationery, and gifts, from independent and international makers
Woods in the Books: a charming and whimsical shop that sells children’s books, toys, and art, from classic and contemporary authors and illustrators
BooksActually: a quirky and independent bookstore that sells literature, poetry, and non-fiction, from local and foreign writers and publishers
The shopping is also a great way to support the local and creative community of Tiong Bahru and Singapore. You can buy some unique and quality products, that reflect the culture and identity of the neighbourhood and the country. You can also interact with the owners and the staff, who are passionate and knowledgeable about their products and the neighbourhood. You can also find some bargains and deals, such as discounts, vouchers, or freebies.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s hippest neighbourhood. We hope you learned more about its history, culture, and attractions, and found some inspiration and ideas for your next visit. We hope you also had fun and memorable experiences, that made you fall in love with Tiong Bahru and Singapore.
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Thank you for reading, and see you soon in Tiong Bahru!
