Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is Singapore's hippest neighbourhood with some of the city's most popular food and lifestyle establishments. Built between the 1930s and 50s, comprising grid-like streets of whitewashed, three-storey, spiral-staircase apartments, this was the country's first public housing project. A few buildings are architecturally unique for looking like aeroplane wings.
The area doesn't only have cafes and restaurants, but also amazing bookshops, patisseries, spas, and art galleries! Enjoy some amazing food, offbeat shopping, a yoga session, or even a grooming session, while having a taste of the culturally rich, traditional Singapore. Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore's most characterful neighbourhoods, a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Dig a little deeper into the nostalgic heritage charm of this intimate neighbourhood, the oldest public housing estate in Singapore. This fact is evident in its beautiful pre-war buildings from the 1920s, built in a Streamline Moderne architectural style by Alfred G. Church. Twenty blocks of pre-war flats were gazetted for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2003 Рand they now coexist alongside modern restaurants, vibrant murals and independent lifestyle shops. Tiong Bahru is a true paradigm of the beautiful marriage of old and new-world allure, a place where plush condominiums nestle against pre-war shophouses, and where time-honoured food markets sidle up to pristine caf̩s.
Singapore is one of the countries where several cultures from all over the world come together. While it is known for eye-catching marvel, architecture and theme parks, there is another face to the Lion city. One such region is the Tiong Bahru which is present in the central region of Singapore. Tiong Bahru is basically a housing estate and a very old one. It is a hotspot for cafes, culture and old-school appeal.
Tiong Bahru provides mass public housing and is the oldest housing estate in the nation. The history of Tiong Bahru dates back to the 1920s. It is one of the most interesting destinations that tourists visit. Dotted with cafes, boutiques, and iconic wall murals, Tiong Bahru in Sentosa is favourite among artists and people who are fond of culture.WIth various cafes, restaurants, stores and good-looking street art, Here’s your guide to know more about this lovely place.
Tiong Bahru Market
Tiong Bahru Market lies at the heart of the neighbourhood, in an elegant Art Deco building. The market constitutes a wet market selling the freshest products and a food centre selling delicious local food. You'll find famous local fare like chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) and lor mee (braised noodles), as well as fresh groceries. The hawker centre is on the upper floor, and the fruit and produce sellers on the lower floor of the building. You'll find meat, fish and poultry, spices, and Asian greens in abundance here. There are plenty of well known wet markets in Singapore, but Tiong Bahru is a bona fide destination.
First known as Seng Poh Market, Tiong Bahru Market was a one-storey refuge built by the government to house the street hawkers eking out a living in Singapore’s oldest public housing estate. After several huge makeovers, Tiong Bahru Market is a sprawling two-storey complex that retains much of its timeless appeal. The ground floor is a hubbub of frenetic bargaining activity on most mornings, with market and retail stalls selling everything from dried goods to cheap clothes.
Upstairs, the food haven is a spacious, breezy affair. High ceilings, well-spaced-out tables and an alfresco area spell good news for even the fussiest of hawker centre eaters. From the famous shui kueh to prawn noodles, there are plenty of choices so you never have to worry about going hungry.
Take a pitstop at the Tiong Bahru market for some antique shopping. It is one of the biggest markets in Singapore with around 80 stalls under one roof. The vendor market is colourful and lively with various chic shops and art accessories shops. You can come across a sea of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, chicken, fresh fish, and other seafood. Apart from all the stalls, the place also has some of Singapore’s best local food. The popular local food that you can get here are the chwee kueh, prawn noodles and roast meat.
Things to do in Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is a mix of unparalleled architecture, charming boutiques and a solid portrayal of rich traditions and food in Singapore. There are a lot of places for you to enjoy and below are some of the best of them which you can’t afford to miss at Tiong Bahru.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery is the place to look out for in the region. It is popular for its French pastries. The selling stock here is the amazing butter croissant, but we never leave without the pain au chocolat either. You can give your taste buds a delightful ride by having one of the kouign amann.
House of Peranakan Petit
This is the go-to place if you want to treat yourself with authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant serves you delightful Nyonya dishes such as ayam buah keluak,claypot crab soup and itek sioh. The people’s favourite dish here is the pulut hitam. It is a coconut milk tart on a black dessert. It looks so attractive that you won’t even want to disturb it.
Tiong Bahru Park
The park is actually a bit away from Tiong Bahru’s main region. But the extra distance is compromised by the presence of fun-filled activities for both children and adults. This place is an absolute stress reliever giving you a break from a routine day. The place has been recently renovated and has a playground with the iconic tiling train. If you have kids with you, Tiong Bahru Park is not to be missed.
Architecture and Murals
Tiong Bahru in Singapore is known for its stunning architecture. The presence of unique ‘horse-shoe’ shaped flats at Moh Guan Terrace and Guan Chuan Street is a testimony to the amazing architecture of the region. The place is filled with pre-war apartments which were designed in a late Art Deco movement known as the Streamline Moderne. You can see the houses with clean curves, rounded shapes, elegant and simple structures.
The region is so colourful especially due to the murals that are present around. The famous one is the “Pasar Tiong Bahru” which emphasises a stall named ‘Seng Kee’. The name is in the memory of the artist’s father. The details in the art include the nostalgia of Singapore’s thriving past merchant culture. Another one of the popular murals in Tiong Bahru is the “Home”. It is a representation of the estate’s past and ambience. There are many such awe gasping arts that you can see throughout the district.
Apart from all the above things, you also have the opportunity to have a look at the Singaporean literature at the bookshops present there. You can also visit the Qi Tian Gong Temple dedicated to the monkey God Sun. It has a history of over 90 years.
Tiong Bahru is a perfect blend of everything and you can have a different and fun experience. It is a perfect place to hang out with your friends and family. Tiong Bahru just adds a different flavour to your trip to Singapore.
Mural hunting
Amidst Tiong Bahru's hip cafes, heritage food stalls, yoga studios, independent boutiques and bookstores are breathtaking street art. Look out for three adorable goat murals around Tiong Bahru Market by local photographer and visual artist Ernest Goh; and several iconic murals by painter Yip Yew Chong, including Pasar & Fortune Teller, Home, and Bird Corner.
Things To Do at Tiong Bahru
BooksActually
BooksActually is a little indie bookstore whose shelves are well stocked with a wide range of literature, including classics and those by blooming local authors. The bookstore also houses contemporary Asian authors, illustrated books, children's books, both fiction and nonfiction international bestsellers, and tons more, including the shop's own line of handmade writing papers and utensils, called Birds & Co, which you won’t find anywhere else. They even have an in-house independent publisher, Math Press. A visit to this bookstore is a mandatory part of visiting Tiong Bahru. The store also houses a mix of antique and quirky souvenirs in the back. Once here, say hi to the cutest in-house kitten, and pick up a good read from the book vending machine at its doorstep.
Just next to BooksActually is Woods in the Books, which specialises in picture books for all ages. Take a trip through memory lane, with books like Tintin, and enjoy an afternoon reading away to sweet nostalgia.
Timings:
Sunday & Monday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Curated Records
Music lovers rejoice! Curated Records is home to over 1000 records, from popular and mainstream picks to oldies and classics. Stop by this little shop to buy yourself some records, or just to explore their collection.
Timings:
Tuesday to Sunday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
We Need A Hero
This great grooming salon is just for men. We Need a Hero takes care of everything from haircuts to wet shaves, and brow grooming to waxing.
Timings:
Weekdays: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Nimble and Knead
Remove all the baggage that comes from a fatigued body, here at this quirky spa, which doesn't even look like a spa the first time you see it. Nimble and Knead has an interesting design, built from shipping containers and even features chairs made out of wooden crates!
Timings:
Daily, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Yoga Movement
Yoga Movement is a chic yoga studio in Tiong Bahru. Offering a fitness break from the cafes and restaurants, Yoga Movement is as affordable as it gets! Book a mat at SGD 25 per class. The environment is great- tranquil and clean.
Timings:
Daily, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Sightseeing at Tiong Bahru
Qi Tian Gong Temple
Qi Tian Gong Temple is dedicated to the Monkey God and was founded in 1920 in a small attap hut located within a taro garden just across Eng Hoon Street. It moved to its current location in 1938. This temple is in its most splendour on the first and eighth lunar months bustling with festivities in celebration of the Deity's birthday.
Timings:
Daily, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Yip Yew Chong Murals
If you are a fan of murals and art, do check out these life-like murals spread across Tiong Bahru. Made by a Singaporean artist, Yip Yew Chong, these were inspired by the downtown area of the city and its vibrant multicultural heritage.
Degios Art
With an eclectic mix of furniture, carpets, sculptures, paintings, lighting and textiles, Degios Art is a paradise for lovers of antiques, vintage and contemporary fine objects. Objects from Japan, Tibet, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and of course Europe are exhibited to furnish and decorate homes. If you're having difficulty choosing, feel free to ask Mr. de Giosa himself. With his experience helping friends and colleagues, he can surely give you a piece which would be a great fit in your house!
Timings:
Daily, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Grey Projects
GreyProjects is a multi-conceptional space which acts as an art gallery, a creative workspace, a library, studio, and a residency aiding the intermixing of innovative ideas amongst art-lovers. Local Singaporeans often spend their time here curating art, making new design projects, and art propositions. Their ongoing exhibitions can be found out on their official website, or on their facebook site.
Timings:
Wednesday - Friday: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Adventure Park
Bring your kids to the Tiong Bahru Playground for a rejoiceful evening! The centrepiece of this outdoor playground is a huge tilted train structure meant for kids that are 5 and older.
Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter
This air raid shelter is the last remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter still in existence today. Once the air raid siren sounded, the entrance to the shelter would open for the residents. It could accommodate up to an estimated 1,600 persons. Today, the air raid shelter is full of educational panels for visitors, as well as occasional free exhibitions.
Tiong Bahru Restaurants
Bincho
Bincho is one of the hidden gems in Singapore, transformed from a 70-year old traditional kopitiam or coffee shop. It serves minced pork mee pok (flat yellow egg noodles) by day, and turns into an Osakan-style izakaya, serving delectable yakitori at night. With its marble tables, rickety wooden chairs and cosy atmosphere, Bincho is an experience like no other. There is also a bar serving Japanese-inspired cocktails as well as Japanese whiskey, sake and shochu.
Timings:
Lunch: Tuesday to Sundays: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Last order at 2:30 PM
Dinner: Tuesdays to Sundays: 6:00 PM onwards
Bincho remains closed on Mondays.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery is synonymous with a visit to Tiong Bahru itself! With its collection of fresh French pastries, it is best known for its wonderfully flaky and light butter croissant. If you have a sweet tooth, do try the notorious kouign amann, a layered, heavily caramelised and buttery pastry. Besides the quite yummy traditional pastries, pizzette, and quiches they sell at the counter on which employees of the various small creative businesses in the area now graze at lunchtime—they turn out some excellent bread, baked twice daily.
Timings:
Daily: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Plain Vanilla
Relish the cupcake scene here at Plain Vanilla. With only the finest of ingredients like French butter, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and bittersweet Belgian chocolate, Plain Vanilla guarantees to deliver! Bestsellers include peanut butter fudge, chocolate and strawberry lychee.
Timings:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Open Door Policy
One may think healthy food is not delicious unless one tastes their delectable 100% gluten free and dairy food. Also, a hundred points for their spot-on presentation.
Timings:
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Mondays to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 12:00 PM
P.S Cafe Petit
This beautiful little cafe has risen to popularity recently due to its amazing interiors, great food and overall ambience. Do try their truffle fries and sinful blackout cake. They have limited seats, so arrive early!
Timings:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Hotels near Tiong Bahru
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
With an iconic location in Marina Bay, immerse in a canvas of views at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. The luxury hotel offers gorgeously appointed rooms and suites, a 4,200-piece museum quality art collection and an elevated Club Lounge experience on level 32 with panoramic views of the city. Savour award-winning dining at Colony and the one Michelin star Summer Pavilion, or embrace tranquility at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, the first La Mer hotel partner spa in Asia Pacific. Kindly note that this hotel does not participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty rewards program.
2. Resorts World Sentosa - Equarius Hotel
A haven nestled along the fringe of a tropical rainforest, Equarius Hotel is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and families alike. All our spacious and breezy deluxe rooms and suites feature a private balcony with stunning panoramic views of either forest or sea. The equally spacious bathrooms are designed for lavish convenience with double vanity areas, a separate bathtub and shower area.
3. Resorts World Sentosa - Hotel Michael
A luxurious treat for art lovers, Hotel Michael is designed by one of America's greatest contemporary architects - Michael Graves. This boutique hotel bears the designer's elegant and distinctive touches, from lamps and crockery to furnishings and the decor. You will also enjoy a myriad of conveniences, and a short walk to the various attractions.
4. Hotel Nostalgia
Welcome to Hotel Nostalgia, your “home away from home”. We aim to make your visit both relaxing and enjoyable, which is why we have many guests returning to the hotel. We are close to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Gardens By The Bay, Sentosa, Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Orchard Road which houses some of the popular malls such as ION, Takashimaya and Paragon. Tiong Bahru Plaza, Great World City along with the Central Business District and Suntec Convention Centre are also within 10 minutes from where we are located. When you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Tiong Bahru Market, Tiong Bahru Bakery, and Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant, which are serving up some great dishes. Our rooms are Non-smoking and come with air conditioning, a TV, Safe Box and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy the Lap Pool and Alfresco Dining while staying here. Hotel Nostalgia places the best of Singapore at your fingertips and we look forward to seeing you soon.
5. The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality
The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is a trendy getaway for adults and couples. Exclusive and private with keen attention to details, this 193-key upscale hotel is a stylish interpretation of black and white design with crisp lines and a contrasting palette. Room amenities include toiletries kit by APPELLES Apothecary & Lab, pillow mist for turndown service, and customised minibar from a selection of premium snacks and drinks with compliments from the hotel. Perched atop the rooftop of The Outpost Hotel, boasting sensational views of the Singapore Straits, 1-V:U is an iconic day-to-night destination that features a coastal-luxe Day Club and a smart-casual progressive Asian Restaurant helmed by Chef Ace Tan.
Places to visit near Tiong Bahru
The lush terrain of Mount Faber offers a spellbinding view of nature to the tourists. There are some places of interest that will allure you for adding that extra zing to your trip:
1. Ayur Centre Pte Ltd:
It is a faux pas not having visited this coveted spa centre in your Singapore trip. The trained spa experts provide premium quality skin and hair care service to their customers. They also provide refreshing beverages to their customers. If you want a special spa treatment, prior booking is needed. Trust us, the experience is really rejuvenating and wonderful!
2. Djitsun Mall Bedok:
If you want to do some shopping on your Singapore trip, Djitsun Mall Bedok has to be on your itineraries. You can enjoy refreshments at the popular outlets of McDonald's or Texas Chicken in the mall. Apart from shopping, there are two cinemas inside the mall where you can enjoy a good movie time. If you are taking kids with you to the park adjacent to the mall, they can play and have a great time without you having to monitor them constantly.
3. Bedok Jetty:
The sunrise at the vista overlooking the expanse of water of the jetty is a real spectacle to behold in this place. You can arrive at Bedok Jetty by cycling and sit for a while just to appreciate the serenity of the surroundings. The small waves will come rolling and caress your feet as you sit on the bank of the waterway. You can indulge in fishing in the water of the Bedok Jetty if you are a sport-loving person. The place becomes crowded as the day proceeds.
4. Time Capsule:
This is probably the most visited and sought after tourist attraction in Singapore which calls for tourists all over the world to have a glimpse of the capsule. It is a timeless object of craze although its existence is no longer there at present. The capsule is filled with some products on public vote and buried under the ground. After a certain time limit (which is usually quite long) the capsule opens. One of the capsules has the time limit as long as up to the year 2065.
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