Welcome to Tiong Bahru, a captivating neighborhood in Singapore that beautifully blends history with modern charm. Known for its unique Art Deco architecture, Tiong Bahru is a food lover’s paradise, featuring an array of delightful eateries and trendy cafes. From the renowned Tiong Bahru Bakery, famous for its artisanal pastries, to a diverse selection of Tiong Bahru restaurants offering mouthwatering menus, there’s something for everyone. Explore the vibrant atmosphere at Tiong Bahru Plaza, where shopping and dining meet. Join Little Steps as we guide you through the hidden gems of Tiong Bahru, uncovering its rich culture and the true meaning behind this enchanting locale. Whether you’re seeking the best Tiong Bahru food or a cozy Tiong Bahru cafe to relax in, this guide has you covered!
Have you ever visited an air raid shelter in Singapore? This one is the last remaining pre-war civilian raid shelter and has been untouched over the past few years. The area is believed to be the side for the Air Raid Precaution Wardens' depot and is a historical site like none other. Although it is not open to the public at the moment, you can still stop by to read historical information featuring interesting facts about the shelter. It’s certainly a unique spot that you’re unlikely to come across anywhere else on our island.
Where: 78 Guan Chuan St, Block 78 Block 78, Singapore 160078
Records are making a comeback again and Ronggeng Records boasts of having rare Southeast Asian vinyls. If you’re eager to share your love of music with your family and friends, this is a great spot to be. Come browse through the wide range of records that feature so many genres from rock and roll to Mandarin ballads and many more. The record store is also a great spot for you to snap aesthetically pleasing and retro shots!
Where: 30 Seng Poh Rd, #01-79, Singapore 168898, https://www.instagram.com/ronggengrecords/?hl=en
If your idea of relaxing and unwinding involves being pampered in a luxurious setting then do check out Nimble/Knead, an eclectic spa housed in shipping containers. Don’t let the brutalist and industrial architecture scare you off for the interior of the spa is delicately designed to put you at ease. Have your treatment in a specially designed shipping container, take a jacuzzi bath or sip ginger tea in their back garden. It’s totally up to you!
Where: 66 Eng Watt St, #01-28, Estate 160066, https://www.nimbleknead.com/
Cat Socrates has a jumble of things to offer and they’re all equally exciting, colorful and unique. Although it might look like your typical stationary store, Cat Socrates has everything from household wares to stationary, books, and even the occasional jewelry. With a Singaporean twist to most of their goods, you’ll find cute and cultural items here and we think they’re great items to gift your loved ones with.
Where: 78 Yong Siak Street, #01-14, Singapore 163078, https://cat-socrates.myshopify.com/pages/contact-us
The cafe scene in Tiong Bahru is just so vibrant and Micro Bakery Kitchen is one of our favorites. This small-batch bakery focuses on quality rather than quantity so all items are made for the day. From their sourdough breads which are hand-crafted & baked fresh daily, to sweet bakes and tasty patisserie, the bakery promises to take you on a delectable journey.
Where: 78 Yong Siak St, #01-12, Singapore 163078, https://www.microbakerykitchen.com/new-page-77
Now how can we not bring up Tiong Bahru Bakery? Loved by so many, this iconic bakery can be found in a lot of places in Singapore but you could always pay tribute to its namesake if you’re in the area and looking for a reliable brunch spot. With a wide spread available for their breakfast menus, and all-day goodies, this really is the spot to be if you want to gather for a good meal with your family or friends.
Where: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056, https://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/contact/
While there are tons of bakeries in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, very few specialise in tarts. Drips Bakery Cafe is an artisanal café, established in 2010 in the heart of Tiong Bahru. Committed to delivering the best epicurean experience with the finest ingredients and exotic fruits sourced from around the world, you’ll be sure to find some of the best tarts in Singapore here.
Where: 82 Tiong Poh Rd, #01-05, Singapore 160082, https://www.drips.com.sg/pages/visit-us
Are you a fan of breakfast food? Flock Cafe is an all-day breakfast eatery where you can get breakfast items any time of the day. Of course, they do have other items on the menu as well in case you’re in the mood for something different. This family-run cafe is nestled in a quiet enclave in Tiong Bahru and provides a great backdrop for business meetings or the perfect spot to spend the day away.
Where: 01-25 Tiong Bahru Estate, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25 Block 78, 162078, https://www.flockcafe.com.sg/
Perhaps one of the most iconic features of this wonderful neighbourhood is the many murals painted by YC Tiong. The murals depict long-gone days of Singapore’s past that some of us have grown up with. Tiong’s inspiration for the location is his own lived experience at Tiong Bahru where he grew up running around his estate, hinting for Saga red love seeds and playing with his siblings and cousins. The murals are beautifully done and if you’re in the area, be sure to check them out.
Where: Various Locations, https://yipyc.com/blog/2016/11/11/the-story-of-ycs-tiong-bahru-murals/
If you’re an art admirer, Artblue Studio is Singapore’s leading purveyor of Vietnamese contemporary art to a global client base, and it’s a good spot to browse through artworks. Run by Phuong Nguyen and her husband and co-founder Jacques Renaud, the studio curates unique pieces by Vietnamese artists. Even if you aren’t planning on buying any of the works, it’s a nice place to wind down, appreciate good art and learn a little more about Vietnamese culture.
Where: 23 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168652, https://www.artbluestudio.com/
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: Merci Marcel
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