Tiong Bahru

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore's oldest housing estate, now its coolest. Art Deco architecture, indie cafés, and one of the best hawker centres.

Places in Tiong Bahru

PS Cafe Casual café/restaurant with all-day menu and contemporary aesthetic
Chye Seng Huat Hardware Specialty coffee roastery in converted hardware store with minimal aesthetic

Best time to visit: February-March, July-August for slightly less humid periods
Getting around: Excellent MRT metro; walkable neighbourhoods; efficient buses; taxis abundant
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Singlish (local English creole) is the true lingua franca.
Timezone: SGT (UTC+8)
Current trends: Modernist reinterpretations of hawker classics; Peranakan cuisine resurgence; molecular gastronomy; local ingredient elevation; fusion experimentation

Kampong Glam — The historic Malay-Arab quarter centres on the golden-domed Sultan Mosque. Haji Lane's street art and boutiques add edge.
Katong & Joo Chiat — Pastel shophouses and the heart of Peranakan culture. The best laksa in Singapore lives here.
Marina Bay — Modern waterfront district with fine dining and cultural venues
Tanjong Pagar — Historic district with shophouses converted to restaurants