Many of the pioneering stores and eateries that elevated Tiong Bahru to hip status are situated side by side on this jam-packed street. Independent bookshop BooksActually champions local authors; Forty Hands café kick-started the speciality coffee scene in Singapore, and Plain Vanilla (www.plainvanilla.com. sg) makes some of the best cupcakes on the island.

View of the front facade of the shop

Located just opposite Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre, a cluster of small streets between Seng Poh Road and Tiong Poh Road is home to murals and many local establishments that embody the district’s hipster appeal. Pop into Tiong Bahru Bakery (www. tiongbahrubakery.com) or Drips Bakery Café (www.drips.com.sg) for a cuppa, then browse bespoke bouquets and small gifts at One Olive (www.oneolive. net), which sometimes hosts flower arrangement and craft workshops.

Exterior shot of the front facade of the shop

Address: Eng Hoon Street, Seng Poh Lane & Eng Watt Street

A neighbourhood fixture since the 1920s, this temple is nicknamed the Monkey God Temple since it is dedicated to the Taoist deity from the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West. More than ten statues of the Monkey God— including one that is almost a century old—can be found within.

Photo credits: qitiangong.com

Address: 44 Eng Hoon Street
Tel: +65 6220 2469 Fax: +65 6222 0352
Website: www.qitiangong.com
Email: qitiangong88@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–5pm

The district’s first piece of public art is located in Seng Poh Garden. Sculpted by Sarawak-born artist, Lim Nang Sang, who also created the iconic Merlion statue, the concrete 1.2-meter- high ‘Dancing Girl’ sculpture was commissioned to be the centerpiece of the landscaped garden in 1972.

Photo Credit: roots.sg

Address: Seng Poh Road near Moh Guan Terrace

Affectionately known as ‘the horse-shoe block’ for its iconic U-shape, this five- storey apartment building, completed in 1940, is the largest single block of flats in the area. One section of the building also houses a civilian air raid shelter, making it the only public housing estate at the time that was built with a shelter as part of its design

Photo credits : Flicker

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace

A destination unto itself, the grand historic hotel exudes old-world grandeur infused with the unique charm of Singapore and timeless luxury. First opened in 1887, the hotel has since been given a new lease of life after an extensive two-year revamp. Visitors can look forward to immersing themselves in striking colonial architecture and graceful service as well as newly opened bars, restaurants, courtyards, and social spaces.

Innovative and contemporary in-suite technology touchpoints are also available, along with refreshed bathroom facilities and amenities. Rooms at Raffles Hotel Singapore offer complimentary minibars, part of the hotel’s enriched guest offerings. Guests looking to wind down after a day of exploration should try the hotel’s signature Singapore Sling experience.

Address: 1 Beach Road
Tel: +65 6337 1886 / +65 6412 1289 (Trade Contact: Amy Ang)
Website: www.rafflessingapore.com
Email: singapore@raffles.com / amy.ang@raffles.com (Trade Contact: Amy Ang)
Nearest MRT: City Hall Station

A former wharf in the late 19th century, this neighborhood is now an eclectic mix of retail shops, residential apartments, hotels, art galleries, bars, and restaurants, boasting a low-key and family-friendly ambiance. Visitors can take leisurely strolls across its pedestrian bridges or dine alfresco at one of the many riverside eateries, both day and night

Restaurant at Robertson Quay.

Instantly recognisable for its 927 windows in rainbow hues, the Old Hill Street Police Station is currently home to the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as well as art galleries. Constructed in 1934, it used to house living quarters for policemen and their families.

Address: 140 Hill Street
Website: www.mci.gov.sg/about-us/old-hill- street-police-station/purpose-and-history

The oldest artisan sauce brewer in Singapore, Nanyang Sauces has been producing soy sauce traditionally through natural fermentation since 1959. The fermentation process is handmade and takes a total of 9 months. Visitors can look forward to special workshops such as the Sauce Appreciation Workshop at S$28 per pax and Sauce Pairing Workshop at S$38 per pax. Trade discount is at 20-30% off.

“My mission is to build on my Grandfather’s legacy and brew the best Soy Sauce in the world, made with love, right here in Singapore!”

- KEN KOH Business Development Director, Nanyang Sauce

3rd generation owner of Nanyang Sauce, Ken Koh is well acquainted with the craft of soya sauce production, having spent childhood days working in the family business. Up till today, the soya sauce is still made traditionally, the same way Ken’s late grandfather, the founder of Nanyang Sauce, did it. Non-genetically modified soya beans are steamed before they are placed into large clay vats with salt water and wheat flour to ferment under the sun for nine months.

Address: 70 South Bridge Road Tel: +65 6289 9288 / +65 9002 2500 (Trade Contact: Ken Koh)
Website: www.nanyangsauce.com
Email: ken@nanyangsauce.com (Trade Contact: Ken Koh)
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 8am–10pm

HongKong Street is a one-way road and it is named after the vibrant city of Hong Kong. The street boasts a high concentration of hidden dining and drinking gems like hip café Ronin. Most famous, though, is 28 HongKong Street, the nine-year-old speakeasy that spearheaded Singapore’s cocktail revolution and is consistently recognised as one of Asia’s best bars.

Address: Hongkong Street (between New Bridge Road & South Bridge Road)