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

TIONG BAHRU GUIDE TO THE BEST HAWKER CENTRE

Indicative of Tiong Bahru’s old-meets-new appeal, this establishment was built on the site of the old Seng Poh Road Market and reopened in 2006 as a two-storey market and food centre. The first floor lets visitors experience a typical Singapore wet market before heading upstairs to enjoy delicious local dishes. With over 80 stalls housed in an art deco-style building, the hawker centre houses many famous stalls. These includes Jian Bo Shui Kueh (#02-05), serving traditional handmade chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish), and Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#02-80), which sells lor mee (thick rice noodles in a rich gravy) with generous toppings such as braised pork belly, ngoh hiang (five-spice meat rolls) and fried wanton (Chinese dumplings), all for S$3 per bowl. Dessert stall Tian Tian Yuan Dessert House (#02- 15) has over 80 hot and cold desserts to choose from. Order the S$2 ice kachang (sweet shaved ice with toppings) for a refreshing treat.

Address: 30 Seng Poh Road
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 6am–11pm
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru Station