Tiong Bahru: Neighbourhood Guide

Singapore Feb 25, 2022

What to do in Tiong Bahru? Here are some of the top recommendations for dining, entertainment and culture around the coolest neighbourhood in Singapore.

Quaint shophouses, a spectrum of eateries, eclectic shops peddling to any impulse and breezy palm tree-lined avenues - what's not to love?

Being a Tiong Bahru native means having it all at your doorstep. Tiong Bahru frequently tops any local’s or traveller’s lists when it comes to being the most desirable Singaporean neighbourhood to live in.

A Tiong Bahru address is like a carrying card of cool.

At Hmlet Yong Siak, we’ve given two blocks of heritage low-rise walk-up apartments a fresh facelift whilst preserving much of its original structure. Located right in the heart of the throbbing creative pulse and spirit of the neighbourhood, you will find respite in the surrounding laid back cafes, eclectic shops and lush greenery.

Lest we forget, Tiong Bahru is extremely accessible as well. Connected by plenty of bus and train options, you’re just mere minutes away from the Central Business District and main Orchard Road shopping belt.

So what is there to eat, do and see at Tiong Bahru? Read on to find out.

We believe in taking time to really get to know the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. If you don't know where to start, our lightning roundup will send you on your merry way!

What to eat in Tiong Bahru

Be prepared to line up or make a reservation at these establishments, in part due to the over-exposure from various neighbourhood and Michelin guides, and in part due to the genuinely superb food.

Chicken Rice from a Michelin star awarded food stall. Not the best chicken rice in the Singapore though :)
Photo by Nauris Pūķis / Unsplash

Tiong Bahru Market’s Food Centre
30 Seng Poh Rd, Level 2
Singapore 168898

We're not listing any particular stalls  to avoid contributing further to the snaking queues. The Food Centre located at Tiong Bahru Market’s second floor is a trove filled with plenty of delicious local food stalls that deserve your attention. Go forth and explore!

Image credits: Burpple

BigMama Korean Restaurant
2 Kim Tian Road, Level 1
Singapore 169244

Just a short 5-minute walk away from the main Tiong Bahru area is where you would find BigMama’s Korean Restaurant. Expect nothing less than authentic and heartwarming Korean fare cooked by the ajumma (Korean aunty) herself and served piping hot, you’re in good hands here.

Bakalaki Greek Taverna
3 Seng Poh Road
Singapore 168891

For all your Mediterranean cravings, come to Bakalaki Greek Taverna. A restaurant tucked away from the main Tiong Bahru stretch, it serves hearty traditional Greek cuisine and offers diners a relaxed beach-like ambiance (almost like dining at Santorini, minus the gorgeous ocean views).

As portions here run slightly large, we recommend this place for a girls or boys night out, family dinner or even a double date!

Bincho at Hua Bee
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19
Singapore 162078

A kopitiam (local coffee shop) serving wanton noodles (dumpling noodles) by day and ultra fancy dining destination serving up chicken yakitori and sashimi by night. Led by acclaimed Chef Asai Masashi, your taste buds are in for a gastronomic treat when dining here.

And when you’re here, don’t forget to check out their take on classic cocktails that are made using fine Japanese ingredients.

Merci Marcel Tiong Bahru
56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68
Singapore 160056

You must’ve heard of this restaurant before, but we’re saying that this is the better outlet just because it is quieter and also walking through those doors makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a whole new world (aka themed restaurant in Bali).

For those who usually aren’t sure what they would like to have, check-in with the ever-so-helpful maitre d' for their daily special. Psst… the last time we were there they had Beef Wellington on their special and it was divine! All in all, a great place for lunches, dinners and perhaps a tipple or two with friends after a dreaded work call.


Get your sweet cravings satisfied here

You don't need to travel to Paris for your fill of baked gluten goodness. Tiong Bahru is home to some of the best bakeries in the world, where you may indulge in your carb-fueled fantasies in peace.

Let's go grab a slice of cake (and maybe a croissant), shall we?

Image credits: On The Grid

Tiong Bahru Bakery
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70
Singapore 160056

There might be many outlets popping up around the island recently, but this is the OG (Original Gangster). This self-proclaimed ‘Best French Bakery in Singapore’ defends that throne fiercely with its impossibly flaky Kouign Amann and myriad of croissant flavours.

They are usually pretty packed during lunch and tea time, so we recommend that you come early, at odd hours or do what we do, takeaway and enjoy it in the comfort of your home.

Plain Vanilla Bakery
1D Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168641

Cupcakes, pastries, strong cups of freshly-made coffee and hearty salads are a long-time favourite for a balanced diet. The cupcakes with the flavour of the month are something to look forward to. Just how good are their cupcakes? Well, let’s just say that the black sesame miso caramel cupcake we had is still on our minds.

Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry
55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-39
Singapore 160055

This establishment has been around for as long as we can remember. Tiong Bahru Galicier Pstry is an old school bakery selling some of the finest local sweets you can find in Singapore. Their menu line-up consists of Nonya kuehs, pandan chiffon cakes, cookies, custard puffs, traditional cream cakes and many more.

Being old school, they don’t have active social media accounts or a website, but you can refer to their Google Store Reviews for reasons why you must visit this bakery.


Support local businesses

Go local! Ditch the high street in favour of supporting local shops that sell all sorts of craft, curiosities and experiences. Up your gift-giving game or take treating yourself to the next level.

Image credits: Woods In The Books

Woods in the Books
3 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168642

Just for the kids or kid-at-heart! A longtime resident of Tiong Bahru is the independent children’s bookshop Woods in the Books. This quaint bookstore specialises in stocking picture, illustrated and activity books that inspire imagination by local and international authors.

OliveAnkara
79 Chay Yan Street, #01-02
Singapore 160079

Taking inspiration from traditional African wax printed fabrics, OliveAnkara is all about prints and vibrant colours. From jumpsuits to quirky skirts with large pockets (that can actually fit your phone securely) and reusable face masks to head wraps, your eyes are in for a kaleidoscopic treat when shopping here.

Nana & Bird
1M Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168641

Established since 2010, this local clothing brand offers a collection of womenswear, preloved luxury bags, accessories, children's clothing and homeware labels for the confident woman who wears many hats and wants to make conscious choices.


Where to drink in Tiong Bahru

Watering holes are the epicentre of social interactions. At Tiong Bahru, finding one for your next get-together isn’t really a problem, but deciding on which one is.

PS. Cafe Petit
78 Guan Chuan Street
Singapore 160078

This tiny Tiong Bahru outpost of the beloved PS. Cafe specialises in two things: an encyclopaedic selection of wines, and pizza that you can order for takeaway. Dine-in or pick-up some pie and bottle of wine for a cozy evening at home.

Coq & Balls
6 Kim Tian Road, Level 1
Singapore 169246

Perhaps one of the first ever bars at Tiong Bahru, this is the kind of place where you can just be yourself and have a beer-filled night out with friends. When visiting, be sure to try their signature snacks, TKO specials and their very own Coq & Balls craft beer.

Privé Tiong Bahru
57 Eng Hoon St, #01-88
Singapore 160057

This establishment needs no introduction as you’ll find many of their outlets scattered around Singapore. At Tiong Bahru, you will find it prominently sitting opposite the main entrance to Tiong Bahru Market. Best thing to do here? Order up a cold beer to beat the heat and just watch the world go by.


HmFam Recommends

Perfectly legal insider trading of Tiong Bahru tips from our Hmlet family.

"The flowers at Tiong Bahru Market are awesome!" Lauren from Canada, Hmlet Portofino
"Flock Cafe has the best crispy bacon in town! Perfect for reading a book over a morning cuppa." Omkar from India, Hmlet Principal Garden
"I love going to Tumbleweed for plants and also Foodie Market for fresh produce!" Amy from Australia, Head of Marketing & Communications

With neighbours as cool as these, why wouldn’t you want to live in Tiong Bahru? Find your home with Hmlet. View fully-furnished, whole apartments and rooms for rent in Singapore.

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