Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest residential estates in Singapore. But in recent times, it has undergone a renaissance; the area is probably the hippest neighbourhood in Singapore right now. It all started with the opening of a coffee joint and an indie book store along Yong Siak Street. The rest, as they say, is history.
Here is a guide to Tiong Bahru’s restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.
Sponsored Post
A romantic dinner, live band belting out love ballads, friendly staff taking polaroid photos for precious keepsake – this was our Valentine’s Day dinner at O’Coffee Club.
Many people know O’Coffee Club as a popular cafe chain where they can hang out with friends over drinks and food. But what many people do not know is that O’Coffee Club is also a place to go for special occasions. We celebrated Valentine’s Day at O’Coffee Club’s first outlet in Holland Village, and the night marks another chapter in our journey.
Read more for our Valentine’s day dinner, and to learn about some of the promotions at O’Coffee Club.
Wimbly Lu Chocolate Cafe is a dessert place located in the residential area at Jalan Riang. Part of Wimbly Lu’s charm is that from the moment you walk in, it strikes you as a quaint, whimsical kind of place. It is ideal for whiling away a few hours with friends.
Note: Parco Caffe is no longer in operation.
Located within the tranquil Raeburn Park, Parco Caffe – by the folks behind Spruce and Alkaff Mansion Ristorante – is where you would find solace from the hustle and bustle of city life. What is compromised for accessibility is more than made up for ambience. It was apparent that much of Parco’s emphasis is on atmosphere; from the creeping vines along its granite walls and lush carpet grass, to the floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the café in natural sunshine, this place is stunning in every sense of the word.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, opened by the folks behind Papa Palheta and Loysel’s Toy, is one of the most popular cafes/coffee places in Singapore right now.
From the outside, Chye Seng Huat Hardware looks like a run-down hardware shop – but don’t be deceived by its name and exterior, it is actually a very hip coffee bar. In addition to the coffee bar, it also features a roastery, a coffee school and a private coffee tasting room.
Many people would agree that Papa Palheta started the whole cafe/coffee trend, and what they have achieved is pretty amazing. If you are a caffeine addict, there’s really no reason not to visit Chye Seng Huat Hardware. Trust me, you’d love it there.
Henry Congressional is a pop-up cafe by the folks behind Smitten Coffee. The coffee place is located in the quaint Holland Grove, and it will only be there till 31 Dec 2012. So, if you have been wanting to visit it, make sure you make the trip soon.
I am a fan of the Spa Esprit group. To me, they are one of the best F&B groups in Singapore. From their first food outlet Barracks Cafe, to the crowd’s favourites Forty Hands Cafe, and Open Door Policy at Yong Siak Street – every concept that they have created become popular almost instantly. One of their latest ventures, Tiong Bahru Bakery is no exception.
Tiong Bahru Bakery is opened in collaboration with celebrity baker, Gontran Cherrier. It started with much fanfare in the now-hip Tiong Bahru neighbourhood (Eng Hoon Street), and added a second shop at Raffles City shortly after.
During a recent tasting at the artisan bakery, we tried most of the signature items on the menu. Below are some of the highlights from Tiong Bahru Bakery.
