Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest neighbourhood estates established in Singapore

The once-sleepy housing estate was gentrified since 2010 and it has since become a “hipster” shopping enclave. Trendy boutiques and eateries opened shop and it is now one of the cool places to hang out. Whether for a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a meal or to simply shop for unique trinkets, this is definitely one of the place you should visit when you are in Singapore.

40 Hands Coffee

A hip coffee joint on the ground floor of a 1930s shop house has become the toast of the town. With its premium brew prepared at a precise 94 degrees, you know it’s not just a regular coffee place. Other gastronomic gems on the menu are Jamaican jerked pork toasted sandwich, weekend-only eggs brunch items plus their crowd favourite – steam buns.

78 Yong Siak Street
Unit 01-12 Singapore 163078

Nana & Bird

Nana & Bird is a retail start-up that is a favourite amongst local fashionistas selling women & kids fashion as well as homeware. Started by 2 childhood friends, this store offers a veritable treasure trove of gorgeous and affordable fashion offerings from accessories, clothing to delightful trinkets, all carefully curated from the region.

1M Yong Siak St
Singapore 168641

The Butcher’s Wife

A cosy backstreet bistro serving a gluten-free menu. Their menu offers a range of delectable starters, prime meat dishes, and opulent desserts. For the tippler in you, classic cocktails and wines are available in-house. A treat for diners would be the see-through glass of the open concept kitchen, where you can witness the chef preparing orders while you dine.

19 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 168650

Books Actually

Established in 2005, this independent bookstore specialises in fiction and literature which includes poetry, essays, literary journals etc. You can also find titles of various subjects from history, biography, math/natural sciences to travel, aesthetics and food narrative. They also house the largest collection of local Singapore literary publications, some of which are out-of-print titles.

For the bookworm in you, this is definitely the place to be. Their friendly shop assistants are more than willing to introduce you their favourite titles to ensure you have a good read in your hand.

[They have closed their shop at Yong Siak Street but books can be purchased online.]

Ikyu

[Permanently Closed]

A contemporary Japanese-French restaurant born of the passion to share fine food, it is helmed by Executive Chef Takuma Seki (former chef-de Cuisine of Hide Yamamoto at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands). Ikyu sells the basics of Japanese cuisine but with a fusion twist.

Their fish is freshly flown in direct from a private supplier from the famed Tsukiji market. If you are looking for a casual but nice place for a Japanese meal, this will be the place to go to for quality Japanese food without burning a hole in your pocket.

Picture credit to respective shops.