In The Neighbourhood: Jalan Besar
Tiong Bahru may hold a special place in our books as the coolest neighbourhood to eat, play, and stay. But hot on its heels is the up-and-coming Jalan Besar, which has already sealed its status as a foodie heaven, and is well on its way to becoming as Singapore’s next hottest hipster hangout spot. Here’s why:
EAT & DRINK
Butter Studio
There’s nothing we love more than the buttery smell of baked goods, and that’s what pulled us into Butter Studio, which started off as a small store in Changi Airport Terminal 3 (it’s still there!). Their cupcakes are all-round winners – try the red velvet – and they get extra points for the nostalgic décor.
Butter Studio, 147 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208865, p. 6294 7115.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
A must-visit for all caffeine addicts, this speciality coffee joint that needs no introduction. Brought to you by the guys behind Papa Palheta and Loysel’s Toy, Chye Seng Huat houses Singapore’s first 360-degree coffee bar. Try the cold brew on tap for something a little different.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 6396 0609.
The Tiramisu Hero
The Tiramisu Hero
Moving from a dot com to a brick and mortar store proved to be a wise move for Aileen and Peggy, owners of this quirky dessert shop. Now, everyone can get a taste of the finest – what else – tiramisu in town. They come in flavours like original, Ovaltine, matcha, lemon lavender, and cinnamon – just to name a few.
The Tiramisu Hero, 121 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207548, p. 6292 5271.
The Bravery
Helmed by the good folks from the Plain, sister café The Bravery is a popular brunch spot, which serves up delicious pancakes. The coffee is naturally good, but if we had to pick a fave, it’d be the lavender latte. Bonus? It’s halal-certified!
The Bravery, 66 Horne Road, Singapore 209073, p. 9452 4785.
The Refinery
The Refinery
You don’t just get one type of experience at The Refinery – you get three. The establishment is split into three levels; the first floor houses a yakitori restaurant, the second floor is home to a bespoke cocktail bar, and the third is where you’ll find a craft workshop. What’s not to love?
The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561, p. 9111 1210.
Druggists
Everything about uber retro joint Druggists is old school, from the décor to the space (it shares the building space with the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association), and even the menu. Try items like the paper wrapped chicken and choose from over 20 types of beer available on tap.
Druggists, 119 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207547, p. 93851752.
Babette
Expect French-Japanese plates here at Babette, a casual eatery parked in the lobby level of Parc Sovereign Hotel. The menu highlights include the steak and foie gras donburi and the bacon tempura, but one must-try is the matcha lava cake. We promise you’ll fall in love with it even if you’re not a fan of green tea.
Babette, #01-03 Parc Sovereign Hotel, 165 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207569, p. 6341 7727.
Suprette
Suprette
Comfort food reigns supreme at Suprette. The cosy American-inspired eatery serves up creations like duck hash, a spicy buffalo chicken burger, and a braised lamb shank. All mains come with a side of salad and free flow fries… the latter is something we definitely won’t say no to.
Suprette, 383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001, p. 6298 8962.
Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant
Sure, it’s not new and shiny like the other contenders on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less noteworthy. Swee Choon Dim Sum is our go-to spot for amazing Cantonese delicacies like har kao and liu sha bao. Best of all: it’s open till 6 in the morning!
Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant, 191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882, p. 6225 7788.
Jalan Berseh Food Centre
A haven for turtle soup fans (as weird as it sounds), this hawker centre has three stalls selling this dish – Hock Hoe Turtle Soup (#02-40/47), Shan Zhong Bao Turtle Soup (#02-53), and Very Lucky Turtle Soup (#02-38/49). If you’re looking for something even more exotic, the former has crocodile soup on offer as well, but we like Very Lucky for regular turtle.
Find another unusual eat at Lao Liang Cold Trotters & Shark Meat (#02-37); yes, you read that right. This stall couldn’t care less about the proverbial fins; it’s all about cold, boiled shark meat served with homemade plum, chilli, and peanut sauce. Other standouts in Jalan Berseh Food Centre include Mei Xiang Black & White Fish Soup (#02-44), which packs a punch with its flavourful broth, Lim’s Fried Oyster (#01-32) available in wet and dry versions (we personally prefer the wet), and The Coffee Hut (#02-43) for kopi and kaya toast.
Jalan Berseh Food Centre, 166 Jalan Besar, SIngapore 208877.
SHOP
Tyrwhitt General Company
Tyrwhitt General Company
Besides paying homage to good design and craftsmanship with the array of artisanal products on offer, Tyrwhitt General Company (150A Tyrwhitt Road) is also the place where you can pick up handy skills with crafty workshops like leather making and terrarium planting.
Tyrwhitt General Company, 150A Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 8444 5589. Open Tue-Thu 12-5pm, Fri-Sun 12-7pm.
GO ON AN ART TRAIL
The Artists Village
Founded by contemporary artist Tang Da Wu, Singapore’s first local artist enclave, The Artists Village moved several times from its original location at 61B Lorong Gambas in Sembawang before settling down in its current spot in Jalan Besar. This group of arty peeps is still a beacon for experimental and alternative art in Singapore, with their most recent project centred on artists in Pulau Ubin.
The Artists Village, 91A Hindoo Road, Singapore 209126.