Kampong Glam, home to the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre, needs little introduction. This vibrant neighbourhood with strong ties to the Malay community here is ever-changing with new places popping up every time we visit, so we thought it’s only right to give you guys a little update to this treasure trove that’s full of surprises at every corner.
Eat & Drink
Kampong Glam is littered with eateries offering Mediterranean fare. If we really had to pick, we’d go for Nabins for our kebab fix. With belly dancers and live soccer screenings, we’re not surprised that this lively hood sees a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Take the opportunity to find a shisha bar while you’re exploring the streets. Going Om’s great if you have a friend here from out of town – its dancers and live bands make great accompaniment to their hookah, beer and grub.
For a true-blue Turkish dining experience, do not give Alaturka a miss. Its authentic Turkish cuisine and elaborate interior of traditional Turkish tiles will transport you right to Turkey!
If you’re up for some good ol’ traditional Malay fare, we recommend Warong Nasi Pariaman for their Indonesian-style nasi padang. You know it has to be good when it’s been serving nasi padang for 60 years and counting. Just a heads up, things get spicy in there!
Toots Brasserie
If you’re up for something fancy, check out Toots Brasserie, an award-winning French fine dining enclave situated within the charming Sultan Hotel. Get set for a delightful dining experience for your senses with Chef Jason Wong’s creations.
For a not-so-usual dining experience, reserve a table at Nox –Dine in the Dark. Yep, as the name suggests, take your culinary adventure up a notch with dinner in a pitch-black room – it just might be a life-changing experience.
Symmetry
You’re bound to love this hidden find nestled two minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Arab Street. With full brunch, lunch and dinner menu offered at Symmetry, this French and Aussie inspired café by day and restaurant bar by night is an all-round winner.
We’ve raved about (working title) before, but this inconspicuous café definitely deserves a mention in our neighbourhood guide. Snag a seat in the backyard while you chill and enjoy your food and choice of poison (from their huge shelf of craft beers and ciders) – bliss.
Malay Heritage Centre
The Old (and Gold)
Take a bit of Singapore’s history with you the next time you make a day trip to Kampong Glam. The Malay Heritage Centre curates frequent exhibitions and activities for visitors. Fun fact: Kampong Glam used to be a bustling port town before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived on our shores! Explore the Sultan Mosque’s impressive architecture (for free) just next door – the gold dome interior is made entirely out of glass bottles.
White House Living
Art & Entertainment
An extension of A Thousand Tales, White House Living is a furniture gallery that showcases multiple award-winning Scandinavian-inspired designer home furnishing brands and pieces that aim to both delight and impress your guests at home.
Round the corner of Kampong Glam’s heritage trail is Artistry, an art gallery café dedicated to showcasing local and international artwork and performances. Get your dose of creativity at this space that lives and breathes art – but not without a cup of coffee with beans from Liberty Coffee and some of its delightful desserts.
Home to regular music parties and events that celebrate local talent, Blu Jaz Café is Bali Lane’s magnet for the hip and funky. Boasting two shop houses with more than three floors of space and rooms for their regular jam sessions and standup comedy shows, there’s never a reason to get bored here!
Aliwal Arts Centre
Aliwal Arts Centre, which held the recent Urban Arts Festival, is the new kid on the block for the performing arts scene in Singapore. It also houses two of Singapore’s new eateries A For Arbite and kid-friendly Eat Play Love Café, which gives us even more reason to check out this place and its curated exhibitions and workshops.
Top image: Toots Brasserie, Malay Heritage Centre image by Choo Yut Shing