Hipsters toting flowers in their beards may not be something you want to see, but there is cool and creative stuff going down in hipster enclaves the world over that you will. Here are ten hoods in Asia alone buzzing with urban art, indie music, and the so freakin’ fashion forward it’s ridiculous.
Hongdae, Seoul
Most vibrant in the evenings when school’s out for the day – Hongdae refers to the area surrounding Hongik University – expect this ‘hood to showcase everything k-cool. A must-do here? Café hopping. For good coffee, try Coffee Lab and Cafe Libre. Animal lovers will find joy at TOMS Cat Café, Thanks Nature Café (they have sheep!), and Bau House Dog Café, while design aficionados will feel right at home at A Design Museum.
Ari, Bangkok
Soi Ari is one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Bangkok, period. Despite its lush, quiet residential area facade, it’s hopping with cheap eats, cafés, and chic restaurants. Check out Salt (a hit amongst the city’s young and affluent), a fine dining establishment that specializes in Japanese sashimi, traditional wood-fire pizzas, and rich French fare. We also love Casa Lapin, a cool café that stocks a small selection of record players and vinyls, and homey bar-bistro Fat Bird.
Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
As cool as Shibuya and Harajuku are, it’d do you good to check out Shimokita, where all the hipsters want to be and be seen – aka the East Village of Tokyo. Explore this cozy warren of alleyways full of thrift stores (your cheap foray into Japanese street fashion), quirky shops, urban art, and live music scene on foot. Eats we love: Japanese-style curry at Nasu Oyaji, Ikkyu Donut (we love the texture of these babies), and yakiniku at Yawaza.
Tiong Bahru, Singapore
Singapore’s oldest housing estate sparked off the hipster revolution and café culture in Singapore, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list. Revel in the juxtaposition of old and new, and take a gander at the heritage pre-war apartments with spiral staircases. We recommend kicking off with a spot of brunch at 40 Hands or Flock Café, then checking out indie stores Books Actually and Fleas and Trees.
Senopati, Jakarta
Hipsters in the chaos called Jakarta are making their new home in the up-and-coming Jalan Senopati (which we prefer over the older ‘hood in Panglima Polim). On top of new openings like the hospital themed Hospitalis, the district is home to gourmet burger joint Three Buns, cool rooftop bar Lucy in the Sky, and Potato Head Garage, which is shaping up to be the spot with the best club nights and guest musicians.
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (Yardbird)
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Forget about swanky Tsim Sha Tsui and gritty Mongkok, upscale Sheung Wan is where to be if you want to mingle with the creatives. After browsing antiques and traditional medicine shops on Hollywood Road, check out Visage One, which transforms into a covert jazz club after dark on Saturday nights. Thirsty and hungry? Hit up 208 Duecento Otto for thin crust pizzas and Yardbird for yakitori and creative tipples.
Tian Zi Fang, Shanghai
An artsy enclave developed from a residential area in Shanghai’s French Concession of old, Tian Zi Fang can get a little choked with the tourists that flock to see its local Shikumen (a style that combines Western and Chinese elements) architecture. Get lost in the maze of alleys that proffer craft shops, art galleries, boutiques, and cafés.
Georgetown, Penang
Georgetown, Penang
So we know Georgetown is huge, but we can’t help it if Penang’s capital is genuinely hip, and in an unpretentious way too. Those with a penchant for sweets, try the goodies (we like the tiramisu) at heritage café China House and mille crepe cakes at The Twelve Cups. Café 55 makes a great cuppa and Mediterranean inspired cuisine, while Behind 50 scores points with its rustic ambience and for staying open till 1am.
Yongkang, Taipei
This neighbourhood is an eclectic mix of boutiques and cafes alongside famous old-school eateries like Yong Kang Beef Noodles and Ding Tai Fung’s flagship restaurant. Explore the alleys off the main street – they’re home to a host of quaint cafes. We like the whimsical outfit Bunny Listens to the Music, popular brunch spot Eating Time Bistro and Grill, and Café Libero – a stylish café cum whisky lounge tucked away in 243 Jin Hua Lane.
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
French colonial architecture and Parisian-style cafés like Café Nola and The Hanoi Social Club take centre stage in the city’s Old Quarter. The neighbourhood’s nightlife is pretty awesome too. For cheap drinks, head to the grungy Mao’s Red Lounge or Le Pub. For better ambience, we like 1911, which is on the grounds of Hanoi’s spectacular Opera House, and La Badiane, set in a beautiful French colonial villa.
Top Image: Tian Zi Fang, Shanghai. Credit to Michael Vito.