(Photo: MICHELIN Guide)

For mouthwatering local fare, Tiong Bahru Market should be your next go-to spot. This food centre with Michelin-starred hawkers boasts an array of tantalising options that’ll delight your taste buds.

Start by savouring the aromatic Chicken Rice at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, or dig into Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee’s flavourful Hokkien Mee. Alternatively, try Skirt & Dirt’s juicy gourmet burger if you’re in the mood to get your hands dirty.

Finish off your meal with Tian Tian Yuan Dessert House’s delightful treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

(Photo: SNAPSHOT)

Did you know that Tiong Bahru was once a swampy burial ground and was transformed into Singapore’s first public housing estate in the 1930s? It’s no wonder that you’ll find pre-war flats in the neighbourhood with their distinctive style — thick and clean lines, curvatures, spiral staircases, and kitchen air wells.

For a deeper dive into local history, follow the 2.5km Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail, launched in 2013. This route will take you through 10 markers that highlight the neighbourhood’s rich past, including the iconic Horseshoe Block (Block 78) and the Monkey God Temple.

(Photo: Where You’re Between)

Tiong Bahru is home to eclectic shopping spots, including a variety of charming boutiques.

A crowd favourite is Cat Socrates, a quirky gift shop brimming with homegrown products and feline-themed bags, T-shirts, and more. Music enthusiasts can also head to Ronggeng Records — they’ll fall in love with the vinyl collection. Explorers can also admire the bold African-inspired prints at OliveAnkara run by Ifeoma, who wishes to showcase Nigerian culture to Singaporeans.

(Photo: Daniel Food Diary)

After shopping, take a breather at the many charming cafes tucked away in Tiong Bahru’s shophouses. A crowd-pleaser is the famous Tiong Bahru Bakery, whose fresh offerings will transport you to Paris. Go for their flaky, buttery croissants that are the talk of the town. We recommend that you save some space for the Kouign Amann — a sweet pastry that’ll melt in your mouth.

If you have a savoury tooth, we recommend the Quiche Lorraine for its custardy core and generous ham filling. Pair your treats with their bold cappuccino for the perfect flavour combination.

📍 Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056
⏰ Opening hours: 7.30am – 8pm daily
📞 Contact: 6220 3430
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: tiongbahrubakery.com

(Photo: Visit Tiong Bahru)

The colourful murals splashed across the walls of Tiong Bahru’s alleys are a testament to the region’s vibrant art scene. Stroll through the neighbourhood and find vivid murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong that depict everyday life and Singapore’s cultural heritage. Don’t miss out on the iconic “Bird Singing Corner” mural, which shows the century-old local tradition of bird keeping. Remember to take plenty of photos as a keepsake.

(Photo: Grey & Sanders Singapore)

There’s more than meets the eye at this establishment, which looks like a regular industrial building. The Tan Boon Liat Building is chock-full of furniture stores offering different styles from retro to mid-century modern.

Walk around and visit the various showrooms on 14 different levels, each with its own unique collection of furniture and home decor. Options range from affordable ready-made pieces to custom-made furniture at slightly higher prices.

📍 Address: 315 Outram Road, Singapore 169074
⏰ Opening hours: 11am – 7pm daily
📞 Contact: 6221 3731
🌐 Website: tanboonliat.com

(Photo: HoneyKids Asia)

The Tiong Bahru Park offers not only a calm oasis in an otherwise lively neighbourhood but also plenty of facilities for the whole family. Children can navigate through the carriages of the Tilting Train Playground, which is the park’s centrepiece, or spend an afternoon building sandcastles. Meanwhile, parents can take a moment to unwind at the Therapeutic Garden. It features 4 different zones for a multi-sensory experience.

📍 Address: 1 Henderson Road, Singapore 159561
⏰ Opening hours: Open 24 hours
🌐 Website: beta.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/tiong-bahru-park

Happy exploring!
Belly 🚗