Distance: 0.5 km
Haji Lane is a riot of urban and indie fashion, filled with baskets of knick-knacks and polyester, plus Muslim coffee shops. Time to gussy up with your best vibrant shawl, sarong or silk for a trip through Singapore’s kampong glam ways.
A. Tolido’s Espresso Nook
Fill up for the day with this no-fuss espresso bar and brunch spot. Dine-in or take out in their open-air quarters. Tip: Go for the pic-pretty lattes or cold brews.#01-63, 462 Crawford Lane, +65 6648 0178, 8am-4pm Mon, Wed-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat-Sun, tolidosespressonook.oddle.me/en_SG
B. Supermama
What started as a year-long sabbatical for hub-n-wife team Edwin and Mei Ling Low has now blossomed into a thriving biz. Uber-cute offbeat object, spanning porcelain, glass and lacquer homeware and gifts, have been sourced from designers and artisans in Singapore and Japan.
265 Beach Road, +65 9615 7473, 11am-7pm Thu-Mon, supermamastore.com
C. Scene Shang
Think Asian furny is all rosewood and rattan? Jessica Wong and Pamela Tin go against type with their marvellous stash of original contempo home decor, aptly showcased in a reno’d shophouse. Snap up sublime, leathery rancher chairs, rainbow-hued cabinets and quirk-cool cushions emblazoned with SG’s deco landmarks. There are plans to hold workshops and installations in the courtyard.
263 Beach Rd Bugis, +65 6291 9629, 11am-8pm Sun-Thu, 11am-9.30pm Fri-Sat, shop.sceneshang.com
D. Bar Stories
Up the stairs you trot for this dinky, hushed imbiber mixing proper made-to-order cocktails. In fact, it’s completely sans menu – simply tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and he’ll shake it up… If you’re wedded to your Sea Breeze cocktail, this ain’t the joint for you.
Tip: Reservations required.
55-57A Haji Lane, +65 6298 0838, 5pm to 10.30pm Tue-Sat, barstories.sg
E. Al Tasneem
When that fourth G&T starts to take its toll, nip to this no-frills halal joint for the best murtabak in town. Carb cravings are abated with the house fried pancake stuffed with eggs, onion, and meat (usually mutton or chicken); order a glass of teh tarik (pulled tea) to accompany. Sorted.
709 North Bridge Road, +65 6291 0709, 8am-12am daily, @altasneemrestaurant
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Photo Credit: huafires – iStock.com