Tiong Bahru has had its fair share of exposure in recent years, but selfie-stealing hipster vibe aside, we still love this Art Deco nabe for its cluster of independent shops. A meander round this low-rise heritage hood is the perfect antidote to Orchard’s mall-itis – just avoid Mondays when most places are closed.
Degiosart
This blink-and-you’ll-miss it teeny gallery shophouse houses owner Giuseppe’s eclectic cache of Asian textiles, furny, arts n’ antiquities. What started as a personal rug fetish has evolved into an enviable stash of Tibetan carpets and Buddhist sculptures collected on travels around Asia and Australia. And if you’re lucky, the charming Italian will be on-hand to regale you with the stories behind the works.
Degiosart, #57 Eng Hoon St, #01-82, Tiong Bahru, Singapore. +65 9698 6038 degiosart.com
One Olive
Green-fingered gals Amy and Niki set up One Olive in 2009, and it’s blossomed into the go-to for extraordinary artisanal bouquets, arrangements and potted plants. Bespoke bunches are their specialty and they’ll also style your wedding, photoshoot or spesh occasion. Florally challenged? You can hone your skills with sticks and a bit of grass at one of their flower arranging workshops.
One Olive, #61 Seng Poh Lane, Tiong Bahru, Singapore. +65 6779 3543 oneolive.net
Woods in the Books
We’re avowed fans of indie biblio darling Books Actually, and located on the same street is this simply lovely book nook stocking beautiful illustrated tomes, comics and graphic novels for kids, little and big. Be prepared to drop some dollar and keep peepers peeled for workshops and reading sessions. A rare treat.
Woods in the Books, #3 Yong Siak St, Tiong Bahru, Singapore. +65 6222 9980 woodsinthebooks.sg
Fed up of perspiring? Rest assured there plenty of eat, drink and flop stops offering respite from the darned heat. Drop by Tiong Bahru Bakery for French pastries and java, steel n’ wood Open Door Policy for easy global bites (book ahead for dinner) and relieve that shopper’s shoulder with a brisk rub down at Traditional Oriental Therapy. Ta-Dah!
Tiong Bahru Bakery, #01-70, 56 eng Hoon St, Tiong Bahru, Singapore. +65 6220 3434 tiongbahrubakery.com
Open Door Policy, #19 Yong Siak St, Tiong Bahru, Singapore. +65 6221 9307 odpsingapore.com
Traditional Oriental Therapy 57 Eng Hoon St, +65 6438 5567
