One of Singapore’s most appealing aspects is its mix of old and new. While proud of its past, the Lion City also embraces today. So, charming historic properties sit next to astonishing modern architecture in a beguiling blend. Storied old buildings have also been repurposed as contemporary galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Eat & Drink
DINING IN ARCHES
Zor Tan, one of Singapore’s most talked about chefs, has opened his restaurant in Jinrikisha Station, a former rickshaw depot. Inside, Restaurant Born is surprisingly modern and airy, with the existing arches incorporated into the design. Open for dinner only, the innovative nine-course tasting menu features artfully presented dishes combining Chinese and French cuisines. restaurantborn.com
FUNKY CAFÉ AND BAR
During the day, the front section of Stay Gold Flamingo on buzzy Amoy Street is a coffee and brunch spot. Come the evening, its bar springs to life from behind a velvet curtain. This funky neighborhood café was launched by two locals with experience working in some of Singapore’s most well-loved bars. The delicious cocktails feature such ingredients as matcha, black sesame, yuzu, and basil. staygoldflamingo.com
AWARD-WINNING CUISINE
Singapore’s iconic hawker centers are beloved by locals; everyone has a favorite among these open-air food courts. The newly renovated Newton Food Centre has the most Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awards, signifying good food at moderate prices. In 2023 Kwee Heng, specializing in braised boneless duck, became the latest stall there to receive the award.
Shop
LOCAL BRANDS
Design Orchard, a new addition to famous shopping thoroughfare Orchard Road, houses more than 100 local brands both new and established. The multi-tiered, industrially styled building was designed by celebrated Singapore architects WOHA. It houses a work studio for local designers and is topped with a roof terrace events space and café. Perfect for watching the bustle on the leafy street below. designorchard.sg
SINGAPOREAN LITERATURE
Epigram Coffee Bookshop in Tanjong Pagar is the place to go for literature by Singaporean authors. The contents of the floor-to-ceiling shelves span fiction, memoirs, poetry, plays, cookbooks, and graphic novels. Epigram is also a publisher that supports Southeast Asian writers. epigram.sg
ASIAN HANDICRAFTS
Founded by a husband-and-wife design duo, Supermama specializes in homewares and mementos made by Asian craftspeople. Standout pieces include distinctive blue and white porcelain plates that make uniquely stylish souvenirs or gifts. Supermama stores can be found at the National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum. Entrance tickets are not required if you’re only wanting to visit the shops. supermamastore.com
Explore
ART MUSEUM
While its Colonial-era home in the Bras Basah museum and art district is being refurbished, Singapore Art Museum has moved into a port-side warehouse space, Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The museum, known locally as SAM, offers a unique perspective on contemporary Southeast Asian art via its permanent collections and changing exhibitions. singaporeartmuseum.sg/SAM-at-TPD
CHIC RECORD BAR
Appetite blends music, art, and food in a converted shophouse in Chinatown, styled like a chic and inviting apartment. Book a spot in one of the Living Room’s areas: the listening room with its 3,000-strong vinyl collection or the art lounge, where the regularly changing exhibitions feature both Singaporean and overseas artists. A large selection of wines and spirits are on offer in both spaces. appetitesg.com
OLD AND NEW
With its curved Art Deco architecture and picturesque shophouses converted into boutiques, galleries, and eateries, Tiong Bahru offers a striking contrast to the city’s copious shopping malls. As you wander the lanes, keep an eye out for the murals depicting the old way of life in Singapore. There are also contemporary galleries including White Space Art Asia and Hatch Art Project on Yong Siak Street. On the same road, Cat Socrates is a quirky store selling homewares, accessories, and gadgets while Nana & Bird is a womenswear and lifestyle boutique with stylish small brands.
Insider's Tip
Locals have been finding respite in the Singapore Botanic Gardens since 1859 and now there are even more reasons to enjoy them. The Gallop Extension is a 20-acre addition of forest and landscaping reachable via a pedestrian bridge. It’s also home to Pangium, a new restaurant by acclaimed Peranakan Chef Malcolm Lee, set in a stunning curved glass building with sweeping views of the gardens. nparks.gov.sg/sbg