One of Singapore's vibrant neighborhoods, Chinatown has plenty to offer, from local delights to gourmet dishes, award-winning bars and a myriad of traditional Chinese goods to bring home.
LessSpread over four floors and located inside an iconic heritage building in the heart of Chinatown, Potato Head Singapore is a multi-concept F&B establishment that offers up hearty comfort food, amazing tipples and a buzzy ambience. Each floor houses a different theme, and its rooftop bar is a must-visit, where you can peer over the rows of shophouses and get an overhead view of Chinatown.
Craving some sweet treats? If old school eats are your thing, visit Keong Saik Bakery, an establishment that fuses old-world charm with modern baking techniques. Grab a seat indoors and partake in a selection of sweet treats and locally-inspired creations. We recommend sampling the bakery’s Chendol Delight, a cake that fuses traditional chendol (local iced dessert) ingredients with rich coconut custard.
With decades of experience in the subtle craft of brewing Chinese teas, Pek Sin Choon is a perfect pit stop for tea connoisseurs. The tea leaves here are still wrapped by hand in traditional paper squares. Utilising a decades-old folding technique, elderly packers deftly assemble an impressive 2,000 packets daily at the store’s shophouse in Mosque Street.
Nestled in the corner of Chinatown, Pearl’s Hill City Park is a retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The park was built around a reservoir on the hilltop and is a place of peace and serenity. Pick up some treats from nearby eateries or hawker centers, and head over to the park for a lovely picnic by the pond.
Peckish and thirsty from all that walking? Be sure to drop by Nanyang Old Coffee for an aromatic cup of traditional coffee and kaya (coconut jam) toast, with soft-boiled eggs on the side. If you’re keen to learn more about our local foodie culture, the café also holds coffee-themed workshops on the first and third Sunday of every month.
If it is quality traditional garb you are after, look out for this name: Golden Scissor Cheongsam. There are no ill-fitting off-the-rack finds here. The shop offers custom-made cheongsam (traditional Chinese dress), tailored to every curve of your silhouette and designed in your choice of modern or traditional fabrics, patterns and trims.
Discover Chinatown’s religious diversity as you make your way down the stretch of South Bridge Road. Also known to locals as Chulia Palli (Chulia Mosque), this age-old religious establishment was established by Tamil Muslims from the Coromandel Coast between 1830 to 1835. Its architecture can be traced back to the 19th century, and fuses elements from both Neoclassical and South Indian tradition.
A name that needs no introduction among local food aficionados, Song Fa serves up peppery and delicious bak kut teh (pork ribs in herbal broth). With a storefront that emulates dining in the 1960s, it pays homage to its origins from a humble pushcart. The store has also been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, making this place a must-try while you’re in Chinatown.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert. This joint specialises in Chinese desserts such as bird’s nest soup and yam paste, but you could also opt for other treats like durian mochi and one of their snow ice creations (which come in an array of flavors, from lychee to green tea). With Singapore’s high humidity weather, these refreshing ice-cold treats will definitely cool you down.
Looking to cap the night off with some drinks? This award-winning bar champions all things Asian, with produce foraged from Singapore and alcohol sourced from across the region. For a drink that draws inspiration from the tastes of nonya cuisine, we suggest sampling the Peranakan cocktail, made with Jackfruit rum, laksa leaves, candlenut and gula melaka (palm sugar).