Jaded with the air-conditioned bubble? Want fall in love with the charms of old world Singapore? This weekend head to the quaint art-deco streets of Tiong Bahru. Here's our pick of this jam-packed suburb...
Start with coffee at the funky Forty Hands before a stroll through the Art Deco low rise flats (built pre-WW2) in the Tiong Bahru Estate.
Then put a call into Zen at Vintage Sunglass to check her fab range of sunnies - including Christian LaCroix, Emilio Pucci, Gianni Versace, Nina Ricci, Paloma Picasso, Yves Saint Laurent amongst others. If she's home you can pop in and take a browse. Prices range from $200-$800.
Mosey back to the colourful wet markets. Here you will find basic kitchen and cleaning items out front, fresh produce and well priced flowers. Head up stairs to the hawker centre to tuck into Tiong Bahru Roasted Meats Specialists (stall 02-38), or try the wantons and the chwee kueh. Wash down with a lime juice, and finish with some sticky rice desserts.
Next stop? Head to Tan Boon Liat Building for some hidden gems. This old warehouse has had a number of new tenants move in, many directly from Dempsey, and is definitely worth exploring. First, pop into Fair Price Antiques (01-10) for some modern bright Chinese furniture, be sure to take their card, as their website has all their pieces specs & dimensions, perfect for when you get home and wonder if will fit
Then take the lift up to Natures Glory (11-03) for wide range of organic produce and supplies. If you need a rubber stamp pop into 10-01, or some bargain work clothes head to Joop Warehouse (08-03) and Franc Style for the boys (07-03). Whilst on the 7th floor take a look at Mountain Looms, a private gallery of Turkmenistan rugs. Owner and collector Ben Fernandes will share with you the intricate beauties of this universal art form, including an education on the hidden imagery of goose feet, flying birds, and evil eyes in the carpets.
Zip down to The 3rd Story where you will find a collection of antique and rug shops. We love Journey East with its restored vintage furniture with Art Deco and retro shapes, which are sourced from Indonesian. If you are looking for a budda, check out Eastern Discoveries which is packed with Indochine Kingdom antiques. Stop into Asia Passion, Red House and Jehan Gallery before you head off.
Need to wine down? Sit back and relax over a coldie at The Pump Room (#01-66/67 GWC) or Wine Garage on the river. Or head to Lock Road for Little Bali and check out The Handle Bar while your there. And that's one helluva of day!
1I'm definitely checking out Tan Boon Liat building. Thanks for the find!
There's also a weekend-only store at Blk 24 Tiong Bahru you may want to check out, called nana & bird. They have a open house 1 weekend every month. The next on is on 22 May. Visit their website http://nanaandbird.com
