When you land yourself in the CBD, why not visit these popular spots - from coffee to bric-a-brac, Tanjong Pagar has it all
Expat Choice features 11 neighbourhood landmarks of interest — all just a stone’s throw away from the Tanjong Pagar MRT. Image Credit: Tea Chapter Facebook Page
Equate Coffee
Tucked away on the second level of Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Equate Coffee’s hidden entrance resembles a cave-like opening! Walk through a literal hole-in-the-wall, to enter a minimalist haven — with interiors from a contemporary solid gold counter, to the bare textures of the establishment; stone grey walls, barely-there furniture and the sensational aroma of speciality coffee in the air. Proffering another level of simplicity and comfort, the coffeehouse setting allows one to take a breather alongside exceptional caffeine sustenance. While other beverages are also available, the minimalist pastry menu has just two house-baked offerings — Mount Ondeh and the signature French pastry, Canele. Newly opened in March 2021, EC has already become a growing favourite amongst coffee connoisseurs in town. - Image Credit: Equate Coffee Facebook Page
Tong Mern Sern
One of the only few to be found in Singapore, Tong Mern Sern houses antiques, arts and crafts, vintage pieces and restored junk items. The three-storey shophouse on Craig Road stands out as the sole establishment on the block which hasn’t been refurbished, and for good reason. Lined and packed with trinkets and treasures — there’s jadeite cabbages in cabinets, porcelain plates hung on walls, typewriters lining the stairwells, old Chinese dressing tables spread around and ancient music players, amongst other intriguing items found here! - Image Credit: Rice Media
a. 51 Craig Rd, Singapore 089689
Platform
The clean, minimalist interior of Platform is a welcomed respite from the bustle of the CBD. This bar in Amoy Street is popular for embracing day drinking (open from noon), and believes their drinks are designed to be enjoyed from day to night. Focussing on light profile drinks and aiming to foster the culture of quality lite-drinking — highlights on the drinks menu centre around dilution; how ice can alter the taste of a drink over time. Neither dairy products nor fresh juices are used in the conceptual drink designs here, and the team constantly explores new flavour profiles for original, lip-smacking creations to serve its guests. Low-alcohol drinks, plus filtered tea and coffee, makes this joint friendly for everyone — along with a minimal selection of finger food to keep stomachs happy. - Image Credit: Platform. Facebook Page
a. 19 Amoy St, #01-01, Singapore 069854
Littered with Books
Browsing books promises to be an enjoyable affair in this charming two-storey shophouse-turned-bookshop on Duxton Road. Littered with Books, offers a quaint, intimate atmosphere for avid readers of all ages to scout out their personal preferences — carrying a widespread collection of titles across all genres ranging from specially selected literary, non-fiction, travel narratives, crime, thrillers, sci-fi, and award-winning children’s books. Additionally, the books on sale at this independent bookstore are actually quite affordable (or at least less pricey than expected from other bookstores) — where bookworm options span from bestsellers and literary classics to children’s titles. - Image Credit: Littered with Books Facebook Page
Nusantara Singapore
There’s a new eatery at Frasers Tower plating up authentic Nusantara cuisine, with an infusion of health and innovative signature dishes! Reviving family recipes handed down by his grandmother and mother, Chef Firaduz Nasir creatively adapts these for a health-conscious crowd. Adopting a build-your-own-bowl concept, Nusantara Singapore allows hungry diners to put together a hearty meal with a rotating selection of dishes. Vegan and Vegetarian meals are also available — giving locals and expats in Singapore alike a chance to share in this nostalgic Indo/Malay cuisine. - Image Credit: Nusantara Singapore Facebook Page
a. 182 Cecil St, #02-16/17 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
Yan Kit Playfield
Previously home to the old Yan Kit Swimming Complex, the establishment near Cantonment Road and Pinnacle@Duxton was once the nation’s largest public swimming pool. It was extremely popular back in the 1950s and1960s, but closed in 2001 due to declining demand. By December 2019, it was converted into a new community sports facility for the public. The Yan Kit Playfield today features the following upgraded facilities — a three-in-one Multi-Purpose Court for basketball, netball and volleyball, a children’s play gym, an area for free play and activities, a functional fitness corner and jogging path, and a green space for lawn bowls or croquet. Grab hold of your friends or colleagues for a game of ball, or maximise utilisation of the space for the whole family’s enjoyment! - Video Credit: sai sg, Yan Kit Playfield
a. 17 Yan Kit Rd, Singapore 088268
w. www.myactivesg.com/read/2019/11/time-to-have-fun-and-get-active-at-new-yan-kit-playfield
Cafe Kreams
It’s always a cosy autumn wonderland at CBD’s Cafe Kreams — in spite of a perpetual Summer in Singapore! This cafe at Maxwell Chambers offers an autumnal escape filled with sun-faded leaves to highlight its thematic ambience. Settle down under the canopy of foliage and sip on aromatic brews paired with some freshly baked scones. Priding themselves as a roastery where coffee beans are roasted in-house — guests can savour speciality coffee, organic teas, pastries and other sweet treats. Expect a watering hole change-up by nightfall; as the mini bar opens at 6PM with a new menu of tasty bar bites. - Image Credit: Kream Beer Facebook Profile
a. 32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115
Tea Chapter
Since 1989, Tea Chapter presents a tranquil sanctum to explore the beauty of Chinese culture through a gently brewed cup of tea. Traditionally, Chinese tea is beyond just a beverage — it’s an art form, a symbol of communion and a service meriting appreciation. Not long after its establishment, Queen Elizabeth II was a distinguished guest at the modest teahouse, and over the years various other important dignitaries have been hosted at this quaint locale. Any Asian tea aficionado (or those aspiring to be one) can experience a delightful journey here, of properly fixing, serving and tasting a varied array of Asian tea (such as green, white, Oolong, red, black and floral). Opt for the Tea Appreciation Package (from $48 per person), to discover the complexities and meanings behind the task of tea-making — where Tea Masters will guide you and a buddy through the essence of appreciating different types of tea. Learn more about relevant history and interesting philosophy over a tea party like no other! - Image Credit: Tea Chapter Facebook Page
a. 9 Neil Rd, Singapore 088808
Edit Suits
Fit just got personal for gents at Edit Suits — where shirts, chinos, suits and outwear are designed to well suit individual measurements with quality, custom-made tailoring. Spotted near Tanjong Pagar MRT, this top tailor team believes a well-made suit is more than a garment but rather a statement, and can be achieved with a simple three-step process — book an appointment and pay a visit, have your measurements done and fabrics picked, and wait for 3-4 weeks to receive an outstanding personalised suit which favourably fits your body. Offering a range of gentleman apparels for any occasion (from typical two-piece suits to wedding suits and tuxedos), prices do differ depending on the materials selected. Singapore’s biggest made-to-measure tailor makes looking sharp an easy task, where customers can expect nothing less than stylish and sleek from its massive selection of fabrics and customisations. - Image Credit: Edit Suits Co. Facebook Page
a. 35A Duxton Rd, Level 2, Singapore 089499
Leopold Gastrobar
Leopold Gastrobar is a bistro styled Austrian, Swiss & German restaurant and wine bar owned and managed by native Austrian chef owner Klaus Leopold since 2014. The 40 seater Gastrobar offers alpine cuisine matching well with any drinks or imported wine from sister company vinothek leopold pte ltd. The cuisine is developed by a native Austrian and everywhere in the bistro you can find some Austrian and German influences and not to forget all their wine, beer and spirits as well as self-imported food products. This is the real deal and brought to you with heart. Even better! When you want to get out for a drive - Take away (pick up) offers a 20% discount. What's stopping you?
a. Tanjong Pagar MRT, 96 Tanjong Pagar Road 088517
s. www.facebook.com/leopold.sg
BUS: Tanjong Pagar Road, Aft Craig Road Bus 80, Bus 145
Ann Siang Hill Park
Situated cozily in the Ann Siang area, which is known for its great restaurants and heritage shophouses, Ann Siang Hill Park is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by lushness and greenery.
Take a small detour from the bustling street to find a nature gem sandwiched between buildings and offices. Surprisingly, there’s enough space for a pretty park as well as different tree species like tamarind, nutmeg, cinnamon and breadfruit trees — all of them useful and handy in the kitchen! Discover the history of this place dating back to the 1800s, including some photographs from the early centuries, as you take a walk down the renovated pathway. - Image Credit: sg.trip website
a. Entrance via Ann Siang Road (Get Directions Here)
w. www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/ann-siang-hill-park
Roof Garden at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)
Striving to provide quality performances, cultural and traditional promotions and exhibitions — SCCC is a place where you can learn and discover fascinating things about Chinese culture in Singapore. Not many are aware of this lovely rooftop atop the building — but the serene setting is a perfect getaway from the buzzing Shenton Way district the establishment resides in. Overlooking the bay, the space is inspired by the classical Chinese garden landscape, designed with contemporary form and technology! - Image Credit: SCCC Website
a. 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
w. singaporeccc.org.sg/venue_hire/roof-garden
