A Guide To Cafes, Restaurants, And Shops In Kampong Glam And Arab Street
See what else is popping at this historic enclave besides its indie shops.
By Rebecca Rachel Wong and Christina Grace Lai,
For those with a penchant for thrifting, Kampong Glam will feel like familiar territory. This historic district, one of Singapore's oldest urban quarters, has evolved into a bohemian enclave teeming with second-hand stores and vintage finds. From the vibrant Haji Lane to the nearby Golden Landmark Shopping Complex, the area offers a diverse range of thrifting opportunities.
As you explore the neighbourhood, you'll encounter funky street art adorning the walls of Arab Street and Jalan Pisang. Haji Lane, renowned for its indie boutiques, has also become a hub for trendy restaurants and bars. From authentic African-American soul food to a sophisticated brandy-focused bar, the neighbourhood caters to a variety of tastes.
Outside
What: The newest addition to accompany the 4 other Outside stores, this 2-storey store on the corner of Bali and Haji Lane is a paradise for any outdoor lover. Stocking over 40 international brands, you’re bound to find something for your next adventure.
Why we love it: Outside is for anyone who loves the outdoors. And who doesn’t love being Outside?
Address: 660 N Bridge Rd, Singapore 188797
Contact: 8879 0089
Plop Apparels
What: A multi-label boutique for men and women that has both in–house designs and avant-garde pieces. Expect pieces with interesting silhouettes, standout details, and a curated selection of regional brands, like KL’s Ghostboy, Korea’s Kashiko and Singapore’s own Lonchoboy, that you won’t find anywhere else in Singapore.
Why we love it: Plop brings a unique, directional style to Singapore’s fashion scene.
Address: 43 Arab St, Singapore 199742
Contact: Instagram
TWOWORLDS Cafe & Thrift Store
What: Combining a cosy café and a curated thrift store, TWOWORLDS offers drinks alongside a colourful mix of second-hand clothing. With fun, nostalgic styles with a distinct flair, there’s something here for anyone looking to add a little personality to their wardrobe.
Why we love it: A thrift store and matcha café? Sign us up - it’s the best of both worlds.
Address: 390 Victoria St, #02-31 Golden Landmark Shopping Complex, Singapore 188061
Contact: Instagram
Wakuwaku Yakiniku
What: A collaboration between Micheal Lee, hip-hip icon Shiekh Haikel, and Anna Belle Francis, Wakuwaku Yakiniku is Singapore’s first halal wagyu experience center. Enjoy premium cuts and grill them yourself in this interactive Japanese BBQ dining concept.
Why we love it: The joy of yakiniku lies in grilling your own meat - fun, flavourful and satisfying.
Address: 27 Bali Ln, Singapore 189863
Contact: 6291 6891
Hands On Film
What: Tucked away on the second floor of Bali Lane, Hands on Film is a haven for film photography lovers. From developing and scanning to buying vintage cameras, including “as-is” fixer-uppers, this cosy space also sells a wide range of film stock, including in-house film stock that delivers dreamy results.
Why we love it: Film photography is being revived and kept alive by communities like this: it’s analogue, precious, and beautifully tangible.
Address: 21 Bali Lane #02-01, Singapore 189857
Contact: Instagram
Symmetry
What: Know for its all-day dining and Aussie coffee, Symmetry is the go-to spot for a hearty breakfast. Expect rich flavours, friendly service, and elevated brunch classics. We recommend their Eggs Benedict, or for a vegetarian option, the Spinach Toastie and Mushrooms.
Why we love it: Nothing beats an Australian breakfast to kick off your day in Kampong Glam.
Address: 9 Jalan Kubor #01-01 Singapore 199206
Contact: Instagram, 6291 9901
The Digicam Depository
What: This Haji Lane gem stocks a wide range of digital cameras from the 2000s, with prices ranging from $50 to $300. Whether you’re looking for a starter cam, or something more niche, there’s something here for everyone, and every aesthetic.
Why we love it: Digicams are back, and The Digicam Depository has one for every kind of IG dump or mirror selfie.
Address: 43 Haji Ln, Singapore 189236
Contact: Instagram
Takara House
What: A vintage boutique and café tucked away on the second floor, Takara House is like stepping into a 1970s daydream. With the scent of old books and worn leather, this cozy store is made for slow afternoons and soft conversations.
Why we love it: A comforting escape that feels like time-travel, in the best way.
Address: 674 N Bridge Rd, Level 2, Singapore 188804
Contact: Instagram
Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique
What: This design-forward gelato boutique is perfectly Instagrammable. Think elevated local tasted like Black Sticky Rice, Pandan Coconut Caramel, or Lychee Raspberry - served in their signature freshly-basked Thyme cone.
Why we love it: A refreshingly cool stop with unique flavours, perfect for Singapore’s all-year heat.
Address: 263 Beach Rd, Singapore 199542
Contact: 9820 5763
Hvala Raffles Specialist Centre
What: A serene matcha spot for when you need a moment to pause, Hvala serves ceremonial-grade matcha alongside Japanese-style desserts. It’s a perfect place to recharge in between exploring.
Why we love it: Delicious matcha and calm vibes, which is ideal for a mid-day shopping and exploration break.
Address: 585 N Bridge Rd, #01-01 Raffles Specialist Centre, Singapore 188770
Contact: Instagram
The Coconut Club
What: This popular nasi lemak restaurant’s flagship location on Beach Road holds a Bib Gourmand status in the Singapore Michelin Guide 2024. It offers a casual, all-day dining experience on the ground floor, with a reservation-only dining concept on the second floor. A large communal table is the centrepiece of the bright and airy all-day dining space, adorned with tropical accents of rattan and terrazzo. Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s signature nasi lemak, including the ayam goreng berempah, made with GG French Poulet chicken from Toh Thye San Farm. A selection of Malay and Nyonya kueh is also available.
Why we love it: The Coconut Club nails the art of elevated comfort food with a setting that feels like a breezy, sunlit love letter to Southeast Asia. From its Bib Gourmand-worthy nasi lemak to the tropical-chic interiors, it’s a place that hits both the palate and the aesthetic sweet spot.
Address: 269 Beach Road
Contact: 8725-3315
Goodluck Bunch
What: Goodluck Bunch, a multi-label boutique housed in a historic pre-WWII duplex shophouse on Bali Lane, has been a staple in Haji Lane since 2016. In 2024, the brand reopened with a fresh, minimalist interior featuring wooden accents. The boutique offers unique indie brands, including Danish label Wood Wood and Paris-based Danton, alongside staples like Fruit of the Loom, A.P.C, and London Brown, known for its popular tote bags and shoes. Goodluck Bunch has also collaborated with creatives on capsule collections, including Tell Your Children, Lydia Yang (@oakandbindi), Pras the Bandit, Death Threads, and Sole Superior.
Why we love it: It nails that elusive cool factor without even trying. This multi-label boutique delivers on style and soul. The fresh interior may be minimalist, but the energy? Maximal.
Address: 26 Bali Lane
Contact: 6291-4890
Huevos
What: A fun, casual Mexican dining concept with outlets at both North Bridge Road and New Bahru, featuring funky, colourful decor and hand-painted wall murals that jazz up the space. Huevos’ birria beef tacos are the highlight, loaded with shredded beef short rib, tender brisket, chorizo, and a sinful thick layer of melted cheese. The quesadillas are worth the calories too, such as the unapologetic chipotle chicken quesadilla filled with smoky shredded chicken and melted cheese, coated in chipotle aioli, and topped with tangy pico de gallo.
Why we love it: We heart Huevos because it brings the fiesta to your plate and your feed.
Address: 803 North Bridge Road
Contact: lehuevos.sg@gmail.com
Kulon
What: Situated in the heart of Bali Lane, Kulon is led by native Javanese Madam Wati and her son, Haris Ahmad. The restaurant specialises in Indonesian comfort food, with a focus on bakmi (Indonesian dry noodles). While various types of bakmi exist across Indonesia, Kulon opts for mie kuning (yellow noodles), paired with ingredients such as braised egg, fried kulit pangsit (wonton skin), beef balls, and braised egg. Reflecting its Javanese roots, the restaurant boasts a rustic interior, with rattan baskets adorning the walls.
Why we love it: It’s all heart and heritage – served by the bowl. This no-frills Bali Lane gem dishes out soulful, slurp-worthy Javanese bakmi just like how it’s done back home.
Address: 30 Bali Lane
Contact: 6929-4686
Peculiar Yogi
What: Peculiar Yogi brands itself as a non-judgmental space for both newcomers and experienced practitioners to practice yoga, with no judgment if you can’t touch your toes or bend backwards. It was also one of the very first studios in Singapore to offer Ashtanga classes, including Ashtanga Basics and the Ashtanga Primary Series. Other types of classes include Hatha 1 and 2, Flow, Yin Yoga, as well as Arm Balance and Inversion.
Why we love it: Whether you’re a bendy pro or a stiff-as-a-board beginner, this inclusive studio welcomes you as you are.
Address: 36B Arab Street, Levels 3 and 4
Contact: hello@peculiaryogi.com
Maturo Dry-Aged Beef
What: Founded by a team of dry-aged beef enthusiasts, Maturo’s philosophy is that all foodies should have access to high-quality, reasonably priced beef, regardless of budget. Their journey began when they couldn’t find anywhere in Singapore to purchase a dry-aged steak on demand without the need to pre-order and pay a premium price. Now, the butcher shop cuts dry-aged beef to order, offering a wide variety of cuts aged from 20 days to 200 days. The selection includes grass-fed, grain-fed, Aussie wagyu, Japanese wagyu, USDA, and more.
Why we love it: If you believe great steak shouldn’t cost a fortune or require a reservation weeks in advance, Maturo is your meat-loving dream come true. This no-fuss butcher is all about democratising dry-aged beef—cut to order, aged to perfection, and priced to please.
Address: #B1-17 City Gate
Contact: 8847-8931
Hai Ge Ji Hainanese Chicken Rice
What: Opened in July 2024 by local rapper Sheikh Haikel and his wife Anna Belle Francis, this halal chicken rice joint offers a contemporary yet nostalgic vibe, featuring white marble tables and modern Chinese jazz playing in the background. Their signature chicken rice set comes with a choice of either steamed or roasted chicken, along with baby kailan or bean sprouts. Another highlight is the braised beef gua bao buns, where beef replaces the traditional pork filling. The dish’s components – including the meat, lotus leaf bun, cucumber, and lettuce – are served deconstructed, allowing diners to assemble it themselves.
Why we love it: Founded by local rapper Sheikh Haikel and Anna Belle Francis, this halal hotspot brings swagger to tradition.
Address: 783 North Bridge Road
Contact: 9478-2070
Rib Soul Food
What: Opened at the beginning of 2024 by the Seriously Fun Collective group, which also manages other Muslim-friendly concepts such as Wanderlost Lounge and Nauti Nauti Oyster Bar, this venue is inspired by African-American soul food from the American South. Here, R&B tunes fill the air as you can build your own lamb or beef ribs with numerous sauce and side options. Highlights include Freddy’s lamb ribs, Cajun jambalaya, and mamew’s milk pudding, along with other comforting Southern dishes like gumbo and deep-fried catfish.
Why we love it: With its feel-good R&B soundtrack and unapologetically hearty Southern fare, this soul food joint from the Seriously Fun Collective is the ultimate comfort zone.
Address: 8 Jalan Kubor, #01-01
Contact: 8208-9177
Cappadocia
What: Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam is renowned for its authentic Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, but one standout is the Turkish restaurant Cappadocia. Adorned with opulent Middle Eastern decor, the restaurant is famous for its succulent kebabs, freshly baked flatbreads, Turkish pizzas, and platters featuring beef and lamb skewers. You’ll also find a range of salads and dips, including hummus and baba ganoush.
Why we love it: Whether you’re tucking into juicy kebabs hot off the grill, tearing into fluffy flatbreads, or scooping up creamy baba ganoush, every bite feels like a mini escape to Istanbul – no passport required.
Address: 69 Bussorah Street
Contact: 9677-9072
Musicology Records
What: Situated along Haji Lane, this indie record store boasts an extensive vinyl collection, ranging from 1960s classics to modern releases. Catering to all musical tastes, patrons can browse through genres like rock, pop, and even Christmas records. The store also allows customers to test pre-owned vinyls, place advance orders, and submit music wishlists online. Turntables are also available for sale, making it a one-stop shop for vinyl enthusiasts.
Why we love it: Musicology Records is a crate-digger’s dream come true.
Address: 66 Haji Lane
Contact: musicologyrei@gmail.com
Woofie’s Warehouse
What: Woofie’s Warehouse, a newcomer to the thrift scene since April 2023, offers a haven for thrift shoppers, specialising in Y2K fashion. Every item is priced at just $10, and the self-service store ensures a friendly and accessible thrifting experience for all. Shoppers can expect a diverse range of vintage graphic tees, denim pants, mini skirts, cargo skirts, jackets, hoodies, workwear, accessories, and loafers. Alongside vintage labels, well-known brands like Adidas, Nike, Champion, and Reebok are also available.
Why we love it: From graphic tees to mini skirts and old-school sneakers, it’s a fashion free-for-all with no gatekeeping. Think dig-it-yourself charm meets Gen Z flair, all in a chill, self-serve setup that makes secondhand shopping feel like first-class fun.
Address: #03-31 Golden Landmark Shopping Centre
Contact: Instagram
Dahab Arab and Turkish Market
What: This Middle Eastern grocer offers a variety of Arabic spices, sweets, saffron, and all the essentials needed to prepare Arabic dishes. You’ll find items like Turkish delights, handmade baklavas, Akbar tea, and organic saffron from Iran, all sold at reasonable prices.
Why we love it: This is a treasure trove for anyone craving authentic Middle Eastern flavours.
Address: #01-21 Golden Landmark Shopping Centre
Contact: 9125-0351
The Faculty of Calisthenics and Yoga
What: Founded by Haaziq and Ashikin Hamidon, who believe that yoga principles are the foundation that strengthens the physical practice of calisthenics and HIIT. The Faculty’s calisthenics training programme operates on a structured weekly focus: even weeks concentrate on power and strength, while odd weeks focus on hypertrophy and muscular endurance. This structured training programme ensures that students progress efficiently, with classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. To complement strength training, the fitness studio also offers mobility and flexibility classes, as well as specialised skill training classes, such as rings, levers, and straight arm strength.
Why we love it: With classes for all levels, from rings to levers, it’s a place where you can unlock your full potential, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro.
Address: 723A North Bridge Road
Contact: 9624- 9705
Coffee Donkee
What: Designed to resemble a Japanese-style tearoom, this cosy café features antique furniture and old chinaware coffee cups displayed on its shelves. Coffee beans are sourced from Japan, and their in-house Donkee blend uses five different types of beans in its espresso-based drinks. For filtered coffee, two brewing techniques are employed: immersion brewing and hand brewing. Additionally, coffee is served in handmade ceramic cups collected from all over the world by the shop’s owners.
Why we love it: This is a cosy escape where Japanese tea room charm meets expertly brewed coffee, served in unique, handmade ceramic cups from around the globe.
Address: 51 Haji Lane
Contact: 8920 2055
Pulse Lab
What: Founded by ex-competitive bodybuilder Jeremy Tan, Pulse Lab is a fitness studio offering indoor rowing, HIIT, and strength classes. The boutique studio also provides private individual and group personal training sessions, as well as open gym access for those looking to enjoy workouts with friends. The comprehensive personal training programme even includes diet and nutrition tips for those aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why we love it: Pulse Lab is your all-in-one fitness hub, blending indoor rowing, HIIT, and strength training with personalised coaching and nutrition advice, for results that go beyond the gym.
Address: 1 Aliwal Street, Level 3, Unit 1B
Contact: 6291-0242
Vintagewknd
What: Vintagewknd is one of Singapore’s largest sustainable vintage and rework brands, specialising in unique, curated pieces from the 1990s to the Y2K era. The brand offers a wide range of inclusive items for all ages, sizes, genders, sexualities, and style preferences. Committed to reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact, Vintagewknd creatively redesigns vintage into modern styles. By 2024, they have upcycled, rehomed, and reimagined 50 tonnes of waste, equating to 100,000 items.
Why we love it: Because it’s a cool destination for sustainable fashion, offering one-of-a-kind reworked pieces from the ‘90s to Y2K, all while reducing waste and making fashion inclusive for everyone.
Address: 41 Haji Lane
Contact: hello@vintagewknd.com
The Row Space
What: An indoor rowing gym run by trained professional rowers from parent brand Pulse Lab. The gym is dedicated to fostering Singapore’s rowing culture through high-intensity, low-impact rowing classes that build power, endurance, strength, and cardio fitness. The Freestyle Row class, designed for beginner rowers, offers a balance between interval training and endurance work, targeting both the lower and upper body. For more experienced rowers, the Braveheart+ classes offer a 50 to 60-minute session featuring AMRAP (as many repetitions as possible) and EMOM (every minute on the minute) exercises.
Why we love it: The Row Space brings the power and precision of professional rowing to Singapore.
Address: 1 Aliwal Street, Level 3, Unit 3B
Contact: 6239-5226
Superwasted
What: Owned by the team behind Vintagewknd, Superwasted is its ‘alternative style sister’. This offbeat concept store specialises in creating items from waste materials and features alternative youth and street-style fashion. Shoppers can explore a range of casual wear with a retro, unconventional twist, such as the brand’s popular unisex reworked jeans, available in various styles.
Why we love it: This offbeat concept store is perfect for those who want to stand out while supporting a greener, more conscious wardrobe.
Address: 16 Haji Lane
Contact: hello@vintagewknd.com