11 Best Things To Do At Kada, A Trendy Lifestyle Hub At Maxwell 

Kada is Singapore’s newest multi-concept destination to join the bunch of historic-sites-turn-lifestyle-enclaves. Despite sitting on less land than its similarly curated counterparts like Pearl’s Hill Terrace and New Bahru, there’s still plenty to explore within its walls.  

Situated in a restored 1920s heritage building in Maxwell that was formerly St Andrew’s Mission Hospital, Kada offers a list of boutique cafes, restaurants, wellness services and even houses a century-old electric lift. Whether you’re popping in for a meal or just wish to admire the vintage charm of this historic landmark, here are the best things to do while you’re at Kada Singapore. 

See also: Guide To Pearl’s Hill Terrace and A Guide To New Bahru’s Local Fashion Stores

BEST THINGS TO DO AT KADA, MAXWELL

1. Sip on strawberry and blueberry matcha at Echo House

Still craving those matcha lattes? Here’s a place that serves one of the best strawberry matcha lattes in Singapore. Situated just around the entrance of Kada, Echo House is a charming cafe that has become almost synonymous with the lifestyle hub. While they also sell a range of pastries and coffee, what they’re really known for is their ceremonial matcha lattes.

Here, syrups and flavoured milk are ditched for real fruit puree to achieve that natural sweetness. Strawberry matcha aside, they’ve also recently introduced a blueberry matcha latte to the menu as a unique alternative. 

See also: Where To Find The Best Flavoured Matcha Latte Drinks In Singapore

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #01-08, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm

2. Take a ride on Singapore’s oldest electric lift

Fun fact, the electric lift within Kada’s compounds is Singapore’s oldest operating electric elevator. Installed in 1929, this vintage lift features manual folding metal grille doors, otherwise known as scissor gates. Many might find the process of operating the lift a hassle – needing to securely lock not one, but two gates before the lift can ascend or descend – and did we mention the strict five person capacity? Despite that, the 97-year-old lift offers a smooth ride for its age, and a nostalgic one at that. But of course, the stairs are always an option.

3. Order a cuppa through Pacto by Parchmen’s window 

Tucked within the stairwell of Kada, this quaint coffee stand serves up a wide selection of awarding-winning coffee and teas such as espressos, matcha, hojicha, filter coffee and gungfu teas. More so a takeaway spot than an actual cafe, Pacto by Parchmen’s humble abode can only fit up to four guests at any one time – whether it’s to browse through their selection of coffee beans on sale, or pop in and order a drink. 

We recommend ordering through their charming little window on the side of the building facing Erskine Road for a peek into their live barista station and a hassle-free grab-and-go experience. P.S. Check out their adorable animal mural along the wall while you’re there.

Read more in our article on Pacto by Parchmen. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm

4. Indulge in a ‘Middle Easterranean’ feast at Proud Potato Peeler

What started as a charming private dining affair located in a HDB flat along Perak Road in 2021, has now expanded into its very own ‘Middle Easterranean’ (Middle Eastern and Mediterranean) restaurant located on Kada’s airy rooftop. While many come for its sister shop Alani, Proud Potato Peeler is equally worth visiting – offering up a seasonal six to seven course menu meticulously curated and prepared by chef-founder Alberto Simillides. Expect a hearty spread with flavours influenced from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Lebanon at $140 per person. 

Food aside, its interior boasts warm apricot tones, wooden flooring and eclectic decor giving the space a rustic Mediterranean charm. Proud Potato Peeler does not accept walk-ins, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #04-02/03/09, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm to 11:30pm, Saturday 5pm to 11:30pm, Closed Sunday to Tuesday
By reservation only. Book yours here. 

5. Plunge into an ice bath at Shiruki Studio

Whether you’re in need of post-workout recovery or just seeking a relaxing wellness zone, Shiruki Studio’s four wellness treatments ensure that you’ll get the full experience. Their Foot and Full Body Ultrasonic Bubble Bath is beneficial for those experiencing foot or back ache – helping with body contouring, blood circulation, internal warming, deep cleansing of pores and targeting acupressure points for a full body massage. 

The Infrared Sauna and Ice Bath use hot and cold therapy respectively to aid with exercise recovery. But for the best of both worlds, go for the Hot Cold Contrast Therapy – it features alternation between the sauna and ice bath in a single package.

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #02-01, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5am to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm, Saturday to Sunday, 5am to 6pm
Book a session here.

6. Dig into a decadent cheesecake at Haus Cheesecake and Wine

Haus Cheesecake and Wine is a spot you’d want to add to your list, as it’s Singapore’s first wine bar that specialises in cheesecake pairings. Think of their specialty Haus Cheesecake ($13) as the lovechild of a New York cheesecake and basque burnt cheesecake. It features a burnt top and runny middle, complete with a crunchy biscuit base. But don’t be fooled by its name. Haus Cheesecake and Wine’s menu also spans charcuterie boards, snacks and even pizzas.

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #01-05, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm, Saturday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm

7. Art jam at Closed on Sundays

This cosy art studio offers a laid-back environment for participants to immerse in creative art jamming sessions. In their 90-minute Adult Art Appreciation session, guests will get to put their own spin on a featured artist’s works following a deep dive into their collection. Alternatively, their 60-minute Studio Access allows free use of materials provided for personal works or projects. These two experiences operate on a monthly membership basis ($69 to 199). 

For those who prefer not to commit to a package, Closed on Sundays’ also offers a Creative Art Therapy session ($150). It’s a therapeutic one-hour experience where adults and children alike can express their emotions through drawing, painting or sculpting. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #04-01, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 9:30pm, Closed on Sunday
Book a class here.

8. Have brunch on the rooftop at Alani

Sister bakery to Proud Potato Peeler, Alani is a Greek-Mediterranean cafe that transports you right to the breezy island of Santorini. With its open-air rooftop and naturally lit space with clean minimalistic tones, this Mediterranean bakery mirrors the charm of a Greek island getaway, offering a dreamy escape from the city’s bustle. 

Other than the stunning decor, Alani’s food is the reason why the bakery draws one of Kada’s biggest crowds – and table reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times. Among their tantalising spread of Greek Mediterranean bakes, crowd favourites like the Fermented Pumpkin Pesto and Wagyu Beef open fire sourdough bread, Greek Yogurt Banana Cake and Portokalopita (a Greek orange cake) are seriously TDF. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #04-02/03/09, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Thursday to Friday, 10:30am to 3pm, Saturday to Sunday 9am to 3pm, Closed Monday to Wednesday
Reserve a table here.

9. Book a reformer pilates session at Satori Pilates

If you’re still searching for a place to begin your pilates journey, consider Satori Pilates. Located on the second floor of Kada, the studio is a cosy sanctuary with cream-coloured ceiling drapes setting the backdrop for five tower reformers and oriental vintage furniture. 

Satori Pilates offers a full range of pilates services – from sculpting and strengthening to rehabilitation and flexibility, there’s a group class for every need. Sign up for their private or duet classes if you prefer something that’s tailored to your specific requirements. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #02-02/03, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm
Book a class here. 

10. Embark on a coffee tasting adventure at Kyuukei Coffee

Coffee connoisseurs would definitely want to check out this spot. Located on Kada’s first floor, Kyuukei Coffee specialises in, well, coffee. The brews here are made using beans sourced from different parts of the world – namely China, Rwanda, Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Panama and Ecuador – each with a different flavour profile.

There’s also a selection of hot chocolate, matcha and hojicha, as well as pastries and sandwiches to go along with your beverages. Coffee bean bags are also available for sale in-store. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #01-04, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm

11. Order mexican tacos at Lavi Taco Maxwell

Mexican food lovers might be familiar with Lavi Taco’s Pearl’s Hill Terrace outlet – located in the open courtyard of the creative enclave, it’s a food spot and lively gathering space in one. Lavi Taco brings a similar vibe to its Kada hideout – located at the entrance of the first level, it features an outdoor dining area complete with fairy lights overhead to create an inviting atmosphere. 

You can expect an expansive menu of Mexican delights, with the usual tacos, nachos, quesadilla and wings. Be sure not to miss out on their lip-smacking Beef Quasabirria – a crisped tortilla filled with slow-cooked beef brisket, topped with molten cheese and served with beef consomme, that will have you wanting seconds. 

Address: 5 Kadayanallur Street, #01-09, Singapore 069183
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12pm to 3pm and 5:30pm to 10pm, Friday, Saturday 12pm to 3pm and 5:30pm to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 3pm and 5:30pm to 10pm, Closed on Tuesday