Guide To Pearl’s Hill Terrace: Singapore’s Buzziest Indie Creative Enclave

From curated vinyl shops, to tattoo workshops, and bespoke lifestyle stores, here’s your definitive guide to exploring Pearl’s Hill Terrace, a creative playground at Singapore’s Chinatown.

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Guide
Courtesy of respective stores

Originally home to police barracks, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace has since evolved into one of Singapore’s most quietly iconic creative spaces – home to art jamming hideouts, teahouses and charming artisanal shops. Despite having grown into a tight-knit creative community of its own, whispers of its uncertainty still linger in the background – the land has long been eyed for repossession and redevelopment, fuelling fears of lease termination even as the space continues to thrive under a supportive landlord and community.

And yet, against all odds – and thanks to a wave of community advocacy – Pearl’s Hill Terrace lives to see another chapter, though an expiry date still hangs in the air (the lease is till March 2028). And in a city where independent creative pockets are increasingly rare, supporting them feels more crucial. Pearl’s Hill Terrace isn’t just a building – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of small businesses built on heart, hustle and community. As we celebrate its continued run, here are some of the best spots at Pearl’s Hill Terrace you’ll want to visit while you still can. 

BEST THINGS TO DO AT 195 PEARL’S HILL TERRACE

1. Avant Culture Club

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Avant Culture Club
Avant Culture Club

We’re living in a time where analog rules – and if you’re looking to get your regular vinyl fix to fuel your physical media obsession, or searching for a gateway into the world of record collecting, Avant Culture Club is the place for you. Known for their wide range of rare pressings, genre-spanning finds and vinyl listening booths at thoughtfully-curated pop-ups across Singapore – from Boutiques Fair to New Bahru and other creative spaces – the independent vinyl purveyor has finally decided to put down permanent roots at Pearl’s Hill Terrace. Soft launched in early 2026, the new space brings together their expansive range of vinyl records, CDs, and even cassettes – inviting crate diggers, audiophiles and the vinyl-curious alike to browse, discover and bring their music home. 

Read more in our article on Avant Culture Club.

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-60, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: ACC’s soft launch continues from February 28 to March 1 from 1pm to 6pm, official opening hours TBC

2. Press Only Mini Store

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Press Only Mini Store
Press Only Mini Store

A new kid on the block, Press Only Mini Store is a curated gift shop specialising in knick-knacks and lifestyle treasures. Having just opened its doors in mid-February 2026, the space is already shaping up to be a go-to for little indulgences and last-minute gifts that don’t feel last minute at all. Founded by three friends who simply wanted to build something fun and refreshingly non-commercial, this tiny store specialises in unconventional scented candles – think Almond Tofu, Burnt Cookie and Apple Cider.

Candles aside, the shop’s shelves are dotted with scented wine bottle diffusers, easy everyday tote bags and other delightful lifestyle finds you never knew you needed. Whether you’re hunting for a small trinket or a “just because” treat, Press Only Mini Store is your one-stop shop for keepsakes with personality. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #03-64A, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 12pm-6pm, Closed on Sunday to Wednesday

3. Paaru

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Paaru
Paaru

Pearl’s Hill Terrace regulars will already be familiar with this spot. Tucked into a corner of a mini bamboo grove on the first floor, Paaru is a cosy Japanese-fusion hideaway that feels like a well-kept secret. Beyond its regular walk-in offerings, Paaru also hosts special donabe dinners – intimate, seasonal affairs centered around traditional claypot rice – alongside a tearoom experience featuring carefully brewed teas. Fair warning: the Carbonara udon is dangerously addictive, and one visit will likely have you plotting your next. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-61, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Friday to Saturday, 10am-10pm, Sunday, Monday, Thursday, 10am-6pm, Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday 

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Round and Round Gallery
Round and Round Gallery

Previously sharing a space with the charming Inner Teahouse (which has since moved to its own space not too far away), Round and Round Gallery is a quaint studio-store specialising in pottery and thoughtfully-curated lifestyle goods. Expect delicate paintings, sculptural decorative objects, intricately crafted glassware and a spread of teaware that’ll make you want to host a tea ritual immediately – you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for occasional workshops by visiting artisans. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-46, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-7pm, Closed on Monday and Tuesday

5. State of Shiok 

Pearl’s Hill Terrace State of Shiok
State of Shiok

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a tattoo artist? Tattoo-cum-art jamming studio, State of Shiok lets you live out the fantasy with their pseudo tattoo workshops. As Singapore’s only tattoo art jamming studio, State of Shiok offers a low-stakes, hands-on opportunity for the tattoo-curious to try their hand at inking with a real tattoo gun on faux skin, guided by an industry professional. During the three-hour session, you’ll be able to pick out a design of your choice, fill in the outlines with a tattoo gun pen, and finish your piece off with colours of your choice. 

Read more about State of Shiok’s tattoo art jamming workshops.

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #02-08A, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Daily from 11:30am to 6:30pm
Book a session here

6. Pixie Tooth Gem

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Pixie Tooth Gem
Pixie Tooth Gem

Twinkle your teeth with the hottest new micro-accessories in town: tooth gems. Tiny but mighty, these sparkling little statements are here to prove that your teeth deserve as much drip as your ears, wrists and neck. At Pixie Tooth Gem you’ll find an array of sparkling stones to mix and match exactly how you like (check out their Instagram for some serious smile inspo). Feeling cute and demure? A tiny heart, flower or dainty butterfly will do the trick. In your maximalist era? Go all out with a full row of colourful crystals aligning your smile.

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #03-65D, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: By appointment only. Schedule your appointment via Instagram @pixietoothgem

7. Asaru Studio

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Asaru Studio
Asaru Studio

Sister store to Paaru, Asaru Studio is every zen lover’s quiet refuge, with its collection of bespoke crafts and objects that focus on rituals, materiality and slow living. Carrying brands from Japan and Denmark, its curated selection spans ceramics, leather goods, apparel and lifestyle pieces that blur the line between art and utility. During special gatherings, the space doubles up as an intimate tearoom. And yes, you can even stock up on ceremonial grade matcha powder here – a rare find, especially amid the ongoing shortages. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-07, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 11am-6pm, Closed on Monday to Thursday 

8. Dignus Amoris

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Dignus Amoris
Dignus Amoris

For those with a serious sweet tooth, this hole-in-the-wall cake shop is definitely worth a visit. Dignus Amoris serves up the classics – strawberry layered over vanilla, chocolate or matcha cream – but it’s the unexpected flavour pairings that really steal the show. Think pistachio with cherry, matcha with yuzu, and even Thai Milk Tea crowned with fig and salted milk cheese foam. It’s the kind of menu that makes choosing one slice feel mildly impossible. While walk-ins and sliced cake purchases are only available on Saturdays, whole cake pick-ups run from 5pm to 6pm on other selected dates.

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-56, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Saturday, 2:30pm-6pm, Closed Sunday to Friday 
Orders can be made through their website

9. Stranger Conversations

Designed as a public living room, Stranger Conversations is a quiet sanctuary where community slowly becomes its own peer support group. Nestled on the second floor of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, this unassuming third space welcomes people from all walks of life to linger, gather and share moments. It works as both a casual social mixer and a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. With occasional workshops, book clubs and other community events, the space strikes the perfect balance – quietly inviting yet consistently buzzing with life. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #02-38D, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-3pm

10. Kult Yard

Pearl’s Hill Terrace Kult Yard
Kult Yard, Lavi Tacos

If you’ve been craving a music-led wind-down moment to end your day on a high note, this is it. Stationed in the graffitied open courtyard of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Kult Yard is a vibrant evening bar and gathering space, buzzing with live instrumental sets and DJ sessions that feel equal parts intimate and electric. In partnership with Lavi Tacos, Kult Yard serves up craft beers, cocktails and includes a food lineup that keeps things simple but satisfying – classic Mexican dishes like nachos, wings and of course, Birria tacos. Pro tip: order the Taco Meat Platter to share – a DIY taco situation that turns dinner into a hands-on affair.

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-54, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm to 12am, Closed on Monday

11. The Potters’ Guilt

Pearl’s Hill Terrace The Potters’ Guilt
The Potters’ Guilt

If you’re itching to get your hands dirty – and leave with a handmade keepsake to prove it – The Potters’ Guilt is your go-to. The cosy studio offers a range of pottery courses, whether you’re just curious or looking to commit to the wheel. The eight-session Basic Potters’ Wheel course is the perfect initiation to the craft, but if you’re simply scouting for a cute one-off date idea, the Pottery on the Wheel Experience hits the sweet spot. At just $58, it’s easily one of the most bang-for-your-buck pottery classes around. And for those ready to level-up, keep a lookout for special workshops and masterclasses, occasionally helmed by guest ceramicists flying in from Japan. 

Address: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-03, Singapore 168976
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 1pm-9:30pm, Saturday, 1pm-6pm, Closed on Sunday and Monday 
Book a class here

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