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Singapore may be small, but there’s no stopping passion and soul from finding places to land.
In recent years, our city has seen a rise of homegrown spaces – not with big shopfronts or glossy signs, but quietly popping up in the city’s smaller pockets. All of it in hopes of keeping creativity alive, nudging the scene forward, and building community along the way. To name a few: 65-square-foot bookstore Eliko Picture Books & Collectibles, which opened not too long ago at Chinatown Complex, long-time favourite vintage store, Loop Garms, and open-air art retail space Open Door Store. And here’s another special one worth slowing down for.
Tucked beside Tiong Bahru Market is Sideway, a “select” shop (a store selling a curated mix of products), if we’re calling it anything at all. Sideways’ shelves feature an ever-shifting selection of goods – from bowls designed for daily use, zines for slow evenings, handcrafted mugs, scent dishes, and accessories.
The name Sideway comes from the idea of “a stall at the side of the walkway, one that you pass by in your everyday life, one that allows for interaction and space for rest,” shares Keneth Tan, a local photographer turned potter.
“Sideway is a space where we share the love of craft, stories and objects. It is ever-evolving, an informal space that allows both established and emerging makers to coexist.”
The items that you’ll find in the store feel like a lost-and-found loot from a personal roadtrip. Think bamboo coasters from an old Beppu arcade, a thoughtful architecture zine from Onomichi, a vintage fish dish from an Osaka flea market, and a paper-light hidasuki dish picked up at the Bizenyaki Matsuri. Apart from overseas finds, you’ll also be able to find the works of local ceramicists such as Hans Chew, xian things, and Keneth Tan.
Sideway is located at Tiong Bahru Market (#01-85) and is open on most weekends from 11am to 4pm. However, as opening hours may vary, we highly recommend checking Sideway’s Instagram before heading down.
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