The best shopping strolls in Singapore

Step out from the air conditioning and pop by these culturally rich precincts for a bit of shopping and a history lesson

Time Out Singapore in partnership with Singapore Tourism BoardMonday 15 March 2021

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Shopping malls in Singapore may be air-conditioned havens for everything you need in one building but sometimes, a change of scenery might do you good. Put on your good walking shoes and hit these streets and precincts in Singapore that offer not only a spot of retail therapy but also plenty of culture and history that we can be proud of. Pick up some locally made ceramics, pots of ferns and succulents, pop-up picture books and stay for a story or two in these heritage neighbourhoods in Singapore.

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Kampong Gelam

Named after the gelam tree, Kampong Gelam was once an ethnic enclave for the Muslim community in the 1800s. Now, it's a melting pot of vibrant cultures from all over the world, majestic cultural buildings, eye-popping street art, a myriad of restaurants and bars, and trendy shops. Stick around and explore stories behind iconic heritage landmarks and historic shophouses while picking up trinkets from some Made in Singapore brands.

WHAT TO SHOP IN THE AREA

Galeri Tokokita
757 North Bridge Rd

Behind every batik fabric is a story. The meaning of ‘batik’ itself refers to the technique of making intricate patterns onto a piece of fabric. The motifs on each piece of cloth also have meaning behind them – and this is what shop owner Oniatta Effendi showcases with every collection she releases. Whether it is a Merdeka jacket with parang (blade) prints that symbolises victory and power or a men’s shirt with the Garuda (a mythical bird) print which represents masculinity, it’s a joy to learn the stories being the garment you’re wearing.

Sifr Aromatics
42 Arab St

Far from your ordinary perfumery, Sifr offers a unique, customised approach – and is set up by the son of OG perfumers in Arab Steet, Johan Kazura. Expect a mix of natural and synthetic potions to give a well- rounded scent. A combination of five or more oils is then mixed, shaken, and bottled in 12-millilitre vials. Sifr has been featured on Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Traveler has called it “one of the finest custom perfumers in Southeast Asia”. Bring home a bottle of magic and sign yourself up for a perfume workshop conducted in-store where Johan himself will guide you to bottling the perfect scent for you – by you.

Supermama
265 Beach Rd

This minimalist homegrown lifestyle store is the perfect place to pick up thoughtful, one-of-a-kind – and Made in Singapore – ceramic pieces. Think painstakingly hand-painted plates, bowls and cups inspired by modern Singapore culture. Because most items are available in limited quantities, your best bet is to pop by and find out what’s in stock.

Tiong Bahru

This charming neighbourhood may be the oldest public housing estate in Singapore but take a stroll around you might find some hidden retail gems. From hip eateries to boutiques and flower stalls in the market to eclectic shops and boutiques all with their own stories, you can easily spend a whole afternoon exploring the laneways and streets of Tiong Bahru.

WHAT TO SHOP IN THE AREA

Woods In The Books
3 Yong Siak St

A stop to this bookshop that specialises in picture books is a must if you're in the neighbourhood. Woods in the Books offers a feast of pictorial treasures, including works by award-winning French cartoonist Jean-Jacques Sempé – known simply as Sempé – plus quirky graphic novels, the popular 1980s Malaysian series Lat, pop-up versions of The Little Prince, and of course, classic children’s books like Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are.

Nana & Bird
1 Yong Siak St

Starting out with the philosophy to "sell what we love", the two founders of homegrown label Nana & Bird have curated every item in the store. The layout of this independent boutique is almost like a museum which makes browsing a lot more fun. Expect a selection of beaded necklaces, fun earrings, tote bags and chic dresses and blouses to shop from.

Curated Records
55 Tiong Bahru Rd

Don't judge this tiny shop space by its cover – Curated Record stocks over a thousand records and vinyl covering all genres. The hole-in-the-wall independent record store is tucked in a quiet corner of Tiong Bahru which makes it the best post-brunch stop for some crate-digging on a weekend.

Tumbleweed Plants
55 Tiong Bahru Rd

This neighbourhood plant shop is bringing Singapore’s botanic market to a whole new level. There’s no doubt that Tumbleweed is the prettiest plant store in town. Its maximalist display of all sorts of ferns, giant cacti and other lush leafy greens is a visual inspiration to anyone looking to spruce up their living spaces.

Joo Chiat and Katong

This neighbourhood is rich in Peranakan culture and heritage – but that's not all to it. There are plenty of quaint shops and eateries almost everywhere you turn. Take a peek into vintage shops that stock a bold outfit or two or get inspired by a lifestyle store that makes you want to fulfil your bohemian dreams.

WHAT TO SHOP IN THE AREA

Cat Socrates
448 Joo Chiat Rd

This east-side Cat Socrates outlet offers a cornucopia of unique home décor, books, trinkets, bicycle accessories, craft, and paper paraphernalia. Discover lifestyle goods by local brands and designers, as well as books and magazines published by local writers and illustrators. Keep a lookout for the resident cat shopkeeper Zoo-Zoo – if he isn’t waiting to greet you by the door, he might be resting in his bed by the window.

A Vintage Tale
277 Joo Chiat Rd

If you think vintage shopping is about second-hand duds and 80s clothes, A Vintage Tale will prove you wrong. This little gem in Joo Chiat stocks genuine vintage threads, some from way back in the '50s. Dig up brands like Gucci, Valentino, Moschino, pick from accessories and clothes and also bring home your collection of treasures at the end of it all.

Tiger and Arcadia
317 Joo Chiat Rd

This eclectic lifestyle boutique is an essential stop for anyone interested in home decor. Shop for quirky knick-knacks and practical items to add to your home that would definitely be conversation starters. Bring a little of that bohemian vibe into your home.

Rumah Kim Choo
111 East Coast Rd

If you have time for a quick culture stop in the area, make a pitstop at Rumah Kim Choo. The two-unit shophouse houses a heritage gallery upstairs, and sells Peranakan collectables downstairs, all while uplifting the Peranakan culture. Under the banner Kim Choo Kueh Chang, it also sells the family's signature pyramid-shaped rice dumplings which come wrapped in bamboo leaves and stuffed with various savoury fillings such as chicken, and chilli prawn.

Little India

It's so easy to be drawn into the vibrant community of Little India. The unique and heritage-rich precinct is great for anyone looking to learn more about the Indian community in Singapore, get a biryani fix, shop for a saree – and more.

WHAT TO SHOP IN THE AREA

Pottu Kara Maami
121A Serangoon Rd

The brainchild of sisters Sindi and Shruti Suria, Pottu Kara Maami started as a home-based boutique before setting up shop in Little India. It offers saree-seekers a variety of options from modern silhouettes embellished with embroidery, sequins, and block prints to traditional pieces like mangalagiri cotton sarees, and kanchipuram sarees. With its stunning collections, there's no doubt you'll be spoilt for choice.

Loop Garms
635 Veerasamy Rd

It all started as a hobby of collecting vintage memorabilia when a trip to Japan inspired two youths, FJ Sai and Isaac Ang to open a physical store in Singapore. Experience a blast from the past as you peruse its curated collection of ’80s and ’90s apparel like plaid shirts (and pants), graphic tees and sports jackets from your favourite sports brands like Nike, Adidas, Fila and more. Prices start from $15 for caps and t-shirts – also look out for special edition threads available in-store.

Mustafa Centre
145 Syed Alwi Rd

It's hard not to mention this destination when talking about shopping in Little India. Whether you're looking for sarees or football jerseys, kulfi or garam masala, oat milk or Himalayan pink salt – Mustafa Centre is where you can get it all.

Bras Basah

Since the mid-19th century, Bras Basah has hosted a high density of religious and educational institutions. While some of those buildings are still around today, the precinct has undergone a bit of a glow up these days and is quite the bustling cultural precinct. And with good culture, you get a handful of great shops around.

WHAT TO SHOP IN THE AREA

Basheer Graphic Books
#04-19, 231 Bain St

A regular haunt for graphic designers and illustrators, the bookstore stocks the best and latest in disciplines that range from graphics and architecture to fashion and animation. There are also regular discounts offered on specialised magazines and publications.

Hear Records
#01-18, 175B Bencoolen St

A vast, curated selection of records line the walls of this tiny shop. Thanks to the impeccable taste of owner and curator Nick Tan, most of the stuff here is decidedly cool – we've dugged up a 1996 reissue of A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory and a limited-edition release of Portishead’s Third, for example.

The AC Boutique
328 North Bridge Rd

The second AC Boutique at the Raffles Arcade is home to creative and dynamic independent designers. This multi-label boutique is also your go-to stop for ethically produced home, fashion and lifestyle items. Brands here include Temple Candles, Louise Hill Design and The Lab fragrances.

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