The ultimate guide to Bencoolen

What is it? A student hangout dishing up wok-fired claypot rice and more delicious zi char staples. 

Why we love it: There’s nothing fancy here, but that’s exactly the charm. As the sister outlet to the famed New Station Snack Bar at Far East Plaza, this spot also serves the former’s legendary salted egg yolk chicken (or pork, available only here). Other signatures include curry rice and beef rendang – and anything that comes wok-fried with their housemade sambal. 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on New Station Rice Bar’s Instagram page, where they share special foodie pop-ups and collaborations. 

What is it? A no-frills vegetarian canteen with soul-soothing thunder tea rice. 

Why we love it: It’s the kind of meal that feels nourishing in both body and spirit. Thunder tea rice is divisive, but Living Wholesome’s rendition is great for those who are new to the dish – the herbal soup leans nutty rather than herbaceous, with the right consistency for the crunchy vegetables and fried tofu to shine. 

Time Out tip: Order the beehoon (thin vermicelli) base instead of rice for a unique twist on this wholesome dish. 

What is it? A Japanese restaurant where every sushi roll and tempura bite is plant-based. 

Why we love it: It proves that vegetarian dining can be just as indulgent as the real thing. The menu is extensive, with sushi, ramen, bento sets, hotpot, skewers, and more, all cleverly reimagined with plant-based ingredients. Beautiful plating elevates the experience to date-night worthy. 

Time Out tip: The “katsu” curry is a standout.

What is it? A cosy 8-seat diner with charcoal-grilled eats, natural wines, and sake.  

Why we love it: It feels like dining in your bestie’s home. Having started Paraphrase as a private dining concept, chef BK intentionally kept his Fortune Centre digs small and intimate. All the better for cosy conversations over charcoal-grilled signatures, like flame-kissed chicken skewers (thigh, heart, gizzard, you name it) and soy-glazed hamachi collar with yuzu kosho. Chef BK has an experimental streak, so every visit will offer something new to try. 

Time Out tip: Talk to chef BK to get sake or natural wine recommendations to pair. 

What is it? A nostalgic dessert den serving old-school sweet soups and pastes.

Why we love it: Everything tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen. Our favourite is the yammy chendol, a delightful mix of orh nee (sweet yam paste), red beans, gula melaka, and coconut milk. Other standouts: the rich, cold durian mousse, creamy avocado sago, and refreshing mango sago. It’s no wonder patrons queue long before the stall even opens. 

Time Out tip: Desserts here are “not too sweet” (high praise from Singaporeans), but you can ask them to tone it down even more if you’re trying to cut back on sugar. 

What is it? A Peranakan bakery with a spread of colourful kuehs and buttery treats. 

Why we love it: Every kueh is a bite of nostalgia. Little Nonya’s Cookies uses authentic Peranakan recipes, passed from founder Anthony Tan’s neighbour to his grandmother. Starting out with fragrant, crumbly pineapple tarts baked from home for Chinese New Year, the small Fortune Centre stall now turns out excellent kueh kosui, ang ku kueh, kueh lapis, and more. Pick your favourites or get the taster box – don’t forget a cup of kopi to pair. 

Time Out tip: Go early to grab a bite of their hot dishes like curry puff and Nonya curry chap chye. 

What is it? A slice of Kyoto calm in Singapore, with precision-brewed coffee. 

Why we love it: Every detail here feels intentional, from the clean-lined yet warm interiors to the meticulous pour-over methods. We love that you get a slice of Japan in every cup: their single origin and signature house blends are roasted in Kyoto and flown in fresh each week. Kurasu is something of a hub for coffee fanatics, too – the Waterloo space has a retail section stocking beans, brewing gear, and Kurasu merchandise. 

Time Out tip: Singaporeans, you can use your CDC vouchers here. 

What is it? A restaurant and cocktail bar that bottles Southeast Asia’s spirit – quite literally. 

Why we love it: For some Southeast Asian-inspired ingenuity in a glass. Cocktails here are crafted around regional ingredients: take the soursop, reimagined in a juniper-laced oolong apple mint kombucha or lengkuas (blue ginger) to spice up an aged rum granita. It’s also a great vibe: more vibe-y and underground than stuffy and refined, with excellent service by owner-bartender Leon. 

Time Out tip: You can go about your visit two ways: with a seven-course tasting menu paired with cocktails, or with a cocktail session with small plates, which happens after 9pm. 

What is it? A cheeky hidden bar masquerading behind vending machines stocked with endless umeshu pours. 

Why we love it: What’s not to love about the quirky secret entrance? Besides that, Umesan 100 has Singapore’s largest collection of umeshu. Try more than 30 variations of umeshu, from classic sweet and tart to bold and spicy, which you can order on the rocks, as highballs, or in a fun cocktail. Keep your eye out for umeshu from Wakayama, widely regarded as the birthplace of Japanese plum liquor. 

Time Out tip: Umesan 100 is a ramen bar before 5pm, serving up signatures like the Nagoya dry prawn ramen. Time it well and you could get dinner and drinks in one sitting. 

What is it? A low-key wine bar that swaps snootiness for natural bottles and good banter. 

Why we love it: Its effortlessly cool vibe, with window seats providing a front row look at the action on Bencoolen Street. Wine tasting events, fun pop-ups, cool collaborations – Middle Child Bar does it all. However, people flock to this spot on the daily for its natural wines, which range from refreshing whites and honey-sweet oranges to deep, dry reds. If wine isn't your speed, Middle Child crafts cocktails that start from just $14, with some of our favourites including the Coconut Highball and Jackfruit Negroni. 

Time Out tip: Happy hour for beers and wine lasts from noon to 8pm every Sunday to Thursday – think $14 for a Guinness and $13 for a glass of wine. 

What is it? A risograph studio that doubles as an art lab. 

Why go? For quirky zines, gorgeous art prints, and the chance to see the riso process up close. It’s a low-key creative playground that champions DIY publishing and underground talent, so if you’re a collector, design geek, or someone who simply loves all things arty and a little edgy, Knuckles & Notch will feel just like home. 

Don’t miss: Their workshops, where you can try riso printing yourself. 

What is it? A fashion trove of indie labels. 

Why go? It’s not your run-of-the-mill shopping stop. Sitting alongside mom and pop shops in Burlington Square, Zabu Boutique stocks cool, contemporary pieces – from Zabu’s in-house line and carefully curated collections (featuring vintage wear and clothes from guest brands like Skins and Drunk Dad). If your style leans street and monochrome, then Zabu’s one to check out. 

Don’t miss: The ever-popular Kate top, Zabu’s first original design.

What is it? A long-running photo shop where you can buy and develop film. 

Why go? It’s a charming reminder that analogue still has a place in our hyper-digital lives. We love this spot for its quick and reliable processing – relatively affordable too, coming in at $10 for a 35mm 4-base scan. Triple D Minilab Centre has been in the business since 1986, so expect a high level of expertise from this team. 

Don’t miss: Stuff like instant film, expired slides, and a large variety of film types you can stock up on for future analogue adventures.