We’ve never really needed much convincing to head to this leafy, residential enclave home to countless great food and drink options. But just in case you need some reminding, here are four reasons why it’s time for a revisit.
Madrinna Italiano
The food just keeps coming
It was already hot for food, but now there are even more intriguing new options, starting with the beloved and no-frills Thai place Nakhon Kitchen famous for long lines at its other outlets. Be warned that the queues aren’t any shorter here so get there early. Another exciting new-ish opening is Italian resto Madrinna Italiano. It’s taken over Chip Bee Gardens stalwart Michaelangelo’s and pushes out homey dishes like risotto with truffle and mushroom, fois gras penne and the fascinating tandoori linguine.
New openings aside, don’t forget the Holland Village regulars that serves up everything from ramen in hearty broths at Sanpoutei Ramen to hand-crafted pizza at Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar or at the Da Paolo Pizza bar that pulls in the crowds with their thin-crusted pizza. If you’re not all that hungry, there’s Park that’s housed in a converted shipping container and serves up some pretty addictive spam chips. And of course, how can we forget the popular late-night dessert haunt 2am:dessertbar that stays open till two in the morning?
Bar Bar Black Sheep
There’s always somewhere new to drink
Bar Bar Black sheep has just opened their newest branch at Holland Village and there are some pretty exclusive deals only available here. Happy hour means $5 beer deals every Monday night from 5:30-8pm for beers like Asahi Super Dry and Kronenbourg Blanc and on Tuesday nights, it’s a full-on Japanese affair, with one-for-one deals on sake, umeishu and Japanese whiskies starting from $10 a glass.
Of course, there are still the old favorites like Wala Wala and their approachable list of drinks and live music. Or if you’re up for some German beer, there’s beer bar Starker that serves freshly-brewed beer in a mini-barrel and their happy hour prices sees a pint of lager starting at $11.90. Across the road, there’s also the longstanding Bavarian-style watering hole Baden Restaurant & Pub that dishes up German fare, including the ever-popular pork knuckles. Don’t miss their daily one-for-one beer deals happening from opening till 9pm.
Monocle Shop and Cafe
And then, there are the cafes…
If a regular cafe doesn’t quite cut it, check out the new-ish Monocle Shop and Cafe that opened to much fanfare late last year. Here, you can shop (or window shop) super-luxe, utilitarian items like gold-plated paperweights and leather desk mats. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for these minimalist items though. The good news is that their espresso goes for $4 and a latte, $6. That aside, there’s also the wildly popular Sunday Folks and their droolworthy waffles topped with soft serve that come in flavors like Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Roasted Pistachio and the charming Baker and Cook that serves up tasty home-made cakes and pastries.
Places of Memories, Cities
There’s a cool new Korean photography exhibition
Art-Noise
And Japanese head-rubs
Sure, there are plenty of places that offer a relaxing rub down for cheap in the area. But what really got our attention is the popular Japanese hair salon Art-Noise. It recently made its way to Singapore and features an all-Japanese team of stylists and they also offer head spas (from $20 for 10 minutes) and they have their very own brand of shampoos that promises a non-damaging blend of chemicals.
