There’s more to this gentrified hood than coffee and cafes. Here are eight other places you can spend your money at.
Books Actually
Books Actually
A quaint, pint-sized shop nestled on Yong Siak Road, this dream of a book store is packed from floor to ceiling with an expansive—albeit offbeat—selection of fiction and literature that covers various subjects like history, biography, food narrative and math. It also boasts the largest collection of local literary publications, including out-of-print titles, and vintage knick-knacks in the back room. Not to mention the adorable, if haughty, cat who skulks about.
Strangelets
Sick of mass-produced items that everyone seems to have? This design boutique will provide that breath of fresh air. Established in 2008, Strangelets is still one of the best spots in town for wild and wow furnishings and curious accessories sourced from all over the world, like arty lamps by Geoffrey Mance and coffee tables from Mark Product. There’s a charming collection of unique children’s toys and greeting cards in the back, too. It’s pricey, but super fun to browse.
Nana and Bird
What started out as a pop-up concept store by owners Georgina Koh and Tan Chiew Ling has now expanded to include two boutiques. The latest flagship store, located in the same neighborhood, retains the intimate, homey vibe as with its sister outlet, but offers different labels spanning ready-to-wear, accessories and home wares such as Heinui from France, Los Angeles-based Building Blocks and British brand Falcon Enamelware.
Curated Records
Curated Records
As the name might suggest, this independent record store has a carefully curated range of vinyls, from mainstream hits to small indie releases. The tiny shop space squeezes in over a thousand records covering pop, electronic, folk and rock n’ roll, with prices starting from $27. Owner Tremon Lim is happy to shoot the breeze with you, play an album you’re curious about or even place a special order for that record you’ve been hunting down.
Woods in the Books
Fleas & Trees
Founded by husband-and-wife team Terrence Yeung and Bella Koh, who cut their teeth on all matters of design, this cozy vintage shop reflects its owners’ stylish taste and belief in LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability)—resulting in a veritable treasure trove of eclectic home wares, clothes, accessories, books and magazines; mostly one-of-a-kind items picked up from all over the world.
One Olive
One Olive
Packed with twee-friendly ornaments like bird cages, metal pots, baskets, wooden boxes and vases of all size, this cute flower shop also offer bespoke flower arrangement services. Everything here is super Instagram friendly; there are those wreaths, lavender flowers and collection of vintage knick knacks, so try and not get too trigger happy.
Le Halo
The quirky all-day breakfast cafe on the fringes of Tiong Bahru comes with a colorful mismatched decor and a menu full of cutesy-sounding creations. The interiors are crammed with a whole bunch of nostalgic items old school board games, vintage flasks and old school sewing tables. The good news is; some of these items are for sale. They’ve roped in vintage collectors and online retailers, Chair-ish The Moment to feature a small retail space within the cafe.
