Exploring Tiong Bahru

It’s not mine to claim, but Tiong Bahru is the kind of rustic neighbourhood you want to hide away and keep all for yourself. I spent half a year on a work attachment in the area, my family frequents a couple of eating spots here, and Sam and I love a rooftop bar in one of the boutique hotels. Besides the lush greenery and charming low-rise flats, Tiong Bahru has an eclectic mix of modern stores (cafes, art galleries, curated boutique stores) and old trades (food classics at Tiong Bahru market, bak kut teh, an egg supplier, a bamboo chick distributor, old convenience stores). Here are some photos I took over two visits, though I’m sure I’ve barely scraped the surface..

An egg supplier on Eng Hoon street

The neighbourhood felines

The Orange Thimble // Blk 56 Eng Hoon Street. The interior is a mix of industrial and retro elements, the servers are friendly, and the piccolo latte and sandwiches are excellent! They have a partnership with White Canvas Gallery as well, and there are framed photographs and illustrations on display throughout the space.

In love with these chairs and stone-topped table that remind me of my grandmother’s dining area. My friend W is photo shy :)

The thing I adore most about this cafe is their utensil and kitchenware selection — old-fashioned painted bowls are used for ice cream, a variety of intricate plates for the food, and the stylish little Duralex Picardie water glasses that are perfectly designed with a gentle flare at the rim. Warm and welcoming, this lamp says “Open” on the other side and glows through the front window!

A rustic area out in the back. The cafe is full of little nooks and crannies to settle in, and lends itself well to comfortable, private brunches. If you’re growing allergic to the bustle of Orchard road and the city, The Orange Thimble might be the place for you! (Just don’t tell too many friends about it — I would hate to see this place being overrun with hungry cafe dwellers!!)

Yong Siak street, delightful.

Walked out of BooksActually with Coast, a newly-published anthology of works by Singaporean writers. I believe very much in supporting local literature, and these compilations are perfect for picking up to read during a short work break.