If you’re wondering what to buy near Tiong Bahru, this Shopping Guide: What to Buy Near Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip is your go-to resource. Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, where 1930s Art Deco flats meet hipster cafes, indie boutiques, and a legendary hawker centre. Whether you’re a tourist, a new resident, or a property buyer exploring the area, this guide tells you exactly where to shop, what to buy, and how to make the most of your time in this heritage-meets-hipster enclave.
For a broader look at the area, including property insights and lifestyle perks, see our full Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide.
1. Overview: Tiong Bahru MRT & Key Exits
Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17) is on the East-West Line, just a 10-minute ride from Raffles Place and 15 minutes from City Hall. The station is fully barrier-free, with lifts, tactile guidance, and bicycle parking at the concourse level.
For shopping and exploring the heritage and hipster side of Tiong Bahru, use:
- Exit A – Direct access to Tiong Bahru Plaza and the main road (Tiong Bahru Road).
- Exit B – Shortest route to Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (about 3-minute walk).
- Exit C – Best for accessing the quieter residential blocks and the start of Yong Siak Street’s indie shops.
2. What to Buy: Shopping Near Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip
Tiong Bahru offers a layered shopping experience: from everyday essentials at the wet market to curated lifestyle finds in independent boutiques. Here’s what to buy and where to find it.
A. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (Eng Hoon Street)
Just a 3-minute walk from Exit B, Tiong Bahru Market is a one-stop destination for food, produce, and small household items.
What to buy:
- Fresh produce – Vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices at competitive prices.
- Seafood and meat – Fresh fish, prawns, chicken, and pork from local vendors.
- Flowers and plants – Potted plants, cut flowers, and small bonsai trees (great for home decor).
- Household basics – Kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and simple homewares.
Insider tip: Visit in the morning (7–10 AM) for the best selection and fewer crowds. Many vendors pack up by early afternoon.
B. Tiong Bahru Plaza (302 Tiong Bahru Road)
A 2-minute walk from Exit A, this compact neighbourhood mall is ideal for practical shopping.
What to buy:
- Supermarket essentials – Cold Storage or FairPrice for groceries, snacks, and household items.
- Pharmacy and health products – Guardian or Watsons for toiletries, medicines, and baby care.
- Apparel and accessories – Uniqlo, Charles & Keith, and other mid-range brands.
- Specialty shops – Silver Bullion (precious metals), East Inspirations (antiques and gifts), and Perfume Workshop Singapore (custom fragrances).
Insider tip: Check out the upper floors for small F&B outlets and a Golden Village cinema if you’re combining shopping with a meal or movie.
C. Yong Siak Street & Seng Poh Road – Indie Boutiques
This is the heart of Tiong Bahru’s hipster scene. Yong Siak Street, in particular, is lined with independent shops perfect for unique gifts and lifestyle items.
What to buy:
- Local art and prints – Look for Tiong Bahru-themed illustrations, postcards, and canvas art.
- Handmade ceramics and homewares – Small vases, mugs, and plates from local ceramicists.
- Slow fashion and sustainable clothing – Brands like First Stitch offer locally designed, eco-conscious apparel.
- Books and stationery – Independent bookstores and shops with letterpress notebooks, journals, and pens.
- Vinyl records – Ronggeng Records is a gem for collectors and music lovers.
Key shops to visit:
- Cat Socrates (01-14, 78 Yong Siak Street) – Singapore-themed gifts, clothing, books, and jewellery.
- Yeni Draws (55 Tiong Bahru Road) – Brightly coloured, Singapore-inspired homewares and souvenirs.
- First Stitch (Yong Siak Street) – Local, sustainable fashion with a minimalist aesthetic.
- Ronggeng Records (Yong Siak Street) – Curated vinyl collection across genres.
Insider tip: Many indie shops close on Mondays. Always check opening hours before making a special trip.
D. Tan Boon Liat Building (315 Outram Road)
A 10-minute walk from Tiong Bahru MRT, this multi-storey building is a haven for interior design lovers.
What to buy:
- Furniture – Mid-century, modern, and vintage pieces.
- Artwork and mirrors – Large-scale paintings, sculptures, and decorative mirrors.
- Home accessories – Candles, rugs, cushions, and lighting.
- Antiques and collectibles – From Emperor’s Attic and other specialist dealers.
Top stores:
- Past Perfect Collection (Level 11) – High-end vintage and retro furniture.
- Singapore Trading Post (Level 7) – Asian-inspired home decor and gifts.
- Journey East (Level 3) – Contemporary Asian furniture and accessories.
- Gallery 1819 / Living with Art (Level 2) – Art and design-focused pieces.
- Emperor’s Attic (Level 1) – Antiques and collectibles.
Insider tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and get more personalised service from store staff.
3. Food & Dining: What to Eat While Shopping
No shopping trip in Tiong Bahru is complete without eating. Here’s what to try and where to find it.
A. Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre
Upstairs from the wet market, this hawker centre is one of Singapore’s best.
Must-try dishes:
- Chwee Kueh – Rice cakes with preserved radish, from Jian Bo Shui Kueh (Michelin Bib Gourmand).
- Lor Mee – Thick, savoury noodle soup from Lor Mee 178.
- Hokkien Mee – Rich prawn-based noodles from Tiong Bahru Hokkien Mee.
- Chicken Rice – Classic Hainanese style from various stalls.
Price range: $3–$8 per dish. Open daily from 6 AM to 3 PM (stalls vary).
B. Tiong Bahru Cafes
Tiong Bahru is famous for its hipster cafes. Great for a coffee break between shopping stops.
Popular cafes:
- Tiong Bahru Bakery – Famous for croissants and pastries.
- 40 Hands – Trendy coffee and brunch spot.
- Two One Five – Local favourite for coffee and light bites.
Price range: $5–$15 per drink/meal. Most open from 7 AM to 6 PM.
4. Practical Shopping Tips for Tiong Bahru
To make your shopping trip smooth and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind.
A. Best Time to Shop
- Mornings (7–11 AM) – Best for wet market produce and hawker centre food.
- Afternoons (1–4 PM) – Ideal for browsing boutiques and cafes with fewer crowds.
- Weekdays
