Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide | Homejourney

Executive Summary: Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most distinctive neighborhoods, where 1930s Art Deco heritage meets modern hipster culture. This definitive Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide is written for property buyers, investors, and curious locals who want to understand what makes this area so special. We’ll cover its history, architecture, food scene, lifestyle, property market, and practical tips for visiting and living here. At Homejourney, we believe in helping you make safe, informed decisions, so every piece of information is verified and grounded in real experience.

Overview & Quick Facts
Tiong Bahru’s Heritage and History
Architecture: Art Deco and Streamline Moderne
Things to Do Nearby
Food & Dining: Hawkers, Cafes, and Restaurants
Shopping: Malls, Boutiques, and Markets
Practical Information
Property & Living in Tiong Bahru
Insider Tips for Locals and Visitors
Nearby Attractions and Itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: Why Tiong Bahru Stands Out

1. Overview & Quick Facts

Tiong Bahru is served by the East-West Line (EW17) at Tiong Bahru MRT Station. The station is fully barrier-free, with lifts, tactile guidance, and bicycle parking, making it accessible for all. Trains run from about 5:30 AM to midnight daily, with peak frequencies of 2–3 minutes and off-peak around 5–7 minutes.

For most visitors and residents, Exit A is the most useful, leading directly to Tiong Bahru Plaza and the main entrance to Tiong Bahru Market. Exit B is closer to the residential blocks and some of the quieter heritage streets.

From Tiong Bahru MRT, key spots are within easy walking distance:

Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre: 2–3 min walk from Exit A
Tiong Bahru Plaza: 1 min walk from Exit A
Heritage flats (Eng Hoon, Eng Watt, Seng Poh streets): 5–10 min walk
Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter: 10–12 min walk
Qi Tian Gong Temple: 8–10 min walk

2. Tiong Bahru’s Heritage and History

Tiong Bahru is widely recognized as Singapore’s first planned public housing estate, developed by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) in the 1930s. The name “Tiong Bahru” comes from the Hokkien words for “new cemetery,” reflecting its original use as a burial ground before urbanization.

Construction began in the late 1930s, but was interrupted by the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945). After the war, the SIT resumed development, creating a mix of pre-war and post-war blocks that still stand today. These flats were designed with community living in mind: wide corridors, shared courtyards, and open stairwells that encourage interaction.

Because of its historical significance, Tiong Bahru is protected under URA’s conservation guidelines. Many of the older blocks are conserved, meaning their facades, architectural features, and overall character cannot be altered. This is why the area still feels so distinct from newer HDB towns.

Why Tiong Bahru is a Heritage Area

Tiong Bahru is considered a heritage area because:

It contains some of Singapore’s earliest public housing blocks (1930s–1950s)
Its Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture is unique and protected
It has a strong sense of place, with streets named after Chinese pioneers like Lim Tiong Bahru, Tan Kah Kee, and Eu Tong Sen
It retains a low-rise, village-like atmosphere despite being in the city center

For property buyers, this heritage status adds long-term value and character, but also comes with restrictions on renovations and redevelopment. If you’re considering a flat here, it’s wise to check URA’s conservation guidelines and HDB’s rules on upgrading.

3. Architecture: Art Deco and Streamline Moderne

The heart of Tiong Bahru’s charm lies in its architecture. The pre-war blocks (e.g., 55–75 Eng Hoon Street) are classic examples of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne style, characterized by:

Curved, rounded balconies and corners
Flat roofs with parapets
Spiral staircases and nautical-inspired railings
Geometric motifs and decorative bands
Low-rise, human-scale design (typically 2–4 storeys)

These flats were designed to maximize ventilation and light in a tropical climate, with open corridors and cross-ventilation. The post-war “horse-shoe” blocks (e.g., along Seng Poh Road) are slightly more utilitarian but still thoughtful in layout, with breezy walkways and communal spaces.

Must-See Architectural Details

When walking around Tiong Bahru, look out for:

The iconic spiral staircases at 55–75 Eng Hoon Street
Rounded balconies with decorative railings
Original SIT-era signage and plaques
Heritage murals by artist Yip Yew Chong, depicting old Tiong Bahru life
Conserved shophouses along Yong Siak Street and Eng Hoon Street

These details are not just aesthetic—they’re part of Singapore’s architectural history. For photography and Instagram, early morning or late afternoon light works best, especially on the curved facades.

4. Things to Do Nearby

Tiong Bahru is perfect for a slow, immersive day out. Here’s what you can do within a 15-minute walk of the MRT:

Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre

Just a 2–3 minute walk from Exit A, this two-storey complex is a must-visit. The ground floor is a wet market with fresh produce, meat, and seafood, while the upper floor is one of Singapore’s most beloved hawker centres.

It’s open daily from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with some stalls closing earlier. Locals love it for breakfast and lunch, but it’s also great for dinner if you want authentic, affordable food.

Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter

About a 10–12 minute walk from the MRT, this is Singapore’s last remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter. Built in the 1930s, it’s now a small museum-style attraction with information panels about its history.

It’s free to enter and open during daylight hours. It’s a quiet, reflective spot that gives you a tangible sense of Singapore’s wartime past.

Qi Tian Gong Temple (Monkey God Temple)

Located at 30 Seng Poh Road, this temple is dedicated to the Monkey God (Sun Wukong) and is a popular spot for devotees. It’s about an 8–10 minute walk from the MRT and is open daily.

The temple is especially lively during Chinese New Year and the Monkey God’s birthday. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a quick visit for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional architecture.

Street Art and Murals

Tiong Bahru is dotted with murals that tell the story of the neighborhood. Artist Yip Yew Chong’s works are particularly famous, depicting scenes of old Tiong Bahru life—children playing, hawkers, and traditional trades.

These murals are scattered along Eng Hoon, Eng Watt, and Seng Poh streets. They’re great for photos and add to the area’s artistic, hipster vibe.

Leafy Streets and Quiet Corners

One of Tiong Bahru’s underrated pleasures is simply wandering its leafy, low-rise streets. The area feels quieter and more relaxed than the CBD, with mature trees, open spaces, and a slower pace of life.

For a peaceful walk, try the loop around Eng Watt, Tiong Poh, and Seng Poh roads. It’s perfect for reading, photography, or just unwinding.

5. Food & Dining: Hawkers, Cafes, and Restaurants

Tiong Bahru is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from traditional hawker fare to trendy hipster cafes. Here’s a practical guide to eating well in the area.

Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (Hawker Centre)

This is the culinary heart of Tiong Bahru. Here are some must-try stalls and dishes:

Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (Stall 01–02): Famous for its tender, boneless chicken and fragrant rice. Opens around 6:30 AM, closes by 2:00 PM or when sold out.
Chin’s Wanton Noodles (Stall 01–03): Classic Cantonese-style wanton noodles with char siew. Open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery (Stall 01–04): Old-school coffee shop serving kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and coffee/tea. Open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Chen’s Charcoal-Grilled Porridge (Stall 02–01): A Tiong Bahru institution, serving charcoal-grilled fish porridge. Open from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Wu Prawn Mee (Stall 02–02): Rich, flavorful prawn noodles. Open from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Prices are very affordable: most dishes cost between $3–$6. For the best experience, go early (before 9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and get the freshest food.

Tiong Bahru Cafes and Hipster Eateries

Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s most famous Tiong Bahru cafes hubs. Many are housed in conserved shophouses and heritage buildings, adding to the area’s charm.

Here are some top picks:

40 Hands (58 Yong Siak Street): A pioneer of the Tiong Bahru hipster scene, known for excellent coffee and brunch. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, prices around $12–$20 per main.
Two One Five (215 Outram Road, near Tiong Bahru): Popular for brunch and coffee, with a cozy, industrial vibe. Open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, mains $15–$25.
Strangerepublic (58–60 Eng Hoon Street): A long-standing favorite for brunch, coffee, and cakes. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, mains $15–$25.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware (20 Teck Lim Road, 10–15 min walk): A converted hardware store turned cafe, famous for its coffee and brunch. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, mains $15–$28.
Yishun Inn Coffee (1 Yong Siak Street): A local favorite for traditional kopi and toast, with a hipster twist. Open 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, $3–$6 per item.

For a true Tiong Bahru experience, combine a visit to the hawker centre with a coffee at one of these cafes. Many locals do this on weekends: breakfast at the market, then coffee and a stroll.

Restaurants and Dinner Options

For dinner, Tiong Bahru offers a mix of casual and mid-range options:

Restaurant Labyrinth (72 Amoy Street, 10 min walk): Modern Singaporean fine dining, with tasting menus around $120–$180. Great for special occasions.
Little Farms Market & Eatery (Tiong Bahru Plaza): A farm-to-table concept with fresh, healthy options. Open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, mains $12–$25.
Meat Smith (28 Teck Lim Road, 10–15 min walk): Popular for burgers and steaks, with a lively bar scene. Open 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, mains $20–$40.

For property buyers, this rich food scene is a major lifestyle perk. Whether you’re a young professional, a couple, or a family, there’s something for every taste and budget.

6. Shopping: Malls, Boutiques, and Markets

Tiong Bahru offers a unique shopping experience that blends convenience with character.

Tiong Bahru Plaza

This is the main mall in the area, located right next to the MRT. It’s a mid-sized, functional mall with:

FairPrice Finest supermarket (great for groceries and daily needs)
Popular bookstore (Times or MPH, depending on current tenant)
Food courts and restaurants
Banking services (ATMs, branches)
Lifestyle and fashion retailers

It’s open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily and is perfect for everyday shopping. For residents, it’s a huge convenience to have a supermarket, pharmacy, and basic services within a 1-minute walk.

Independent Boutiques and Lifestyle Shops

Tiong Bahru is famous for its independent boutiques, especially along Yong Siak Street and Eng Hoon Street. This is where the hipster Singapore vibe really shines.

You’ll find: