Get to know the historical past, meals and hidden gems of Jalan Besar in our full information to the heritage ‘hood.
Consider Jalan Besar and meals involves thoughts. Particularly, hip cafes and well-known native eateries. Its identify means ‘huge or extensive highway’ in Malay, although the one-way avenue bordering Lavender and Little India was initially a observe going by way of a betel nut and nipah plantation. Now, it’s a conserved space stuffed with gorgeous shophouses boasting attention-grabbing colors and delightful structure. Spend a day right here and also you’ll stumble throughout an assortment of excellent meals, vibrant murals and boutique accommodations. Able to discover?
Jalan Besar information: Meals and drinks
1. The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie
We will’t get sufficient of bakeries, and this French spot is one we drop by at any time when we’re within the enclave. It specialises in viennoiserie, with croissants, danishes, and brioches on the menu. There are 13 choices to select from, however when you can’t determine, the bakery has two units with its hottest choices. P.S. there’s no dine-in space, so that you’ll need to seize and eat as you go.
The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie, #01-02, 16 Hamilton Highway, Singapore 209186
2. Sungei Highway Laksa
Okay, we all know it’s all the time sweltering in Singapore. However on the off likelihood you’re within the Jalan Besar space on a cool day, we advocate tucking right into a sizzling bowl of laksa. And naturally, there’s no higher place to have it on this a part of the world than at Sungei Highway Laksa. Suppose flavourful, coconut-y gravy topped with juicy cockles and crunchy beansprouts for simply $3. We’re dreaming about it already.
Sungei Highway Laksa, #01-100, 27 Jalan Berseh, Singapore 200027
3. Residence Espresso
A minimalistic area awash in white, this espresso joint invitations you to shake unfastened your stresses and loosen up the second you step in. The parents behind the counter are captivated with all issues espresso, providing freshly roasted brews with tales to inform and flavours to get pleasure from. Pair ‘em with a pastry or candy deal with of your selection, and laze the day away within the serene area.
Residence Espresso, #01-01, 139 Selegie Highway, Singapore 188309
4. Chye Seng Huat {Hardware}
A stalwart on the native cafe scene, this hipster hangout is without doubt one of the huge explanation why cafe-hoppers and caffeine addicts flock to Jalan Besar. Industrial stylish with a breezy alfresco space, Chye Seng Huat {Hardware} is aware of its espresso inside out. Simply check out the vary of espressos, seasonal coffees and chilly brews. Brekkie lovers will love the all-day huge breakfast, whereas hearty eaters can dig into mains like juicy burgers and hearty wraps.
Chye Seng Huat {Hardware}, 150 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207563
5. Char
Craving Cantonese roast meats? Char does a depraved rendition of char siew, with fork-tender meat drenched in a sauce that’s gloriously sticky, candy and salty. Come for its signature, however keep for the jasmine tea-infused roast duck and soya sauce rooster. They’re all so pleasant that you would be able to’t assist however go for the trio on one platter. Don’t neglect to pair ’em with draft beers, ciders or wines to raise the eating expertise.
Char, 363 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208994
6. Two Bakers
On the hunt for a hearty brunch? This cafe in Jalan Besar hits the spot with its line-up of delectable dishes together with tiger prawn cocktail salad, seafood marinara risotto, and miso French toast. Don’t neglect to go away room for dessert, although. These intricate creations are a sight to behold, mixing flavours like mango, ardour fruit, pistachio and vanilla in too-pretty-to-eat designs.
Two Bakers, 88 Horne Highway, Singapore 209083
7. The Tiramisu Hero
Can’t say no to a great tiramisu? Pop by this cafe for cupcake or jar variations in flavours similar to kaya, matcha, lychee rose, yuzu and even Guinness chocolate. You can even customise your individual creation when you’d like! To remain and chill over a meal, flick thru the menu, which gives the whole lot from all-day brekkie and meat-free dishes to waffles and ice cream.
The Tiramisu Hero, 121 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207548
8. Lucid
With an industrial gray area and a concentrate on espresso, Lucid retains its eye firmly on the classics. Suppose black espresso, iced white, mocha and chocolate drinks. Don’t neglect to bask in desserts like lemon tart and savoury scone on the menu, alongside sandwiches similar to smoked salmon and truffle ham ciabattas.
Lucid, 38 Hamilton Highway, Singapore 209208
9. For The Folks
For The Folks sits on a stretch of {hardware} retailers, cafes and backpacker hostels. Step by way of the doorways and also you’ll end up in a welcoming minimalist area full of designs in an array of geometric shapes and pops of color. Its menu is fairly normal for a restaurant, providing all-day brekkie, coffees, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and beers. Signatures embody Sichuan fried rooster pita, beef ragu pasta, and spicy buffalo drumlets with bitter cream. Come by the cafe for a chill dangle when you’re within the Jalan Besar space!
For The Folks, #01-01, 11 Hamilton Highway, Singapore 209182
10. Druggists
For good grub paired with craft beers and cocktails, head to Druggists. With its retro storefront and heat interiors, it’s an awesome spot to meet up with the fam over a meal. You’ll be nibbling on har cheong gai (prawn paste rooster), rooster rendang tacos, and curry fries as you savour craft beers, Asian spirits, and cocktails.
Druggists, 119 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207547
11. Crimson Eye Smokehouse
American-style BBQ meats are the secret at this Jalan Besar meals hotspot. Every part’s smoked to perfection, so come hungry anticipating to chow down on tender, juicy servings of beef ribs, pork ribs, beef brisket, and beef stomach. Get the BBQ tray when you’re going communal, so you possibly can nosh on sides like cornbread, candied yam, and coleslaw.
Crimson Eye Smokehouse, 1 Cavan Highway, Singapore 209842
12. Kok Kee Wanton Noodles
The well-known wanton stall sometimes sees lengthy strains of hungry diners queuing up for its easy however good wanton noodles, fried wanton, dumpling noodles and dumpling soup. In the event you haven’t tried its recipe, the sauce is umami all the best way, drenching the springy noodles fantastically.
Kok Kee Wanton Noodles, #01-02, Bistro 8, 30 Foch Highway, Singapore 209276
13. Black Fairy Espresso
To those people, magic is an ideal cup of espresso. A little bit little bit of fairy mud by no means damage anybody, particularly when you’ve been craving a cuppa all day. Utilizing arabica beans brewed with contemporary, filtered water, every drink is made with precision and consistency to make sure optimum flavours. Whilst you’re right here, refill on orders like soy rooster, eggs benny, burgers and poké bowls.
Black Fairy Espresso, 131 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207553
14. Seaside Highway Scissors Minimize Curry Rice
That is one must-try if you’re within the neighborhood. Positive, it’s fuss-free and no-frills, however that’s the place all of the allure is. Settle in for a consolation meals deal with as you decide your meats and veggies to go together with the flavourful mixture of curry and rice. It’s not probably the most aesthetically pleasing dish, however its attract lies in its mess.
Seaside Highway Scissors Minimize Curry Rice, 229 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208905
15. Butter Studio
For a style of do-it-yourself goodies, drop by Butter Studio to gorge your self foolish on truffles and all types of candy bakes. Strive the biscoff burnt cheesecake and local-inspired treats like ondeh ondeh waffles or sea salt Nutella tarts.
Butter Studio, 147 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208865
16. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
The godfather of reasonably priced late night time dim sum in Singapore, Swee Choon has been the favourite hang-out of night time owls for many years. Since 1962, it’s opened to lengthy strains of hungry diners ready for his or her fill of siew mai, har gao, xiao lengthy bao, salted egg yolk custard bun, carrot cake and char siew bao. You’ll by no means go away unhappy!
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, 183/185/187/189/191/193 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
17. Two Blur Guys
Don’t decide ‘em by the identify, ‘cos these guys are something however blur in the case of good meals. Burgers are what they concentrate on, with the whole lot from beef and rooster to seafood and vegan creations. Strive the basic or go for one thing with a twist, just like the spam ham, foie gras or cheese patty burgers. In the event you want a frosty one to scrub down the grease, strive the craft beers on faucet.
Two Blur Guys, 387 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209002
18. Dynasty Fried Porridge
What’s fried porridge, you ask? Nicely, at this Ipoh zi char stall, porridge will get the fried-in-a-wok remedy earlier than it sits in a claypot for that wok hei (smoky) style to linger. Pattern the signature dish with meat, fried shallots and pork lard – and when you’re sharing in a bunch, go for the KL Hokkien mee and fried rooster as effectively.
Dynasty Fried Porridge, #01-02, 30 Foch Highway, Singapore 209276
Jalan Besar information: Store
19. Loop Garms
These into thrift purchasing will know this classic retailer within the Jalan Besar space. Dig across the store and also you’ll encounter many treasures, from cool bomber jackets and reversion hoodies to retro tees and Hawaiian shirts. Put aside a while and see what you allow with by the point you’re finished. Clearing out your closet? Convey your pre-loved gadgets right here and see if these people need to purchase them from you.
Loop Garms, #01-148, 635 Veerasamy Highway, Singapore 200635
20. The Nursery
This one’s for you plant mums. Choose up some aesthetically-pleasing houseplants on this quaint little store (it’s probably our favorite in all of Singapore). You’ll discover probably the most photogenic crops right here, like philodendron, monstera and peace lily. Plus, they arrive within the prettiest concrete and ceramic pots. We will’t get sufficient of this dreamy nook!
The Nursery, 326 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208567
21. Roger & Sons
On the lookout for positive furnishings and considerate objects to jazz up your abode? Make a journey to Roger & Sons. They’ll craft one thing up for you that appears prefer it’s pulled proper out of a Kinfolk journal. We’re speaking the whole lot from serving boards and kalimbas to elaborate eating tables, out of doors benches, bar furnishings and extra! In the event you can dream it, they’ll do it.
Roger & Sons, #01-01, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561
22. Antea Social
Put this in your bucket record when you’re a tea connoisseur. This tea-centric store focuses on artisanal teas, customized tea mixing, and fashionable tea experiences. It’s the right place to decelerate and neglect the thrill of the town over a cup of well-brewed tea. Attend a workshop to find extra about tea, herbs and flowers. Or, decide up one in all its basic 4 tin collections that characteristic single-origin teas like kuki-hojicha and shui xian.
Antea Social, 9 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207528
Jalan Besar information: Discover and keep
23. Road artwork
Flip into the little corners of Jalan Besar and also you’ll be rewarded with wall murals. There’s one proper exterior Chye Seng Huat {Hardware}, when you preserve your eyes peeled. It’s a sequence by artists Mike Herabot and Julie Chua, ending off with the quote “I as soon as dreamt of a life the place all was how I imagined it to be” as you observe it down the again alley.
Oh, and when you’re a fan of Guinness, the beer model labored with homegrown artist Ben Qwek a number of years again to create Ang Ji Gao (Hokkien for ‘red-tongued canine’) murals in locations like Horne Highway, Plumer Highway and Hamilton Highway.
24. Petain Highway shophouses
In the event you’ve by no means gazed on the Petain Highway shophouses, you’re in for an actual deal with. This beautiful row is kind of a visible spectacle, even in an space stuffed with vibrant old style structure. Constructed within the Nineteen Thirties, these 18 pre-war terrace homes are designed within the model of Chinese language baroque blended with a splash of Peranakan allure. Take a better look and also you’ll see ceramic tiles, symmetrical strains and complicated patterns on the flooring and partitions, with chook and flower motifs in pale inexperienced and pink hues.
Nonetheless, the place isn’t any stranger to controversy. It’s named after Philippe Pétain, a French nationwide hero throughout World Struggle I who was ultimately convicted of treason for his function as head of the collaborationist authorities in World Struggle II. There have been calls to rename this highway however to no avail. That’s not all, although. The realm can also be dwelling to a pink gentle district. It’s not as well-known as its Geylang counterpart, however it’s apparently been lively for many years, with nondescript, slowly disappearing brothels tucked away within the again alleys.
25. Jalan Besar Stadium
Do you know: this stadium was used through the Japanese Occupation as a mass screening web site for Operation Sook Ching, to stamp out anti-Japanese sentiments from the Chinese language neighborhood in Singapore. Later, it turned a centre to show the Japanese language. Publish-war, it hosted the primary Singapore Youth Competition and the inaugural Singapore Armed Forces Day within the 60s. After its 1999 facelift, the place is now dwelling to a soccer stadium, swimming advanced, gymnasium and multi-storey carpark.
Jalan Besar Stadium, 100 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207542
26. Arcadia Resort
Beforehand a ironmongery store, two shophouses had been remodeled into what’s now Arcadia Resort. This easy and serene lodging on Hamilton Highway options 36 rooms, every fitted with a snug mattress and facilities within the bogs. Guide a keep within the balcony room, which comes with a spacious personal out of doors area that appears out into the close by cafes.
Arcadia Resort, 32 Hamilton Highway, Singapore 209201
27. Resort Yan
With parts of washed concrete, excessive ceilings and uncovered metal pipes in its design, the industrial-style Resort Yan gives lofts, balcony views and luxurious suites amongst its room classes. Settle in for a keep and also you’ll discover cool cafes and affordably-priced native eateries proper exterior your step.
Resort Yan, 162 Tyrwhitt Highway, Singapore 207581
28. Wanderlust, The Limitless Assortment by Oakwood
Located off Jalan Besar and housed in a Nineteen Twenties conservation constructing, this boutique resort finds itself in a first-rate place surrounded by the historical past and tradition of Little India. That includes cosy studios, glossy lofts and rooms with a view, the boutique resort brings simply the proper steadiness of latest consolation and heritage allure. Plus, its versatile residing idea welcomes each guests passing by and long-term visitors. Tip: don’t miss out on eating at Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa if you keep right here!
Wanderlust, The Limitless Assortment by Oakwood, 2 Dickson Highway, Singapore 209494
Now you might have the whole lot you must discover the most effective of Jalan Besar’s cafes, eateries, retailers and accommodations!