Holland Village, named in 1907 after Hugh Holland, an architect and an amateur actor who was one of the early residents in the vicinity. Holland Road, also known as hue hng au in Hokkien, translates to "behind the flower garden". The "flower garden" referring to the Botanic Gardens, hence explaining the provenance of its name.
Whether you're looking for sweets filled pinatas, rare magazines or just a cool cafe to chill out with friends whilst simultaneously cooing over adorable latte art, you can be sure that Holland Village's amazing spread of local stores have got you covered.
1. Craft Bistro
We're calling it now: Craft Bisto could potentially become one of your favourite hangouts with friends. An unpretentious space with exceptional coffee, a bounty of freshly baked cakes and free wifi to boot, what's there not to love? This is one chill-out spot for a little languid weekend brunch indulgence. Think raisin dashed carrot carrot cake flecked with dessicated coconut in between layers of sweet cream cheese frosting; or the sinful, Brioche French toast with bananas and roasted walnuts - let's see how long can you deny yourself those pleasures.
Come nightfall, Craft Bistro carries the same laid-back vibes into more mature settings, with a specially curated list of craft beers, the mandatory burger debauchery and exciting bar bites to match. We've got our eyes set on the Momobuns; Craft's rendition of Momofuku's iconic pork buns all the way from New York - made with steamed buns, slow roasted pork belly, spring onions and pickled cucumbers. You can't possibly say no to these!
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| Carrot Cake ($7) |
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| Grilled Cajun Chicken ($18) |
Craft Bistro
24A Lorong Mambong
S(277683)
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat - Sun: 9am - 11pm
2. Party City
With Halloween just around the corner, this stop-over might prove useful, especially if you're planning an OTT (over the top) party. Party City, the leading retailer party goods has all your needs covered, from balloons to unique candles, spooky costumes to dreamy princess dresses; you'll be guaranteed to find what you need to make your celebration the best ever.
Party City
Shophouse 277A
Holland Ave Level 2
S(278994)
t: 6462 6011
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun/PH: 10am - 6pm
3. Thambi Magazine Store and Money Changer
Thambi Magazine store has been in Holland Village for as long as I can remember, and therefore claiming its right as an institution in the region. For being a magazine store, they are sure as hell doing an awesome job - having every magazine, newspaper, and publication that you need. From obscure academic magazines to the covers of gardening, steam punk culture, tattoos or foreign affairs, they have it all. Browsing is frowned upon though.
4. D'Good cafe
For some of the best cafe nosh in town, head down to D'Good cafe where you'll find a delectable baked chicken dish perfumed with aromatic lemongrass and an equally bedazzling Fresh Sea Prawn Aglio Olio. Despite it's rather daunting self-service structure, the quality of its food is a major luring factor, explaining why the cafe is usually packed to the brim.
Read more about my cafe experience here.
D'Good Cafe
273 Holland Avenue,
#2-01/02
S(278892)
t: 6219 9807
w: www.dgoodcafe.com/
Operating Hours:
Sun - thurs: 10am -10pm
Fri - Sat: 10am -11pm
5. Peter the Cobbler
Get your shoes fixed with the trustworthy sidewalk cobber, Peter.
Unfortunately, like the case of most traditional trades from our earlier days, most of these are vanishing. Sidewalk cobblers are a rare sight these days due to overwhelming competition from professional cobbler chain shops such as Mister Mint. Also due to consumerism habits, shoes are increasingly becoming dispensable items; oh, your heels are spoilt, that's okay honey, let's get a new one. The likelihood of visiting a cobbler to get it fixed, gradually dumbing down. At the end of the day, these are just simple folk who continue to ply their honest trade with heart and soul; let's give them a little moral support shall we?
6. Cha Cha Cha
Snatch a taste of Mexico with Chimichangas deep fried to a titillating golden brown and saucy sour cream with every cheesy bite of crackin' shredded beef filled Quesadilla. Then of course there's the mandatory pitcher of Lime Margarita that graces each table with hopes of instilling fun-filled nights - it works wonders of course, it's deep-seeded alcoholic beginnings inducing rather rowdy conversations around the table.
Read more from my full review here.
Cha Cha Cha Mexican Restaurant and Bar
32 Lorong Mambong
S(277690)
t: 6462 1650
Operating Hours:
Mon - Thurs & Sun: 11 30am - 11pm
Fri - Sat: 11 30am - 12am
7. Khiam Teck
Khiam Teck in Holland Village will transport you back to the 60's, with its old school kitschy interior and eclectic collection of toys. But don't let that fool you - the shop stocks all manner of party ware, a wide range of balloons, candles, sparklers and other old-school toys to suit most occasions.
This might just be the perfect place to check out if you're looking for decor for Halloween just a few weeks away.
Khiam Teck Store
265 Holland Avenue
S(278988)
8. Bynd Artisan
A store, a leather workshop, a cafe, a space for people to escape, this tranquil spot is inspired by company's spirit of artisanal excellence in restoring the skill of bookbinding as a craft.
Planning to learn a new skill? - Bynd Artisan shares its book-binding and leather-making expertise with hobbyists and aspiring craftsmen. Visit their website to learn more about the workshops available.
While you're hanging out at the store admiring the array of handsomely designed souvenirs, do check out Bynd Artisan Atelier X Iggy's collaboration as well, the cafe selling teas from Gryphon as well as juices from Gorilla Press Co. Be sure to grab the limited edition dessert boxes which comprises eight petit fours priced at $30 and features innovative modern Asian desserts such as gado gado macaron, teh halia chocolate and umeshu jelly.
Bynd Artisan Atelier X IGGY's
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-54
Operating Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 12pm - 9pm
Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Sun: 10am - 8pm
9. Lemon Zest
We're suckers for cookware supply shops and Lemon Zest panders to our basic instincts with a bright cheery setup and wall to wall options for colourful kitchenware, stylish bar ware and inspiring cookbooks to promote an active culinary lifestyle.
Planning a high-tea party, you know where to get your tiered cake-stands!
Lemon Zest
43 Jalan Merah Saga
Chip Bee Gardens #01-80
Holland Village
S(278115)
t: 6471 0566
Operating Hours:
Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm
Fri - Sat: 10am -10pm
10. Thirsty Beer Shop
So you have an insatiable appetite for craft beers? We hear you. Pop over to Thirsty Craft Beer Shop for an affordable selection of delicious craft beers procured from across the globe.
You'll be greeted by neat rows of more than 300 beers at the bottle shop with styles ranging from Belgium trappist to Imperial Red Ales, Coffee Stouts to sweet Ciders; perfect for those planning a party or on a humble excursion to stock up the fridge.
Shop staff are amicable and knowledgable regarding their goods, so feel free to ask for recommendations. Better yet, grab a cold one from the fridge while you're at it.
Thirsty Craft Beer Shop
211 Holland Avenue
#02-16
Holland Road Shopping Centre
S(278967)
t: 9354 1952
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun:10 30am - 8pm
11. Sunday Folks
I don't want to insert myself into the great gelato debate, but the visible queues for the soft serve and cones even before the shop opens its doors are a testament of its popularity. Visually stunning, the cones of Roasted Pistachio, Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Madasadcan Vanilla (just to name a few) are too good to be missed. And if you can overlook its hefty price tag, you'll probably find yourself making revisits a little too often.
Read my full review here
Sunday Folks
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-52
Chip Bee Gardens
Operating Hours:
Tues - Fri: 1pm - 10pm
Sat - Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Mon: Closed
12. The Daily Scoop
'Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time'
You'll be spoilt for choice at The Daily Scoop, the bewildering spread of ice creams presenting certain innovative flavors that are out of the box. We can't get past the Butterscotch Pecan as well as the Utterly Avocado, which are oh so good with or without a magic golden carpet of vanilla scented waffle.
The Daily Scoop
43 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-78 Chip Bee Gardens
S(278115)
t: 6475 3128
Operating Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 11am -10pm
Fri - Sat: 11am -10 30pm
Sun: 2pm -10pm
13. Baker & Cook
The sourdough here is an immaculate treat, so are the pillowy Italian Bombolinis filled with dreamy custard. From Thai Green Curry pies to Strawberry Lamingtons, there is something for everybody.
If you don't love this cosy cafe as much as us, we'll eat humble pie!
Baker & Cook
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-56 Chip Bee Gardens
S(278116)
t: 6472 0998
Operating Hours:
Sun - Thurs: 7 30am - 8pm
Fri - Sat: 7 30am -10pm
Brunch: 7 30am - 7 30pm on weekends and Public Holidays.
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This is part of the first edition of "Discover Singapore" by Anymap featuring the restful district of Holland Village. Click on the Google Play store button below to download our app and suss out the rest of the amazing lists we've put together to promote discovery of new places in Singapore.
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