Lose yourselves in the quaint and dreamy Chip Bee Gardens that’s far away from Holland V’s party scene.
We usually travel to Holland Village for a let-down-your-hair kinda night at one of the bars and restaurants but if you’re seeking something more chill, Chip Bee Gardens hits the spot. In this little pocket of Holland V, which spans boutiques, cafes, an art gallery on Jalan Merah Saga, and old-school bungalows on Jalan Kelabu Asap, time seems to stand still. And we’re totally charmed. Check out some of our fave hangs in the neighbourhood…
Guide to Chip Bee Gardens: Best food, shops and things to do
1. Keong Saik Bakery
This bakery merges tradition with innovation, serving up nostalgia in every bite. The signature Sor Hei pastry honours the ma jies of Keong Saik Road — Cantonese domestic workers who donned distinctive hair buns as a symbol of their celibacy vows. Though the flagship has relocated to Bendemeer Road and expanded to more locations, you can still enjoy the same pastries, tarts and cakes.
Keong Saik Bakery, #01-42, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
2. % Arabica Singapore
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, this global coffee brand has won fans for its dedication to quality Arabica beans and minimalist design. Enjoy signature brews with beans sourced from around the world. From classic lattes to single-origin espresso drinks, get your fill at % Arabica’s quaint space in Chip Bee Gardens.
% Arabica Singapore, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
3. Madrinaa Italiano
Step into Madrinaa, your fairy godmother of Italian cuisine. Since its humble beginnings in 2007, Madrinaa has been serving up comforting Italian food. With its cosy, homey vibes, it’s the perfect spot to unwind for a night of fabulous eats and wine. Must-try dishes? The signature thin-crust pizza, crispy calamari rings, indulgent truffle pasta, and that lasagna everyone’s raving about.
Madrinaa Italiano, #01-60, 44 Jln Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
4. Tiong Bahru Bakery
This iconic place is one of our top spots for French pastries, serving warm, buttery croissants (amongst viennoiseries, sandwiches and tarts) that will transport you to a patisserie in Paris. The Chip Bee Gardens branch has the same neighbourhood cafe vibe as its Tiong Bahru sister bakery, but with a totally different look – you can’t miss the three wise monkeys mural, and we’re loving the takeaway window.
Got a sweet tooth? Try the Kouign-Amann for a sweet surprise. But back to those croissants: they’re baked fresh every damn day using French flour and butter, and we think they’re the best in town.
Tiong Bahru Bakery, #01-74, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
5. Original Sin
A paradise for herbivores, Original Sin is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city, thanks to its Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Must-try dishes are the lasagna, Pomodoro bread, Bosco Misto and cheesy baked portobello mushroom.
Original Sin, #01-62, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
6. Baker & Cook
If you live for carbs, Baker & Cook rolls out the fluffiest bread in Chip Bee Gardens. And it has the creds to back this up: the sourdough bread is one of the best we’ve had. Don’t just stop at a loaf; get your carb fix with sourdough pizzas and burgers.
Baker & Cook, #01-56, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
7. RedMan by Phoon Huat
Achieve master baker status with everything you need under one roof at RedMan. From sweet to savoury treats, bakeware to adorable packaging, it’s all here. Plus, most items are competitively priced, and you can stock up in bulk for even more savings.
RedMan by Phoon Huat, #01-44, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
8. Sunday Folks
This charming cafe wants you to enjoy a bit of Sunday, every day, with handcrafted sweets and a fresh cuppa. Well, we can’t say no to that. Order a plate of waffles with sea salt gula melaka ice cream and lose yourself to the gorgeous decor.
Sunday Folks, #01-52, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278116
9. Ilies Soma Pilates Studio
This pilates studio is dedicated to enhancing overall health and wellness through proven techniques in biomechanics, rehabilitation, and performance. Named after the Greek term for “Sacred Body,” Ilies Soma offers personalised guidance to help you achieve balanced movement, flexibility, and improved mobility. Whether you’re an athlete aiming for peak performance or a fitness enthusiast recovering from injury, the team’s got you covered to reach your fitness goals.
Ilies Soma Pilates Studio, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
10. SamataSoul
SamataSoul is a premier integrative health centre dedicated to offering a holistic approach that enhances the body, mind, and spirit. From integrative health consulting, psychotherapy, and counselling to FSM therapy, Reiki healing, and Quantum coaching, SamataSoul provides the tools and support needed for true well-being.
SamataSoul, #03-80, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
11. Wuhaus
We know Ling Wu is known for her gorgeous leather and hand-polished exotic skin handbags, so it’s no surprise that her studio at Chip Bee Gardens is next level. Drop by this “apartmentique” (a play on the words apartment and boutique) and you’ll know what the fuss is all about.
A far cry from the standard boutique, this studio mirrors an apartment filled with vintage furniture and alluring finds from her travels. It also holds regular pop-ups and heroes under-the-radar designers and local finds.
Wuhaus, #02-78, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
12. Ong Shunmugam
A beacon of light for local design, Priscilla Shunmugam has set up her atelier on the Jalan Merah Saga strip. If you’re seriously into style, you can’t hit Chip Bee Gardens without stepping into Ong Shunmugam. The label is a nod to the designer’s multi-cultural heritage, fusing traditional cheongsams and sarees into her highly covetable ready-to-wear and custom pieces. We love how she seamlessly weaves traditional textile techniques, colours and Asian silhouettes into the modern wardrobe.
Ong Shunmugam, #01-76, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115, by appointment only
13. Taksu Art Gallery
Wanna deck out your space with contemporary art? Taksu’s wide selection of fine art with a distinctly urban edge easily makes it one of Southeast Asia’s contemporary art galleries. We love the varied mix of young talents and critically acclaimed names to choose from. The gallery also holds many exhibitions in its cosy space. Check out the website for more deets.
Taksu, #01-72, Workloft @ Chip Bee, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
Spend a quiet afternoon relishing in the laid-back vibes of Chip Bee Gardens and wander around to explore the food options, shops and sights.