From artfully plated desserts to design-led home décor essentials, Dhoby Ghaut may just be your new favourite spot to shop, eat and repeat.
If you think that Dhoby Ghaut is lacklustre, think again. Explore beyond the malls, cinemas and MRT interchange and you’ll come across kid-friendly cafes, noteworthy brunch spots, affordable designer furniture and local boutiques. The best part? Everything is within a 10-minute walk (or less) from the train station. Read on to discover what’s hot in Dhoby Ghaut…
EAT & DRINK IN DHOBY GHAUT
L’éclair by Sarah Michelle
Who knew that an unassuming éclair could come in many flavours? Singapore’s first éclair speciality store and cafe, of course! Founded by two Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumni, this cafe creates 21st century-worthy eclairs with unbridled panache. Devour an eclair made with light rose cream, cut lychees and fresh raspberries (Ispahan) or go for a decadent dark chocolate éclair made with 66% Mexique dark chocolate cream, cocoa glaze and cocoa.
L’éclair by Sarah Michelle, #01-28 Singapore Shopping Centre, 190 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239924, p. 6635 7909
The Mind Cafe
Game night just got interesting thanks to The Mind Cafe. Brimming with over 500 board games, this cafe is the perfect spot for friends and families who love to display their competitive side. Swap your Monopoly Deal for curious games like Tick Tac Moo, Voodoo Mania, Daddy Cool and Sushi Go Party. The Mind Cafe also offers meal and gaming packages with free flow of drinks and snacks if you’ve worked out an appetite.
The Mind Café, 60A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188664, p. 6238 1068
Curious Palette
Located along Prinsep Street, Curious Palette looks unassuming on the outside. The interior, however, is the aesthetic of a Kinfolk Magazine come to life. Think rustic cement floors and wooden furniture beautified with potted plants. Even the mains and desserts – like the brioche French toast, gingered confit chicken leg, buttermilk waffles and the crowd-favourite berry ricotta hotcake – are Instagram-worthy. Not in the mood for food? Select from a variety of filter brews for the perfect cup of coffee.
Curious Palette, 64 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188667, p. 6238 1068
HopHeads
This cool underground bar believes that a nice pint of beer will solve life’s greatest problems. Just a mere six-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut station, Hopheads is the bar we wished we knew about sooner. Challenge your buddies to a game of darts, pool, ping-pong and beer pong as you cap your day off with one of their bottled or draft craft beers. Remember to check its Facebook page for exclusive events and theme parties.
HopHeads, #B1-00 Haw Par Glass Tower, 178 Clemenceau Ave, Singapore 239926, p. 6904 4019
The Assembly Ground
A mainstay at The Cathay, The Assembly Ground whips up a mean cup of espresso with coffee blends from the best local coffee roasters. The cafe also strives to reinvent its menu regularly with a good mix of classic comfort fare and fusion favourites. Complement your cuppa with a beef pot pie, truffle carbonara, rendang mac and cheese, laksa pasta or salted yolk chicken and waffles.
The Assembly Ground, #01-21 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, p. 6733 3375
Montana Singapore
Located at PoMo shopping mall, Montana Singapore may look like any ordinary cafe but its menu is quite the contrary. Fusing Western classics with local flavours, tantalise your tastebuds with peculiar dishes from its new menu. The assam crab waffle, Samyang fire carbonara, kimchi seafood waffle, Mao Shan Wang galaxy waffle and nasi lemak waffle are some dishes that caught our eye.
Montana Singapore, #02-25 PoMo, 1 Selegie Road, Singapore 188306, p. 9238 0307
DHOBY GHAUT’S SHOPPING SCENE
Naiise
Naiise stands out starkly due to its expertly curated mix of local designs inspired by Singapore’s culture and heritage. From quirky to oh-so-cool, these design-led pieces are sure to give a unique touch to your abode. Prepare to fall for gems like a sleeping grizzly bear beanbag, anti-gravity phone case, stitch-able passport cover, daily mood desk flipchart and more. We could go on and on…
Naiise, #B1-08 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, p. 6266 8418
B Store (Previously The Assembly Store)
To say that B Store is curated for the style-conscious is an understatement. Home to over 30 independent fashion and lifestyle brands, this multi-label men’s’ and women’s’ boutique is not your usual boutique fare. Give your wardrobe an upgrade and select from a collection of casual to semi-casual shirts, hoodies, bomber jackets, dresses, scarves and even fashion accessories. Brands include Monocle, Nixon, Status Anxiety, S’well, Izola and more, with new brands regularly introduced to the mix. Spend a few hours here and you’ll be out of your style rut by the end of the day.
B Store, #01-22/23 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, p. 6733 3143
HipVan
In case you didn’t know, this cut-rate online furniture shop has a permanent experience store right now. Located at The Cathay, HipVan boasts an 11, 000 sq. ft. space so there’s plenty to see. Skip the overpriced designer furniture and add a hefty dose of cool to your living space with stylish designs and quality products like furniture, home accessories and lighting at honest prices.
HipVan, #02 – 06/7/8 The Cathay, Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Like this story? Check out more neighbourhood guides…
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And on weekends, we’ll chill ‘in the countryside’ in Seletar…
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