Dhoby Ghaut may just be your new favourite spot to shop, eat and repeat…
If you think Dhoby Ghaut is lacklustre, think again. Explore beyond the malls, cinemas and MRT interchange to come across IG-worthy cafes, noteworthy brunch spots and local fashion 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…
Guide to Dhoby Ghaut: Food & Drinks
1. Edith Patisserie Cake Bar
Mention this bakery to anyone and you’ll see their faces light up with excitement. This local favourite has set up a ‘curated cafe concept’ in Penang Road where diners can tuck into delicious cakes and pastries. Go for the lychee rose cake – a floral, fragrant sponge number perfect for your afternoon pick-me-up. What goes well with desserts? Coffee, of course! Enjoy caffeine options with beans courtesy of PPP Coffee.
Edith Patisserie Cake Bar, #01-06, UBS at 9 Penang Road, Singapore 238459
2. 9Toast Cafe
This spot in Dhoby Ghaut earns the distinction of being the first honey-glazed toast cafe in Singapore. You can try three types of toast here: Original (strawberries with mochi filling), Purple Haze (sweet potato puree on the side), and That’s So Cheesy (a combination of mozzarella and honey). There are savoury sando options too, like chicken katsu and ebi. Wash everything down with citron yuzu tea or passion fruit honey tea.
9Toast Cafe, #01-18, Singapore Shopping Centre, 190 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239924
3. Meokja by Jungga
Meokja began as a humble home-based business before making its mark with a physical store in Dhoby Ghaut. The menu offers a delightful spread, including fried chicken bibimbap, jjampong (spicy seafood soup with rice or noodles), bulgogi cold noodles, and eomuk tang (fish cake soup). Can’t decide? Opt for the combo set to sample a bit of everything.
Meokja by Jungga, #02-03, Gr.id, 1 Selegie Road, Singapore 188306
4. Typhoon Cafe
Hands up if you love Taiwanese food! Typhoon Cafe boasts an extensive selection of rice, porridge and noodles, including Taiwan lu rou rice, egg roll with pork floss, momofuku bun and oyster mee sua. Round out your meal with drinks like passion fruit fresh milk with lychee pearls or rose butterfly pea flower tea. For those with a sweet tooth, the souffle pancakes will satisfy. Or go for the black sesame kinako mochi cake, if you’re not feeling too hungry.
Typhoon Cafe, #04-63/67, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
5. L’eclair Patisserie Cafe
Founded by two Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumni, this cafe creates the dessert with unbridled panache. Devour the Ispahan (light rose cream, cut lychees and fresh raspberries) or go for a decadent dark chocolate eclair made with 66% Mexique dark chocolate cream, cocoa glaze and cocoa.
L’eclair Patisserie Cafe, #01-28, Singapore Shopping Centre, 190 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239924
6. Kim Dae Mun Korean Food
Nah, this isn’t a showy eatery with fancy creations and pretentious-sounding menu items. Expect simple, authentic Korean dishes like kimchi soup, bean paste soup, grilled pork and bibimbap. Come early ‘cos it gets pretty crowded during lunch!
Kim Dae Mun Korean Food, #01-03D, Concorde Shopping Mall, 100 Orchard Road, Singapore 238840
7. 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 drinks and snacks if you’ve worked up an appetite.
The Mind Cafe, 60A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188664
8. Arteastiq DePatio
This hybrid art jamming studio and cafe is synonymous with relaxed afternoons and chi-chi high tea meals. First, unleash your inner Picasso at a freestyle painting sesh. You’re provided with a canvas, brushes, paints and sponges to create your masterpiece. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, perch yourself on one of the plush chairs for an afternoon of dainty delicacies.
Arteastiq DePatio, #03-70/72, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
9. Play Nation
Unlimited games, food and comfy spots to rest your legs – this gaming cafe has got it all. Spend hours mingling with the plethora of console and board games. Feeling hungry? You don’t have to move a muscle. Just have your meal right here.
Play Nation, 58 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188686
10. I’m Kim Korean BBQ
This Korean buffet and BBQ joint is for those who love eating their food in a jiffy. There’s a fixed time limit of 90 minutes for those in a group of three people or less, so you won’t have to worry about table-hoggers. Tip: make reservations early to avoid disappointment.
I’m Kim Korean BBQ, #01-04, School of The Arts, 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968
11. Co Chung
If you’re looking for Vietnamese grub around the area, hit up Co Chung to satisfy all your cravings. The restaurant offers the iconic dishes we all know and then some. Banh mi, fresh spring rolls, pho, tender meats slathered with spices, tapioca dumplings and even sweet corn soup. Get ‘em here!
Co Chung, #B2-20, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
12. MacKenzie Rex Restaurant
This establishment has been around since the 60s, serving thousands of happy customers with wholesome dishes. Dubbed an ‘oriental halal restaurant’, you can expect the menu to feature all-time faves like Hainanese chicken rice, chilli crab and seafood egg noodles amongst others.
MacKenzie Rex Restaurant, 66 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188668
13. The Auld Alliance
Known for its massive selection of whiskey brands, The Auld Alliance offers exemplary bottles from every whisky region in Scotland. No wonder the charming bar’s a popular haunt for connoisseurs!
The Auld Alliance, #02-02A, Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, 9 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189559
14. Five Guys
American burger chain Five Guys has its first Singapore outpost right here in Plaza Singapura. Step in for juicy burgers, glorious milkshakes and a side of retro diner vibes. Picky eaters will love that all orders can be customised according to your taste. Just choose from a variety of toppings, which include mayo, grilled mushrooms and onions, tomatoes, pickles and so on.
Five Guys, #01-32-35, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
15. Seorae Jib
Korean BBQ joint Seorae specialises in tender galmaegisal pork, which comes in three flavours: original, garlic and spicy. Of course, it also offers succulent prime beef cuts, stews and traditional Korean fare. Cheese lovers can opt for melted cheese around the hot barbecue plate to go along with your grilled meats.
Seorae Jib, #02-01, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Guide to Dhoby Ghaut: Shop
16. Hit the malls
We’ll admit Dhoby Ghaut is not as glitzy as its counterpart down the street – yes, we’re talking about Orchard Road – but it’s decent enough to fuel your food and shopping needs. Head to Plaza Singapura for restaurants, art and craft supply stores, beauty products and local brands. The Cathay is currently closed for a major revamp; we can’t wait to see what’s in store once it reopens.
The refreshed PoMo, now known as Gr.id Mall, houses plenty of indie brands, bars and Instagram-worthy spots. It’s a vibrant addition to Dhoby Ghaut! Truly not easy to miss, especially at night, it sports neon lights and a brightly painted exterior inspired by the classic game of Tetris. Expect to find trendy social spaces and even a rooftop bar – perfect for chill evening hangs. The mall has plenty to offer with dining experiences including restaurants and cafes that serve hot pot, picturesque multi-layer cakes, and towering piles of waffles and gelato.
17. Fleawhere
Are you all about vintage aesthetics? We know a thrift market at Dhoby Ghaut MRT where you can score cool preloved items at affordable prices. Psst: we spy some interesting apparel you can wear for Halloween or rock in your daily style. That’s your weekend shopping trip sorted.
Fleawhere, #B1-10, Staytion Lifestyle Centre @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT, Dhoby Ghaut Xchange, Singapore 238826 (near North South Line Exit A/B)
18. Art Friend
From feathers to felt, this store has every variety of craft material waiting to be made into gorgeous works of art. The only limit is your imagination! Plus, it’s one of the only three locations in Singapore.
Art Friend, #B1-10/13, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
19. Absolute Comics
A gem for comic book maniacs, Absolute Comics has everything under the sun. Not just limited to new releases and classic comics, it also features merchandise like t-shirts and action figures to add to your collection.
Absolute Comics, #B1-17, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Guide to Dhoby Ghaut: Explore
20. Visual Arts Centre
Betcha hardly noticed this venue while you’re in Dhoby Ghaut. Sitting pretty above the MRT station is the Visual Arts Centre, an arts recreational venue that hosts seasonal exhibitions, activities and free programmes for everyone. It also houses an art studio offering courses for professional development and workshops.
Visual Arts Centre, #01-02, Dhoby Ghaut Green, 10 Penang Road, Singapore 238469
21. The Istana
Fondly known as The White House of Singapore, The Istana (which means palace in Malay) is the official residence and office of the president. The massive 40-hectare place was formerly a nutmeg plantation before its renovation in 1867. What stands out is the 18th-century neo-Palladian style, complete with wide verandahs and large louvred windows. Super classy! If you’d like to visit, take note that The Istana is open to the public on Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day only.
The Istana, 35 Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
22. National Museum of Singapore
Established in 1887, the oldest museum in Singapore delivers Singapore’s history and culture through live performances and modern multimedia exhibits. Want to know more about this little red dot? The permanent galleries to visit include the Singapore History Gallery, which charts the development of the city.
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
23. Fort Canning Park
A park in the middle of Singapore’s shopping and nightlife mecca? That’s the Lion City for you! Fort Canning Park is steeped in history, going back 700 years. It was once known as ‘Forbidden Hill’ and later became a military base during WWII. Grab a mat and basket and head to Fort Canning Green for a relaxing picnic in the evening time, or stroll along the shady nature walk to clock in your daily steps. No matter your chosen activity, it’s a wonderful spot to escape from the hustle and bustle.
Fort Canning Park, River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
24. Singapore Art Museum
Note: SAM is currently closed for renovations. Once a Catholic boys’ school (St. Joseph Institute) for 135 years, the beautiful historic building now holds a fine selection of contemporary artworks across Southeast Asia. Put aside your entire day when you visit this place. The art museum in Singapore has over 7,000 permanent art pieces.
Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
Guide to Dhoby Ghaut: Stay
25. Hotel Fort Canning
Tucked in the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, this award-winning heritage hotel offers a serene escape from the city bustle. Behind its stunning colonial facade, you’ll find 82 garden-inspired rooms with enchanting views of the park and city skyline. There’s no shortage of activities either—take a leisurely stroll through the iconic park, explore nearby museums and galleries, unwind in one of three mineral pools, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa session.
Hotel Fort Canning, 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
26. Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore
A stone’s throw away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, Ji Hotel is a haven for lovers of minimalist design straight out of a Muji catalogue. With its sleek interiors and neutral tones, this modern hotel radiates serene Japanese vibes. Bonus: it’s also one of the more budget-friendly options in the city, leaving you with extra cash for shopping and dining adventures.
Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore, 11 Penang Lane, Singapore 238485
27. Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore
Prefer boutique hotels? Look no further than Citadines Connect City Centre. This stylish stay pays homage to its past as a former railway station with stunning architecture that nods to its history. Inside, the rooms feature a chic retro-contemporary design, adding to the hotel’s unique charm. Perfect for couples or families of four, it’s a stay that blends character with comfort.
Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore, 182 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore 239923
28. Lloyd’s Inn
Lloyd’s Inn remains a top pick for Instagram-worthy stays in Singapore, thanks to its sleek minimalism and all-white interiors. While the facilities are simple, the clean design, lush greenery, and tranquil residential setting make it a standout. For an extra treat, book The Big Skyroom — its loft-like charm and open-air space with an outdoor bathtub are perfect for unwinding in style.
Lloyd’s Inn, 2 Lloyd Road, Singapore 239091
29. Rendezvous Hotel
Rendezvous Hotel’s prime location ensures your itinerary stays are packed with nearby boutiques, museums, restaurants, and bars. Celebrating Singapore’s vibrant arts scene and its heritage district setting, the hotel is adorned with captivating sculptures, paintings, and interactive multimedia installations throughout its chic space.
Rendezvous Hotel, 9 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189559
Now that you’re all caught up with our guide to the best food, shops and hotels in Dhoby Ghaut, what’s your first stop?
