What’s not to love about Singapore’s original Indie ‘hood? It’s got everything you’d want; from hole-in-the-wall boutiques to hip cafes, cool bars, and restaurants.
Before Tiong Bahru, there was Haji Lane – Singapore’s original indie neighbourhood. This buzzing, all-hours enclave in eclectic Kampong Glam is peppered with cool boutiques, bars, cafés, and restaurants that rank high on the hip factor – and not to forget those beautiful murals. It’s no wonder we keep coming back to one of our favourite neighbourhoods. We’ve shared the best spots in Haji Lane and around the corner in Bali Lane, Arab Street and Beach Road for even more good times…
Where to eat and drink in Haji Lane
Funq
Located in the heart of Haji Lane, there’s never a quiet moment at Funq. Delicious grub and drinks, great vibes and a facade that glows in the dark – what more do you need for a magical night? Plus, shout out to the lovely live singer who will add flavour to your evenings.
Funq, 19 & 21 Haji Lane, Singapore 189214
Juice Clinic
From the get-go it’s obvious that Juice Clinic is not your average juice bar. One look at the pop art-inspired graffiti storefront and you’ll see why. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee or a green juice; lamb chops or a slice of rainbow cheesecake, Juice Clinic has it all.
Juice Clinic, 27-29 Haji Lane, Singapore 189222
Pita Bakery
Once you’ve tried the freshly-baked pita bread (perfectly created with a 700-year-old recipe) paired with hummus, baba ganoush, tahini and falafel base dips, there’s no turning back. In fact, we always make a quick takeout trip whenever we’re in the hood. Tip: They usually run out by the evening so best to go early!
Pita Bakery, 29 Bali Lane, Singapore 189865
Bar Stories
We’ve all had moments at the bar when we just can’t pick a drink that’ll satisfy our taste buds. You won’t have that problem here ‘cos there’s no menu. Yup, the bartenders at Bar Stories will craft a cocktail according to your mood and from experience, they hit the mark all the time. The bespoke concoctions are not just served in a mere rock glass. They do not skimp on theatrics – from incorporating dry ice to vibrant plating, it’s best you whip out your phones to capture it all.
Bar Stories, 55-57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Previously located at Boat Quay, it’s only apt that this bespoke cocktail bar moved to the hip street of Haji Lane. Opened by former Jigger & Pony bartender, Sam Wong, this is not your regular kopitiam drink stall. Enjoy locally-inspired cocktails on tap (just like how the drink stall aunty would do it for you!) and boozy creations made to order. Oh, and you gotta have them with crispy shrimp paste chicken and the ngoh hiang platter to share. Got room for more? Go for signatures like Hokkien mee or char kway teow.
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, 12 Haji Lane, Singapore 189205
Little Damage
Looks like Kampong Glam is heating up, or should we say cooling down, with the flagship store of Little Damage setting up shop along Haji Lane. This popular LA-based ice cream parlour is often raved about for its poppin’ blue, black and pink shades of ice cream. The space here has a photobooth, plus merchandise like tote bags, pins, water bottles and t-shirts up for grabs. We’d recommend you use Gelam Gallery as the backdrop for your IG-friendly ice cream cones.
Little Damage, 2 Haji Lane, Singapore 189195
Windowsill Pies
You have no idea how much these pies have brightened up our days. Try a slice (or go whole) with unique and classic flavours like pecan and rum, apple, s’mores and strawberry lemon. And supported with that buttery flaky crust? Just heavenly.
Windowsill Pies, 17 Haji Lane, Singapore 189210
Selfie Coffee
It’s not every day you have a cup of joe with a picture of yourself instead of latte art. The coffee itself is left to be desired but we say just go for the experience and pictures.
Selfie Coffee, 11 Haji Lane, Singapore 189204
Limaa
Eat, drink and be jolly at Limaa, an Instagram-worthy cafe that serves up a healthy alternative if you’ve been a little naughty with your diet. Before you grunt over the idea of salads or tumeric shots, think again. Treat yourselves to stewed beef with gooey eggs, gluten-free nachos and pastas sans the calories. Or cool down with a glass of fresh fruit juice or an Acai smoothie parfait if you’re feeling peckish.
Limaa, 51 Haji Lane, Singapore 189244
Blanco Court Prawn Mee
In case you didn’t know, Blanco Court’s legendary prawn noodles can now be found at Beach Road. We had a bowl ourselves and it’s one of the best we’ve had. Dig into this bowl of yellow (you can pick bee hoon or a mix of both) noodles topped with pork lard, fried shallots and a generous serving of succulent prawns. And that brown stock? Light, fragrant and warms you up in all the right places. Add some chilli padi for an extra punch.
Blanco Court Prawn Mee, #01-01, 243 Beach Road, Singapore 189754
The Singapura Club
Impress your mates from out of town with a crash course on Singapore’s culture – bar-style! The Singapura Club serves eccentric and local-inspired drinks as well as classic local flavours with clever twists.
The Singapura Club, 26 Haji Lane, Singapore 189219
[email protected] Italian Risto-Bar
An Italian bistro through and through, Ciao serves a slew of authentic and oh-so-tasty Italian dishes like hand-tossed pizza and homemade pasta with artisanal bolognese sauce.
[email protected] Italian Risto-Bar, 8 Haji Lane, Singapore 189201
Piedra Negra
One of our favourite Mexican restos around Singapore, Piedra Negra is a buzzing neighbourhood gem that’s worth checking out – especially if you have a weakness for killer guac made fresh on the spot (who doesn’t?). Pair that with a steady supply of tortilla chips, hearty burritos, and washed down with potent frozen margaritas, you’ve got your night made. Ole!
Piedra Negra, 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Meomi Cat Cafe
This cosy little nook houses less than 10 resident in-house cats but these beauties are quite the lookers, and with the personalities to boot! With comfy seating, kitty toys and human treats like cake and coffee available, you’ll spend hours at this place.
Meomi Cat Cafe, 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801
Bergs
If climbing up two-storey shophouses has you working up an appetite, kick back and relax at Bergs where you can order gourmet burgers that will leave you chuffed and stuffed.
Bergs, 10 Haji Lane, Singapore 189203
The Mad Sailors
If you’re a fan of establishments like Working Title, Afterwit, Tipo and The Co-op, you’re in luck! Brought to you by the same people, The Mad Sailors is where you can get your fill of classic British-pub grub like chip butty and fish and chips.
The Mad Sailors, 24 Haji Lane, Singapore 189217
Good Luck Beerhouse
A jaunt down Haji Lane isn’t complete without grabbing a cold one at its only craft beer bar – and one of the best in Singapore. With a huge selection of craft beer bottles and rotating beers on tap, Goodluck Beerhouse is bound to satiate even the pickiest tastebuds.
Good Luck Beerhouse, 9 Haji Lane, Singapore 189202
Going Om
This peaceful sanctuary hidden in the heart of the CBD is where hippies and cool cats go to unwind with friends. We recommend going down on a Friday night to catch the live music acts.
Going OM, 63 Haji Lane, Singapore 189256
Blu Jaz Café
A place that needs zero introduction, Blu Jaz Café has established itself as the go-to amongst jazz connoisseurs and hip bar-hoppers looking for great live music and drinks. You’ll also find underground parties here, pushing out sounds like hip-hop, reggaeton and even drum and bass.
Blu Jaz Cafe, 11 Bali Lane (off Haji Lane), Singapore 189848
I Am…
This street side café regularly draws crowds on the weekends and it’s easy to see why: Inspired by Amsterdam, I Am… serves up hearty, delish mains like sandwiches, pasta, fish and chips and pizza in a so-hipster-it-hurts setting. The main draw? Their signature burgers – like the Charcoal Grilled Sloppy Beef Burger, complete with a house special messy sauce that’s worth getting your hands dirty for – and the oh-so Instagrammable multi-layer rainbow cake.
I Am…, 674 North Bridge Road (off Haji Lane), Singapore 188804
Our fave shops in Haji Lane
Hygge
So what if Hygge has converted the cafe to a lifestyle store? There’s still plenty to shop for. Looking for a special and personalised gift for a friend? There’s nothing short of home decor, accessories, apparels and bags. You can even customise names or initials on some of the items.
Hygge, 37 Haji Lane, Singapore 189230
Craft Assembly
Talk about uniquely Singaporean trinkets and knick-knacks. Stock up on all things handmade and quirky at the Craft Assembly. Things to look forward: earrings, pins, tote bags, magnets, along with vintage apparel and toys.
Craft Assembly, 61 Haji Lane, Singapore 189254
The Silver Triangle
This quaint little jewellery shop was such a delight to visit. Step in and you’ll find hordes of authentic fine silver jewellery and coloured beads and stones made from Laotian tribes. Feel free to bag some tips from the friendly owner. You’re sure to leave with a piece or two.
The Silver Triangle, 16 Haji Lane, Singapore 189209
Drunken Balloon
Located at the end of Haji Lane, this shop is tough not to miss (and ignore) with orange and red balloon sculptures suspended over a contrasting blue storefront. Drunken Balloon looks like the ultimate party store from outside, but it’s a whole different vibe inside. The shop is filled to the brim with ample retro memorabilia, board games, party games (The Harry Potter edition of Cards of Humanity caught our eye) and quirky novelty items for you to take home. Need some entertainment and supplies for a party? You know where to go.
Drunken Balloon, 84 Haji Lane, Singapore 189273
Crafune
Craft your own wallets, passport holders, keychains, money clips and cardholders at Crafune. Hidden on the second level, above the prawn noodle shop, this indie boutique uses high-quality vegetable-tanned leathers Italy (in various colours) that will age beautifully as you use it. Go for a wallet crafting workshop to create your own bespoke piece or select something in store.
Crafune, #02-01, 38 Haji Lane, Singapore 189231
Life By Design – New Age Spiritual Centre
If you’ve ever wondered where you can get an ouija board (for whatever reason) in Singapore, then this would save you the Google search. Life by Design carries all kinds of items from the weird and wonderful world of tarot cards, séance guides and even a literal book of spells.
Life By Design, 43 Haji Lane, Singapore 189236
SSFW
SSFW, or Spring Summer Fall Winter, specialises in handmade arm candy for stylish peeps. Step into their boutique, and you can have your pick of one-of-a-kind accessories like gemstone jewellery and even home décor.
SSFW, 75 Haji Lane, Singapore 189268
What to do in Haji Lane
99 Percent Hair Studio
We get it: trusting a hairstylist with a dye job, especially a bleach and dye job is pretty risky stuff. But when you’re in the trusty hands of the hair maestros at this hair studio, you’ll be strutting out of there looking like #hairgoals.
99 Percent Hair Studio, #01-01, 40 Haji Lane, Singapore 189233
The Nail Social
There’s more to this nail salon than meets the eye. While ladies can relax and pamper themselves with a well-deserved mani-pedi, The Nail Social is also committed to giving back to charities such as Beyond Social Services.
The Nail Social, Second floor, 42A Haji Lane, Singapore 189235
The Nail Artelier
Art takes centre stage in the nail services here. Unlike other nail salons, there are no fixed designs, so the nail artists work to make your specific design a dream come true. Do book ahead, ’cause this place is always packed with bright, young things – another testament to the popularity of its gorgeous nail art.
The Nail Artelier, 666 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188800
Picasso Hair Studio
Tucked away in the ‘hood is Picasso Hair Studio, which prides itself on “artistic hairstyling”. Its tagline isn’t just another gimmick – aside from the salon’s art studio-inspired premises (think mirrors instead of canvases on easels and a giant paint-splattered mural at its forefront), clients with perm or colouring work done leave with genuine masterpieces. Take a quick look through the colour gallery. Gorgeous ombre colouring in pastels and striking rainbow colours are artfully done, while perms are smooth, frizz-free and guaranteed to suit your face shape.
Picasso Hair Studio, 662 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188798
