So you’re making the pilgrimage to Alexandra Road… We spill the deets on award-winning hawker food, budget shopping and hidden gems in the neighbourhood!
Queenstown holds bragging rights to a string of firsts for Singapore – the first sports complex, satellite town, and HDB apartments, to name a few. Nuggets of culture aside, this unpretentious neighbourhood is also sprawling with hidden gems. From Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries and cool cafes to old school classics and factory outlet shopping to a swanky hotel with a rooftop bar, here’s all you need to know about Queenstown.
Guide to Queenstown: Eat & Drink
1. Sin & Savage Bakehouse
Elevated cafe plates in a cosy neighbourhood? Yes, please. Sin & Savage Bakehouse is true to its name by delivering some indulgent treats that are oh so sinful. Brunch classics can be found, along with mains like steak, fish and chips, and assorted pastas. Bakes here are available on a rotational basis, so you gotta pay this spot a visit to get a full look at what it has to offer. If you see them, get the donuts filled with berry jam.
Sin & Savage Bakehouse, #01-1153 Stirling View, 169 Stirling Road, Singapore 140169
2. Colbar
Travel back to the 60s at this quaint colonial bar. Previously a canteen for the British army back in 1953, Colbar serves a wide selection of British beer and comforting Hainanese Western grub. The selling point of this charming bar is in its atmosphere. During relocation, the owners ensured everything, including its clay roof tin and timbre walls, were carefully redesigned to mirror the original bar. From a vintage weighing machine to historic photos of the Colbar Football Club, this joint delivers a slice of old Singapore.
Colbar Eating House, 9A Whitchurch Road, Singapore 138839
3. ABC Brickworks
Sick of Ikea meatballs and cafe grub? Indulge in the ABCs of hawker fare at this unassuming but highly recommended place. Almost all dishes are good enough to devour. But if you live by reviews, snag a huge portion of chicken chop at Wow Wow West, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed Ah Er Soup.
ABC Brickworks, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150006
4. Timbre+
The modern food court carries an array of food options to satiate your hunger pangs. From new-gen hawkers to European cuisine and traditional hawker fare, there’s more than enough to choose from. And in true Timbre fashion, you’ll be treated to live music from resident artistes every night.
Timbre+, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 13995
5. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
Surprise! This specialty coffee house started back in 1960. Yes, Tiong Hoe was probably the mother of all hipster neighbourhood cafes. Besides serving a mean cuppa, Tiong Hoe also conducts coffee appreciation workshops for coffee aficionados. These guys have so much respect for their craft that prices are on a tipping basis. Give Tiong Hoe a go if you’re in pursuit for the perfect roast.
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, #01-1133, 170 Stirling Road, Singapore 140170
6. Alexandra Food Village
Queensway seems to have hit hawker jackpot, with not one but two renowned hawker centres just minutes away from each other. We’re already craving the Zhen Shan Mei Depot Road Claypot Laksa. One spoonful of this piping hot bowl of goodness and your whole world will change. Different from the usual bowl of creamy laksa, this version is muted and served in a claypot, allowing the dish to retain its heat and giving it a distinctive smoky (wok hei) flavour.
Alexandra Food Village, 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150123
7. Ristorante Takada
Chef Masahiro Takada runs the show at this classy Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant. After mastering his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in both Italy and Japan, it’s no surprise his food here is superb. The a la carte menu is kept concise, so you know that high quality plates will be dished out from its kitchen.
Ristorante Takada, #01-07, Alexis, 356 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159948
8. Cafe Melba
This relaxing cafe will take you away from the urban hustle and bustle, while treating you to amazing grub – think fluffy pancakes, brekkie platters, sandwiches, burgers and pasta. It’s a popular haunt for bookworms too, so pack a book and grab a cuppa when your tums are warm and filled.
Cafe Melba, #03-01, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
9. Eng Kee Chicken Wings
Who needs commercialised wings when you’ve got Eng Kee? One of Singapore’s oldest and most famous names for crispy golden wings, this local joint also serves economical fried bee hoon – a breakfast staple in our Lion City. Although there’s usually a never-ending line here, a plate of freshly fried chicken wings is always worth the wait.
Eng Kee, #01-711, 117 Commonwealth Crescent, Singapore 140117
10. Arkadas Cafe
Arkadas Cafe serves up scrumptious Turkish and Middle Eastern food. We’re talking kebabs, pides, koftas, kanafeh and, of course, spectacular dips aka hummus galore. Wash it all down with a strong Turkish tea or coffee.
Arkadas Cafe, #01-02, 1 Fusionopolis View, Singapore 138577
11. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Trust us, you’ll want to bring the whole clan for this. Probably the best zi char you’ll find in Alexandra (hit us up for other takers), the family-run restaurant is famed for its succulent salted egg crab dish. The coffee pork ribs, silky moonlight hor fun and claypot pork liver are made to impress. Totally worth those calories.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood, #01-136, 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150124
12. Old Habits
Step in and you’ll be instantly transported to the past. After all, Old Habits is a hybrid cafe that houses an antique shop. Once you’ve taken a good look around – there are vintage clocks and posters, old typewriters and knick knacks – treat yourself to amazing fusion dishes, plus your usual mix of cafe grub and hearty mains.
Old Habits, #01-04, Safra, 2 Telok Blangah Way, Mount Faber, Singapore 098803
Guide to Queenstown: Shopping
13. Anchorpoint
Otherwise known as the mall across Ikea, Anchorpoint’s got everything you need for a day out with the fam. It might be smaller compared to the other malls around the island, but you’ll be mighty impressed with everything it has to offer. It’s since gotten a facelift, bringing in hip brands like Anagram Coffee, Daun Bistro, and Tiong Bahru Bakery. One thing’s for sure, you definitely won’t be bored here.
Anchorpoint, 370 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159953
14. Queensway Shopping Centre
Yes, this suburban mall is famously known as the sports mall of Singapore, as it’s bursting with big brands. Looking for limited edition Nike kicks or a place to customise your tennis racket? This is the place to be. Little did you know that an arena of bang-for-your-buck optical shops, old school tailors and t-shirt printing shops also await.
Queensway Shopping Centre, 1 Queensway, Singapore 149053
15. Ikea
It’s a no brainer that most of us hit the Queenstown ‘hood thanks to everyone’s favourite Swedish furniture shop. Like a trip to Daiso, you know you’ll always emerge with more stuff from the Market Hall than you intended to get. We’ll pray to the furniture gods as we embark on putting that bookshelf together.
Ikea, 317 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159965
Guide to Queenstown: Stay
16. Momentus Hotel Alexandra
In dire need of a staycay? Step inside this urban oasis to enjoy postcard-perfect views of the Southern Ridges and city skyline. Momentus Hotel Alexandra boasts a quiet charm, and is home to modern and contemporary facilities. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from a number of attractions, including our famed Sentosa island. We won’t blame you if you choose to stay within the comfy confines of this hotel though!
Momentus Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159972
17. Park Avenue Rochester
Whether for business or leisure, Park Avenue Rochester is the ideal getaway. The hotel is surrounded by greenery, making it a blissful retreat away from the city. Rooms range from a cosy superior room to a spacious two-bedroom suite – perfect for families of four or big groups. It’s also well-connected to the MRT and bus stops, making it super convenient to get around.
Park Avenue Rochester, 31 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138637
Guide to Queenstown: Explore the neighbourhood
18. Haw Par Villa
If you haven’t already been, you must visit Haw Par Villa. Previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by Aw Boon Haw in tribute to his brother. Fun fact: their father was the one who created Tiger Balm, hence the name! It reflects Boon Haw’s passion for Chinese mythology, housing a number of statues depicting traditional Chinese folklore and the famous Ten Courts of Hell. The Aw family continued to develop the park until the Singapore Tourism Board acquired it. That’s how it became the Haw Par Villa we know today.
Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
19. Queenstown Public Library
Unwind with a book in hand and sink into the nostalgic vibes of Singapore’s first full-time library branch. Yes, you’re in the oldest library in Singapore. Of course, with a huge array of books along with a serene atmosphere, it’s easy to lose yourself and even spend an entire day here. We’re not complaining.
Queenstown Public Library, 53 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149297
20. Gillman Barracks
This colonial barracks-turned-cool art space is the go-to spot for those seeking a dose of contemporary art with its distinctive galleries. You’ll find leading local-based and international art galleries here, including Fost Gallery (featuring the works of Singaporean artists) and Yeo Workshop (a series of exhibitions and gallery-based projects by emerging artists).
Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
21. Car showrooms
Whether you’re an automobile freak, just browsing or feeling the need to walk off those calories after lunch, this stretch of car showrooms a la Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will fix you up nicely.
Car showrooms from 247-315 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159934
22. SkyVille@Dawson
Psst: Want to catch killer views of Singapore’s majestic cityscape… for free? Hop on over to this picturesque HDB estate and head 47 storeys up to the roof garden. It’s a great under-the-radar spot for a quiet picnic with ample seating and a cool breeze – sans the blazing sun. Look closer and try to spot its competitor from afar (it’s Pinnacle@Duxton, but you didn’t hear this from us).
Skyville@Dawson, 86 Dawson Road, Singapore 141086
23. Wessex Estate
Once a British army base, these black and white colonial buildings house numerous art studio and galleries. Spend a day at this undiscovered neighbourhood hopping from studio to studio and chat up various artists who promise to spin an interesting story or two.
Wessex Estate, 4 Woking Road, Singapore 138703
And there’s your list of the best things to do, see, and eat in Queenstown!
