Here's your guide to New Bahru, covering its heritage, concept, and the best places to eat, shop, and experience in the lifestyle hub.
New Bahru is now one of Singapore’s buzziest lifestyle destinations, packed with homegrown brands, cafes, wellness studios, retail concepts, and creative spaces under one roof. The site occupies the former Nan Chiau High School campus on Kim Yam Road, which dates back to the 1940s and was later rebuilt in 1969. Here’s everything you need to know about New Bahru. Oh, and for more around the neighbourhood, read our guide to River Valley.
New Bahru guide: Details at a glance
@thehoneycombers New Bahru is set to be a hot new lifestyle destination in Singapore! 🌟 The former Nan Chiau High School has been given new life and is now transformed into a creative and lifestyle destination that’s dedicated to all things locally-grown. While the grand opening is still a little while away, you can already visit some of the brands who can now proudly call New Bahru their home. Psst: a lot of spaces are pet-friendly, so be sure to bring your furbabies along so they can enjoy it too! 📍 New Bahru 46 Kim Yam Road . #newbahru #thingstodosg #wheretogosg #exploresg #sgnews #dateideassg #shoppingsg #cafessg #tiktoksg
Best for: Cafe-hopping, retail therapy, and slow wandering through a buzzy heritage lifestyle space
Must-visit spots: Stacked Store; Kotuwa; Artichoke; Beyond the Vines; Hideaway; Odem
Opening hours: Daily, timings vary depending on the business
Expected spending: $20 to $60+ (depending on how hungry or shop-happy you get)
Address: New Bahru, 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
What is New Bahru?
New Bahru is a creative lifestyle destination in River Valley that brings together independent Singapore brands across dining, retail, wellness, arts, and culture. Conceptualised by The Lo & Behold Group, the space was designed as a hub for discovery and community, with over 60 homegrown and select international brands housed within a restored heritage campus.
The name “Bahru”, which means “new” in Malay, is also a playful nod to Singapore’s love for repeated words and colloquial expressions. Unsurprisingly for a project of this scale and aesthetic, it has also sparked online chatter about “hipsterification” and gentrification.
What was New Bahru before this?
Before becoming New Bahru, the site was home to the former Nan Chiau High School campus on Kim Yam Road. Originally established in the 1940s by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, the school later moved out in the early 2000s, leaving behind its distinctive architecture and assembly halls.
Much of the original 1960s Brutalist-inspired design has since been carefully conserved and adapted into the lifestyle destination visitors see today – a thoughtful example of adaptive reuse that blends heritage with contemporary creative culture.
What’s new at New Bahru?
Two years since its opening, New Bahru is finally marking its final phase with the official opening of the Factory Block. Previously known as Tai Wah Garments & Knitting Factory, the two restored floors now house 12 local and international brands.
New dining options available at the block include Dumpling Darlings, which is launching its largest flagship store, cult-favourite Kulon and its first kiosk concept, Orh Gao Peh Gao offering day and night menus, and Kaos Minang by Rumah Makan Minang.
The new retail lineup includes popular lifestyle and home decor brand Stacked Store, opening its first outlet at New Bahru, and Store Store, a rotating pop-up platform showcasing new design collections, limited releases, brand collaborations, and events. Shoppers can also look forward to international tenants like Beams, a celebrated fashion label from Japan, and Future Resonance, a wellness concept centred around sound healing and somatic practices.
The Factory Block’s opening follows the recent refurbishment of New Bahru’s School Hall, which will host exhibitions, performances, and community-led activities, including bookable pickleball courts for the public.
How to get to New Bahru
By train: You can take the Downtown Line to Fort Canning or the Thomson-East Coast Line to Great World MRT stations. From there, it’s between a 10- and 20-minute walk to New Bahru.
By car or motorcycle: If you plan to drive or ride, there are outdoor parking lots for your vehicles (140 for cars and six for motorcycles). Parking rates are $2 for the first hour and $1 for every subsequent 30 minutes for cars, and $2 per entry for motorcycles.
By private hire or taxi: Drop-off and pick-up points are at the Big Block.
What to eat at New Bahru
From modern Asian seafood to Sri Lankan flavours and casual all-day bites, New Bahru’s dining scene is where a lot of the buzz lives. Here are some standout restaurants and cafes to fuel your visit — stay tuned for our full breakdown of the best food spots in New Bahru.
1. One Prawn & Co
After evolving from its original prawn noodle concept, One Prawn & Co has expanded into a modern Asian seafood restaurant centred around wood-fire cooking and dry-aged seafood. Expect smoky grilled seafood, rich prawn-based broths, and contemporary sharing plates served in a relaxed but polished setting with an open kitchen and bar.
Must-try items: Beef bulgogi and bafun uni; hamachi crudo, kimchi, puffed rice; smoked ice cream, kaya, coffee
How much: Lunch from $6; dinner from $10; cocktails from $19
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: One Prawn & Co, #01-10, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
2. Kotuwa
After moving from its original Neil Road location, Kotuwa now occupies a prominent space within New Bahru. Helmed by chef-owner Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet fame, the restaurant spotlights Sri Lankan flavours through bold, spice-forward plates inspired by his heritage.
This outpost also introduces a dedicated bar programme featuring cocktails and bar bites designed to complement the menu. Pair the well-balanced Souvenir cocktail with the spicy calamari or crisp mutton rolls for a strong start to the meal.
Must-try items: Lamb shank in Sri Lankan red curry; dallo baduma; polos kottu; Islander’s Gamble
How much: Set menu at $155++ per pax; food from $8; cocktails from $25
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 6pm to 11pm and Fridays to Sundays, 12pm to 11pm
Address: Kotuwa, #01-03, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
3. Odem
Odem is a dedicated artisanal makgeolli bar showcasing small-batch craft brewers from across Korea. The rotating selection highlights labels produced by independent brewers, offering diners the chance to explore a wider spectrum of traditional Korean rice wine styles.
We recommend the kitchen’s contemporary Korean plates to go with your tipples. The black garlic tart sounds unconventional, but delivers a surprisingly balanced mix of savoury sweetness and richness.
Must-try items: Fig and jujube salad; duck guksu; kalbi sando; hwachae
How much: Food from $8; makkoli from $62
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11.30am to 11pm (open till 12am on Fridays & Saturdays)
Address: Odem, #01-17, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
4. Dearborn
After building a loyal following at Everton Park, Dearborn has expanded into a larger flagship space at New Bahru. The popular cafe combines its signature granola offerings with a micro-bakery and provision shop stocked with pantry staples and breakfast goods. Expect hearty all-day breakfast plates alongside the granola bowls that first put the brand on Singapore’s cafe radar.
Must-try items: Potato and egg; Dearborn breakfast sandwich; advanced granola bowl
How much: From $6
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Mondays, 9am to 3pm
Address: Dearborn, #03-04, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
5. One Fattened Calf Burgers
One Fattened Calf takes a meticulous approach to its burgers, with everything made in-house, from the pickles to the signature sauces. The result is a tightly executed menu focused on rich, flavour-packed burgs with crisp-edged patties and indulgent sides. It’s no surprise these folks often rank in Singapore’s best burgers lists. Go for the butter burger with cheese fries or tater tots if you’re fully leaning into comfort food territory.
Must-try items: OFC cheeseburger; OFC butterburger
How much: Burgers from $16.50; a la carte from $9.50
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 3pm & 5pm to 8pm
Address: One Fattened Calf Burgers, #01-11, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
Where to shop in New Bahru
Beyond its dining offerings, New Bahru is also home to a strong mix of homegrown retail and design-led stores. From fashion and jewellery to homeware and plants, these are the spots worth browsing. Our full guide to the best shops in New Bahru will be up soon!
6. Stacked Store
After building a loyal following online, this homegrown lifestyle retailer has opened its first standalone physical outlet at New Bahru. Look forward to curated homeware, collectible decor pieces, and independent labels from around the world, all styled within a warm, lived-in retail concept that feels more like stepping into a thoughtfully designed home than a traditional store.
What you can find: Homeware; furniture; lifestyle accessories; collectible decor; gifting items
How much: From $4
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm (opening 16 May 2026)
Address: Stacked Store, #01-06, New Bahru, 58 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239359
7. Soilboy
Rejoice, green thumbs! Singapore-based design studio Soilboy brings its curated selection of greenery and handmade ceramics to New Bahru with a dedicated experience store. The space also hosts hands-on workshops and showcases immersive plant installations, making it a worthwhile stop for both seasoned plant parents and casual browsers looking to add a little more green to their homes.
What you can find: Potted plants; planters; essentials like potting mix; lifestyle items such as plant platforms
How much: From $19
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 7pm
Address: Soilboy, #02-07/08, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
8. Beyond The Vines Design House
What else is there to say about this lovingly local label? Beyond The Vines opened its largest Singapore store at New Bahru, occupying a spacious first-floor unit that houses the brand’s full range of bags, apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods. Expect familiar bestsellers like the dumpling bag alongside exclusive launches and design-forward everyday essentials.
What you can find: Bags; men’s, women’s, and kids’ wear; shoes; accessories
How much: From $8
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 8pm (opens at 10am on weekends)
Address: Beyond The Vines Design House, #01-07, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
9. Curious Creatures
Homegrown jewellery label Curious Creatures expands its retail presence with a boutique at this creative cluster. Known for its fine and demi-fine jewellery collections, the brand draws inspiration from gemstones, travel, and nature, with pieces designed in-house for everyday wear and layering.
What you can find: Necklaces; bracelets; earrings; anklets; rings
How much: From $42
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 8pm
Address: Curious Creatures, #02-12, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
10. Sojao
Sustainable homegrown label Sojao focuses on certified organic essentials designed with comfort and longevity in mind. At its New Bahru space, you’ll find the brand’s signature buttery-soft bedding alongside bath essentials, home accessories, and loungewear crafted from responsibly sourced materials.
What you can find: Bedding; home decor; bath essentials; loungewear
How much: From $5
Opening hours: Weekdays, 11am to 7pm, and weekends, 10am to 8pm
Address: Sojao, #03-05, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
Things to do at New Bahru
Wellness, fitness, and creative experiences round out the New Bahru experience, making it more than just a place to eat and shop. Whether you’re here for a workout, a workshop, or a slow afternoon reset, here are some experiences to check out. Keep your eyes peeled for all the best things to do at New Bahru guide, coming soon.
11. Hideaway
Hideaway brings wellness-focused experiences to New Bahru with a bathhouse concept centred around rest and recovery. Occupying the Big Block’s fifth floor, the space features infrared saunas, cold plunges, and a range of massage treatments designed for post-workout recovery or a midweek reset. Excuse us, we’re making our reservations now.
Treatments available: Body and foot massages; 90- and 120-minute packages; infrared sauna and cold plunges
How much: From $40 (members) and $48 (non-members)
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 10pm (opens at 10am on weekends)
Address: Hideaway, #05-07/08, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
12. Mobilus
This fitness studio offers personalised training programmes tailored to different fitness goals, from strength-building and bodybuilding to aerobic conditioning. The gym is also known for its Hyrox-focused training sessions, making it a popular option for those preparing for the endurance fitness competition.
Programmes available: High intensity workouts; aerobic training; bodybuilding; strength training; weightlifting
How much: Membership rates start at $420; single session drop-in at $45
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Mobilus, #05-06, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
13. Chalk N Pencils
If you’ve reached this far and stopped to read this, this is your sign to pick up a new hobby. Chalk N Pencils is an art studio offering adult classes across a variety of mediums, catering to both beginners and experienced artists. Guided by instructors, participants can explore different techniques in a relaxed studio setting designed to encourage creativity without feeling overly intimidating.
Classes available: Life drawing; watercolour painting; pastel and charcoal; oil and acrylic painting
How much: Enquire for prices
Opening hours: Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 10am to 6pm, Wednesdays, 9am to 4pm, and weekends, 9am to 6pm
Address: Chalk N Pencils, #04-11, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
14. Off Duty Pilates
Welcome to Off Duty’s newest pilates studio in Singapore. Sessions are capped at 10 participants, allowing instructors to provide more personalised guidance during workouts. Private classes are also available for those looking for a more customised experience.
Classes available: Reformer and chair pilates
How much: Starter packages from $90; group packages from $45
Opening hours: Mondays & Thursdays, 8am to 9.30pm, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9am to 9.30pm, Fridays, 8am to 6pm, Saturdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Sundays, 8.30am to 4pm
Address: Off Duty Pilates, #04-18, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
15. Surge
Surge opened its flagship gym at New Bahru, focusing on personal training programmes centred around strength-building, weight loss, and overall fitness development. The space combines one-on-one coaching with a community-driven environment aimed at making gym training more approachable for different fitness levels.
Good for: Personal training in strength foundation and weight loss
How much: Enquire for prices
Opening hours: Weekdays, 6am to 9pm and Saturdays, 7am to 3pm
Address: Surge, #05-05, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
Make a date with New Bahru and explore Singapore’s most vibey destination – stat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Bahru's anchor retail stores?
You're invited to explore and shop at Beams (legendary Japanese fashion label), Beyond The Vines Design House (cult-favourite local brand), Stacked Store (property-turned-lifestyle brand), and Soilboy (a stunning plant design studio and ceramics gallery).
Are there any unique pop-up spaces?
Yes. Store Store (School Block, Level 2) is a dedicated platform for rotating pop-ups. From now until July 2026, it features fashion labels Source and Atlas Kind.
Where should I eat at New Bahru?
The cluster is a food haven with 60+ brands. Top picks include Artichoke (Bjorn Shen's revamped pizza parlour), Kotuwa (chef Rishi Naleendra's celebrated Sri Lankan restaurant), Odem (artisanal Korean rice wine bar and restaurant), and One Fattened Calf (often cited as one of the best burger spots in Singapore).
Is there a day-to-night spot?
Look for Orh Gao Peh Gao in the Factory Block. It operates as a modern Nanyang coffeeshop by day and transforms into a craft beer taproom in the evening.
What wellness options are available?
Check out Hideaway, Mobilus, and Pyramids of Chi.
Is New Bahru pet-friendly?
Yes, most outdoor areas and several cafes (like Peh Gao) are pet-friendly, making it a popular weekend spot for paw-rents.
What is happening in the School Hall?
The former school hall is now a massive event space. Having hosted Singapore Art Week 2026 earlier this year, it currently features rotating design exhibitions and community events.
