There’s a new kid on the River Valley block, and nope, it’s not Tiong or Johor – put your hands up for New Bahru!
Out with the old, in with the new – or new new, in this case. Say hello to New Bahru, an upcoming attraction in the River Valley ‘hood. Taking over the former Nan Chiau High School on Kim Yam Road, the new lifestyle development is billed as Singapore’s first creative cluster housing over 50 local and international brands, spanning the gamut from food and retail to wellness and even hospitality. New Bahru will open its doors progressively from May onwards, with an open house set for 22 and 23 June. While we wait in anticipation, here’s a lowdown on the building’s new residents.
All around New Bahru are familiar faces: Food friends to look out for
1. Artichoke
Finally, after months of searching, our favourite sustainable dining restaurant has found a new home! The popular Middle Eastern eatery will relocate and expand to include a karak chai bar and minimart. Wonder what’ll be stocked in the mart… We can’t wait to get our fill of hummus, Yemeni beef stew, and Mediterranean sweet treats at its new digs.
Artichoke
2. One Fattened Calf Burgers
“One of the best burgers in Singapore!” Our group editor endorses this eatery, so you can bet this is one food joint we’ll run (not walk) towards when New Bahru officially rolls out its red carpet. One thing you must know is that these folks are serious about their burgers. Everything is created from scratch, including preparing the pickles and making the signature sauce. We highly recommend getting the butter burger with cheese fries, especially if you feel indulgent.
One Fattened Calf Burgers
3. PPP Coffee
Every establishment needs at least one coffee joint. In New Bahru, this specialty coffee roaster has taken up that spot. The local brand will introduce a new concept that includes an omakase experience. With coffee? Hmm, interesting. Visitors can also look forward to an all-day dining menu featuring pastries curated by Sandra Lee, a well-known figure in the local patisserie scene.
PPP Coffee
4. Dearborn
From Everton Park to River Valley, this granola-specialty cafe is definitely going places. Dearborn’s new flagship store will feature a micro-bakery and a provision shop stocked with breakfast goods. But what we’re excited about is the all-day breakfast cafe, which will surely boast all the granola bowls we know and love.
Dearborn
5. The Coconut Club
Spotted: local food in the vicinity. Finally! This casual restaurant needs no introduction since the entire Singapore knows what it’s all about. The Coconut Club’s third outlet promises to be the most exciting yet, with an expanded menu spotlighting other local favourites. Psst: we hear there’s a collaboration in the works. We don’t know what it is yet, but trust us when we say we’re on the edge of our seats waiting to find out.
The Coconut Club
6. San Shu Gong Chao Yue
Fancy a feast of Teochew cuisine? You don’t have to travel all the way to Geylang Road to try it. This one Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in Teochew fare such as cold crabs, chilled steamed fish, pan-fried oyster omelette, and more. Its second outlet in New Bahru will boast a woodfire charcoal grill, so diners can expect new smoky signature dishes on top of its usual offerings.
San Shu Gong Chao Yue
7. Huevos
If you’re looking for something spec-taco-lar, we know just the place. Huevos is a Mexican joint that consistently sports long queues, which is unsurprising, seeing as foodies constantly rave about its food. We’re expecting the same for this branch.
Huevos
8. One Prawn & Co
True Singaporean foodies will recognise this name. Unlike its Macpherson predecessor, this outlet will boast a new concept: a contemporary take on Asian seafood. A birdie told us there’ll be aged specialities and wood-fire grilling. Will the prawn noodles be making an appearance, though? Your guess is as good as ours.
One Prawn & Co
All around New Bahru are familiar faces: Retail folks to get excited about
9. Soilboy
Rejoice, green thumbs! Soilboy is coming to New Bahru. The Singapore-based plant design studio will be bringing its brand of curated plants and handmade ceramics to the River Valley space. This new experience store will also run hands-on workshops that’ll introduce you to the greener side of life and fascinating plant installations that will leave you mesmerised.
Soilboy
10. Woods in the Books
We’ve not forgotten the book lovers. This independent homegrown bookstore will set up shop in the River Valley enclave. Like its East Coast outlet, we expect a cosy nook filled with picture books, illustrated publications, and other knick-knacks like activity kits and adorable gifts. Those with little ones might have difficulty coaxing them to leave after they step foot in here.
Woods in the Books
11. Sea Apple
Speaking of little ones, here’s another retail shop families should take note of. Local sustainable brand Sea Apple will launch its second store in the building. What’s new here? Well, there’s an in-store customisation experience where shoppers can co-design their own apparel, merchandise, and personalised gifts. Imagine leaving the store with a one-of-a-kind creation!
Sea Apple
12. Rye
This goes out to all the ladies in the house. Are you looking to beef up your capsule collection? Rye has you covered. This womenswear label offers timeless staples in neutral hues, ranging from cotton shirts and polos to structured trousers and cocoon dresses. Watch out for this flagship store – its visionary interior concept and curation will draw you in.
Rye
13. Sojao
How much do we love Sojao? Let us count the ways. First, this brand places sustainability at the forefront of everything it does. Creating certified organic products with the people and planet in mind? Consider us sold. Secondly, the offerings are beyond amazing. Buttery smooth bed sheets, fluffy towels, super soft loungewear… is there anything to hate? Obviously not! This is at the top of our hit list once New Bahru opens.
Sojao
14. Curious Creatures
The rock you’re wearing? You can buy it, ‘cos you depend on yourself! Jewellery enthusiasts will be pleased to know that local brand Curious Creatures is branching out with another store within these premises. Browse through its fine and demi-fine jewellery collections, designed in-house and inspired by gemstones, travel, and nature.
Curious Creatures
See you at New Bahru once it opens later this year!
New Bahru, 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351