There’s so much to see in Tanglin! Here’s where you should start.
Singapore may be small, but we’re chock full of vibrant neighbourhoods that amaze us over and over again. This time, we’re diving into the cushy Tanglin area. Nestled in the midst of hotspots like Dempsey Hill, Orchard Road, Tiong Bahru, and River Valley, this is one up-and-coming neighbourhood. If you’re looking to move to Singapore, let us show you why Tanglin is the place to be.
Tanglin guide: The best spots for food and drinks
1. Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar
Need to sink your teeth into a delectable brunch before starting your weekend? Kick back and relax with the fam over some delicious food and piping hot cuppas. You can’t go wrong with eggs benedict or a stack of waffles. All the bread and pastries are baked fresh every day, and we make it a point to pre-order a box of brioche donuts before heading down. At night, it transforms into an intimate bistro with drink options like beers and spirits.
Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar, #01-03, Singapore Post, 56 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247964
2. Venusology Cafe
As a pet lover and astrologist, Venus Wang established Venusology Cafe with her husband to create a space of their own. This dog-friendly establishment is probably one of the chillest cafes around the area. Choose a cool indoor seat or head outside and let your pupper wander around as you enjoy a coffee. Oh, and heads up – it’s a vegetarian spot so that means meat-free treats. But don’t overlook the pizzas and waffles here, they’ll fill you right up.
Venusology Cafe, Block A, Phoenix Park, 318 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247979
3. Pantler
For anyone with a sweet tooth, take to Pantler for your dessert fix. Each creation is effortlessly elegant, decorated with precision, and tastes just as good as they look. You can choose from whole cakes and tarts or individual slices to sample a whole variety of flavours. If cakes aren’t your thing, have no fear, because you’ll be spoilt for choice at Pantler. There are other desserts like cream puffs, mille-feuille, creme caramel and more!
Pantler, 474 River Valley Road, Singapore 248359
4. Spruce Phoenix Park
If you ever wanted to dine in a fancy tree house, Spruce is here to make all your dreams come true. Hidden within the lush greenery within Tanglin Road, this restaurant is a peaceful respite away from the city. Swing by at night and seat yourself at one of the alfresco tables to enjoy the breeze. Get a sourdough pizza to share with toppings like mushroom, bacon, and pepperoni or get a plate of pasta for your carb fix. If you’re taking a stroll around the park in the morning, stop by for coffee and fuel up on variations of eggs benedict on weekends.
Spruce, Luxe Sg Holdings, Phoenix Park, 320 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247980
5. Cibo Italiano
Casual and affordable food with fantastic portions – what else do you need? Cibo Italiano is a family-run restaurant that dishes up quintessential Italian fare. The regular patrons of this cosy spot will testify that they come back time and time again because of how delicious everything is. Try the mozzarella with prosciutto and tomatoes to whet your appetite for pasta and pizza. The staff are also incredibly attentive – they’re constantly on the lookout if you need any assistance.
Cibo Italiano, #01-01/02, Loft @ Nathan, 428 River Valley Road, Singapore 248327
Tanglin guide: Explore and sightsee
6. Museum of Ice Cream
This museum is unlike any other you’ve been to. We consider it a playground for all ages! Museum of Ice Cream hails from New York and brings its interactive exhibitions to our sunny shores. You get to learn all about ice cream and its history through different installations around this pink wonderland. If you ever dreamt about burying yourself into sprinkles, live that fantasy in the sprinkle pool. Oh, and be sure to take advantage of the unlimited ice cream that comes in different shapes and forms.
Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Road, Singapore 248837
7. Istana Woodneuk
Full disclosure: this spot is considered private property and no longer welcomes the prying eyes of the public. But we have to talk about Istana Woodneuk. This abandoned two-storey mansion once belonged to the Sultan of Johor. It served as the Generals’ Headquarters and a military hospital – and even survived a bombing by the Japanese during the war. However, after a tragic fire, it was deemed beyond repair and is now left overwhelmed by the forest. You won’t be able to hike there, but this historical site deserves a mention.
Istana Woodneuk, 766 Tyersall Avenue, Singapore 257699
8. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Imagine having Singapore’s first Unesco World Heritage Site in your backyard. Tanglin is blessed by being just a stone’s throw away from Singapore Botanic Gardens. Taking up 82 hectares of land, this is the first and only tropical garden on the Unesco’s World Heritage List. There are several areas you can explore. This includes the National Orchid Garden where you’ll get to see over 1,000 species and hybrids of orchids. Take yourself to Symphony Lake to catch orchestral performances or plays. The garden also plays host to a multitude of top notch restaurants. You can’t go wrong with the local delights at The Halia. Or if it’s an extra special date night, head to Pangium helmed by Michelin-starred chef Malcolm Lee.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
9. Kay Siang Bunkers
If you love incorporating a good hike in your day, take the morning to discover Kay Siang Bunkers. Built during World War II in the 1940s, it served as storage for the British military at the time. However as time went on, the bunkers were used less frequently before being completely abandoned. The three bunkers are located pretty close by to each other, so it won’t be too difficult to find. But, they are engulfed by the overgrowth of vegetation. It’ll be a fun challenge to spot them all!
Kay Siang Bunkers
10. Open Farm Community
As one of the few farms in Singapore, Open Farm Community brings an urban farm and restaurant concept to our city. It serves as the missing link to strengthen our understanding and respect for food. Head out in the morning for the farm tours that happen every other Saturday to learn more! It’s led by Open Farm Community’s agriculture specialists. They’ll take you through the origins of your homegrown produce through a multi-sensory experience. After that adventure, tuck into the weekend brunch menu with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
Tanglin guide: More hotspots in the neighbourhood
11. Tudor Court
Conserved in 2005, Tudor Court served as the headquarters of the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board. It also has a history of being used as quarters for civil servants. The building boasts old school European facades. You’ll find a variety of small businesses within the row of colonial-style shophouses.
Tudor Court, 131 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247924
12. Tanglin Club
Established in 1865, this is arguably Singapore’s oldest private club. It was considered a pillar in Singapore’s social scene for the European community. Its dance floor and live band are highly talked about. And who can ignore the social event – The Tanglin Ball – held every year? Tanglin Club carries an aura of prestige and quality, hosting members from all over the world. Members have access to a slew of services and amenities like an in-house hair salon and library. If you have kids, no worries because there are child-friendly facilities for your little one to enjoy.
Tanglin Club, 5 Stevens Road, Singapore 257814
13. Embassies
What makes Tanglin a popular spot amongst expats is the close proximity to a number of embassies. It definitely makes things less stressful if you need to get in contact with governments overseas for any diplomatic matters. The Embassy of France, British High Commission, High Commission of India, Pakistan House, and Australian High Commission are just some of the embassies located within the neighbourhood.
And there you have it! All the best things to do, see, and eat at Tanglin.
