TIONG BAHRU

Singapore’s oldest housing estate also happens to be its hippest neighbourhood. In the early 2010s, businesses began setting up shop in Tiong Bahru, breathing new life into the area. Today, the sprawling estate’s pre-war art deco buildings house an eclectic array of indie boutiques and cool cafes, making it one of the most fascinating places in the city.

Start at

where you can order chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) or mee siam (spicy rice vermicelli) for a hearty breakfast. Then, check out the lively wet market on the ground floor, where stalls sell all manner of fresh produce — from fish and poultry to spices — with the sounds of haggling a constant backdrop.

Next, walk to for a spot of shopping. Visit for picture books and graphic novels, and for chic apparel and jewellery. Be sure to also pop into which showcases works by Vietnamese artists.

For a light lunch, head to French-style boulangerie whose artisanal breads and pastries are among the best in town (the sticky, buttery kouignamann is a must-try). Or for something more substantial, photogenic cafe serves up brunch plates such as quinoa beetroot salad and crab tartine with avocado on sourdough.

Just around the corner is a day spa housed across several shipping containers. Decompress with a Swedish or Balinese massage, or opt for an invigorating body scrub.

For dinner, book a table at buzzy which dishes up authentic, rib-sticking Greek cuisine: keftedes (beef meatballs stuffed with mint and lemon), moussaka, souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) and more. Wash it all down in classic Greek style with a shot or two of ouzo.

Centre, Tiong Bahru Market and Food Yong Siak Street Woods in the Books Nana & Bird Artblue Studio, Tiong Bahru Bakery, Merci Marcel Nimble/knead, Bakalaki,

Odette

Three-michelin-starred Odette is arguably Singapore’s most celebrated restaurant, and with good reason. Chef Julien Royer sources top-notch ingredients from artisanal producers to create immaculate French-asian plates such as the signature Normandy brown crab with wasabi oil and nashi pear. The interiors — a combination of pale pink terrazzo, grey velvet and natural timber

— are equally delectable. odetterestaurant.com

Restaurant Euphoria

Despite being less than a year old, this elegant space — owned by acclaimed local chef Jason Tan — has become a destination restaurant. In line with Tan’s ‘gastrobotanica’ culinary philosophy, plant-based ingredients take centre stage; even meat and seafood dishes like lamb and langoustine are elevated by sauces derived from vegetables. restaurant-euphoria.com

Nouri

This inventive restaurant specialises in what it calls ‘crossroads cooking’ — food that lies at the intersection of various cultures. A meal here will take you on a world tour: expect dishes such as acaraje (an Afro-brazilian fritter), cha ca la vong (Vietnamese grilled fish) and pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, all served up at a marble communal table (there are also individual tables for small groups). nouri.com.sg

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

The doyenne of Peranakan food (a mix of Chinese, Malay, Javanese and other influences), Violet Oon serves classics like ayam buah keluak (chicken stew with mangrove tree nuts) in this space, at the National Gallery Singapore. violetoon.com

Candlenut

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers traditional Peranakan dishes made with premium produce. The beef rendang is made with Wagyu, while the kueh pie tee (filled, crispy pastry shells) is stuffed with Boston lobster. comodempsey.sg/ restaurant/candlenut

Daisy’s Dream Kitchen

For a more laid-back setting, this homely spot serves hearty, home-cooked favourites such as chap chye (mixed vegetable stew) and ngoh hiang (meat rolls wrapped in beancurd skin) at wallet-friendly prices. daisysdreamkitchen.oddle.me

Clockwise from top: Nana & Bird; rosemary smoked organic egg, Odette; Atlas’ extensive bar; chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes with preserved radish)