A Walk in Tiong Bahru District
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - Tiong Bahru Estate is the first and one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore. Its past goes back way before we were even born. During the recent years, Tiong Bahru underwent a rebirth and rejuvenation; from a quiet, residential estate before it now is Singapore's veteran hipster neighbourhood in the country. Together with the new designation it carries is the rise of a good number of specialty shops all around the vicinity. Here are just some of the bookshops and bakeries that you can go to if you are craving for some good reads and filling desserts.
1. BOOKS ACTUALLY
Books Actually is not your typical bookstore. Aside from the fact that it stands in one of the hippest neighborhood in Singapore, it carries a lot of titles you may not find elsewhere and can make any book addict go gaga over. From travel books, poetry, novels, biography and local favourites, this bookstore will surely has something you fancy but more than that, Books Actually specializes mainly in Fiction and Literature. They publish and distribute books under the imprint Math Paper Press and they also produce hand stitched notebooks and eye-candy stationery with the help of Birds & Co.
Be sure to have ample time when you visit the bookstore as it will surely take you some time to choose a book or two that you will likely take home among a sea of books. Whiff the pages, browse through each section with fondness and care and do not rush through the process. I tell you, the right book for you will come along.
- Address: No. 9 Yong Siak St., Tiong Bahru Estate
- Tel No: +65 6222 9195
- Website: www.booksactually.com
2. WOODS IN THE BOOKS
A stone throw away from Books Actually, Woods in the Books is also an independent bookshop. Its distinguishing factor is the fact that it offers picture books for all ages. If you happen to be a preschool teacher who is in the lookout for story books that you want to read before your class or just someone who collects graphic novels, comics and the like, this quirky bookshop is the place for you!
- Address: No. 3 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru Estate
- Tel No: +65 6222 9980
- Website: www.woodsinthebooks.sg
3. TIONG BAHRU BAKERY
After so much book-ogling and you still find yourself without a book, take a break first in this little bakery down Eng Hoon St called Tiong Bahru Bakery, but of course, by the celebrated baker/chef Gontran Cherrier from Paris. Do not be deceived by the facade of this bakery as its true colours can be seen inside. Compactly filled by a huge number of fans and first-time visitors alike, this brightly-lit place is a sure hit amongst the locals that its existence had already been caught by the radars of foreign visitors. Have a pick of any of the croissants and the Kouign Amann. God, never ever forget the Kouign Amann as it was the real knocker here! Made with lots of layers of butter, sugar and caramel, this simple delight will surely take your mind off the calories and just simply take your breath away. After spending some time tasting and eating most of their bestsellers, you will surely leave the place full and happy at the same time. Now that you regained your energy, you can now go back to where you left off.
- Address: 56 Eng Hoon St. #01-70 Singapore
- Tel No: +65 6220 3430
- Website: www.tiongbahrubakery.com
