Discover the Hottest Spots to Explore, Dine, and Shop at Singapore’s Premier Lifestyle Destination of 2024
Introducing New Bahru, the latest buzz in River Valley! Set to transform the former Nan Chiau High School on Kim Yam Road, this groundbreaking lifestyle hub will be Singapore’s first creative cluster. Home to over 50 local and international brands, New Bahru offers a diverse mix of dining, shopping, wellness, and hospitality experiences. As we eagerly await its grand opening, here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store.
Things to Do & Shop
1. Soilboy
Soilboy is taking root at New Bahru, boasting one of the cluster’s most stunning store designs. Expanding to five times the size of its former Sin Ming location, this serene oasis invites shoppers to explore a curated selection of low-maintenance houseplants, chic handmade pots from Korea, and unique merchandise co-created with local illustrators like Oak & Bindi. The store also features a potting station that doubles as a plant clinic for your ailing green friends, and a dedicated workshop space for plant care workshops, bonsai styling classes, and ikebana activities.
2. Sea Apple Create Store
The Sea Apple Create Store is all about playfulness and creativity. Drawing inspiration from its United Square outlet, the new space is bright and cheerful, lined with imaginative apparel for both kids and parents. Expect to find clothes stamped with 90s-inspired patterns, outer space themes, and more. The store also offers imaginative books by publishers like Phaidon and a range of soft toys, including the beloved Jelly Cats. The highlight is the Create station, where you can personalize apparel, caps, name tags, and more with fun patches and stickers starting from just $1 each.
3. MAKE by GINLEE
Ginlee, known for its contemporary womenswear, brings its popular workshops to New Bahru with MAKE by Ginlee. While the store continues to offer its signature pleated dresses and apparel, the main attraction is the workshop space. Here, you can participate in The MAKE Experience ($88) and The Tee-tO-Bag Experience (now $68). In the first, create a uniquely pleated bag tailored to your preferences. In the second, transform an old T-shirt into a stylish and functional bag.
4. Morning
Founders Leon and Bowen’s shared passion for coffee led to the creation of the Morning Machine. This sleek coffee maker dispenses unique coffee capsules from various brands, fitting perfectly into modern homes. With its intricate design and attention to detail, the Morning Machine delivers professionally brewed coffee at the touch of a button.
5. Crafune
Crafune’s new studio at New Bahru is a spacious haven for leather crafting enthusiasts. The storefront exudes Parisian charm, while the interior is equipped with long work tables covered in leather goods, materials, tools, and supplies. Crafune offers a variety of leather crafting workshops, where you can refashion old leather products into keychains, coin pouches, or create new bags from scratch. The workshops also include a hot stamping service for personalizing your creations.
6. Curious Creatures
Local brand Curious Creatures is expanding with a new store in New Bahru, perfect for jewelry enthusiasts. The store features fine and demi-fine jewelry collections inspired by gemstones, travel, and nature, all designed in-house. Browse through a variety of unique pieces that add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
7. Woods in the Books
Book lovers will rejoice as the independent homegrown bookstore Woods in the Books sets up shop in the River Valley enclave. Similar to its East Coast outlet, this cozy nook will be filled with picture books, illustrated publications, and charming knick-knacks like activity kits and adorable gifts. It’s a delightful spot where children and adults alike can get lost in the world of books.
8. Sojao
Sojao, a brand committed to sustainability, will be a must-visit at New Bahru. Known for creating certified organic products with a focus on people and the planet, Sojao offers buttery smooth bed sheets, fluffy towels, and super soft loungewear. It’s a brand that embodies comfort and eco-consciousness, making it a top destination once New Bahru opens.
What to Eat
1. The Coconut Club
Indulge in a plate of nasi lemak at The Coconut Club, a worthy investment at $18. This third outlet offers more delights, like the quail goreng berempah, a spiced and fried quail so delicious you can eat it bones and all. Exclusive to River Valley, the Wagyu beef roti john adds to their expanded menu of coconut-rich local favorites, including laksa, sayur lodeh lontong, and soto ayam. Don’t miss out on the desserts; the kueh sampler featuring kueh kosui, kueh bingka, and kuah salat is a must-try.
2. Huevos River Valley
Huevos River Valley, a beloved casual Mexican spot, is now open at New Bahru. Keeping their classic favorites like loaded nachos, chicken quesadillas, and birria beef tacos, they’ve introduced a grill for that perfect smoky flavor. Though their menu is still evolving, expect the same affordable and tasty Mexican cuisine that made them popular.
3. Odem
Experience modern Korean cuisine and exquisite makgeolli at Odem, brought to you by the creators of Ajumma’s. Led by chef Bae Yumi, also the executive chef at the Korean Embassy, Odem offers over 30 varieties of makgeolli, including a house brew of lychee and rose. Enjoy a curated makgeolli flight with dishes like brioche with gamtae butter, barbecued kalbi, and a unique black garlic tart with berries and smoked jujube chantilly.
4. Dearborn
The Instagram-famous Dearborn has launched a flagship cafe at New Bahru, offering breakfast and brunch favorites alongside their signature granola, fresh bakes, and coffee. You can purchase their popular granola ($16 for 260g, $28 for 500g) and freshly baked breads like Smoked Cheddar & Chilli Loaf ($25) and Sweet Potato Rolls ($12). Drinks include Black ($5), White ($6), and Matcha ($8). Stay tuned for updates on their savory brunch menu.
5. Artichoke
Artichoke at New Bahru bursts with chef-owner Bjorn Shen’s vibrant personality, featuring AI-generated wall art, a quirky retail section, and a menu of stellar Middle Eastern fare. Enjoy favorites like roasted cauliflower and harissa prawns, or opt for the “FEED ME” chef’s selection ($68). Hidden in a corner is Small’s, Bjorn’s 8-seater test kitchen offering experimental pizzas with unique toppings like sea urchin and bi-colored corn.
6. One Fattened Calf
Get ready for One Fattened Calf to open at New Bahru! Known for their mouthwatering beef burgers with house-baked potato buns and grass-fed beef, this local burger shop is sure to be a hit.
7. Zhup Zhup by One Prawn & Co
Exciting news for hae mee lovers: Zhup Zhup by One Prawn & Co is coming to New Bahru. Formerly known as One Prawn & Co and a Michelin Bib Gourmand entry, this eatery will offer Asian seafood dishes with a contemporary twist, including aged seafood and wood-fired grilling. We’re hoping their rich, umami prawn broth will also make an appearance. Follow their Instagram for the latest updates on their opening.
8. Kotuwa
Kotuwa’s new, larger space at New Bahru allows chef-owner Rishi Naleendra to fully showcase his Sri Lankan culinary skills. Enjoy an expanded menu featuring stir-fries, curries, hoppers, and housemade sambols. If you need to vacate your table for the 8pm service, head to Kotuwa’s outdoor cocktail bar for Sri Lankan spirit-inspired cocktails like the Headspinner, a blend of ABA Pisco, guava, tamarind, and chili.
As New Bahru prepares to dazzle with its vibrant mix of culinary delights and unique shopping experiences, it promises to be a destination unlike any other in River Valley. Whether you’re indulging in the exquisite flavors of local favorites or exploring eclectic shops offering everything from artisanal crafts to foodie delicacies, there’s something here to captivate every visitor.
Keep an eye on this burgeoning hotspot as it continues to evolve and redefine Singapore’s lifestyle scene in 2024 and beyond.
(Credits: New Bahru, Finbarr Fallon, The Coconut Club, Odem, Soilboy, iris._.nihao, Sea Apple Shop, Crafune, Curious Creatures, Kotuwa, Dearborn)
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