Heading to Tiong Bahru with the kiddos but not sure what to see or do? Here's our guide to all things family-friendly in this hip 'hood.
Thought Tiong Bahru was just for the hipster crew? Think again! This cool little neighbourhood makes for the perfect kid-friendly outing, and even comes with an amazing train-themed park. Read on for what to see and do in this neck of the woods (and of course, top family-friendly restaurant reccommendations – our favourite bit about Tiong Bahru!).
Things to do and see in Tiong Bahru
Run amok in Tiong Bahru Park with its train playground and sandpit
Although Tiong Bahru Park can’t compete on size like some of the other parks we know and love in Singapore; it still packs a punch with wow factor when it comes to the playground. It’s a real kid-pleaser and completely unique. How many playgrounds include a runaway train?! The train is the centre of the fun, with a plethora of slides, climbing frames, and more to explore. It’s surrounded by sand too, so be sure to pack a bucket and spade to build a castle or two. And there’s more! We shouldn’t forget to mention the traditional (but still extremely popular) swings and seesaw nearby. Coming with a toddler in tow? There’s a dedicated toddler maze complete with interactive (and noisy!) activities to keep the little ones busy. The only drawback of the playground is there’s not much in the way of shade, so come early or set up camp under the train for the best shady option.
Explore more green spaces in Tiong Bahru
Although the main attraction is without doubt Tiong Bahru Park when it comes to outdoor activities, it’s worth mentioning the smaller green spaces hidden away in Tiong Bahru. We particularly like Kim Pong Park near our favourite Yong Siak Street (more on the latter below!). The metal seat swings here are a welcomed addition and the perfect place to rest tired little and big legs, with enough seats for the whole family. Nearby, you’ll also find Seng Poh Garden. This is a small square, but it’s worth visiting to spot the dancing girl sculpture and matching mosaic on the floor. You could also grab food from one of the cafes nearby for some al fresco dining…
Hunt for murals in Tiong Bahru
It’s not just the food and parks – you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Tiong Bahru’s murals. Hunt for the very impressive artwork by local talent, Yip Yew Chong. There are three street murals to find here! Our favourite is the singing birds on Seng Poh Lane. Impress the kids (and the hubby) with this snippet of knowledge: the mural is a nod to an old pastime that was once common in Singapore, where residents would bring their prized feathered friends down to the street corner to chirp away. Feeling inspired to explore more street art in Singapore? Check out this mural guide.
Snap cool architecture
Besides the murals, one of the other things that makes Tiong Bahru so special is the architecture. These art deco, low-rise buildings offer something completely different on the Singapore landscape — think simple long lines and clean curves, with a touch of nostalgia. And don’t think the architecture is missed on the little ones. The buildings of Tiong Bahru are a sight in themselves, and we love exploring the different streets with the fam and finding something new each time. Make exploring more of a game with a classic like i-spy, or get the older kiddos going as budding photographers, snapping their favourite buildings along the way.
Bring the furry ones to a dog run park
This shaded dog run park didn’t come easy. It’s a three year wait after a collective effort by the residents to petition for one in the neighbourhood. Now open to all, the spacious and fenced up area is perfect for furry friends with zoomies to let out. It’s nothing fancy but very functional and kind of a hidden gem, if you don’t live around the area.
Where: Tiong Bahru Sit Wah Dog Run, Behind 82 Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160082
Visit the Monkey God Temple
If you’re bigger little ones were swept away by Black Myth: Wukong, the RPG game which took the gaming world by storm, you’ll need to take them to this temple. Dedicated to Sun Wukong (the inspiration behind the RPG’s main character), the Monkey God Temple houses more than 10 statues of the Monkey God, each depicting the legendary figure in different stances. According to Roots.gov.sg, the temple moved into its current and permanent location in 1938, after 18 years in a small atap hut. Making this place of worship more than a century old!!
Where: Tiong Bahru Qi Tian Gong, 44 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 169786
Take a Heritage Tour and visit an air raid shelter in Tiong Bahru
The last remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter in Singapore is found within the blocks of Art Deco flats of 78 Guan Chuan Street (see it online). It was built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (HDB’s predecessor) and had been put into good use during the Japanese Occupation. And the only way you’ll get to see it in person, it by joining a Heritage Tour run by volunteers. Besides the air raid shelter, you’ll visit other iconic spots in Tiong Bahru, including the grave of Mr Tan Tock Seng — a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Singapore (yes, he contributed to the building of Tan Tock Seng hospital!). The free tour takes about two and half hours and runs every first Saturday and Sunday of the month. Registration required.
Where: My Tiong Bahru Heritage Tour, starts at the Tiong Bahru Community Centre
Work your hands in clay at a pottery workshop
Make art in the lush backyard of Tiong Bahru Pottery. It’s a cosy space that holds up to six pax per class and they run kids classes too. If you’re planning for a parent-child day out, work your painting skills at the Paint-a-Plate class with a ready-made ceramic plate as your canvas. Or, build something from scratch — small plates, cups, and decorative items — at the Bespoke Class. Two full hours of bonding with something to show.
Where: Tiong Bahru Pottery, 27 Lim Liak Street, Singapore 160027
Relax with a spa housed in a container
Spa in a shipping container? Don’t worry, the only place you’ll be shipped to is cloud nine after a soothing massage at Nimble/Knead. Whether you like long strokes or acupressure massages, they have a variety of treatments to choose from. And you can even add on ginger wraps or herbal compress for targeted areas. Or how about a foot massage after a whole day of exploration?
Where: Nimble/Knead, 66 Eng Watt Street, #01-28, Singapore 160066
Where to shop in Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru Plaza
The local mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, is filled with fashion and and beauty, food stores, a bird-shaped playground on level 3 and an open plaza at level 1 that often showcases flea markets, musical performances and free movie screenings. You’ll find everything you need here including a Guardian pharmacy, Fairprice Finest, and a Golden Village cinema.
Where: Tiong Bahru Plaza, 302 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore
Cat Socrates
Cat Socrates is a literal treasure trove of a store – head here for gifts galore. Even the fussiest person on your present buying list will be well catered for here. There’s also a great selection of unique toys and stationery on offer, including uniquely Singapore inspired homewares and fashion pieces. Chances are, you won’t be leaving empty-handed.
Where: Cat Socrates, 78 Yong Siak St, #01-14, Singapore 163078
Tiong Bahru Wet Market
Kiddos always love the hustle and bustle of a wet market, with plenty to take in. Although it’s always busy, it’s worth a wander around Tiong Bahru Wet Market. If you’re treating yourself then definitely stop by the flower shop at the main entrance for a variety of beautiful blooms, as well as larger, outdoor plants at bargain prices. Just behind the flower shop, you’ll find a seat swing if you need a break (and it’s always a winner with the kids!). Also, keep on the hunt for more murals and the colourful cartoon frog characters dotted around the market for the littlies to spot.
Where: Tiong Bahru Market, 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898.
Where to eat and drink in Tiong Bahru
Hua Bee Restaurant/ Dirty Supper
There’re a few reasons why Hua Bee Restaurant is such an iconic eating spot in Tiong Bahru. It’s been dishing out mee pok and fishball noodles since the 1940s and it’s the set location for one of Singapore’s first Indie film — Mee Pok Man by Eric Khoo. In recent times, it hides more than heritage; tucked within is Dirty Supper, a nose to tail open-fire kitchen restaurant, and its secret cocktail bar, Dirty Sips.
Where: Hua Bee Restaurant/ Dirty Supper, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19 Block 78, Singapore 162078
Plain Vanilla
This joint has to be up there with our favourite cupcake shops of all time. Once you’ve finished your shopping on Yong Siak Street be sure to head over to Plain Vanilla to pick up some sweet treats for the way home (if they last that long!)
Where: Plain Vanilla Bakery, 1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
Tiong Bahru Food Centre
There are so many great food options in Tiong Bahru, the list really is never-ending. But one of the most famous is Tiong Bahru Food Centre. With Michelin-star hawker stalls, it’s fair to say this place is extremely popular and it’s easy to see why. The tricky part is choosing what to eat; it all looks so tempting! Got older kids and feeling adventurous? Let them loose and get them to choose the options! After a safer bet? Order the Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice – a firm favourite for all the family.
Where: Tiong Bahru Food Centre, 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898
Creamier
A real kid-pleaser (and let’s be honest, we love it too!), ice cream is always a winner. It doesn’t get much better than Creamier ice cream either. Oh wait, it does. Creamier ice cream AND waffles. With flavours including “Richest Dark Chocolate Ferrero” and “Butterscotch Almond”, the difficult part will be picking one!
Where: Creamier, 78 Yong Siak St, #01-18, Singapore 163078
The Butcher’s Wife
Don’t fancy cooking dinner when you get home? Pick up a takeout from The Butcher’s Wife also on (you guessed it) Yong Siak Street. Everything here is gluten-free with a focus on gut-friendly ingredients – all the more reason to order. We love their gluten-free focaccia and mini corn on fire (they are popular choices with the kids too).
Where: The Butcher’s Wife, 19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650
Tiong Bahru Bakery
A Singapore rite of passage has to be trying a pastry (or two) from this famous haunt. If you haven’t sampled one yet, then hotfoot it over to Tiong Bahru Bakery’s original outlet and grab yourself a danish – we can guarantee it won’t be the last one you buy!
Where: Tiong Bahru Bakery, 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056
Ah Chiang’s Porridge
When you want to keep it simple, head to Ah Chiang’s Porridge for a bowl of belly-warming porridge. This traditional spot serves up silky plain porridge, pork porridge, century egg porridge, fish porridge and more. When everything is good, choosing one porridge may be a challenge but when it comes to the side dishes, there’s no hesitation.It’s the raw fish, fried egg, and crispy fish skin for us.
Where: Ah Chiang’s Porridge, 65 Tiong Poh Rd, Singapore 160065
Looking for more? Check out our big sis The Honeycombers bumper guide to Tiong Bahru!
