Bright new Chinatown
Things almost turned out differently. In the eighties, Singapore was virtually exploding with ambition, and threatened to tear down and rebuild every last street in Chinatown, including the traditional shophouses. Shortly before they were leveled, the government, luckily, changed its mind. The neighborhood was made into a national landmark and millions were invested in the preservation of the shophouses, mostly three-story combined commercial and residential buildings typically dating from the 19th century. Today, Chinatown’s traditional shophouses glow with pastel colors and are filled with new life - a visual highlight in a trendy neighborhood.
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The experimental, the worth-a-visit, the aromatic
Vanilla Home:
Is it a gallery or is it a store? Either way, it’s got all kinds of interesting things for sale like decorative art, jewelry, Fortuny lamps and other home-furnishing accessories.
Information:
390 Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance, Tel. +65-63 24 62 06, www.vanilla-home.com
Blue Ginger:
This charming and intimate two-story restaurant serves spicy Nyonya dishes inspired by the combination of Chinese and Malay recipes.
Information:
97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Tel. +65-62 22 39 28, www.theblueginger.com
European, Cantonese and minimalist
Broth:
You won’t find any Chinese food here. Broth serves delicious European/Australian-influenced cuisine and has a romantic terrace right outside the front door.
Information:
21 Duxton Hill, Tel. +65-63 23 33 53, www.broth.com.sg
New Majestic Hotel:
Extravagant, trendy and bursting with crazy ideas. The Cantonese restaurant is one of the best in the city. The hotel has a pool and a very popular lounge bar.
Information:
31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Tel. +65-65 11 47 18, www.newmajestichotel.com
Hotel 1929:
Minimalist chic and hand-picked furnishings make this boutique hotel one of the most popular places to stay in all of Singapore.
Information:
50 Keong Saik Road, Tel. +65-63 47 19 29, www.hotel1929.com
Pictures: Darren Soh
