Arab Street, with its abundance of shops, cafes, and sights is undoubtedly what makes it a go-to spot for tourists in Singapore.
But there’s more than just touristy things to see and do here. With a restaurant serving Middle Eastern izakaya, a pendulum art studio and even a cat cafe, Arab Street holds many gems that are unique even for us well-seasoned Singaporeans. Here is a list of 11 things you can do at Arab Street.
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There’s something satisfying about splattering and dripping paint willy-nilly over a blank canvas. For $69, Motion Art Space allows you to experience this satisfaction by providing you with the materials to create your own pendulum art.
In traditional pendulum art fashion, squeeze bottles and wooden trays are at your mercy. You don’t even need to worry about having an artistic bone because the point of it is to just get messy!
Image credits: @meomicatcafe via Instagram
Cat cafes are probably every animal lovers’ go-to destination. Meomi Cat Cafe is home to adorable kitty cats that’ll accompany you as you sip a cuppa. For $13/hour ($7 for kids), you also get a complimentary drink, with the options such as earl grey tea and orange juice.
Image credit: Heritage Collection
With several 5-star reviews given for their service and facilities, Heritage Collection On Arab is a highly-rated 3-star hotel with positive reviews for their housekeeping. From Studio Singles (from $100/night) with single beds to 2-storey Lofts With Balconies (from $185/night), this hotel caters to solo travellers and groups who are looking to enjoy a staycay around Arab Street.
Image credit: Heritage Collection
Facilities-wise, the hotel offers weekly housekeeping services and even washing machines for your laundry. The rooms are also equipped with kitchenettes with a multi-purpose cooker, microwave, and utensils.
Don’t be surprised if you don’t see any concierge staff, as you’ll be doing a self-check in through their mobile app. Should you have any issues during your stay, their Heritage Ambassadors can be reached through WhatsApp daily from 9am-6pm. As the hotel is located in the Kampong Glam district, you’ll be able to explore the many cafes, thrift shops, and souvenir shops nearby.
You can purchase ornamental perfume bottles ($75) to store your unique concoctions.
Image credit: @sifr_aromatics via Instagram
Sifr Aromatics has a selection of perfumes (from $55) and candles (from $40), each with a wide range of scents. It makes a great stop for your shopping trip especially if you’re looking to freshen up your living space, or if you’re just looking for a personalised gift for someone.
One of their highlights is their custom perfume consultation which starts from $250 so you can create your own signature scent.
Image credits: @astrid_yau_irene via Instagram
With their beautiful, one-of-a-kind mosaic patterns, Turkish lamps are a feature you’ll spot quite prominently along Arab Street. You’ll no longer need to travel all the way to the likes of Istanbul to get your hands on them, because Dwiz Pte Ltd has a wide selection of ornamental lamps, candle holders and ceramic plates.
For those looking to take a break from the busy crowds in Arab Street, step into Hygge, a shop that sells home decor with a minimalist aesthetic. You’ll find trinkets like rings, keychains, and pins with cute animal prints. If you’re looking to buy some decor for your homes, they also have ceramic figurines and vases.
Image credit: @shophygge.sg via Instagram
Beyond the trinkets sold up front, you’ll find a small section of second-hand clothes for women such as shirts, cardigans, and jeans. They also have a rack outside selling knit cardigans and crop tops, but expect those items to be more pricey as they are new and hand-made.
Pickled Herring Plate ($14) and Scandinavian interior for homely vibes.
Images adapted from: @fikacafesg via Instagram
Swedish food in Singapore isn’t only available at Ikea. Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro is located right at the intersection of Arab Street and Beach Road, and serves authentic Swedish food that is also halal certified.
Its menu includes items like Swedish Pancakes ($12.90) and Grilled Chicken with Potatoes and Vegetables ($13.90). Pair this with a homely interior inspired by Swedish design, for a warm and cosy atmosphere.
There’s no need to fly all the way over to New York City for The Halal Guys when we have our very own Overrice here in Singapore. The concept is similar – Mediterranean-style rice bowls where you have a well-seasoned grilled protein lying on a bed of basmati rice. This is then topped with fresh veggies and a generous dousing of a secret white sauce.
At Overrice, their must-trys include their Falafel Bowl ($16.90) and Grain-Fed Beef Bowl ($19.50). A less hearty, more handy option would be the Spicy Popcorn Chicken that will set you back $15.60.
Image adapted from: @habibisansg via Instagram
The name Habibi-San! is a combination of an Arabic term of endearment and a Japanese term of respect. They specialise in Middle Eastern izakaya, a unique combo that entices you through the mouth-watering pictures on their Instagram feed.
Their menu consists of a variety of dishes like Fremantle Octopus ($26) and Seaweed Chicken Tsukune ($14). Main courses aside, Habibi-San! also has a good selection of desserts, including the ever interesting Coffee Cake ($14), made with coffee pastry cream and yuzu peel.
P.S. Habibi San! currently offers delivery as well.
Image credit: Tabbouleh Lebanese Restaurant via Google Maps
If you are looking for authentic Turkish food, Tabbouleh Lebanese Cafe And Restaurant is a quaint dining spot that serves Middle Eastern cuisine.
The must-trys on their menu would be their savoury Grilled Halloumi Cheese ($14.90), an appetiser made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk served with olives and Falafel ($13.90), which are deep fried chickpeas served with tahini sauce. For seafood lovers, you have to try their Seafood Mix Grill ($49.50), which has samak makli fish – deep fried fish served with rice – and tiger prawns marinated with Lebanese spices.
Image credit: Tabbouleh Lebanese Restaurant via Google Maps
While the restaurant has indoor seats, we recommend going for their outdoor seats as you’ll be soaking in the bustling atmosphere of the shopping scene at Arab Street while having your dinner.
Image credit: @rabindra via Instagram
Sultan Mosque is a landmark you cannot miss on Arab Street. Though primarily functioning as a place of worship, it has since become known for its Quran recital competitions and guided tours.
Its exterior isn’t the only thing that’s impressive – this mosque has stood here for nearly 200 years, and can accommodate 5,000 worshippers.
Machi Machi’s Cream Cheese Series
Image credits: @machimachi_singapore via Instagram
In case you don’t already know, Machi Machi happens to be Jay Chou’s favourite bubble tea shop. It’s easy to see why: not only does their BBT come in pretty Machi Machi cups, but their Cream Cheese Series has a layer of milk and cheese foam that sits on top of ice cold tea.
Image credit: @ffivethriftshop via Instagram
Keep fashion trendy and sustainable by visiting Function Five Thrift Shop, a 2-storey second-hand clothing store. Most of their collection includes menswear like sweatshirts, vests, hoodies, jackets, and polo tees. But sift through the racks thoroughly and you might find gems like vintage Nike windbreakers and vintage batik shirts.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Bugis area, you can reach Arab Street within an 8-minute walk from Bugis MRT station Exit D. Alternatively, the Rochor and Nicoll Highway MRT stations are located 11 minutes and 13 minutes away from Arab Street respectively.
If you want to avoid walking in hot weather, you can also take bus number 2 or 12 from the bus stop outside Bugis Station Exit B to the stop opposite Stamford Primary School, which is a 3-minute walk from the shopping district.
Check out these other popular spots near Arab Street:
Cover images adapted from: @meomicatcafe & @habibisansg via Instagram
Originally published on 25th July 2021. Last updated by Mae-Z Fam and Brandon Chia on 3rd October 2024.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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