About Boat Quay
Boat Quay has transformed over the years. Once filled with cargo boats and hawker stalls, its streets are now lined with tables and riverside bars and restaurants in perfectly restored shophouses. Bumboats which once carried cargo now contain tourists, bringing them on a journey into their past.
With the surfeit of bars and entertainment centres, it’s easy to guess how Boat Quay got its reputation as a sleazy spot. But Boat Quay has being revitalised in recent years, shedding its previous image to one that’s more hip and family-friendly.
Not convinced? We scoured the area to bring you 10 must-visit places to go in new Boat Quay during the day. You’ll never look at this area the same way again.
– Around Boat Quay –
1. Superhero Concept
Get up close and personal with your favourite superheroes at Superhero Concept, Singapore’s first superhero-themed cafe. Apart from serving affordable bento sets, Superhero concept also sells superhero-related merchandise ranging from toys, comic sets as well as costumes. You can even be a villain if you’re feeling mean.
Address: 37A Boat Quay, Singapore 049826
Contact: 8228 4334
2. Cafe Neko No Niwa
It’s kitties-galore at Singapore’s first cat cafe. Taking a leaf out of the popular Japanese concept, Cafe Neko No Niwa let you mingle around with cats, while you sip your cuppa.
Indulge in some serious cat therapy here with 13 adorable resident kitties as they cuddle up against you and be your playmate. I’m particularly in love with owners Sue and Sam’s idea of adopting all 13 felines, giving these previously abandoned cats a new home.
Address: 54 Boat Quay, Singapore 049843
Contact: 6536 5319
Tip: Reservations are highly recommended.
3. Sabaai Sabaai
Give your tired bodies a massage treat at Sabaai Sabaai Traditional Thai Massage Parlour. Apart from the traditional Thai Massage, Sabaai Sabaai also provides foot + neck + shoulder massages as well as oil and aroma massages.
Its close proximity to the Central Business District also makes it a good and convenient for tired office workers to get some after-work rejuvenation.
Address: 49 Boat Quay, Singapore 049838
Contact: 9337 3715
– Lorong Telok Area –
Lorong Telok is like a mini Ann Siang hill right next to the popular circular road. This often overlooked street has had some very exciting tenants move in recently. We check out the most interesting concepts.
4. Daily Juice
My impressions of cold-pressed juices have been anything but positive. The ones I’ve tried were either weirdly spicy, overly sweet or tasted too much of celery. It wasn’t until I tried the ones at Daily Juice that I changed this warped perception of mine.
The juices at Daily Juice are extracted through pressure which allows for a more complete extraction, meaning you get more juice and more nutrients. The best thing here has to be their prices, which seem to be half of their competitors marketed online. Their cleanse prices are very reasonably priced at $50 / $148 / $242 for 1 / 3 /5 day cleanses.
Source: @bellywellyjelly
My personal favourite is the Pepplemint. B.Smooth is a good alternative if you’re looking for something sweeter and full of berries. 
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Offices near the area would be happy to know that Daily Juice does deliveries to nearby locations. 
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Tip: Be sure to use the promo code DJTSL5 for 5% off their cleanses when you order their juices online and or at the shop!
Address: 20 Lorong Telok, Singapore 049032
Contact: 6533 7119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailyjuicesg
5. Hadara Aesthetics Boutique
Founded by three female entrepreneurs with experience in the fields of health, beauty and psychology, Hadara Aesthetics Boutique promises to enhance each individual’s beauty through their non-invasive and wellness-focused face and body programmes.
Hadara is also the first beauty boutique in Singapore to carry Dermagold’s range of products. The thoughtful lady bosses also launched several lunchtime facial treatments for the time-strapped office workers working around the area. Alternatively, swing by after work for a more serious pampering.
With a zen-inspired interior, it’s easy to lose yourself into tranquil and peaceful surroundings. I was greeted with an uplifting scent as I entered the boutique. Grab your male colleagues along as they also have special treatment programmes for men.
Tip: Don’t miss out on Hadara’s latest promotions. Get 10 ala carte Hadara treatments and get 10 more for free – that’s 50% off! Prices for ala carte treatments start from $88. Alternatively, get 10% off with every 5 Dermagold products purchased.
Find out more at www.hadaraaesthetics.com or catch them on instagram @hadara_sg.
Address: 23 Lorong Telok, Singapore 049035
Contact: 6969 3022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hadaraaesthetics
6. Genesis Vegan
Genesis’ popularity with vegans can be attributed to their philosophy of using fresh and organic ingredients in their food. It also helps that they adopt clean cooking methods to keep customers return for more.
Genesis caters to many palates with an extensive range of cuisines ranging from Asian to Western. We hear their dumplings and homemade desserts are much to rave about.
Address: 1 Lorong Telok, Singapore 049014
Contact: 6438 7118
– Around Circular Road –
A conserved building at the corner of Lorong Telok; Source: Frederick Loh of Fred Studio Photography.
7. Takumen
The thriving ramen scene in Singapore is testament to our undying love for the Japanese staple. Somehow, we never tire of this saturated industry, evidently, with new shops setting up almost every other week. 
Meet Takumen, the latest entrant to the plethora of ramen joints in town. Barely 3 months after it opened its doors in Singapore, fans have been gushing about their ramen. That’s hardly surprising, given that Takumen makes the effort to cater to local taste buds with milder versions of their 6 types of ramen.
Read up about our adventure at Takumen here.
Address: 66 Circular Road, Singapore 049420
Contact: 6536 4875
8. BIY Singapore
BIY, short for Bake-It-Yourself, is both a baking school as well as a cake decoration and sugarcraft product specialty store. Whether you’re a veteran with the oven or a novice at baking, you’re bound to find something for yourself at BIY Singapore.
BIY’s three levels of retail space stocks up on anything and everything a baker could ever need. Alternatively, budding bakers can benefit from their baking class on the 4th floor. They have specialised classes and workshops for various types of baking-related activities.
Address: 9 Circular Road, Singapore 049365
Contact: 6100 2253
– Other Spots Around Boat Quay –
9. Asian Civilisation Museum
Take a trip along the East and West of Asia at Singapore’s most diverse museum. On display are over 1,300 artefacts, spread over 11 beautifully curated galleries, each revealing a snippet of the continent’s rich history and heritage.
If you’re interested in religions and the likes, you’ll be happy to know that the major religions in Asia each have sections at the permanent exhibits dedicated to them. Additionally, there is another set of exhibits showcasing the various ethnic groups in the region as well.
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Contact: 6332 7998 / 6332 3275
10. The Gourmet Food Co
Latching onto the atas market fever is The Gourmet Food Co. The gourmet market specialises in meats and brings in quality cuts ranging from Australian beef to premium Japanese seafood.
Take your pick with their extensive range of meats at their deli counter. Pack them up or have the friendly staff marinate the meats for you. Or if you’re spoilt for choice, they’ll be happy to help you with your decisions.
The Gourmet Food Co also has an assortment of packaged jams and seasonings to take home for your culinary experiments. Even better, you may purchase your meats and have them prepared for you on the sopo it for you right on the spot in store!
Quote “TheSmartLocal” upon checkout to receive a 10% discount from now till 26 April 2015.
Address: 18 North Canal Road, Singapore 048830
Contact: 6534 0207
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGourmetFoodCo
A Old Hangout Spot With New Finds
Being in close proximity to skyscraper office towers, Boat Quay is undoubtedly the place where thirsty office workers head to for an after-work drink. But it shouldn’t just be for them. Singaporeans will surprise themselves when they make the trip down to re-discover this area.
With this list, we hope Boat Quay will no longer be the forgotten cousin of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. There’s plenty of things do eat, see and do at Boat Quay even if you’re heading there in the day.
Let us know your favourite hangout spot at Boat Quay in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by a group of Boat Quay tenants.