Far East Plaza guide
Far East Plaza was the hangout spot for teens back in the 1990s – you would probably find the pops kids shopping at the myriad of independent fashion retailers like 77th Street or going for a lepak sesh at Burger King after school.
While many of the OG tenants have since moved to other areas, some remain alongside a new breed of shops, salons, and tattoo parlours. Here are some of the best shopping and affordable food spots.
Table of Contents
- Far East Plaza guide
- – Food –
- 1. The Community Coffee – “Hidden” cafe on the second floor
- 2. Kra Pow Thai Restaurant – Spicy Thai food for the brave
- 3. Hainanese Delicacy – Old school Hainanese chicken rice stall
- 4. Susan Chan Food – Homely and affordable zi char & cai fan
- 5. Happy Geprek – Halal Indomie Geprek for $7
- 6. Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant – Yakitori restaurant a la Tokyo
- – Shopping & Services –
- 7. Michelle’s Alteration – Alteration services within the hour
- 8. Spellbound Clothings – Chio custom waffle bucket bags
- 9. Ana Bookstore – Secondhand books from $2
- 10. Nail Queen – TikTok inspired nails for your best BBL life
- 11. The Curve Cult – Plus-size brand with pretty dresses & lingerie
- 12. Clasico Casa – Vintage streetwear from $30 with monthly pop-ups
- 13. Rehearsal – Minimalist vintage store with varsity jackets
- 14. Rise Above Tattoo & Piercing – Get inked by a veteran artist
- 15. Hi.Enhance – Affordable watch repairs
- 16. Team Creative Korean Hair Salon – K-drama inspired haircuts
– Food –
1. The Community Coffee – “Hidden” cafe on the second floor
Image adapted from: @hellomynameisizz, @coffeeaddictinsg
Tiong Bahru Bakery may be taking over Orchard Road, but there’s a lesser-known cafe in Far East Plaza. The Community Coffee is not new, per se, having been there since 2017 – but it is only privy to a select few.
The Community Coffee uses beans that are sourced sustainably from farms in places like Colombia, Rwanda, El Salvador and Indonesia. The beans are roasted in-house at their new Chinatown outlet before being sent over here – so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest cup of joe.
Image credit: @thecommunitycoffee
The prices are affordable, too, starting from $4 for a cup of black coffee and $4.50 for a white. Non-coffee drinkers can get the Turmeric Chai Latte ($5) or Chocolate ($5).
Those who love brewing coffee at home can also buy beans – or choose to have it ground in-store – from $18 for 500g.
Location: #02-94
Opening hours: 9.30am-6.30pm, Daily (Closed on Fridays & PH)
2. Kra Pow Thai Restaurant – Spicy Thai food for the brave
Image credit: @eatkrapow
Most of us head to Golden Mile Complex for authentic Thai food, but Kra Pow Thai Restaurant in Far East Plaza helps to satiate your Thai food cravings if you’re in the Orchard area.
Fans of spicy food should definitely dig into the Devil’s Fried Rice (from $9.60), where chilli padi is generously used to give it the extra kick. Or, try the Drunkard Noodle (from $9.80), a fiery stir-fried flat rice noodles. You can choose the spice level of each dish to suit your fancy.
Address: #03-26/27
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 5pm-9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6734 1946
Kra Pow Thai Restaurant website
3. Hainanese Delicacy – Old school Hainanese chicken rice stall
You heard the ministers: there’s no need to hoard chicken from NTUC; there’s enough to get by. If you need your Hainanese chicken rice fix, though, Hainanese Delicacy is a tried-and-tested place to go, according to Google reviews and frequent patrons of Far East Plaza.
You can’t go wrong with the boneless chicken rice (from $4.80).
For those unfamiliar with Hainanese chicken rice, the chicken is served cold – usually with chilli, ginger and dark sweet sauce.
Image credit: @jo3y80
Complement the chicken rice with side dishes such as bean sprout, braised beancurd and braised egg. Another comforting dish a la grandmum’s cooking is the salted vegetable duck soup ($6), which comes with duck, salted vegetables and tomatoes.
Address: #05-116
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Telephone: 6734 0639
4. Susan Chan Food – Homely and affordable zi char & cai fan
Now that we’re back in the office, those working in the Orchard area may find themselves spending slightly more on lunch. But there are plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. One of which is Susan Chan Food.
Image credit: @food.drinks.wonder
Here, you can get zi char and cai fan dishes from $4.50.
Popular zi char dishes here include the Deep Fried Spare Ribs with Salted Egg ($14 or $22), Deep Fried Prawn Paste Chicken ($12 or $22) or Cereal Prawns ($20). There’s also an option to choose brown rice for those who are health conscious.
Tip: Go earlier to avoid the crowd, as the queue can get quite long during lunch.
Address: #05-112
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.45pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6733 5953
5. Happy Geprek – Halal Indomie Geprek for $7
Image credit: Eatbook
Most of us are familiar with Ayam Penyet, but Ayam Geprek is its lesser-known cousin that comprises an equally crispy battered fried chicken and spicy onion sauce.
If your interest is piqued, here’s your sign to head to Happy Geprek. The Ayam Geprek ($6.50) comes with rice, cucumber slices, fried tofu, and a small bowl of soup. But get this: there are 8 sambal options – from the usual sambal ijo, merah and matah to more interesting ones like mozzarella and setan, which translates to “devil”.
Warning: it’s best reserved for those who can handle spice.
Image credit: Eatbook
If you can’t live without your instant noodles, there’s also the Indomie Geprek ($7), served with noodles instead of rice.
Address: #05-99
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-7.45pm | Fri-Sat 11am-8.30pm
Telephone: 8245 2538
6. Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant – Yakitori restaurant a la Tokyo
Singaporeans have a longstanding love affair with Japanese cuisine, and Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant is proof of that. This yakitori restaurant has been around since 1983 and is as close to an authentic experience in Tokyo as you can get for now.
Image credit: @jin.h.a.o
The space itself is cosy. Request to sit at the counter for the full experience and watch as the chefs prepare your food.
There’s a wide selection of skewered meats – served in twos – that you can order a la carte, with popular options including chicken meat balls ($7.10), quail eggs ($6.20), asparagus with pork ($8), and pork belly ($8.10). The meats are seasoned with sea salt in-house and grilled over charcoal.
Image credit: @fred.and.chloe
Finish off your meal with desserts such as Macha Monaka Ice Cream or Tiramisu.
Address: #05-132
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11.45am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 11.45am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm
Telephone: 6733 5666
– Shopping & Services –
7. Michelle’s Alteration – Alteration services within the hour
Tenants at Far East Plaza have come and gone over the years, but there’s one thing that remains a constant: it’s still the go-to spot for those looking to make alterations to their clothes.
Image credit: Michelle’s Alteration
One that’s been around for more than 20 years is Michelle’s Alteration. Whether you’re looking to hem a new pair of pants or completely transform the shape of your dress, they can get the job done.
Another major plus point is that for basic alterations, you can get your clothes back within the hour – just enough time to have a meal or get a manicure.
Address: #03-126
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11.30am-8pm | Sun 11.30am-7pm
Telephone: 6737 8238
8. Spellbound Clothings – Chio custom waffle bucket bags
Who doesn’t love one-of-a-kind pieces that they can show off to their friends? For something truly customisable, pick up a chio waffle bucket bag (from $52) from Spellbound Clothings.
Image credit: Spellbound Clothings
Choose from 11 colours – such as muted lilac, forest green, khaki brown, turquoise – and show off your personality with a piece that you can call your own.
They also add new stocks every Wednesday, so you can get fresh pieces for your OOTD.
Address: #04-137c
Opening hours: 12pm-9pm, Daily
Telephone: 6887 0031
Spellbound Clothings Facebook
9. Ana Bookstore – Secondhand books from $2
Image credit: @cc_love_art
Secondhand bookstores, like Ana Bookstore, are a rare sight in Orchard. Step into the store and you’ll find organised chaos – with books piled up to the ceiling. But ask owner Mr Noorul Islam for a specific author or title and he would probably be able to help you find what you’re looking for.
Image credit: @booklaydown
There are books of all genres here, from self-help, fiction, and autobiography to comics from your childhood. Prices start as low as $2, even cheaper than your usual BBT order.
Address: #05-01
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12.30pm-7pm | Sun 2pm-5pm
Telephone: 6737 2385
10. Nail Queen – TikTok inspired nails for your best BBL life
TikTok addicts would have probably seen some cool nail designs popping up every so often. But we all know trying to recreate them at home is no easy feat. Lucky for you, the team at Nail Queen are skilled AF.
Whether it’s the latest jelly nails or viral colourful French manicure, your nail esthetician will help you live your best BBL life. Prices start from $12 for an express manicure and $30 for an express gel manicure. Of course, it will cost more for complex designs – but it’s all worth it in the end.
Image adapted from: @nailqueenfep, @nailqueenfep
You may or may not be a Kardashian fan, but you can’t deny that Kim K’s eyelashes are always on point. Nail Queen can help you look just as chio, with a set of fluttery eyelashes aptly named “Kim K” ($135). If you’re just dipping your toes into extensions, consider going for the more subtle Japanese Lash ($70) or 2D Angel Lash ($80).
Address: #04-88
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm | Sat-Sun 10am-8pm
Telephone: 8742 5789
11. The Curve Cult – Plus-size brand with pretty dresses & lingerie
Image credit: The Curve Cult
It can be a struggle to find plus-sized clothing at brick-and-mortar retailers. Thankfully, The Curve Cult is here to the rescue. The brand offers beautifully-designed dresses for special occasions like weddings, shirts and jeans for everyday wear, and even lingerie exclusively in sizes UK14-28.
Address: #05-126
Opening hours: 12pm-8pm, Daily
Telephone: 9238 9157
12. Clasico Casa – Vintage streetwear from $30 with monthly pop-ups
Image credit: @clasicocasa
Fans of vintage streetwear will love Clasico Casa, one of the newer tenants of Far East Plaza. It’s a pop-up store concept where they do monthly “heists”, which means that the inventory changes every month.
Here, you’ll find old-school Stussy, Carhartt, and Nike t-shirts alongside Harley Davidson jumpers that will 10/10 up your drip.
Address: #01-79
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 1pm-7pm (Closed from Mondays to Thursdays)
13. Rehearsal – Minimalist vintage store with varsity jackets
Image credit: @shoprehearsal
Another store for unique finds is Rehearsal. It’s a vintage store with 2 sub-sections: Rehearsal for men and Shop Rehearsal for the ladies.
All you have to do is browse through the perfectly curated racks for clothing items like vintage varsity jackets, Von Dutch caps, and Ellesse t-shirts.
Trust us, it will boost your street cred.
Address: #01-76
Opening hours: Wed-Thu 2pm-7pm | Fri-Sun 1pm-7pm
14. Rise Above Tattoo & Piercing – Get inked by a veteran artist
Those who used to frequent Far East Plaza know that 77th Street was the OG place to go to for piercings. The iconic store may be gone, but there are still a few places you can head to for piercings and tattoos.
Image credit: @riseabovetattoo
Rise Above Tattoo & Piercing was opened by a veteran tattoo artist known as Boon 10 years ago, so you know you’re in good hands. It’s often lauded as one of the more reputable places in Singapore for piercings. They also give very detailed aftercare instructions, which lowers the risk of getting an infection.
Rates range from $35-$140, starting from $35 for an ear lobe piercing that includes a titanium stud.
Image credit: @riseabovetattoo, @riseabovetattoo
Of course, what the store is really known for is its tattoos. Boon and his team of tattoo artists can do both complex and simple pieces – all you have to do is arrange a consultation.
Address: #04-70
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1pm-8pm | Sat-Sun 1pm-7pm
Telephone: 6235 5610
15. Hi.Enhance – Affordable watch repairs
One of the true hallmarks of adulthood is making your first-ever luxury watch purchase. After all, how else can you be taken seriously? But after making such an investment, it’s only wise to ensure it’s well-protected.
Image credit: Hi.Enhance
Hi.Enhance is one of the best places in town where you can add a protective film over your brand new watches so they don’t get scratched. That’s not all, they also do watch repairs and battery replacements at reasonable prices.
Address: B1-20
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 8020 1518
16. Team Creative Korean Hair Salon – K-drama inspired haircuts
Image credit: Team Creative Korean Hair Salon
Far East Plaza is lined with reputable salons that are even frequented by influencers and celebrities. Most of them offer services at relatively affordable prices, too.
A popular salon is Team Creative Korean Hair Salon, previously known as CCA Korean Hair Salon. Here’s your chance to look like your fave K-Drama stars with Korean-inspired hairstyles and hair colours – whether it’s a subtle ash brown or pastel pink.
Haircuts start from $38 for a cut by a senior stylist, with no additional charges for long hair. If you’re looking for a fresh transformation, you can also consider a Korean Digital Perm ($198) or new hair colour (from $80).
Address: #02-92
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Telephone: 6262 0691
Team Korean Creative Hair Salon website
Things to do at Far East Plaza
There may be many new malls on our sunny island to explore, but Far East Plaza will always remain one of the most iconic ones. Now that you’ve got our list of food places and shops for your retail therapy fix under your belt, you’re well prepared for an afternoon getting reacquainted with this shopping mall.
Other shopping spots and malls for your shopping fix:
Cover image adapted from: @cc_love_art, @retrovage, @fred.and.chloe, @hellomynameisizz