If you’ve already strutted through New Bahru with an oat latte in one hand and a camera in the other, thinking you’ve conquered Singapore’s hipster scene – hold that thought. There’s a fresh contender in town, and it’s got all the makings of your next favourite hangout. Kada at Maxwell is a lifestyle space that’s part aesthetic cafe, part fitness and wellness haven, and 100% an IG goldmine.
We break down 8 things to do at Singapore’s newest hipster hotspot.
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Housed in a historic building from 1923 – once home to St Andrew’s Mission Hospital for women and children, Kada at Maxwell is a multi-concept space that has been reimagined as a lifestyle hub. Expect speciality coffee and teas, international eats, a fully equipped gym, art spaces, and even co-living rooms for those who never want to leave.
It’s right next to the iconic Maxwell Food Centre and just a quick 3-minute walk from Maxwell MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.
You’ll find Singapore’s oldest electric lift here – a relic from the 1920s that’s been restored with a new motor for a smoother ride.
Here’s what we learnt the hard way: don’t yank the gates open before the lift stops. An alarm will blare and you’ll feel like you’ve committed a crime. Make sure to close the gates properly and step behind the red line – otherwise, the lift won’t budge.
Mistakes aside, this lift is an IG-worthy gem. With its old-school metal gates and vintage aesthetic, it’s the perfect backdrop with Peaky Blinders vibes for an OOTD shoot.
And if you ride it all the way up to the 4th floor, you’ll see Alani, a Greek-Mediterranean cafe serving up pastries, open-fired bread, and outdoor seating that’s just as photogenic.
Choose from a range of brunch options like the Chicken Stuffing With Sourdough Bread ($25) and bakes like the Brown Butter Cookie With Macadamia Nuts & Milk Chocolate ($4.50).
Pacto by Parchmen has a charming little takeaway nook that makes your caffeine run feel way cooler than usual.
They offer speciality coffee (from $4), but if you’re not about that life, their iced and hot chocolate lattes (from $5-$6.50) are just as solid. You even get to pick your chocolate type, with unique options like Colombia Andes Mountain, which is described as “melted chocolate ice cream.”
As if the takeout window is not cute enough, your drinks will come in cups printed with adorable cats.
Shiruki Studio offers ultrasonic hydrotherapy sessions that help with everything from post-workout muscle recovery to deep cleansing and improved blood circulation.
There are 2 rooms: one dedicated to hydrotherapy and the other featuring an infrared sauna and ice bath.
The ice bath’s sweet spot is between 7-10°C – but when we dared dip our hands into 13°C water, it was already cold enough to make us question all our life choices. Prices start from $30 for the ice bath.
The entrance to Shiruki Studio is a little hidden – once you exit the lift or make your way up the stairs to level 2, turn right and walk to the end of the corridor. Turn right again and you’ve found your wellness haven.
Image credit: @closedonsundays.sg via Instagram
Despite its name, Closed On Sundays is all about keeping things open. It’s a space where both adults and kids can explore art without any pressure.
For just $40, your child can get involved in Open Studio sessions, where the focus is on self-expression and no rules. If your little one needs a bit more guidance, try their Creative Art Therapy sessions at $150, which help kids open up and express themselves in a safe space.
Image credit: @closedonsundays.sg via Instagram
Adults can join the Adult Art Appreciation sessions at $80 to explore a featured artist’s works, followed by a hands-on activity that channels their style.
Origin Teahouse is for those whose motto is tea > coffee, which happens to be the brand’s slogan. It brings traditional tea culture with a twist, using high-tech homogenisers to achieve drinks with a silky-smooth texture. Plus, they only use quality tea leaves and all-natural ingredients – no shortcuts here.
Settle down in their Instagrammable alfresco area and sip your tea under parasols to hide from the sun.
Image credit: @teh0daily via Instagram
Drinks start from $4.80, but for a refreshing pick-me-up, try the Triple Citrus Jasmine Tea at $7.60. It has a zesty kick, but just make sure you choose the “perfect ratio” sugar level – or it might be a bit too sour for your liking.
This lifestyle space is also a staycation spot. Habyt Kada at Maxwell lets you live in a preserved heritage building, where stays can be booked for a week to 12 months or more. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a place in between home renovations or just want to try living right in the heart of Singapore’s CBD.
You also get unlimited access to all the health and wellness amenities like a gym, cold plunge, and an infrared sauna – all located within the Kada building – to help you unwind. Prices start from $180/night.
Studio Deluxe Room.
Image credit: Habyt
Choose from a variety of room types, including the Deluxe Room and 3-Bedroom Suite. Each room comes with a queen-sized bed, and some even feature a fully equipped kitchenette for a homely feel.
We get the struggle of leaving your furry friend at home when you head out. But ECHO has you covered with a pet-friendly outdoor area, so bring your furbaby along for the fun.
The cafe serves up coffee starting at just $2.50 for an espresso shot. Matcha girlies have to try the Strawberry Matcha ($8.50). It’s not just pretty to look at with that green and red contrast, it’s also delicious – the matcha is rich and creamy, and the strawberry bits add a nice texture.
Don’t forget to grab some free stickers after placing your order – there are 4 cute designs to collect.
Kada at Maxwell offers 4 event spaces for rent: The Atrium, Oasis Lounge, The Roof, and The Lawn – each with its own vibe.
The Atrium is drenched in natural light, making it a great spot for a bright and breezy event. The Oasis Lounge, part of the Habyt concept, is equipped with a kitchenette and AV equipment, ideal for both work and play.
If you’re after an outdoor experience, The Lawn and The Roof provides alfresco settings for anything from product launches to birthday parties or small wedding receptions.
Swing by Kyuukei Coffee for coffee and Western fare. For authentic Indonesian flavours, D’Penyetz Heritage has everything from tahu telor to Indomie goreng telur. Lavi Tapas Bar is your go-to for Mexican tapas and drinks. Head over to Limitless Performance for a good workout or Satori Pilates which offers classes in both English and Mandarin.
And before you leave, snap as many pics as you’d like at one of the many Instagram-worthy spots – because if you didn’t post it, did you even really go?
Grab your friends, or furbaby, and check out all the exciting activities and food at Kada at Maxwell – your new favourite hangout is just a visit away.
More places to visit in Singapore:
Photography by Andrea Wong.
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