In case you haven’t been down to Singapore’s lifestyle venue, New Bahru, you might want to pencil in a trip in your calendar. The restored 1960s building has recently completed its final touch-ups to open its new Factory Block, bringing its tenant count to a whopping 62.
Image credit: New Bahru
Helmed by lifestyle brand Lo & Behold Group, who are behind aesthetic places like The Warehouse Hotel and Tanjong Beach Club, New Bahru blends modern architecture with heritage to transform the old school grounds into a creative experience. Its retail and dining outlets are now fully open for all to explore. But with the creative cluster spanning a total of 20,156sqft, we get that it can be quite overwhelming. Read on for an unofficial directory to New Bahru – you can thank us later.
Table of Contents
While its name means “new” in English and Malay, the site that New Bahru stands on has a rich history. It was once home to Nan Chiau High School – before the school moved to its current address in Sengkang, that is. The school was opened in 1941 at Kim Yam Road in River Valley, and was further expanded in 1974.
But this isn’t the first time the space has been transformed into a lifestyle destination. 46 Kim Yam Road was formerly known as The Herencia, housing tenants like KURA Patisserie and Crane, a co-working and events space.
New Bahru first opened its doors to the public in May 2024, boasting a variety of both homegrown and international independent brands, such as Beyond The Vines and The Potters’ Guilt.
Its newest block, the Factory Block, is finally open to the public, with the site now housing 12 new tenants ranging from curated Japanese fashion to Italian cuisine. There is also a communal dining hall with food kiosks for hungry shoppers to makan between retail therapy. 3 new tenants were also added to the School Block for a total of 15 new shops.
The 15 new tenants are:
First founded in Harajuku, Japan, in 1976, Beams has grown to be a major fashion and lifestyle collective carrying both international and Japanese brands alongside their own in-house label products.
It may seem like Beams is your regular retailer selling different brands, but the Japanese lifestyle label stands out with its selective curation of fashion, art, and lifestyle goods. Beams is the main label, but there are also over 30 sub-labels, such as Beams Plus and Ray Beams, that offer classic, everyday fashion and lifestyle products.
You can even find merchandise like keychains, tees, and caps exclusive to Singapore.
You might have seen the iconic living room installation by home and lifestyle retailer, Stacked Store, on social media. They have now opened their first standalone retail store in New Bahru, offering a curated mix of independent brands, homeware, and quirky pieces that make for great conversation-starters.
Aside from shopping their variety of lifestyle products and art, you can also expect workshops, collaborative pop-ups, and exclusive launches from the store’s curated roster of independent brands.
Known for their savoury dumplings and egg-noodles, the dumpling speciality store from Amoy Street, Dumpling Darlings, has opened its third store at New Bahru.
Crowd favourites include their Original dumplings ($8), which include minced pork collar mixed with napa cabbage, ginger soy sauce, and black vinaigrette, and the Fried Pierogi dumplings ($9), which feature smoked bacon, truffle potato, caramelised onions, cheddar, and sriracha cream. If you’re spoilt for choice and can’t seem to decide, you can opt for their Dumpling Platter of 15 ($28), which will include 3 each of their original, veggie, crab & prawn, pierogi, and duck dumplings.
Image credit: @dumpling.darlings via Instagram
Dumpling Darlings might have dumplings in their name, but they are also known for their egg noodles. You can also dig into their Miso Mushroom Noodles ($11.50) or XO Prawn Noodles ($13).
Since the restaurant has an izakaya-inspired menu, you can also look forward to small plates like the Gamja-Jeom ($8) and Agedashi Prawn Tofu ($10).
Known for bona fide Indonesian food, Rumah Makan Minang’s concept store, Kios Minang, at New Bahru is designed to reintroduce the Nasi Padang through a modern kiosk format.
They may have started out as a small roadside stall along Kandahar Street in the 1940s, but Rumah Makan Minang has now represented Singapore internationally in food carnivals organised by the Singapore Tourism Board in Shanghai and Cape Town. The New Bahru’s concept store is led by second-generation owner and chef, Ariff Zin, for a modernised twist on heritage food.
Minang Dulang Signature
Image credit: Kios Minang
Explore Minang specialities like rendang, sambal belado, Ayam Gulai, and a New Bahru exclusive – the Padang Wrap, which is filled with a mix of brown and red rice, fresh pico de gallo, rich gulai sauce, and their signature sambal belado.
Coffeeshop by day and craft beer bar by night, Orh Gao Peh Gao is serving up modern takes on coffeeshop favourites, beers on tap, and Asian-inspired dishes.
From 8am to 4pm, you can expect breakfast classics like the Kaya Butter Toast ($2.80) at Peh Gao Coffeeshop. The coffeeshop will also expand to include heartier dishes for the lunch crowd from 11am onwards, such as the Pho Original ($13) and the Nasi Lemak Rempah Chicken ($12).
From 4pm onwards, the coffeeshop retires itself for Orh Gao Taproom. You can expect a weekly rotating selection of 14 beers on tap, ranging from crisp lagers to seasonal releases from local and international brewers.
Accompany your pint with small plates like the Tofu Dip + Wanton Chips ($11) or the Gao Vinegar Fries ($13). If you’re looking for a heartier meal, opt for the Curry Mussels ($21) which are cooked in sambal butter, or the Crab Fried Rice ($19).
Unit number: #02-02
Save room for dessert after your meal or have a sweet treat as you browse the new tenants at the Factory Block. Inspired by classics and modern favourites, Parlour Gelato offers 16 flavours of sorbets and gelatos.
Indulge in classic favourites like Strawberries & Cream ($6.80) which features fresh berries caramelised over 3 hours or modern twists like Matcha Raspberry ($6.80). The store’s palette of soft yellows, creams, and fresh green accents alongside stained glass windows also makes for an aesthetic shot for your social media posts.
Kiztopia Prestige marks a fresh new concept for the Kiztopia brand, adding on to its list of indoor playgrounds around the island. There are over 8,000sqft worth of interactive role-play rooms, thought-out classes, and even an in-house Kith Cafe.
The kids can spend all day here playing in the sand and ball pits, zooming down curving slides, and jumping around on the trampoline. Plus, this outlet is all decked out in neutral colours, encouraging the concept of “soft play”.
Single admission tickets are priced at $32/1 hour and $48/2 hours. Any additional accompanying adult can join in the fun for $15/adult. Alternatively, there is also the Annual Pass ($868) which gives you free priority for a whole year as well as 10% discount on F&B, retail, events, and single admission tickets.
Buy Kiztopia Prestige tickets.
Dedicated to exploring how sound, light, and spatial design interact with human biology to support regulation and restoration, Future Resonance is New Bahru’s latest wellness addition.
Image credit: Bryan via Google Maps
Founded by the same team behind Pyramids of Chi in Bali, Future Resonance integrates ancient practices refined through contemporary research and live experience to bring frequency-led wellbeing into modern life.
With programs that include Sound Healing, Light Sound Vibration, and daily somatic practices for nervous system regulation, the space provides a multisensory sanctuary to regulate your nervous system.
Those who are familiar with homegrown bedding brand Sojao may have visited its Joo Chiat flagship store. The boutique at New Bahru is slightly smaller, but borrows certain elements like the dark wood finishing and colourful crates used as display.
Known for their organic cotton bedsheets, Sojao’s products will help you turn your bedroom into a sanctuary with staycay vibes. It helps that they come in a myriad of colours too – from solid colours like burnt orange, grey, and olive green, to striped ones.
Prices for a single-sized fitted sheet starts from $92 while duvet covers start from $128. But you can also get a bundle set (from $227.94), which includes a duvet cover. They’ve got a “Build Your Dream Bed” section in the store where you can mix and match the colours and materials – be it sateen or percale.
Loungewear like organic cotton t-shirts (from $38) and loungewear pants (from $52) is available as well – made out of the same comfy materials.
Stepping into Soilboy feels like retreating into a peaceful sanctuary. The store has been designed to look like a Japanese zen garden – with a neutral colour palette, play on natural light, and of course, plenty of green plants.
If you’ve been wanting to shop for plants for your BTO, Soilboy has plants that come equipped with pots. While prices aren’t cheap, the staff are equipped with all the plant care knowledge you’ll need before committing to taking one home. Most of them also come in beautiful ceramic planters – so they’re ready to be part of your home decor.
For unique locally-made pieces, head to Make by GINLEE. It’s an initiative that uses repurposed or leftover materials by the brand to keep them out of the landfill for as long as possible. You can find customisable bags with the same pleats that the brand is known for, resulting in a one-of-a-kind arm candy.
Similar to the one at Raffles City, the MAKE Studio here holds pleating workshops ($88/pax) in store, where you’ll get an introduction to the craft of pleating and circularity before getting down to business. Choose from a selection of pleats, colours, wraps, straps, and eyelets. At the end of the class, you’ll be able to take your creation home.
[Explorer]
Book the pleated bag experience.
What’s better than treating yourself to a new leather product? Making one yourself, of course. Whether you’re getting a thoughtful gift for someone or investing in a card holder for your big girl or boy job, Crafune has different leather crafting workshops where you can make various accessories – such as the Moneta Mini Wallet Workshop ($89) or the 3 Accessories Workshop ($89), where you get to make a card sleeve, coin pouch, and keychain
Should you choose to take a shortcut and purchase a ready-made item instead, know that you can still choose to have your name or initials engraved on it. We love the different fonts available, be it Y.Serif or Optima.
Book the leather accessories workshop.
Image credit: @thepottersguilt via Instagram
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at pottery, look no further than The Potters’ Guilt. After a 90-minute session ($58) with them, terms like “firing”, “glazes”, and “clay bodies” will all start making more sense. The facilitators come with years of experience, so whether you’re looking to try this for fun or decide to pursue an intermediate course, you’re in good hands.
Leave the studio with a piece of tableware made by your very own hands. You’ll get a chance to try cone shaping up and down on the pottery wheel before making your chosen homeware.
Of course, if you’d rather skip the mess and purchase one of the stunning pieces made by the professionals, the store carries all sorts of vases, plates, and other vessels.
Book the Pottery on the Wheel experience.
Kotuwa’s been serving up elevated Sri Lankan food in the lobby of the Wanderlust Hotel since its inception. Now, it has moved into its own space at New Bahru. Expect similar aesthetics, a cosy restaurant with decor that nods to chef Rishi Naleendra’s heritage.
Image credit: Kotuwa
Order up mains like the Lamb Shank ($42), braised in Sri Lankan red curry paired with plain ($5) or egg hoppers ($7). If you’re on a plant-based diet, know that there are also veggie-based mains like the Amba Curry ($18), green mango cooked in turmeric and coconut, and the Gowa Mal Kiri Hodi ($18).
If you’re just there for a tipple, there’s also the bar located right at the entrance. The menu is inspired by the 1996 Lion’s Cup, with cocktails like the Head Spinner ($25) – a punchy concoction of Aba Pisco, guava, tamarind, and chilli – or the rum-based Uncle Percy ($25).
If Nasi Lemak is your favourite local food of all time, then you’ll love The Coconut Club. In fact, the restaurant specialises in dishes that are based around coconut milk, hence its name.
Image credit: @thecoconutclubsg via Instagram
You can’t leave without trying their Signature Ayam Goreng Berempah Nasi Lemak ($21), which has spiced fried bone-in chicken thigh and crispy rempah crumbs. It’s served alongside a serving of coconut rice, fried egg, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and sambal. The restaurant also has vegetarian-friendly options such as the Cucur Sayur ($12), which features crispy veggie fritters in tomato belado, and the Mushroom Rendang ($18).
Artichoke first opened its doors to serve up Middle Eastern cuisine. It has since relaunched into Artichoke Pizza Parlour, a new-school pizza joint inspired by chef-owner Bjorn Shen’s love for pizza. The pizza joint retains an old-school soul, with nostalgia-filled tastes and decor.
Image credit: Artichoke Pizza Parlour
Expect bold flavours with their Slabs, which are Sicilian-styled and frico-based rectangles with a crispy cheddar bottom. Options include the classic Beef Pepperoni ($26) or the Bacon Apple Pie ($34), which comes with brie, apple butter, and hazelnuts. Their Rounds features pizza with a puffy, airy crust in flavours like the Tropic Thunder ($34), which is topped with Parma ham, stracciatella, jackfruit, ginger flower, hot honey, and mint for a burst of flavour.
For desserts, dig into their OG Date Pudding ($16) or from their selection of Fresh Churned Ice Cream (from $5).
Head to the back of the restaurant and you’ll find Small’s hidden behind some curtains a la secret izakaya bars in Japan. It’s a 7-seater space which offers an omakase-style themed menu. Until 28th June 2026, Small’s is hosting their All-fish Korean BBQ omakase ($138++/pax). Expect plates with butter-roasted abalone, tuna galbi, and conger eels.
Do note that you’ll have to make reservations in advance due to the limited number of seats.
Image credit: @oneprawnco via Instagram
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Led by Chef Gwyneth, One Prawn & Co is a seafood grill that uses traditional wood fire-cooking and dry-aged techniques. The menu features modern Asian cuisine, with dishes such as The Holy Halibut Burger ($26) and Prawn Bisque Ramen ($30) for lunch.
Come evening, the dinner menu serves up the likes of “Typhoon Shelter” Prawn ($56), 16 Days Dry-Aged Kingfish Loin ($30/100g), and 7 Days Dry-Aged Black Cod ($32/100g).
Pair the delectable food with handcrafted cocktails from their extensive drinks menu. With options ranging from the non-alcoholic Dragon’s Breath Cooler ($8) to the Chambord Spritz ($23), you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Book a cocktail appreciation workshop.
Once mama and papa are done with retail therapy, the little ones can have their fair share at Sea Apple. This sustainable children’s clothing brand for those aged 0-14 has everything – from outfits featuring original prints inspired by the 90s to a range of children’s books and Jellycat plushies.
The highlight of the store is located at the counter. There’s an initiative called Sea Apple Create, where you can purchase a product from the store with the “Sea Apple Create” tag and bling it up with patches (from $1) and stickers ($5). It’s a fun way to let your kids flaunt their creativity. Psst, it’s also a perfect crafting idea for those who are young at heart.
What used to be a lawn back when the area was Nan Chiau High School has now been transformed into a playground for the kids to run wild at in between meals and shopping sprees. The design is loosely inspired by the iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh.
There’s an Oatside-branded slide that’s perfect for kids, 2 trampolines, and swings. It’s also located right next to a grassy field surrounded by towering rain trees, which brings in an element of nature to this lifestyle cluster.
With so many dining and retail options to keep you occupied, we don’t blame you if you’d want to BTO in New Bahru. Enter: Alma House, an 83-room serviced apartment on the premises.
Fun fact: These guest rooms were once classrooms back when the building was still Nan Chiau High School.
There are different room categories ranging from the Deluxe Room and Studio to a 1- and 2-Bedroom Suite. Each boasts interior design that’s inspired by old-school HDB units in Singapore. For those having a staycation with the kiddos, the Alma Family Suite is also available. Standard rates start from $1,140 for 6 nights, which is the minimum number of nights you can book.
While the Alma House Lobby Lounge is usually only accessible to staying guests, for a limited time, they have opened their doors to the public. Enjoy Happy Hour at Alma House ($15) with 2 beer bottles or 2 glasses of wine in their cosy space.
New Bahru is accessible by buses 32, 54, 139, 195, and 195A which stops at Before Kim Yam Rd as well as buses 64, 123, and 143 which stops at UE Square.
For those coming via MRT, New Bahru is a 15-minute walk from Great World MRT Station and 13 minutes from Fort Canning MRT Station.
And in case you’re not looped in, there is a free shuttle bus that runs daily between Somerset & New Bahru. Take note though that seats are limited and on a first come first serve basis. You can check their schedule for daily shuttle timings.
Image credit: New Bahru
New Bahru may still be relatively new, but there’s plenty to do. You can easily spend a whole day here. It’s fully operational now, and you can expect more than 60 local businesses ranging from F&B to retail, entertainment, wellness, and even education. Think of it like an alternative shopping mall.
For more things to check out in SG:
Photography by Ally Siew and Ashley Hoon
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local and Peh Gao
Originally published on 22nd June 2024. Last updated by Chandelle Cheong on 12th May 2026.
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