Joo Chiat is known for its colourful shophouses, heritage spots, and trendy haunts tucked along its streets, from the Museum of Food to a dedicated Samoyed dog cafe.
Joining the neighbourhood’s list of places to check out is Side Quest, a newly reopened art jamming studio that sits atop one of Joo Chiat’s many shophouses, offering a cosy space to let your creative juices flow and design a masterpiece at your own pace.
Founded in 2025, Side Quest was started by 23-year-old Jessica Tay to share her love for art with others and inspire them to explore creativity through craft activities. It began as a mobile business hosting DIY workshops for private birthdays and events all around Singapore, before she decided to open her own studio in Joo Chiat.
Instead of serving food, the art cafe’s menu features a variety of hands-on art projects made for all ages. The space is also designed for visitors to slow down and enjoy creating their own keepsakes without expecting it to be flawless. There are also no formal instructors, so you can work on your crafts without any pressure and let your creativity take the lead.
Image credit: Side Quest via Google Maps
Since reopening on 13th October 2026, Side Quest has introduced a refreshed menu with beginner-friendly workshops and activities, aiming to be a creative third space where you can unwind with friends while trying something new.
Image credit: @sidequest.sg via Instagram
Side Quest offers 6 painting activities, all with materials fully provided, and zero prior art experience needed. Pick up a brush and paint whatever’s on your mind on a blank canvas with the Canvas Painting ($38 for 2 hours) workshop.
Image adapted from: @sidequest.sg via Instagram
For beginners, Figurine Painting ($28 for 1.5 hours) or the crowd-favourite Trinket Tray Painting ($20/hour) will give you an easy starting point. You’ll get to choose from a selection of hand-cast figurines and trinket trays, then personalise them with your own designs.
There’s also the Colour Stories Coaster Painting ($35 for 2 hours) workshop, which lets you paint a pair of coasters with pre-drawn designs inspired by the Peranakan tiles found all over Joo Chiat.
Image adapted from: @sidequest.sg via Instagram
For something more practical, try Tote Bag Painting ($35 for 2 hours) and decorate an art piece that can be carried around wherever you go. Plant parents will want to check out Plant Pot Painting ($32 for 2 hours), where you’ll get to customise your own flower pot and bring it back to spruce up your home garden.
Image adapted from: Side Quest
Painting is not all that you’ll find at Side Quest; those looking to explore other crafts or personalise mini tokens for friends and family can do so at the postcard and charm-making stations.
You’ll be given up to 2 postcards per session for you to write a heartfelt message to your loved ones and decorate them at the Snail Mail Postcard Bar ($25/hour); Side Quest will even help you mail it out for free.
At the Ling Long Loop Charm Bar ($18 for 30 minutes), participants will get unlimited access to the cafe’s collection of beads and charms to create their own accessory. Make one for yourself or put together a little keepsake for someone special.
Skip the usual birthday dinner and celebrate your special day with a hands-on craft party hosted entirely by Side Quest. Starting at $60/pax, the Basic Birthday Party Package includes a 2-hour private celebration and your choice of any of the painting activities offered at the studio.
For more crafty fun, upgrade to the Bespoke Birthday Party Package at $90/pax. You’ll get an extra 30 minutes of party time, access to the Ling Long Loop Charm Bar, and curated goodie bags for each guest to take home.
Image credit: Side Quest
Parents can also leave the cleanup to Side Quest, so you can spend more time celebrating the special occasion with the little ones. The party can be hosted at the studio in Joo Chiat, or have the team bring the celebrations to your preferred venue at no extra charge.
While Side Quest does not serve any food or drinks as of yet, feel free to bring along non-alcoholic beverages from the cafes in Joo Chiat to sip on while working on your artworks.
The art studio is a 7-minute walk from Marine Parade MRT Station. You’ll find Side Quest on the 2nd level of the 7-Eleven directly opposite i12 Katong.
Side Quest makes for a solid group outing or a cosy spot for a low-key date, and its affordable workshops make it easy to get creative while supporting a small local business. Beyond its studio workshops, Side Quest can also be booked for off-site events and team bonding activities.
Head over to Joo Chiat for your next main quest with Side Quest; walk-ins are welcome, or make a reservation up to 2 weeks in advance if you’re bringing a larger group with you.
For more artsy activities:
Cover image adapted from: Side Quest via Google Maps, @sidequest.sg via Instagram, Side Quest
Drop by this new art studio the next time you visit Joo Chiat.
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