Latest news with #HollandVillage
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3 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Empty shops, boarded windows: Has Holland Village lost its mojo?
In October 2024, a party celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bynd Artisan - a home-grown brand known for handmade leather and paper gifts - was in full swing at its flagship store in Jalan Merah Saga. The energy was unmistakable as guests mingled, admired the anniversary collection and lined up to personalise keepsakes with the craftsmen. Beneath the conviviality, however, was a quiet sense of transition. After all, this was not just a celebration - it also marked the closing of a meaningful chapter in Holland Village and the beginning of new possibilities as the brand completed its lease in February 2025. 2024 was a year of change for Holland Village. Many well-known names, such as Thambi Magazine Store, ice cream parlour Sunday Folks and party paraphernalia shop Khiam Teck, had shuttered. "It was bittersweet," says Bynd Artisan's co-founder Winnie Chan, 53. She and her husband James Quan set up shop in Chip Bee Gardens in 2015 during Singapore's 50th year of independence. The store was a tribute to Ms Chan's grandfather, one of Singapore's pioneering hand bookbinders. His legacy lived on through the personal touches in the space - most notably, the towering Heidelberg letterpress. Home-grown brand Bynd Artisan's 10th anniversary party in October 2024 was not only a celebration but also a farewell to its flagship store in Jalan Merah Saga. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR For years, the iconic machine stood proudly outside the shop, drawing the curiosity of passers-by who thronged the streets of Holland Village. But foot traffic has dwindled over the years to a point where staying on no longer makes business sense. On a typical weekday afternoon, fewer than 10 people walk past the storefront and only one might step inside. Even on weekends, the numbers barely improve. What led to this decline in foot traffic and whether Holland Village can ever return to its former vibrancy are questions that business owners grapple with. From kampung to trendy hangout Holland Village - spanning Lorong Mambong, Lorong Liput, Holland Avenue and Chip Bee Gardens - is known for its bohemian vibes, trendy cafes, restaurants and a mix of old and new local businesses. It began as a kampung, later giving way to terraced houses and walk-up apartments in Chip Bee Gardens - built as married quarters for the British military - and shophouses that became the defining features of the area. Contrary to popular belief, Holland Village is not named after the Netherlands. It is believed to have been named in the early 1900s after Hugh Holland, an architect and amateur actor who reportedly lived there. An aerial view of the intersection between Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Among locals, it was once affectionately called Hue Hng Au, meaning "behind the garden" in Hokkien, a reference to its proximity to the Botanic Gardens. A turning point came in the 1990s, when nearby Orchard and Tanglin became prime residential zones and there was an influx of Western expatriates. Retail brands moved into Holland Village, transforming the tranquil neighbourhood into a lifestyle destination. Ms Chan fondly remembers Holland Village in its heyday - buzzing with energy and creativity. In 2014, the arrival of lifestyle and magazine brand Monocle in Jalan Kelabu Asap further sealed the neighbourhood's reputation as one of Singapore's hippest enclaves. That spirit peaked in 2018, when Singapore Design Week transformed Holland Village into a mega block party venue celebrating the fusion of arts and community. "It was very happening," Ms Chan recalls, saying Holland Village was often featured in guidebooks, attracting mini-tours and crowds of both locals and tourists. The expatriate families also organised their own funfairs, where children ran barefoot on the lawns and in the shaded lanes. The Heidelberg letterpress outside Bynd Artisan's flagship store in Holland Village. The brand's co-founders made the difficult decision of letting the machine go as the business moved out. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Uniqueness versus survival That lively charm and authenticity has faded in recent years, according to Bynd Artisan's founders. This reflects the challenge of preserving the neighbourhood's unique identity amid current pressures - from rising rents and dwindling foot traffic to inflation and competition from trendier districts. It is a tricky dance - one that Holland Village must master if it hopes to revive the spirit and vitality that once defined the area. "For those who make the effort to visit Holland Village, there is not enough to convince them it's worth the trip," says Mr Quan, 57. He draws a comparison with Tokyo's Cat Street and Omotesando neighbourhood, where tourists often head to a particular vintage shop mentioned in guidebooks - only to discover dozens more in the same area, along with hidden restaurants. "Over here, if a guidebook says Bynd Artisan is in Chip Bee Gardens, and someone makes the trip only to realise it's just that - one shop and nothing else - they may not come back. They'd rather go to a shopping mall where they can get everything in one place," he says. Bynd Artisan co-founders James Quan and Winnie Chan outside the flagship store in October 2024. The store closed in February 2025. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Mr Chua Tiang Hee, 74, owner of Fosters Steakhouse, believes the new developments - One Holland Village, which opened in December 2023, and Holland Piazza, launched in 2018 on the site of a former mall that featured an iconic windmill at the top - have diluted the area's uniqueness, making it more like other neighbourhoods with malls housing familiar retail chains. In the past, "Holland Village had this indescribable charm", Mr Chua recalls. Fosters Steakhouse, located in Holland Avenue, had outdoor seating surrounded by greenery. "It fits my concept of building an English greenhouse restaurant perfectly. I would sit outside, watching the trees and feeling as though I am not in Singapore." The British-themed restaurant moved out in October 2022 and reopened three months later, as a modest cafe tucked inside YewTee Point. But in just two years, Mr Chua closed the business for good. Mr Chua Tiang Hee, owner of Fosters Steakhouse, which moved out of Holland Village in 2022. He reopened the business as a modest cafe in YewTee Point, but closed it two years later. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI He misses the old Holland Village that lives in his memory. "Right now, if you walk around the area, you don't know which shops or restaurants are exactly there because they are constantly moving in and out," he says. "Yes, there are new hypes, but they definitely changed the area's appeal, which is now gone." During a quick walk around Holland Village on June 5, The Straits Times spotted nine vacant shop units along Lorong Mambong and Holland Avenue. High rental costs appear to be driving business turnover. When Fosters moved out of Holland Avenue in 2022, Mr Chua was offered a unit along Lorong Mambong for over $20,000 a month. "I was flabbergasted when I found out another F&B establishment there was paying $50,000 a month for two floors," he says. "I often wonder how these shops can afford the rent. For some of them, I don't even see a lot of customers inside. Maybe they go online, but still, it's challenging." Fosters Steakhouse was famous for its English scones with clotted cream and jam. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI As at June 5, rental listings on property websites show that shophouse rents range from $13,700 for a 797 sq ft unit to $62,000 for a two-storey corner space measuring 3,468 sq ft. On average, monthly rents hover around $17 to $18 per sq ft - comparable with those in the heart of Orchard Road. 'We want to be here' Some old-time businesses have chosen to stay, holding fast to the spots where they were founded years ago. "Holland Village has always been in a state of change," says Mr Michael Hadley, owner of Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant Original Sin. When he opened the restaurant in Chip Bee Gardens in 1997, the surroundings were far from polished. There were no steps or paved roads outside. It was the Euro-chic appeal and relaxed sophistication that drew him and his wife Lorraine to the area. Both passionate food lovers, they dreamt of bringing quality Western cuisine and fine wines to locals - without sky-high prices. Mrs Hadley says they used to host group dinners and wrap wine bottles in foil to let diners guess their value - often surprising the guests that good wines did not always have to come from France and could be affordable. As Original Sin gained popularity, the couple, both in their 50s, would give back to the community by hosting special needs children for free annually. Still, like many other businesses, it has felt the impact of a changing landscape and the area's waning appeal. Mr Michael Hadley opened Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant Original Sin in 1997 to introduce locals to quality wine and meatless cuisine. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY When Holland Village MRT station opened in 2011, there were high hopes that it would draw larger crowds to the area. "The MRT is great," says Mrs Hadley. "But what it really did was take people out of the neighbourhood. There was no boom. Many people left to explore other areas." The situation worsened in 2019 when two carparks were closed to make way for the One Holland Village development. Parking has long been a nightmare in Holland Village, Mr Hadley notes. Even before the closures, it was common for drivers to circle the area for a spot, often ending up in Chip Bee Gardens and crossing the road to get to the main stretch. This, in turn, deprived visitors to Chip Bee Gardens of parking spaces. Then came the pandemic. "Covid-19 changed the dynamics of Chip Bee Gardens," says Mrs Hadley, noting that many expatriate residents left. Although business picked up slightly in the aftermath, the momentum has subsided, according to the couple. The greatest challenge now is whether Original Sin can continue operating in Chip Bee Gardens. Bosco Misto, a popular menu item at Original Sin, features spinach, feta and tofu patties coated in almonds and sesame, served with asparagus and a mushroom plum sauce. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ORIGINAL SIN The terraced houses and walk-up apartments in the precinct are managed by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). They are let out on a two-year lease via open tenders. This approach aims to promote transparency and ensure that anyone who is interested in renting has an equal opportunity. While the Hadleys emphasise that they are not asking for preferential treatment and agree that the area needs diversity, they hope the authority can offer small businesses - especially those that have long been part of the community - a chance to stay. "We want to be here," Mrs Hadley says. "But we don't know what rental prices they will throw at us... We are not sure how important it is for someone else who wants to rent a space here, but for us, it is important because we have always been here." A spokesperson for the SLA says it proactively seeks innovative ways to further unlock the potential of state-managed properties. On top of rental prices, tender proposals are also evaluated based on their creativity, contribution to the precinct's vibrancy and incorporation of green and sustainable initiatives. The goal is to enhance community engagement and ensure Chip Bee Gardens remains interesting and relevant to the evolving lifestyles of both locals and international visitors. Terraced houses and walk-up apartments in Chip Bee Gardens are state properties managed by the Singapore Land Authority and are let out on a two-year lease via open tenders. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Another business that has adapted to the changes is Joo Ann Foh. Nestled within Holland Road Shopping Centre, it has evolved significantly since it was established as a Chinese medicinal hall in 1906. In the 1960s when the British military forces moved into the area, the medicinal hall expanded its offerings to include daily goods and provisions for the new community. This continued until the 1990s, when the second generation took over, turning it into a photography and printing service shop. "The only constant in Holland Village is change," says Mr Kenneth Ng, 48, a third-generation owner. "It's not something we love, but something we have learnt to accommodate." His younger brother Adam, 46, weighs in: "We are doing our best to keep the business going because our customers already see us as part of Holland Village... they trust us, and they recommend us to their friends." Holland Village used to have a laid-back feel, he reminisces. There were shops selling rattan goods, antiques and party supplies - quirky, niche places that made the area special. "These unique offerings drew people in," he says. Brothers Adam Ng (left) and Kenneth Ng are the third-generation owners of Joo Ann Foh. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG "Now, whatever you find here... you can find elsewhere. There is nothing exclusive here to generate foot traffic." While they understand why landlords lease spaces to big-name chains with deep pockets, they believe this is neither sustainable nor beneficial for the neighbourhood. "We need to take a broader view," says Mr Kenneth Ng. "Imagine: Thambi now reopens at the front of One Holland Village. It is just a modest magazine stand, but it is also a beloved local landmark. So why not consider lowering the rent to bring in more businesses like this to make this place special?" The Ng brothers anticipate further shifts in the area's dynamics following the completion of the mixed-use development. "It is too early to say exactly how things will change, but we will see a new wave of residents moving in, and the office tower will be filled as well," says Mr Kenneth Ng. A family photo taken at Joo Ann Foh's original shop in Holland Avenue in the 1980s. A section of the shop carried photography-related products, while another section offered daily provisions. Seen here are business founder Ng Chin Wah (with glasses), second-generation owner Paul Ng and his wife Irene Mah, and the couple's young sons Kenneth Ng (left) and Adam Ng. PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOO ANN FOH Ms Clara Ong, who has a pet corgi with her boyfriend, were regulars at One Holland Village when it first opened as they were attracted by its pet-friendly appeal, but their visits have since tapered off. "Most stores still require pets to be in carriers or strollers and many restaurants allow them only in the outdoor seating areas," the 29-year-old marketing executive explains. "We usually end up going elsewhere like East Coast Park or places with more open space and a more relaxed vibe for pets." Ms Ong remembers Holland Village as a place once known for its hidden gems. "Now, it feels too commercial." Giving the space a chance If uncertainty breeds opportunity, it might explain why Mr Lee Joon Peng, 45, took a leap of faith three years ago in setting up That Wine Place - a restaurant-bar and wine academy - at 261 Holland Avenue. The very same address once housed Palm's Wine Bar, one of the first restaurant-bars in Holland Village, which helped shape its vibrant drinking and dining culture in the 1980s. A 1988 photo of Palm's Wine Bar (right), one of the first restaurant-bars in Holland Village. It helped shape the enclave's vibrant drinking and dining culture. The site is now home to That Wine Place. PHOTO: ST FILE Opening That Wine Place was a blend of two passions - his wife's nostalgic fondness for Holland Village and his love affair with wine bars. "Holland Village used to be very chill," Mr Lee recounts, sharing that his wife often lunched here during her PhD days at NUS. Meanwhile, his regular business trips to Taiwan exposed him to the island's buzzing wine bar culture, which inspired him with its warmth and charm. However, what began as a promising venture has become increasingly difficult to sustain. "Seriously, I also want to know why people are not coming to Holland Village," Mr Lee says. The busiest times are typically the first and last weeks of each month. "Midweek is usually quiet, we don't see many people, not even on the road," he adds. Mr Lee believes the slowdown is part of a broader shift across Singapore's food and beverage (F&B) industry. "We see the closure of many dining places. For wine, in particular, people are no longer buying them in Singapore, they would prefer to do it overseas." At the same time, diners are spoilt for choice and rising inflation has made them more price-conscious. It is little wonder, he adds, that some businesses are pulling out of Holland Village altogether or choosing to open second outlets closer to the city centre. Mr Lee Joon Peng says opening That Wine Place was a blend of two passions - his wife's nostalgic fondness for Holland Village and his own love affair with wine bars. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH "Most of our customers here are families or couples. At most, they will open one bottle, maybe two," Mr Lee explains. "If I have an outlet in town, I could cater to business meetings and company events where we would sell more. Holland Village could do so much better if we manage to attract the office crowds from the nearby Star Vista area." Like other business owners, Mr Lee feels that the newer developments do not blend well with the character of the original Holland Village, and more importantly, that they lack a strong pull factor. One Holland Village may attract pet owners as a casual hangout, with a few go-to spots like Surrey Hills Grocer or Fireplace by Bedrock, he says. But beyond that, people come and go, and the crowds do not spill over. "I don't see it's a place that will bring more people in here... because there is nothing new and exciting to make them think, 'Oh, I need to come back again.'" That's why he calls his business venture a bit of a gamble. "It is a 'hit or miss'," he admits. "This place is not making a profit, but we are fortunate to have a reasonable landlord. I also believe F&B is the kind of business where you nurture and invest for the long run." One visitor who finds Holland Village worth discovering is Mr Maro, an Italian business consultant who has been visiting Singapore frequently since 2017. While the area does not draw the kind of crowds he sees at Orchard Road, he believes that has not affected the quality of what is on offer. "I still remember my first visit here - it was to 2am: dessertbar. The level of creativity and finesse in the desserts was something I had not seen elsewhere," says the 57-year-old, who did not give his full name. Lorong Mambong, home to a cluster of bars and restaurants. While Holland Village may not buzz with the same energy as Orchard Road, it has not affected the quality of what is on offer, says a regular visitor. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG More recently, he dined at Le Bon Funk and was equally impressed by its curated wine list. "I cannot speak about what Holland Village used to be, but there are some seriously high-calibre restaurants here - if you know, you know." Can Holland Village be revived? Mr Lee believes Holland Village still holds a lot of untapped potential. One idea is to spruce up Holland Village Park just outside That Wine Place. Outdoor seating, for example, could make the space more inviting without obstructing foot traffic. "I once spent an evening under those trees with my friends," Mr Lee recalls. "The breeze, the vibe, everything just felt perfect - like the old Holland Village coming back all over." He adds: "If we have more places like that, where people could sit, relax and unwind in the space... it could create a brand-new reason for people to stay longer and keep coming back." Mr Lee hopes outdoor seating can be added to the communal space in front of his restaurant-bar. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Some other tenants in Chip Bee Gardens told ST that they have been asking for a sheltered walkway linking the MRT station to the shops for a few years. Instead, they were offered a piecemeal solution: the option of installing standardised clear shelters in front of each store. But the tenants worry these static structures will create new problems - collecting leaves, heating up under the sun and making outdoor seating uncomfortable. Summing up the general frustration, Mr Hadley says: "If Holland Village is a brand, then right now, no one is managing it." Mr Lee adds that the lack of serious discussion about the area's commercial direction is hurting businesses and customers alike. As for Mr Quan, he believes the area needs better curation. "Many of the stores here are service-based. If you were a tourist or a local from another neighbourhood, would you come all the way to visit a dentist, a pet shop, a pilates studio or a kitchen supply store? Probably not." But he acknowledges the other side of the coin. "They have been here for 10, 20 years and their loyal customers keep them going. The question then becomes: Should Holland Village be a hub for services or a place for unique small local businesses?" For the Ng brothers, the answer lies in embracing Singapore's retail heritage. Business owners believe there is a lack of serious discussion about the area's commercial direction, and that if Holland Village is a brand, no one is managing it at the moment. ST PHOTO: TAYRN NG "Some people don't even realise we have been around for so long," says Mr Kenneth Ng. "Others come in and tell us they are third-generation customers. That says a lot." He is committed to business growth, but says there is only so much he and his brother can do. He notes that even some popular home-grown names, like Charles & Keith and TWG, had to reinvent themselves to survive. "They have gone international and polished up their image, but they don't feel local any more," he observes. "They are selling a lifestyle, an idea, rather than holding on to their original identity. "It seems like this is the reality for local brands - you either pivot, sell the business or franchise, or you risk getting left behind." Ms Chan says the perception of local brands has changed over the past decade. More Singaporeans now embrace them for their thoughtful design and small-batch craftsmanship. Ironically, this has led to fewer home-grown brands eyeing Holland Village. "In the past, when there was little awareness of supporting local brands, it was hard for them to enter major shopping malls, so they turned to niche areas like Holland Village. Now, many malls open their doors to local brands, promising them better foot traffic and visibility," she says. "So, where do the local brands prefer to be - there or here?" Still, some believe there is room for revival - and it may lie in collaboration. Mr Hadley suggests establishing a merchant association to give business owners a platform to voice concerns, propose improvements and initiate partnerships with others in the neighbourhood. Past efforts fell through due to disagreements between small businesses and franchise operators, which he believes could be resolved by a neutral body - likely a government body - with a clear mandate to represent all parties. Mr Lee has already teamed up with nearby Wala Wala Cafe Bar to run cross-promotions: buy a specific wine at one venue, get perks at the other. "These are the kinds of ideas that bring energy back to the village," he says. "Business owners should be brainstorming together: What do people want and how can we offer it? These innovations will only make Holland Village more lively and exciting." At Bynd Artisan's 10th anniversary party, Ms Chan had a poignant exchange with her mother, who asked why she was celebrating the closure of the Chip Bee Gardens outlet. Her reply? "Because there is beauty in difficult moments." Ms Chan believes such times are exactly when resilient entrepreneurs shine - finding creativity in chaos and growth in challenge. "Running a business involves more than sentiments. We may not always know how things will turn out, so this chaos - unexpected and demanding as it is - is something we have learnt to relish."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
11 best stalls at Holland Village Food Centre worth hollering about
You probably know Holland Village as a lively area with restaurants, cafes and bars aplenty. But sometimes, the best bites come from the simplest spots. Perched amid the bustle is Holland Village Food Centre, serving up solid hawker fare that humbly holds its own — just the change of pace you never knew you needed. And with that, we've rounded up the 11 best stalls at Holland Village Food Centre worth hollering about. Pasta is never a bad idea. Even better? Restaurant-quality pasta at hawker centre prices — exactly what Twirl Pasta offers. Tucked away in the back annexe of the food centre, this gem of a stall serves up an enticing variety of pasta dishes that's sure to carb your cravings. Fun fact: its owner, James, trained under Chef Choo of Chef Choo Signature, the hawker pasta mainstay over at Golden Mile Food Centre. Twirl Pasta offers 7 pasta mains, including Spaghetti Alfredo with Bacon & Mushroom (S$8), Chicken Chop + Spaghetti Aglio Olio (S$8.50) and Spaghetti with House-made Meatballs in Marinara (S$8). The Spaghetti Frutti di Mare (S$9.50) is another eye-catching option, featuring arrabiata sauce-coated spaghetti with a generous portion of fresh seafood. I went with the Grilled Salmon + House-made Pesto Spaghetti (S$13) — a pricier choice, but certainly delivered on quality. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and tossed in a nutty, herbaceous pesto sauce that, albeit on the lighter side, definitely held its own. And don't get me started on the salmon, which was seared to smoky perfection and embellished with an ultra-crispy skin I could go on about forever. Tue to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm & 4pm – 7.30pm Closed on Sun & Mon Instagram 363 Katong Laksa's name may ring a bell if you're a regular around Holland Village; it once operated out of a full-fledged restaurant in the area. Although it's since downsized into a humble hawker stall, their laksa is still every bit as satisfying. Get the Premium Laksa (S$6.30), which comes generously topped with whole prawns, fishcakes, cockles and tau pok. The ingredients and slurp-worthy noodles are bathed in a rich, flavourful gravy that strikes a fantastic balance between the hae bee-laced rempah and creamy coconut milk. The stall also offers nasi lemak sets, including Chicken Wing (S$5.20), Chicken Thigh (S$5.80), Fish (S$5.80) and Nyonya Beef Rendang (S$6.50), each served with fragrant rice, vegetables, egg, peanuts, ikan bilis and sambal. Thu to Tue: 8.30am – 8pm Closed on Wed Facebook Hua Soon Western Food is your stop for old-school Western goodness. Think unpretentious plates of grilled chicken chop with fries and coleslaw, golden-brown spring chicken and chicken nuggets… just faultless comfort food that whisks you back to simpler times. Choose from an array of nearly 40 mains, including Black Pepper Chicken Chop (S$7), Fish n Chips (S$7), Mac n Cheese w. Pork Chop (S$6.90), Fried Rice w. Chicken Cutlet (S$5.50) and even Ribeye Steak (S$14.90), which features a 200g hunk of air-flown beef. Portions here are bang for your buck, with each set served alongside 3 sides — fries, corn, coleslaw, pasta or rice, depending on your pick. My pick: Chicken Chop w. Cheesy Fries (S$7.50) came with corn, coleslaw, crinkle-cut fries blanketed in nacho cheese and a fried egg atop a hefty slab of chicken chop slathered in savoury mushroom sauce. Thu to Tue: 11am – 9pm Closed on Wed Western food lovers, we're not quite done yet. Chang Sheng Western Food is another worthy addition to your repertoire. Much like Hua Soon, this stall dishes out no-frills Western classics with a side of nostalgia — and it's got its own loyal following to prove it. Can't decide between the two? Don't. A few return visits and a rotation between both sounds like the best plan to us. The Chicken Cutlet Fried Rice (S$5) is a crowd favourite, and it's not hard to see why. With simple egg fried rice dotted with ham, crispy chicken cutlet and a crowning sunny-side-up egg, it might just remind you of mom's cooking. If you're feeling boujee, splurge on the Black Pepper Ribeye Steak (S$9) or Salmon Fish (S$9), served with your choice of rice or fries. Otherwise, you'll never go wrong with some good ol' Fish 'n' Chips (S$7), Pork Chop (S$7) and, behold, the Chicken Cutlet Spaghetti (S$6). +65 8550 3536 Tue to Sun: 11am – 9.30pm Closed on Mon Sometimes, all it takes is a hearty plate of economic bee hoon to start your day right. Trust in Holland V. Fried Bee Hoon for a fuss-free breakfast or brunch fix, but be sure to swing by early as their shutters are down by the early afternoon. Order up! Try not to drool at the sight of the ingredients piled high on countertop trays. The best part? Each of these cost no more than S$2 a pop. Start with your base of Bee Hoon (S$1.20/S$1.50) or Noodle (S$1.20/S$1.50), then pile on the usual suspects: Egg (S$0.50), Vegetables (S$0.60), and Chicken Wing (S$1.60/S$1.80/S$2) plus a dollop of aromatic sambal. Of course, feel free to go all out with other add-ons, such as Fish Fillet (S$1), Spring Rolls (3 for S$1.50), Chicken Nuggets (3 for S$1.50), Luncheon Meat (S$0.60) and many more. Really, the possibilities are endless. +65 9363 4589 Thu to Sun & Tue: 6am – 12.30pm Closed on Mon & Wed Ah Fong Noodle took over the unit once occupied by the famed Ming Fa Fishball Noodles — and judging by the perpetual queues, it's safe to say that they've done those big shoes justice. Like its predecessor, the stall doles out comforting bowls of Fishball Noodles (S$4/S$5), bak chor mee (S$4.50/S$5.50) and more. As a sucker for anything stuffed with meat, my natural first pick was the Double Taste Meatball Noodle (S$4.50/S$5.50). My S$5.50 order came with a generous helping of 6 meatballs — 3 of which encased a delectable chunk of minced meat that oozed savoury pork broth à la xiao long bao. These flavour-packed morsels were a great complement to the kway teow tossed in a mix of vinegar and chilli, though I'd probably go for less vinegar and more chilli next time. Other mouth-watering options include Fuzhou Fishball Noodles (S$4.50/S$5.50), Sliced Abalone Bak Chor Mee (S$5.50/S$7) and Chicken Cutlet Noodle (S$5/S$6.50). Daily: 8.30am – 9pm 10 best laksa spots in SG for an irresistible meal [2024 update] I don't know about you, but I love a good zi char spot. 126 Mini Wok does just that, serving up all the classics in fuss-free, single-sized portions perfect for quick, satisfying meals. And we mean it when we say all the favourites; their menu boasts over 30 dishes to choose from! A popular choice is the Black Pepper Beef Hor Fun (S$6) and its dry counterpart, the Stir Fried Beef Hor Fun (S$6) — the former features the flat rice noodles drenched in silky egg gravy, while the latter is wok-fried to charred perfection, both generously studded with tender beef slices. There's also a plethora of rice options for your perusal, including Sambal Fried Rice (S$4), Salted Egg Chicken Rice (S$6), Thai Style Fish Rice (S$5.50) and even Thai Style Pineapple Fried Rice (S$5). Spice lovers should give the Curry Pork Rice (S$5.50) a go — it comes loaded with pork slices and a generous ladle of piquant curry. Mon to Sat: 11am – 9.30pm Closed on Sun How much does the world's heaviest dumpling weigh? Wanton. Now that you've (probably not) laughed at my joke, let's get to the real reason we're here: wanton mee from Liang Ji Wanton Noodle. Because let's be honest; it's the kind of dish that hits the spot any day, any time. You can have your Wanton Mee (S$4.50/S$5/S$6) in soup or dry-tossed in any of 4 sauces: Chilli Sauce, Black Sauce, Tomato Sauce, or the Chilli + Black Sauce combo that's more commonly seen in Malaysian-style variations. I'd recommend the sweet-savoury Chilli + Black Sauce mix — as it pairs the best with the al dente noodles. Each plate also comes with slices of sweet char siew, silky wantons and crispy ones that are chock-full of meat. Daily: 8am – 9.30pm Now, spice things up with a bowl of mala xiang guo from Qian Jiao Bai Wei Mala Xiang Guo. Perfect for sharing with your makan gang, this fiery stir-fry packs an aromatic punch — and that addictive, tongue-tingling kick from the Sichuan peppercorn is sure to perk you right up. Priced from S$6, their Fragrant Pot is fully customisable and ingredients are priced by category, with Meats from S$3/100g, Vegetables from S$1.50/100g and Mushrooms from S$2.50/100g. My ideal bowl would consist of Instant Noodles (S$1), Pork Belly (S$3), Da Bai Chye (S$1.50), Rice Cake (S$1.50), Lotus Root (S$2.50) and Abalone Mushroom (S$2.50) — all thoroughly coated in their savoury mala sauce at a perfect zhong la (medium spicy). Tue to Sun: 9am – 9pm Closed on Mon Looks like Holland Drive Food Centre isn't the only spot to get your claypot rice fix around Holland Village! A formidable —if lesser known — rival to the famed New Lucky Claypot Rice, Yu Ji Claypot & Stewed Soup proves itself a master of two trades: claypot dishes and soul-soothing double-boiled soups. As mentioned, you gotta give the Traditional Claypot Rice (S$6.80 for 1 pax, S$13 for 2 pax, S$20 for 3 pax) a whirl. Each pot comes loaded with tender chunks of chicken and vegetables atop rice drizzled in dark soy sauce — every spoonful is satisfying, with smoky, charred bits of rice for that added smokiness and crunch. That aside, the stall boasts an impressive selection of 14 soups, including the nourishing Herbal Stewed Fresh Chicken (S$7), Lotus Root Peanut Pork Ribs Soup (S$4.50) and Salted Vegetable Duck Soup (S$4.80). +65 9815 1555 Thu to Tue: 11am – 9pm Closed on Wed Fellow ban mian lovers, this one's for you. De Sheng Handmade Noodles • Fish Soup serves a wide variety of handmade noodle dishes, alongside other noodle soups and fish soup — perfect for an easy lunch fix. Go for a satisfying bowl of Dry Ban Mian (S$4.50) or its Soup (S$4.50) version, both with the option to swap your noodles for U-mian or Mee Hoon Kueh. Spice lovers can turn up the heat with the Spicy Noodle/Tom Yum Ban Mian (S$5), starring springy noodles in a savoury, tangy broth loaded with meat and vegetables. Craving something lighter? Warm up with theFried Fish Soup (S$5/S$6/S$7) or the healthier Sliced Fish Soup (S$5/S$6/S$7), and don't forget to add a bowl of fluffy Rice (S$0.50) to round out the meal. Daily: 9am – 9pm 11 best mee hoon kueh in Singapore that will leave you (hand)torn for choice The post 11 best stalls at Holland Village Food Centre worth hollering about appeared first on
CNA
18-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Nostalgia in Singapore: Why do we always long for the past and what does that say about us?
When Isetan announced it would close its Tampines Mall outlet in November 2025 after almost three decades in operation, it wasn't just a regular business winding up. It signalled to me the death of the Singaporean shopping mall template I have a love-hate relationship with, where a department store is the anchor tenant. This wasn't the only change in the past few years to the Singapore I grew up with. Each loss was made more pronounced against the post-pandemic landscape, where practically nothing was familiar anymore. Several longtime or heritage businesses shuttered too, with a string of notable closures in expatriate enclave Holland Village, like the 80-year institution Thambi magazine store, party shop Khiam Teck and furniture business Lim's Holland Village. Then there was the slow death of cinemagoing, once a classic Singaporean pastime. Filmgarde Cineplexes exited the market in March after 18 years, while Cathay's operator mm2 Asia in the same month continued its slew of closures, shutting down its sixth theatre in three years. No matter the change, public reactions, perhaps predictably, centred around nostalgia. But this prevailing sentiment isn't mere romanticism of the past. I've found it masks deeper, unspoken anxieties about our shifting identity. Do we miss the physical entity that's vanishing, or do we really miss the time and people we used to be that it represents? Plus, what does it even mean to be Singaporean? OUR NATIONAL IDENTITY Some might say that it's our penchant for 'chope-ing' (reserving) seats at hawker centres with tissue packets. Others might highlight our world class airport and Singlish – two hallmarks of Singaporean efficiency. There's also our multiculturalism, 'kiasu' mentality (being afraid to lose), cookie-cutter shopping malls, grouchy taxi uncles, standardised Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, and a peculiar belief that our food is better than Malaysia's. The way I see it, however, the crux of our national identity is less about these tangible anchors than our existential need for them. This desire is most evident in nostalgia – increasingly common and inevitable in a country where change and progress are synonyms. As a millennial digital native, I recognise that social media makes nostalgia more contagious too, creating an algorithm-aggravated collective pining for a past we never knew. It's captured in one popular Facebook group, for starters: Heritage SG Memories. Pictures of Wisma Atria's iconic giant aquarium, for example, tend to see many members reminiscing about the days it was the standard meeting spot. The aquarium, demolished in 2008, only featured occasionally as a gathering point in my memory – but I can't be certain. Like plenty on social media, nostalgia also gets reduced to the most relatable anecdote, and I end up inheriting and remembering experiences I didn't quite live through. And this cultural yearning is only likely to increase, with rapid urban evolution the norm in a land scarce nation. Hobbyist photographer Jonathan Tan noticed a similar sentiment when he started Lepak Downstairs – a photo series of old-school stools and tables found at HDB void decks. Some people told him they appreciated his effort to 'capture history in photos', the 36-year-old said. Without such quaint designs anymore, newer Build-to-Order (BTO) flats 'don't have character'. 'I think people get emotional when these things disappear because there isn't really a replacement. It feels like the disappearance isn't justified. You're taking a piece of their childhood … their memories away, but there's nothing put in place for it,' he added. THE 'TENSION' IN NOSTALGIA So, it seems to many that being Singaporean – or at least having a sense of belonging to this country – lies in constantly navigating the gap between preservation and progress. It's a process often steeped in nostalgia. The creator behind the Instagram account @hdb_mrt, whose film photos reflect a familiar overtone of longing, said he started the account almost a decade ago partly because he was 'searching for this idea of home'. Syafiq, who requested to only use his first name, said he didn't just want to capture the older parts of Singapore that may soon disappear, but to 'remember what we have now and to contemplate what it means to live in this country, to live as Singaporeans, to experience the world as we do'. 'Within that is also a sense of nostalgia,' the 36-year-old said. 'Because the search for home is nostalgic in nature.' To him, nostalgia is a 'longing for a place, time, event or feeling that we cannot go back to'. It's an emotion that 'only exists when we have loss' and has to do with 'how things have changed so much so quickly within our lifetime', such as realising our childhood neighbourhoods are no longer the same. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suburban Singapore (@hdb_mrt) Heritage educator and millennial Ho Yong Min has similarly observed that his generation is starting to wonder: 'Are the places that I'm growing up in starting to be lost?' The 'trade-offs' create a 'tension in our hearts', believes the 41-year-old founder of The Urbanist Singapore, a content platform dedicated to heritage storytelling amid urban design. 'In Singapore where every square metre is optimised, it tightens the sense of how spaces are so precious. I think it becomes psychological angst for folks who are growing up and witnessing change, (knowing) that obviously has to be balanced out with the need for change. So it's very complex.' There is 'a bit of a paradox' to negotiate living in Singapore, added Dr Felicity Chan from the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). 'To enjoy Singapore, you must be very adaptable to change, but we also know that people like stability,' said the deputy director for the Master of Science in Urban Science, Policy and Planning. Perhaps then, as Syafiq suggested, our nostalgia is also an 'inability to be satisfied with what we have now' and a 'reckoning of the present'. His photography, although it may resemble vignettes of a simpler Singapore, thus compels viewers to reflect on what it means to 'be in the now'. HOW WE CAN EMBRACE NOSTALGIA'S INFLUENCE Some may argue the cure for nostalgia is not to get overly attached to anything – a neighbourhood shop, a local business, a daily path you take to work – in the first place. SUTD's Dr Chan noted that it has become "quintessential Singaporean to rationalise and not hold onto things too tightly". "We've learnt to accept that one cannot expect things to stay the same way for a long time … And because things change so quickly, you don't even realise that you haven't had enough time to develop the depth of emotions before (a place) is gone.' Yet, forming attachment is only human nature. To deny ourselves that experience in exchange for an easier time letting go in future isn't pragmatism, just cynicism. And despite our best efforts, nostalgia resurfaces time and again. Even youth may start experiencing nostalgia at a much younger age too, being exposed to increasing online content about urban change in Singapore. As a full-time educator, Syafiq said his students, most in their mid-teens, aren't often 'given credit' for the nostalgic feelings they have for their childhood. But he believes this nostalgia will inadvertently mould their Singaporean identity as they grow up. Seeing nostalgia as integral to nation-building may hence better reveal what anchors our sense of belonging from an earlier age. After all, as Dr Chan observed, the search for identity among youths is a lot more "acute" than in someone older, when there is more identity "stability". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yong | The Urbanist Singapore (@ With physical symbols of heritage, Ho from The Urbanist Singapore believes it's important to take a 'more nuanced view' to get people thinking about what heritage means to them. He focuses on how to respect and pay homage to our heritage rather than the 'total loss' whenever a building or business disappears. 'Because heritage actually comes from the word 'inheritance'. It's something that we can steward from generation to generation,' he said. 'So while there is a feeling of loss, there's also a recognition that there are government agencies like HDB and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) that do what they can to try to infuse heritage and history into urban planning or a new estate that's being developed. 'The question isn't whether to develop, but how to integrate memory into progress. I feel that is the more constructive way forward – and obviously the 'how' to integrate is important. It should not be something cursory.' Ultimately, things don't have to last forever to leave a mark, even if that runs counter to the Singaporean instinct for stability. While knowing this may not dull the weight of our perennial nostalgia, it just means nostalgia is as baked into our DNA as a desire for economic progress. For in a country where change is the only constant, loss is too.
Independent Singapore
14-05-2025
- Independent Singapore
Holland Village resident spends $800 to gather evidence against loud neighbours, receives sympathy from Singaporeans
SINGAPORE: After it was reported that a man living in Holland Village allegedly spent $800 to gather evidence against his upstairs neighbours who made loud noises at different times of the day and night, commenters expressed sympathy, and many shared similar experiences, as this problem seems to be not at all uncommon. The man, 47, has lived with his mum, 85, for more than four decades at Jalan Merah Saga. However, over the past six years, they have reportedly been subjected to different kinds of noise from the unit on the floor above them, where two elderly sisters reside. These include the sound of chairs being dragged, objects smashed, and the heavy tread of footsteps. According to a Mustshare News report, the loud sounds bother him and his mum during the day and wake him up at night. The man has resorted to messaging the sisters to remind them not to make so much noise. While there was a mediation session between the neighbours in an attempt to resolve the problem, the elderly women refuted the allegation that they were responsible for the loud sounds. As a concession, the women accepted the man's suggestion that they wear slippers in their unit to minimise the noise their footsteps make, but Mustshare News says they've done 'little' to resolve the issue overall. Three years ago, the man took steps to soundproof his flat, but says that this has not been effective in sufficiently muffling the sounds from his neighbours. Unfortunately, the noises have even bothered his mum in the middle of the night, causing her to wake up screaming, not just once but twice. The man has also taken to going on walks when the noise prevents him from sleeping, but he has grown easily irritable due to the situation. The report added that he has since hired a company for the specific purpose of gathering evidence of the noises they make, spending $800 on having the company record the noises that he and his mum have been subjected to. It also says he has no desire to take legal action against the elderly women, who are acquaintances of his mother. But during the pandemic, when as many as 500 footsteps could be heard in his flat, he called the authorities. Taken from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., the recording is said to have caught the sounds of footsteps, knocking, moving chairs, and heavy objects, which took place at least two times per hour of recording. The loudest noise registered at 57 decibels. For comparison's sake, 50 decibels is what a moderate rainfall sounds like, and 57 decibels is loud enough to be bothersome to someone who wants to sleep. Sympathetic commenters acknowledged that the problems the man and his mother face are common in Singapore. 'In a dense living (HDB), public housing consisting of small units with basic amenities environment like Singapore, extremely experiencing noise may be inevitable, which can lead to conflicts and disputes among residents,' wrote one. Another told his own story, 'Noise is a very difficult issue. My neighbour below confronted me for making noise, dragging chairs. A few weeks later, he came to apologise and said he had found the source. It is the unit below him making the noise.' 'It's true, if you really want to buy an HDB, you better be the one at the roof, so you won't encounter too many problems,' a Facebook user advised. 'Same as my upstairs neighbour. Consistent knocking (dragging of furniture, dropping heavy objects like hammers, etc) and some days of drilling,' wrote another. /TISG Read also: 'Help, my neighbour blasts music at 3 am, wakes up my toddlers!'
