While travel restrictions may still be in place in many parts of the world but your travel dreams and plans certainly don’t have to be put on hold. This month, Holland Village, also known as Holland V, takes the highlight for our Save For Later neighbourhood series in Singapore. Where the east meets west, marrying European culture with a Singaporean touch, enter an enclave where good food, heritage, arts, and shopping places are all packed into one.
A little backstory, Holland Village was once home for British Army Personnel in the early 1900s and the European influences remain through the architectures, quaint shophouses and low-rise buildings. There are few references behind the district’s name, one being that it was named after an English architect Hugh Holland. Second, due to its location near the Singapore Botanic Garden, Holland Road is also referred to as hue hng au in the Hokkien dialect, meaning ‘behind the flower garden’.
Consequently, a variety of trades began to flourish in Holland Village and now the district boasts to be a creative commune and an incubator for local artists, musicians and entrepreneurs. As such, there is much to be discovered in this thriving and modern neighbourhood that is rich in heritage from its shopping to its dining experiences.
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GO ON A FOOD TOUR AROUND HOLLAND VILLAGE
Dine in at Wala Wala Cafe Bar
Wala Wala Cafe Bar
Wala Wala Cafe Bar has stood the test of time. Opened in 1993, this gastropub is one of the oldest establishments in Holland Village. The iconic bar is known for its live music scene where patrons come to enjoy an eclectic mix of live music. Apart from that, they are known for their signature dishes like grilled meat platter, linguine with shimeji mushroom, or ribeye and arugula pizza. Don’t miss out on their chicken wings too, it’s a sure crowd pleaser! So plan your trip for the good food and drinks and stay for the live performances.
Take a dessert break at Sunday Folks
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- Sunday Folks
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- Sunday Folks
Over at Chip Bee Gardens, indulge in some sweet desserts at Sunday Folks, a dessert cafe serving up artisanal desserts and ice cream. When we say artisanal we mean it! Have a go at their signature fragrant Earl Grey Lavender ice cream or their creamy Sea Salt Gula Melaka ice cream, a balanced flavour of salty and sweet. Don’t leave without trying their churro-waffles hybrid or as they’ve coined it ‘Chuffles’. Perfectly deep-fried and generously coated with cinnamon sugar accompanied with a selection of dipping sauces – classic chocolate, lemon créme or salted caramel.
Taste Mouth-Watering Duck Ramen at Kamo Soba Keisuke
Kamo Soba Keisuke
Brace yourself for some heart-warming delicious bowl of duck ramen by chef Keisuke Takeda. Their speciality consists of flavourful duck ramen using fatty and tender Irish ducks, with two signature broths – Hybrid Duck Broth Ramen in clear soup and rich broth. Served with their thin and springy ramen noodles, yuzu duck meatballs and marinated boiled egg, it’s a hearty bowl that will keep you wanting more!
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Sweet supper at 2am:dessertbar
2am:dessertbar
If you’ve got a hankering for a variety of sweet treats in the middle of the night, 2am:dessertbar is your answer. Situated in Lorong Liput in Holland Village, 2am:dessertbar serves up tantalising dessert creations, created by founder and World Gourmet Summit award-winning pastry chef Janice Wong. If you want to learn a thing or two about making your own dessert in the comfort of your own home, keep an eye on Janice Wong’s Instagram as she teaches you how to make molten chocolate art or your own Dolce Vita dessert.
DISCOVER BESPOKE FINDS AND LOCAL MEMORABILIA
A Dose of Something Good
A Dose of Something Good
Hand-poured scented candles but make it artsy! Step into Ling Wu Le Salon and look for A Dose of Something Good, a Singapore-based artisan candle. Their candles are made with high-quality wax blends and natural fibre wicks, and are also encased in minimalist porcelain and plaster design. Discover your new favourite home scents made using natural extracts and essential oils.
Discover craftsmanship and shop for personalised souvenirs at Bynd Artisan
Bynd Artisan
Founders of Bynd Artisan Winnie Chan and her husband James Quan, has continued the family’s legacy of artisanal craftsmanship from Winnie’s grandfather’s bookbindery business in the ‘40s (one of the oldest in Singapore) to their atelier brand with customised paper and leather goods. They offer personalised services to allow customers to have a truly unique touch with every purchase. If you’re keen on picking up a new skill, join one of their calligraphy or leather-crafting workshops.
UNCOVER THE UNIQUENESS OF HOLLAND VILLAGE
Visit an enclave of contemporary art at Taksu Gallery
Taksu Gallery
Taksu Gallery has garnered a reputation for being one of the most distinguished fine art galleries in Southeast Asia where creatives and academics meet. From established to emerging artists, a visit to Taksu Gallery will provide a fulfilling art experience. Discover artworks from both up-and-coming talents or critically acclaimed artists.
Go on a walking trail along Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, with its 82 hectares of lush landscapes, photogenic pavilions and sculptural landmarks, is Singapore’s first UNESCO heritage site. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription, NParks and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra will be presenting the very first City in Nature concert, online, from the comfort of your own home on the 26 July @ 6pm.
Explore Holland Village Virtually
Visit Holland Village from the comfort of your own home by clicking here.
Filed in: Holland Village / singapore
