Named after Hugh Holland, popular Dutch architect and actor, Holland Village was once home to plantations and nurseries. Today, it has evolved into a laidback neighbourhood and hangout spot popular with both locals and expats. Here are 10 things to see, eat and do in Holland Village!
Kamo Soba Keisuke
When you think ramen, you’ll most likely think of springy noodles with pork bone or shoyu broth. Leave it to Chef Keisuke to break convention – Kamo Soba Keisuke is the first specialty duck ramen restaurant in Singapore. Here, you have five ramen and two broths (rich and clear) to choose from. The rich broth is simmered with duck bones and herbs for eight hours, packing quite a punch, while the clear soup which is cooked over low heat for five hours if light but full flavoured.
Address: 16A Lor Mambong, Singapore 277677
Sunday Folks
An independent dessert café nestled in a quiet corner of Holland Village, Sunday Folks takes pride in their selection of premium ingredients and homemade toppings. The sweet treats here are inspired by wonderful stories and flavours from around the world, along with the inspiration that one could enjoy a moment of laid-back Sunday vibes any day.
Address: 44 Jln Merah Saga, #01-52 Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278116
Axiom
The small enclave of Holland Village is not only home to eateries and ice cream cafés, but also a handful of fitness studios. Axiom is a boutique fitness space specializing in spinning classes and strength workouts. Peddle to the beat in the high-energy Rhythm class, or build up your stamina with Road, which focuses more on resistance and high-intensity sprints. If you’re looking to build and improve overall strength, stamina, total body balance as well as conditioning, then the lifting class Strength is for you!
Address: 18A Lorong Mambong Singapore 277678
Tai Cheong Bakery
There are egg tarts, and then there are Tai Cheong egg tarts, an eggy and buttery goodness with a biscuit-like crust that crumbles perfectly on the very first bite. The outlet also offers a cha chaan teng-style menu with the signature Tai Cheong HK Noodle made with sausage, curry fishballs and cuttlefish, as well as thick-cut French toast served with a generous amount of maple syrup.
Address: 31 Lor Liput, Singapore 277742
Haakon
Pronounced ‘haw-coon’, Haakon is a Scandinavian-inspired café that brings superfoods from Norway to your plate. It only uses premium Norwegian smoked salmon rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to create their poke bowls and brunch items. If you’re craving for something sweet, go for their acai bowls or grab a super smoothie and go!
Address: 118 Holland Ave, #01-03, Singapore 278997
Independent Market
What started as a pop-up concept has found a permanent home at Holland Village Shopping Centre. A marketplace for well-designed, quirky and quintessentially Singaporean goods, you’ll find the store crammed with cheeky Singapore-themed items, like card games and doormats emblazoned with Singlish phrases as well as adorable knick-knacks like a multi-colour kueh doorstop.
Address: 211 Holland Avenue, #03-01, Holland Village Shopping Centre, Singapore 278967
Bynd Artisan
Bynd Artisan offers a series of handicraft workshops, from modern calligraphy to long-stitch bookbinding and basic leather crafting hosted by their own craftsmen or artist collaborators. The store also stocks a range of its leather goods such as notebooks, key holders, pouches and tote bags that can be personalised with your name, initials, or anything you wish.
Address: 44 Jln Merah Saga, #01-54, Singapore 278116
TAKSU Singapore
Art space TAKSU Gallery is worth a visit if you’d like to admire some contemporary art. Popular with local culture vultures, this independent gallery showcases marvellous works by budding talents and critically acclaimed artists alike. Managed by Suherwan Abu, you’ll find pieces, sculptures, paintings and installations, all with an an unmistakable urban edge.
Address: 43 Jln Merah Saga, #01-72, Singapore 278115
Natureland
How do you say no to a foot rub after all that walking about? Make sure to book ahead though, cause their seats fill up fast. Wind down in a darkened room with oversized recliners equipped with handy charging ports and iPads, the 5-in-1 service will get you a feet, head, shoulder, neck and back massage over 60 minutes. If you prefer a body massage instead, Natureland has that too!
Address: 29/29a Lor Liput, Singapore 277740
Wala Wala Cafe Bar
Perhaps the longest running watering hole in Singapore, this village icon has stood the test of time. Set in Holland Village since 1993, Wala Wala Cafe Bar is an upbeat venue with an intimate setting. The two-storey institution serves great food and drinks, and is also where Singapore’s live music scene (used to) reign. No thanks to Covid-19, there might not be live performances for awhile, but Wala Wala is still a great spot to hang out with a beer or mojito in hand.
Address: 31 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277689