Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Rochor
If you ask me, Rochor has to be one of the most exciting planning areas in Singapore. I mean, Bencoolen, Kampong Glam, and Little India (among others) are literally located here, and these are some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the country!
Personally, dining is my favourite thing to do here because there are so many restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine—from local Singaporean fare to Indian delights. Shops are abundant as well, so my wallet protests every time I come here.
Planning to explore Rochor soon? This planning area is pretty big, so here’s a guide to help you navigate it.
Where is Rochor in Singapore?
Rochor is situated in the Central Area of Singapore’s Central Region. This area is bordered by Kallang to the north and east, Newton to the west, and the Downtown Core to the south.
What is the main street of Rochor?
Bukit Timah Road/Rochor Canal Road is the main street of Rochor, since it connects the area’s west and east sides. Serangoon Road and Jalan Besar are also major roads where you can find most of the commercial establishments in the area.
How to Get to Rochor
By MRT. Riding the MRT is the best way to get to Rochor. You can take the Downtown Line and alight at the Rochor or Jalan Besar MRT Station.
Alternatively, you can take the Circle Line and disembark at the Bras Basah Station or take the East-West Line and alight at the Bugis Station.
By Bus. You can ride any of the following bus services: 12E, 147, 2, 23, or 32. There are several bus stops in the neighbourhood, especially along Victoria Street, Bencoolen Street, and Rochor Road.
By Car. Your best bet to find parking in Rochor is by going to any of the shopping centres because they have their own parking complexes. Keep in mind that these parking lots don’t come free; they usually charge approximately C$3 per hour.
What to Do
Visit the Sultan Mosque
From: aliuraydiy_assegaf
Address: 3 Muscat St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 4 pm
Contact Number: +6562934405
The Sultan Mosque is the crown jewel of Arab Street. Built in 1824, this mosque remains resplendent with its massive golden dome and the roof parapet that’s edged with merlon cresting.
It was declared a national monument in 1975, which is why it’s such a popular destination.
That said, do keep in mind that this is still a mosque, and Muslims come here to pray. If you want to take photos, please do it outside and preferably, when there are no current religious activities.
Test your wits at Xcape Singapore
From: xcapesg
Address: 161 Rochor Rd, Bugis Street
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +6569081918
In the mood to get your adrenaline pumping? Then you might enjoy Xcape Singapore!
The escape rooms here tend to be in the horror genre, so beware. My friends and I tried The Morgue, which truly scared us out of our wits. As the name says, this game is set in a creepy morgue with cries of help echoing in the halls and “malfunctioning” electronics.
It was truly terrifying, but we still had a blast, and we recommend you try it!
Immerse yourself in local art at the Indian Heritage Centre
From: indianheritage_sg
Address: 5 Campbell Ln
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6562911601
Rochor has a thriving South Asian community, so it only makes sense that there’s a museum here that celebrates their culture and heritage.
The exhibitions at the Indian Heritage Centre often change, but there are some permanent ones as well. An example is Indians in Singapore: Past and Present, which takes you on a historical journey from when Indians left India for Singapore to how the community is faring now.
The exhibition is also great because there are statues of Indian deities and old artefacts on display!
Go bouldering at Boulder Movement Rochor
From: bouldermovementsg
Address: 2 Serangoon Rd, #02-12 Tekka Place
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 2 pm, 3 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6569932100
We don’t really have perilous mountains to scale in Singapore, but we do have Boulder Movement in Rochor, which lets you do rock climbing in a controlled environment. It’s thrilling enough to satisfy the adventurer in you.
I really love that this establishment is beginner-friendly, so if this is your first time, you can learn the basics of rock climbing on the day of your visit. If you’d like to learn more, you can book their classes, which will take you from a newbie to a pretty skilled climber!
Create your own art at Motion Art Space
From: motionartspace
Address: 36A Arab St, Level 2
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Have you ever heard of using motion to create art? If that sounds intriguing, be sure to drop by Motion Art Space!
I have a blast every time I come here because the process is so freeing. I choose the colour of the paint, and then while the canvas is turning around, I can swing the paint container however I want to create my splatter art.
When I’m done with my piece, I feel so accomplished, like I’m Picasso reborn (okay, I’m not, but let me be delusional in peace).
Where to Eat
Marmaris Restaurant
From: marmaris.sg
Address: 111 Dunlop St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6562913001
I love coming to Marmaris Restaurant because the service is quick (perfect when I’m really starving). The food is also great—a combination of Middle Eastern and Western-inspired cuisine!
The chicken shawarma sandwich is a personal favourite of mine. The long bun is filled with tender and smoky chicken and crispy salty fries. Everything gets drizzled with a tangy and spicy sauce!
Xin Wang Hong Kong Café
From: xinwanghongkongcafe
Address: 201 Victoria St, #01-02/K1 Bugis+
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 3 am
- Friday—10 am to 12 am
- Saturday—Open 24 hours
- Sunday—4 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +6565090350
Xin Wang Hong Kong Café is open until the wee hours of the morning on most days and all day long on Saturday. So, this is one of my favourite late-night spots to go to when I’m hit with a strong craving at night.
I’m a dessert enthusiast, and my go-to order is the glutinous black sesame rice balls with almond cream paste. I love that these aren’t too sweet, and the balls’ stretchiness is so addictive. I could eat a dozen with no problem!
Fatt Choy Eating House
From: okwhotookmyusername
Address: 10 Haji Ln
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6580887540
If it’s comfort food I want, Fatt Choy Eating House is one of the first places I check out.
The Original Roxy Laksa is my go-to order because it’s so hearty, and the spicy-tangy flavours of the soup pair well with the subtle sweetness of the shrimp. This dish also comes with tofu pieces that soak up the soup, so every bite is an explosion of flavour.
Chimichanga Little India
From: chimichangasg
Address: 36 Dunlop St
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—10 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562933314
Chimichanga is one of my favourite Mexican restaurants in Singapore, so when I discovered they have an outlet in Rochor, I was thrilled.
Their adobo lamb cutlets are must-tries. The lamb cutlets are marinated for a long time, so the rich savoury flavours penetrate deep into the meat, and they’re also incredibly tender.
The dish is served with confit potatoes that have a lovely crunch on the outside but are still soft on the inside. I recommend ordering guacamole on the side because its refreshing tanginess pairs nicely with the savoury meal.
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
From: singapore.foodie
Address: 697-699 N Bridge Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6562986320
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant has been around since 1908, which is an impressive feat all on its own!
You have to get a taste of their lamb shank biryani. The lamb shank is so tender that it basically falls off the bone, while the rice is super fluffy and aromatic! As for the flavour profile, savoury and earthy are the dominant ones, but there’s a bit of smokiness as well that I really like.
Tipo Pasta Bar
From: tiposg
Address: 28 Aliwal St, #01-07
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6587680785
I’m a sucker for all things pasta, so when I heard that Tipo specialises in freshly made, artisanal pasta dishes, I knew I had to give it a try. And to no one’s surprise, this has become one of my favourite restaurants!
The pink salmon pasta is a standout. The sauce is made with caramelised cherry tomatoes, so it has a tangy, slightly sweet flavour. Then, it’s topped with a smoked salmon that’s flaky and buttery. Add a generous heaping of cheese, and I’m in heaven!
Komala Vilas Restaurant
From: komalavilas1947
Address: 76-78 Serangoon Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562936980
Komala Vilas Restaurant is another dining spot that has been around for a long time—since 1947! This one, in particular, is perfect if you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant.
Their classic rice meal is hard to beat because it’s so hearty and comforting. The star of the show is the dhal (lentil curry), which is earthy and buttery, but the sambar (a lentil-based curry or stew) is also outstanding, with its warm spicy flavour.
Tekka Centre
From: misstamchiak
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Zhujiao Centre, Tekka, Market
Looking for an authentic Singaporean dining experience? Then, you might want to stop by a hawker centre. In Rochor, one of the most popular choices is Tekka Centre.
There are many amazing stalls here, and one that I recommend is Chuan’s Ladle. They specialise in ladle cakes, which remind me of prawn fritters texture-wise. These cakes are made with shredded turnip, tau kway, and pork, so they’re a pretty filling snack.
Raja Bojun Sri Lankan Food is another great spot. Their chilli chicken set is bursting with earthy and spicy flavours, while their pol roti is stretchy and has a lovely coconut flavour.
Sum Dim Sum
From: makanwarrior
Address: 161 Jln Besar
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Tuesday and Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +6588189161
Craving dim sum? Then I just have the spot for you: Sum Dim Sum!
The menu here is extensive, so I often take a minute before I finalise my order. That said, I do have some favourites, such as xiao long bao (can’t resist the umami-rich soup and savoury meat filling combo) and the mala dumplings (the spice numbs my tongue, but it’s worth it!).
Where to Shop
Bugis Street
From: nadjuar
Address: 261 Victoria St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Don’t be fooled by its name—Bugis Street isn’t exactly a street you walk on in Rochor! It’s the collective name for several shopping centres in the area (namely, Bugis+, Bugis Junction, and Bugis Street Market), which is a popular destination for shopaholics!
I love the fashion shops here. Recoil is one of my favourites because their clothes look comfortable and high-quality. I’ve purchased a bunch of basic tees here, and to this day, they hold up well.
Sim Lim Square
From: sim_lim_square_official
Address: 1 Rochor Canal Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6563383859
If you’re planning to buy a new gadget, Sim Lim Square is one of the best places to go to. After all, this is the largest IT and electronics shopping mall in Singapore.
My brother came to this mall to buy parts for his custom PC; to be more specific, he went to Tradepac, Dynacore, PC Themes, and Fuwell. He’s also bought some gaming gadgets like those colourful keyboards from G&E Gaming.
If you just want to get your gadget repaired, you can go to GW Mobile, which can repair electronics from famous brands like Apple, Samsung, and Nokia. You can also sell your phones and tablets to them.
Tekka Place
From: tekkaplace.sg
Address: 2 Serangoon Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6567184378
Tekka Place always catches my eye because of how glittery it looks in the light. The interior is just as beautiful, with its modern and eclectic design.
There’s a good variety of shops here. One that I keep coming back to is Harmaris, which specialises in Indian jewellery and fashion items. I bought a saree here for a wedding, and I’m obsessed with how vibrant and sparkly it is!
Burlington Square
From: stormscape
Address: 175 Bencoolen St, #01-46
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 12:30 pm
Contact Number: +6563342535
Burlington Square is a pretty low-key mall, but I still recommend it because the variety of shops here is pretty good.
I love coming here for their service shops. One of my go-to spots is Bellerina, which offers clinical skin treatments for issues like dark pigmentation.
I also love going to Bei Er to treat myself to a delicious massage that melts away all the tension from my muscles.
Little India Arcade
From: claudiobibiagio
Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562955998
Little India Arcade is an interesting shopping destination because it’s not really a mall. It’s a cluster of old shophouse buildings with a lively and colourful vibe.
This area is best for hunting down unique handicrafts. One of my favourite shops is GM Gifts of Serenity, which is home to many adorable trinkets, like animal-shaped window decorations and ashtrays or vases with intricate geometric patterns.
Haniffa
From: haniffa.sg
Address: 118 Dunlop St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6563390926
Haniffa started as a small shophouse specialising in textiles in 1962, but over time, it has sold other things as well. Right now, Haniffa is a great place to get delicious treats, pretty jewellery pieces, and even electronics!
I really like window-shopping for jewellery here. Most of their collection hails from Mumbai, and the pieces are showstoppers!
The clothes are also so colourful. After a quick browse, I’ve found a diverse array of kurti tops, anarkalis, churidhars, and sarees.
GR.iD
From: gridsinsingapore
Address: 1 Selegie Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6563394253
GR.iD may seem pretty small, but don’t let that fool you; this spot has a decent array of shops. More are F&B establishments, but there are also ones offering services.
I’ve heard about GR.iD because a friend sends her child to MADDspace, which is a school offering singing, dancing, and acting classes for pre-schoolers to teenagers. I sat in one of the classes, and it was fun to watch!
When it comes to F&B, I love stopping by Mixue, which offers simple yet tasty soft-serve ice cream on a cone or brown sugar milk tea with pearls.
Where to Stay
Hotel Mi Rochor
From: hotelmi
Address: 89 Short St
Contact Number: +6566698822
Hotel Mi Rochor is conveniently located in Rochor; it’s literally right by the Rochor MRT Station! Because of this, it’s ideal for new visitors because travelling is going to be a breeze.
The rooms here are pretty small, but they’re definitely cosy and can accommodate between two and four people. I recommend booking the Mi Superior Patio because it comes with a private patio.
Other amenities you can use here include the gym and the outdoor swimming pool.
V Hotel Bencoolen
From: vhotelsg
Address: 48 Bencoolen St
Contact Number: +6563882233
V Hotel Bencoolen is another conveniently located hotel in Rochor. It’s located along Bencoolen Street, which puts you near popular shopping centres like Sim Lim Square and GR.iD.
I love how simple and cosy their rooms feel. As a guest, you’ll also have access to their high-speed Wi-Fi and their internet-connected LED TV, so relaxation is never dull here.
Looking for more fun? Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the mini-garden, or take a dip in their outdoor swimming pool!
Village Hotel Albert Court
From: stayvillage
Address: 180 Albert St
Contact Number: +6563393939
Village Hotel Albert Court looks more like a period drama set than a hotel. It has intricate wood carvings and motifs on its architecture, and the rooms are bright and airy and equipped with vintage-looking wooden furniture.
In addition to the well-furnished rooms, this hotel has other fun amenities as well. For example, you can unwind with a cocktail in the lobby lounge, or you can work out in the gym!
Oxford Hotel
From: clarencewx
Address: 218 Queen St
Contact Number: +6563322222
The main reason I love staying at Oxford Hotel is its vibe. It’s a wonderful combination of modern and vintage!
The rooms are also well-equipped. They’re air-conditioned, and there’s a television with cable channels. You can also connect to their high-speed internet.
Sometimes, this hotel offers special promotions, so look out for those to get cheaper rates!
