Categories > Guides and Tips
Shopping, Sips, and Street Art: An Arab Street Guide
- How to Reach Arab Street
- What to Do
- Look out for colourful street art
- Visit the Malay Heritage Centre
- Marvel at the Sultan Mosque’s architecture
- Get creative at Motion Art Space
- Where to Eat
- Yakoolzuna
- Arabica
- Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
- Alaturka Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
- Overrice
- All Things Delicious
- House of Kebab
- Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
- The Coconut Club
- Ratu Lemper
- Where to Shop
- Function Five Thrift Shop
- Sifr Aromatics
- Crafune
- Where to Stay
- Beary Best! Hostel
- Heritage Collection
- Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel
- Village Hotel
You’ve likely heard of Arab Street, a well-known destination for all things related to food, beverages, and shopping. This lively neighbourhood boasts some of Singapore’s most captivating street art, adding a unique character to the area.
Prepare to meander through narrow lanes adorned with chic cafes, intriguing bars, and charming boutiques. Uncover the gems this locale has to offer with our Arab Street guide below!
How to Reach Arab Street
By Train: The most convenient way to reach Arab Street is by using the MRT. The nearest MRT station is Bugis, which is served by the East-West Line (EWL) and the Downtown Line (DTL).
Once you exit Bugis MRT, you can take a short walk to Arab Street.
By Bus: Bugis Junction and Sultan Plaza are bus stops that are within walking distance of Arab Street.
By Car: If you have your own vehicle or have rented one, you can drive to Arab Street. Be aware that parking in the area may be limited, and you might need to use public parking facilities.
A few car parks nearby are Sultan Plaza Car Park, Kampong Glam PCP Car Park, Aliwal Street Car Park, and Golden Landmark Shopping Centre Car Park.
What to Do
Look out for colourful street art
Elevate your Instagram photos with the lively street art in Arab Street and nearby areas. Colourful and creative murals cover almost every wall, giving you a variety of backdrop options.
A few notable murals are located along Haji Lane, Bali Lane, Sultan Gate, and Muscat Street. The most famous one, and arguably the mural that launched the street art scene in the district, is the mural at Piedra Negra by Didier Jaba Mathieu.
Some of the street art on Arab Street and nearby roads reference the vibrant heritage of the Arab and Muslim quarter of Singapore, with scenes depicting locals selling satay and colourful textiles.
Visit the Malay Heritage Centre
Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Contact Details: +6563910450
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Located just a stone’s throw away from Arab Street is the Malay Heritage Centre, a museum that houses dozens of Malay artefacts and exhibitions that allows visitors to get an in-depth look at the history of the locals living in Arab/Muslim Quarter.
It used to be the residence of Sultan Hussein Shah. Today, the museum provides cultural classes, workshops, and learning opportunities for locals and tourists to participate in.
Even the exhibitions are centred on teaching visitors about the history and culture of the Malay community! Some permanent exhibitions include Quest for MHC’s Lost Artefacts, Tales from the Nusantara, and My First Wayang Kulit Show.
| Pro Tip: The Malay Heritage Centre is currently temporarily closed, but their permanent exhibitions are available for virtual viewing! If you want a guided tour, you can also check out the virtual curator’s tour via the website. |
Marvel at the Sultan Mosque’s architecture
Address: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833
Contact Details: +6562934405
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Take a short walk down Muscat Street to find the grand Sultan Mosque, an Islamic landmark and national monument that stands as the biggest mosque in Singapore.
The mosque’s unique architecture, featuring onion-shaped domes adorned with glass bottle ends, offers an intriguing visual experience. To learn more about it, you have the option to take a guided tour.
Organised tours are open to educational institutions, businesses, or groups interested in a more tailored experience. Unlike impromptu visits, these guided tours demand a minimum booking notice of two months in advance to secure your spot.
| Pro Tip: It’s important to dress conservatively when considering a visit to the mosque! Wear bottoms that cover the knees and sleeved shirts or tops that cover the chest fully. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and consider bringing a shawl or scarf (for women). |
Get creative at Motion Art Space
Address: 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833
Contact Details: +6562934405
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Motion Art Space offers visitors the opportunity to craft abstract artworks using spinners and pendulums.
You can join classes starting at $70 per person or explore couple and group packages, beginning at $129 for a pair and $299 for a group of five. These sessions last for an hour and include a 46 x 55 cm canvas, four paints, and your personal spinner station.
The studio allows students to pick up their artworks as soon as they’re dry and ready for packing. This takes roughly three days, so make sure to find some time to drop by the studio again to pick up your artworks!
| Pro Tip: Motion Art Space has a no-cancellation policy. Therefore, if you’re unable to attend your originally scheduled session, please choose an alternative date and proceed to reschedule your booking. |
Where to Eat
Yakoolzuna
Address: 23 Arab St, Singapore 199722
Contact Details: +6588915464
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 2:00 am
Looking for a halal-friendly bar? At Yakoolzuna, you can savour refreshing Yakult-based slushies and alcohol-free mocktails.
The OG offers a zesty blend of lemon and lime, while their signature mocktails feature 0% ABV spirits. Options include an apple cider martini and a gin-based drink infused with cucumber and wasabi.
If you prefer something straightforward, you can opt for a non-alcoholic glass of whiskey, vodka, or gin on the rocks. If you’re feeling hungry, Yakoolzuna offers bar bites like cheesy fries and spicy chicken karaage to pair with your mocktail.
| Pro Tip: Yakoolzuna hosts Ladies’ Night every Thursday from opening to closing. Every guest gets one free Y-Bomb! |
Arabica
Address: 56 Arab St, Singapore 199753
Contact Details: +6596805288
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
% Arabica originates from Japan, attracting coffee enthusiasts in the heritage neighbourhood. They source beans globally, from locations such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Japan, adjusting to the season.
A preferred choice among patrons is the Spanish Latte, a delightful fusion of condensed milk that balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.
If you’re curious about their method, you can observe the roasting wizardry unfold at the back of the café before acquiring a bag of beans to savour at home.
| Pro Tip: % Arabica welcomes dozens of customers daily, so consider coming here during off-peak hours at 8:00 am or 6:00 pm. |
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro
Address: 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
Contact Details: +6563969096
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Swedish food made waves around the world thanks to IKEA, and even though you can get a serving in the Singapore branch, you’re likely to get a better taste of Swedish delicacies at Fika
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro, situated at the junction of Arab Street and Beach Road, offers genuine Swedish dishes that are halal-certified. Their selection boasts delights such as Swedish pancakes and stuffed cabbage rolls.
They’re mostly known for their Swedish meatballs, which are arguably better than the ones at IKEA. If you’re looking for a casual restaurant near Arab Street, this place should be on your radar.
| Pro Tip: Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro operates on a self-service basis wherein you have to order food at the counter. Consider doing what locals call “chope-ing” wherein you “reserve” your table by leaving a tissue or napkin on a vacant table while you order your food. |
Alaturka Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
Address: 15 Bussorah St, Singapore 199436
Contact Details: +6594346026
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 10:30 pm
If you’re craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine, head over to Alaturka Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant. The restaurant has been serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes for over 18 years and was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016.
They meticulously grind their own meat blends, smoke their eggplants, prepare fresh dough daily, and even make their own yoghurt. Some crowd-favourite dishes include kunefe, a buttery pastry, and karisik, a platter of their charcoal-grilled kebabs.
These are just a few examples of the myriad tasks their kitchen diligently undertakes to craft that flawless culinary experience.
| Pro Tip: If you have very specific dietary restrictions, it’s best to let the servers of Alaturka know before coming in. You may do so while you call them for a reservation. |
Overrice
Address: 41 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198489
Contact Details: +6588771827
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
You don’t have to travel all the way to New York City for The Halal Guys because Singapore has its very own with Overrice.
Overrice offers a similar concept––delectable Mediterranean-style rice bowls, featuring expertly seasoned grilled proteins resting on a bed of fragrant basmati rice, all generously adorned with fresh vegetables and a secret white sauce.
Explore their enticing options, such as the falafel signature bowl or the pulled beef signature bowl. If you’re looking for a lighter and portable choice, they also have pita pockets.
| Pro Tip: Overrice gets a lot of customers, so reserve a table in advance. They also do islandwide delivery! |
All Things Delicious
Address: 34 Arab St, #01-01, Singapore 199733
Contact Details: +6562914252
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
As the name implies, All Things Delicious is a bakery-cafe that specialises in creating baked goods that are truly delightful. While they may not serve the typical round scones, their triangular, tender Scottish variations are equally delightful.
You can enjoy them with toppings such as gula melaka and orange cranberry. Some crowd-favourite cakes are the sticky apricot pistachio cake, banana upside-down cake, and sticky toffee pudding, all of which are halal-friendly.
Additionally, they offer a selection of hearty breakfast dishes, pasta, and rice bowls, all of which are simply delicious!
| Pro Tip: All Things Delicious has a limited seating area, so it’s best to make a reservation here in advance. |
House of Kebab
Address: 21 Arab St, Singapore 199844
Contact Details: +6563965302
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Craving genuine Turkish and Lebanese cuisine? Curb your cravings at House of Kebab, a must-visit restaurant on Arab Street, where you’ll find delicious and affordable dishes!
This eatery showcases the rustic charm of Middle Eastern cuisine, with vibrant walls and intricate patterns adding to the ambience. Their menu is guaranteed to satisfy every appetite with its generous portions.
To begin your meal, you can kick things off with their traditional tabbouleh salad, a plate bursting with nutritious goodness. And for those seeking delectable vegetarian options, their incredibly creamy hummus is an irresistible treat you won’t want to miss.
| Pro Tip: Despite its location on busy Arab Street, House of Kebab has multiple parking slots in front of it. Make sure to come by before typical lunch or dinner hours to snag a parking slot! |
Cappadocia Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
Address: 69 Bussorah St, Singapore 199482
Contact Details: +6596779072
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
If you’re in search of delectable dining options near the Arab Street area, make it a point to visit Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant. Locals lovingly call this restaurant “Cappa,” and it has been a staple in the Arab Street enclave for years.
Encircled by numerous tourist hotspots and iconic landmarks, this establishment serves up genuine Turkish cuisine at budget-friendly rates.
Their extensive menu features a variety of dishes, encompassing beloved starters like hummus, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), and falafel wrap as well as main courses such as grilled meat kebabs (offering chicken, lamb, or beef options).
| Pro Tip: Cappa is known to have a loud and lively atmosphere, so consider this before making a reservation here if you’re looking for a casual restaurant with a more quiet ambience. |
The Coconut Club
Address: 269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546
Contact Details: +6587253315
Operating Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm, Thursday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm
If you prefer informal dining with friends, check out The Coconut Club for a classic Singaporean food experience. Despite the name, they offer more than just coconut-based dishes and drinks.
It’s a comfortable and private restaurant, perfect for enjoying local dishes like nasi lemak and laksa, and it’s located in the touristy area of Arab Street and Beach Road.
A few signature dishes that don’t include coconut are spicy fried chicken, gado gado (Indonesian salad), and spicy okra. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists, so it’s best to reserve a table ahead of time!
| Pro Tip: If you can’t tolerate spicy food, simply tell the servers at The Coconut Club about your preference and they’ll adjust accordingly. |
Ratu Lemper
Address: 31 Arab St, Singapore 199730
Contact Details: +6598132450
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Ratu Lemper is renowned for its lemper, a beloved Indonesian delicacy crafted from glutinous rice combined with meat floss and shredded meats. These petite parcels of delight exude a fragrant, comforting, and utterly delicious essence.
The range of flavours is quite extensive, encompassing options like beef rendang, spicy tuna, and even vegetarian choices, all available at just $20 for a box of 10. A signature platter for parties is also available and includes over 50 cakes per order.
It’s no exaggeration to say that this shop is Arab Street’s well-kept secret, and you certainly don’t want to miss the opportunity to savour their lemper creations.
| Pro Tip: The signature platters at Ratu Lemper are only available for pre-order and take at least two to five days of preparation. If you’re planning on ordering for your friends and family, consider making your orders via the website ahead of time. |
Where to Shop
Function Five Thrift Shop
Address: 43 Arab St, Singapore 199742
Contact Details: +6593826149
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
For a blend of stylish and eco-friendly fashion, consider a visit to Function Five Thrift Shop, a two-storey establishment specialising in second-hand clothing. Most of their collection consists of items like sweatshirts, vests, hoodies, jackets, and polo tees.
However, if you carefully browse through their racks, you might stumble upon treasures such as vintage Nike windbreakers and classic batik shirts.
On the first floor, prices for clothing range from $5 to $25, while vintage items on the second floor begin at $35. For those on an even tighter budget, there’s a section dedicated to free clothing, which you are more than welcome to help yourself to.
| Pro Tip: The Function Five Thrift Shop team is very social media savvy, and you might get featured on their Instagram page if you drop by their shop. Feel free to flaunt your best buys or politely decline getting featured; they’re pretty chill about it! |
Sifr Aromatics
Address: 42 Arab St, Singapore 199741
Contact Details: +6563921966
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
This charming indie studio will naturally draw you in. Sifr Aromatics is a gateway to a realm of scents, presenting limited batches of invigorating fragrances and tailor-made aromatic creations.
Perfumes start at $55 and candles at $40, featuring a diverse spectrum of scents. This boutique is a fantastic addition to your shopping expedition, especially if you’re looking for gifts for friends.
If you’re inclined to immerse yourself further, have a custom perfume consultation, starting at $250, where you can craft your unique signature scent.
| Pro Tip: Wrap your gift for free in a sustainable pouch, and add a personal message for your loved ones when you purchase a bottle of perfume! |
Crafune
Address: 38 Haji Ln, #02-01, Singapore 189231
Contact Details: +6591075168
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Looking for more personalised gifts to give your friends back home? Create your own wallets, cardholders, and other leather goods at Crafune!
Utilising vegetable-tanned Italian leather, this workshop enables you to personalise and assemble unique leather items using top-notch, durable materials that develop a beautiful patina over time.
Workshops should be booked in advance in order for the craftsmen to prepare the materials and tools you’ll need to craft your leather goods. Standard classes start at $85, and more complex workshops on bigger designs start at $150!
| Pro Tip: You can book a couples’ session starting at $120, which enables you to choose a combination of small leather goods to craft with your loved one. The promo is only available from Monday to Thursday, though! |
Where to Stay
Beary Best! Hostel
Address: 64 Arab St, Singapore 199761
Contact Details: +6597277011
Check-In: 3:00 pm
Check-Out: 11:00 am
Beary Best! Hostel is an intimate boutique capsule hostel strategically located along the historically vibrant Arab Street, offering you a chance to fully embrace the rich cultural experience that Kampong Glam has to offer.
Among their facilities, you’ll find a picturesque rooftop space that provides an unobstructed view. Dorm room rates start at only $36 per night with access to free Wi-Fi, a clean bathroom, and toiletries.
Since it’s a hostel, you’ll be sharing with other travellers. However, each capsule bed comes with a curtain for privacy, power sockets, and mini lamps.
| Pro Tip: Bed bookings are auto-assigned, so if you’re travelling with a large group, Beary Best! can’t guarantee that you’ll be staying in the same dormitory as your friends. It’s best to inform the front desk about your preferred room arrangements before arriving in order for them to make adjustments. |
Heritage Collection
Address: 78 Arab St, Singapore 199775
Contact Details: +6562237155
Check-In: 3:00 pm
Check-Out: 11:00 am
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s not a hostel, consider booking with Heritage Collection. They offer comfortable accommodations in popular neighbourhoods, from boutique hotels to serviced apartments.
Choose your location and browse listings on their website for nightly or monthly stays, some with a minimum three-month requirement. On Arab Street, for example, they offer lofts, studio units, and premium rooms with balconies starting from $150 a night.
While it may not offer a 5-star experience, you’ll have all you need for a comfortable stay, some for as little as $100 per night, with access to appliances, electronics, and laundry facilities.
| Pro Tip: Heritage Collection requires a minimum stay of 5 nights. Some units may be booked for shorter than that, but it’s best to make arrangements with the Heritage Collection staff for more information. |
Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel
Address: 54, 55, 56 Bussorah St, Singapore 199471
Contact Details: +6562911696
Check-In: 3:00 pm
Check-Out: 12:00 pm
Designed for digital nomads in Singapore, Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel boasts of staying in comfort and style. Located just near Arab Street, this capsule hotel is a good fit for someone seeking accessibility and convenience.
Room options include private suites, mixed capsule dorms, and female-only dorms, all equipped with Wi-Fi, power plugs, individual bathrooms, and toiletries.
There’s also a coworking space, communal lounge, and gaming area for guests to lounge, work, or play during their stay. And since it’s located just near Arab Street, you have quick access to great restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area.
| Pro Tip: If you plan on exploring the rest of Singapore during your stay, the concierge at Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel can give you recommendations on where to go. You can also purchase tickets to attractions from the front desk for quicker access. |
Village Hotel
Address: 390 Victoria St, Singapore 188061
Contact Details: +6562972828
Check-In: 2:00 pm
Check-Out: 12:00 pm
Located just a stone’s throw away from Arab Street is the Village Hotel. It’s one of the more upscale staycation and hotel accommodations within the area, so you can expect a more elevated living experience here.
The modern rooms are equipped with wooden flooring, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. For even more spacious accommodations, consider the suites, which provide separate living and dining areas.
Additionally, there’s a laid-back eatery and a poolside café serving international dishes. For those looking to stay active, there’s a well-equipped fitness room, and an outdoor pool offers fantastic city views.
| Pro Tip: Village Hotel is also known for its halal-certified restaurants, namely the Royal Palm and The Landmark. Consider booking a table in either of these establishments for a fine dining experience. |
