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Your Ultimate Guide to Balestier, Singapore for Home Treasures & Hidden Eats

| Last Updated: November 2024

Balestier Road is my mom’s go-to destination for beautifying our home. Growing up, we’d frequently stop by to score great deals on lighting fixtures, tiles, and other interior design essentials.

Today, the road has transformed into a vibrant hub with much more to offer than just home goods. It’s now a lively area teeming with diverse eateries and hidden gems that deserve more attention, especially if you’re a fan of bak kut teh!

If you’re planning your first visit to this dynamic street, this guide will help you make the most of your exploration!

Where is Balestier Road?

Balestier Road is located within the planning area of Novena in Central Singapore. The road is linked to Thomson Road, Serangoon Road, and Lavender Street. 

How to Get to Balestier Road

By Train: To get to Balestier Road by train, take the North-South Line (Red Line) to Novena MRT Station (NS20). From Novena MRT Station, exit via Exit B. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the MRT station to Balestier Road.

By Bus: Several bus services stop at Balestier Road. For example, Bus 21, 131, 141, and 186 are some of the routes that pass through the area.

By Car: The nearest car parks to Balestier Road include the car parks at Balestier Market, Balestier Plaza, 350 Balestier Road parking, and Wilson Parking. 

Top Things to Do on Balestier Road

Admire the colourful heritage shophouses along the road

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Balestier Road is home to some of the city’s most beautifully ornate shophouses, and I highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll down the street to fully appreciate the charm and intricate details of these architectural gems.

Most of the shophouses feature Art Deco designs, with standout examples like the Sim Kwong Ho shophouse showcasing ornate Chinese Baroque architecture. 

Built in the early 1900s, these well-preserved structures owe their charm to locals who’ve made them homes or opened shops within them.

Tip: 

  • Note that a majority of these shophouses are private residences, so be mindful when taking pictures in front of them. Some residents may not be happy about tourists lurking in front of their homes. As much as possible, keep the house numbers or any house signs out of frame from your photos to respect the owners’ privacy.

Take a short detour to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

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Address: 12 Tai Gin Road
Contact Details: +65 6256 7377
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Website

Although the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial requires a short detour from Balestier, it’s an essential attraction that I think people should add to their travel bucket list in the area. 

The memorial hall pays tribute to Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the revolutionary founding father of modern China. Here, you’ll learn more about his motives, flagship activities across Southeast Asia, and his contributions to the Chinese Revolution. 

Tip: 

  • The memorial is temporarily closed due to restoration work, but you can still participate in the management’s multiple offsite programmes and activities. Learn more about upcoming events and workshops through their Instagram.

Marvel at the ornate designs of Kuan Im Tng Temple

Media from alysonng

Address: 525 Balestier Road
Contact Details: +65 6256 2162
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free

If you haven’t had enough of the ornate Chinese architecture of Balestier Road’s shophouses, then I recommend dropping by Kuan Im Tng Temple. It’s not as big as the other Buddhist temples in the city, but it’s still a great spot to visit for a visual feast. 

Marked by the bright red and ornate gateway, this temple welcomes tourists to take pictures around the grounds and next to the multiple ornate statues. Sometimes you might even find dragon dancers giving a free show by the entrance! 

Tip: 

  • You don’t have to offer prayers when visiting the temple, but please observe silence and respect the worshippers. Prepare to remove your shoes if you wish to enter the temple’s shrines. 
  • While there is no fee to enter the temple, feel free to leave small monetary donations in the boxes just by the entrance.

Where to Eat and Drink on Balestier Road

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah 

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Address: 639 Balestier Road
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Pricing: $
Website

If you’ve never tried tau sar piah, it’s a delicate Chinese pastry with both sweet and savoury options. Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah, around since 1948, has been perfecting these flaky treats for decades, making them a local favourite. 

The shop’s tau sar piah is still lovingly handmade by the dedicated uncles and aunties who’ve been running it for years. 

But it’s not just the tau sar piah that keeps people coming back. There are also custard puffs and banana cake that evoke a comforting sense of nostalgia. 

Tips: 

  • Wait times are known to be a little long here, so I highly recommend dropping by just before lunch (around 10:30 am) to avoid the crowds. You’ll have better chances of getting a table during this time! Plus, some items are only available in limited quantities per day! 
  • If you drop by and it’s super crowded, I recommend buying the custard puffs, banana cake, and tau sar piah for takeout.

Founder Bak Kut Teh

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Address: 347 Balestier Road, New Orchid Hotel
Contact Details: +65 6352 6192
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, 11:45 am to 12:00 am
Pricing: $$
Website

Balestier is often regarded as the unofficial birthplace of bak kut teh, a beloved Singaporean pork bone broth considered by many locals to be the ultimate comfort food. While there are plenty of spots to enjoy this dish, my pick is Founder Bak Kut Teh.

Established in the 1970s by former pig farmer Choa Chu Kang, the eatery masterfully blends simple ingredients like pepper, pork bones, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and harmonious broth that captures the essence of this iconic dish.

Tips: 

  • Prepare to get your hands dirty, especially if you want to dig in and bite off the rib meat from the bones. This is the best way to enjoy the restaurant’s bak kut teh, and I highly recommend you try doing it! 
  • You’re allowed to get free refills of the soup if you want more. You can get as many refills of the soup as you want, just not the pork meat and bones!

Boon Tong Kee

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Address: Balestier Road, #399 401 & 403
Contact Details: +65 6254 3937
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm

Pricing: $$
Website

Boon Tong Kee began as a humble stall in the heart of Chinatown before its founder, Thian Boon Hua, established a restaurant along Balestier Road. 

Despite its growth, the restaurant continues to serve its iconic Cantonese chicken rice using the same beloved recipe. It’s a dish that keeps my family and me coming back time and time again.

Other notable dishes you should try here include barbecued suckling pig, braised seafood claypot, and fried spare ribs! 

Tips: 

  • The restaurant attracts a long queue during lunchtime and dinnertime (around 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm). I highly recommend coming in a little earlier before those hours to skip the wait! 
  • Remember that the restaurant starts calling their last orders by 10:15 pm. Some items tend to sell out quickly before the day even ends, so I recommend dining earlier in the evening.

WOLAA Kitchen and Bar

Address: 387 Balestier Road
Contact Details: +65 6312 3376
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 4:00 pm to 11:45 pm
Pricing: $$
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WOLAA Kitchen and Bar is a drinking pot along the road that I think you should pay a visit to if you’re looking for more boozy drinks in the area. Not only do they serve some creative concoctions, but they also offer hearty bar bites and dinner! 

Lots of international beers are available on tap, and they’re best paired with their chicken satay, baked salmon, fried pork knuckles, and chicken curry. There are a lot of options to keep your palate satisfied here! 

Tips: 

  • The best time to visit the restaurant is between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. This is when they serve their happy hour promos on select draft beer, wine, and house pours. 
  • Every Wednesday is ladies’ night. Women get 40% off their chosen cocktails all night long, so consider planning a girls’ night out here on your next visit to Balestier Road.

Tandoori Corner

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Address: 400 Balestier Rd, #01-12 Balestier Plaza
Contact Details: +65 6250 0200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm
Pricing: $$
Website

Whenever I’m in the mood for Indian food, Tandoori Corner at Balestier Plaza is my go-to spot for some of the best North Indian cuisine around. 

Their fragrant chicken biryani is a must-try, and I can never resist their incredible selection of pratas and naans, especially when paired with spicy sauces (my best recommendation is their chicken curry!). 

They have plenty of options for those with dietary preferences as well. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the vegetarian set, which comes with rice, dhal, and naan, and their vegetable biryani with raita is always a great choice for a filling meal.

Tips: 

  • There’s no need to tip the servers here, as your tidal bill already includes a service charge. Just note that they don’t charge you for GST though. 
  • If you’re unfamiliar with North Indian cuisine, don’t be afraid to ask the servers for help. Usually, the owner himself will drop by your table and recommend dishes based on your preferences! 
  • Most of their dishes here are spicy. Ask the servers to lower the spice levels if you’re not keen on eating spicy food.

Nhung Kitchen

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Address: 279 Balestier Road, #01-02 Balestier Point, i-bistro
Contact Details: +65 6250 0200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 3:00 am
Pricing: $$
Facebook

If you’re looking for a dining spot that stays open until the wee hours of the morning, then Nhung Kitchen should be on your radar. This Vietnamese eatery specialises in delicious comfort that tastes straight out of a Vietnamese home. 

Some signature dishes I recommend trying are the banh mi (Vietnamese beef sub), bun thit bo xao (stir-fried beef with rice vermicelli), bun thit nuong (barbecue pork with rice vermicelli), com thit ga nuong (grilled chicken with rice), and fresh spring rolls. 

Tips: 

  • There is limited seating inside the restaurant, so I highly recommend dropping by right before dinner time (around 4:00 pm) to snag a table. In case there aren’t tables free during your visit, you can always order for takeout! 
  • The restaurant uses sliced chillies in their banh mi sandwiches. If you can’t tolerate the spice, just tell them to remove the chilli!

Where to Shop on Balestier Road

Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory

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Address: 328 Balestier Rd
Contact Details: +65 6256 2239
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Website

If you’re a coffee lover, then you should stock up your pantry with fresh beans from Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory. The store is popular because of its bags of local and international brews. 

You’ll get more value for your money by purchasing in larger quantities, but if you’d rather sample a few cups of each blend, smaller portions are available too. They offer beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil.

Tips: 

  • If you don’t have a grinder at home, the coffee shop can grind your chosen beans for you. Just note that freshness won’t be guaranteed since they’re pre-grounded, so don’t come after the shop! 
  • The shop offers brewed coffee fresh from the grinder here if you want to sample some of their signature beans.
  • Come with lots of cash before dropping by. They don’t accept cashless payments here (at least, during my last visit they didn’t).

Shaw Plaza

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Address: 360 Balestier Rd, Shaw Plaza
Contact Details: +65 6235 2077
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Website

Shaw Plaza Mall is a fairly new shopping centre along the road, so don’t worry about only finding lighting and interior shops here. You’ll find dozens of retail stores selling all sorts of items from shoes, clothing, and even sports equipment. 

What the mall is most known for, though, is the playground to keep your kids occupied while you shop. There is also a movie theatre where you can catch the latest blockbusters if you’re looking to take a break from the shopping! 

Tips: 

  • You can get two free movie tickets at the mall’s theatre if you spend a minimum of $50 in the mall. You can redeem the tickets using a maximum of 3 same-day receipts. 

    Note that terms and conditions apply. Learn more about the promo here! 
  • There are shower facilities for cyclists on Level One. These come with a small fee, but if you need a quick refresh, this is a good place to get your shower needs done!

Where to Stay on Balestier Road

Fragrance Hotel

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Address: 435 Balestier Road
Contact Details: +65 6259 6888
Check-in: 3:00 pm 
Check-out: 12:00 pm
Pricing: $
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Fragrance Hotel is located right at the centre of Balestier Road, making it a good place to stay if you want to be at the centre of everything. The hotel offers affordable accommodations that can host up to families of four people. 

You don’t have to take a taxi to get anywhere you want within the area since the entrance sits right by the road. I highly recommend booking a stay in this hotel if you want to stay close to the many top restaurants in Balestier!

Tips: 

  • Parking is very limited in the hotel. I don’t recommend driving to the hotel, but if you do need to park your car, there are multiple parking around the area. 
  • Some of the rooms are equipped with beds with wheels. Be careful and mindful of the locks (because you don’t want your bed to roll around the room while you’re sleeping!).

Habyt Novena

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Address: 471 Balestier Road
Contact Details: +65 9478 5564
Check-in: 3:00 pm 
Check-out: 11:00 am
Pricing: $$
Book Now

Habyt Novena is a gem that I’ve come to appreciate for both its comfort and convenience. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, this walk-up hotel delivers a distinctively local experience.

With five types of studio rooms available, ranging from cosy single studios to spacious options for two, each equipped with a kitchenette, you’re bound to find just the right fit. 

Every time I stay there, I’m impressed by how well they cater to both solo travellers and couples alike, making it a top choice for a comfortable stay.

Tips: 

  • Get up to 20% off if you book directly from the website. You can learn more about the hotel’s ongoing promotions here.
  • If you stay for a month or more, you can also snag great deals of up to 10% off! 

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