A Mishmash of the Past and Present: A Guide to Balestier
Aside from being a modern metropolis, Singapore is also home to various neighborhoods with fascinating histories. Most of these are quite well-known, like Chinatown and Little India, but others are underrated, like Balestier.
Balestier started as a sugarcane plantation, but now, it’s a hotspot for people who are looking for unique dining spots and shops. There’s also a heritage trail here, which you can take if you want to learn more about the neighborhood’s history.
Planning to immerse yourself in the lovely neighborhood of Balestier? Make the most out of your excursion with this in-depth guide!
Things to Know
History and Background
Back in the day, Balestier was primarily covered in green, and when the British came to Singapore in 1819, they started clearing forests and building roads in the area. Early settlers established gardens and fields to provide food for themselves.
Sometime later, a sugar plantation was established in the area by Joseph Balestier, the first American consul to Singapore. An adjoining road to the plantation was named after him, and eventually, that name was carried over to the whole neighborhood.
Today, the Balestier neighborhood is known as a foodie paradise. In particular, the main thoroughfare, the Balestier Road, is teeming with restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, several historical buildings, and unique shops.
How to Get There
MRT: To get to the Balestier neighborhood via MRT, you just have to ride a train from the Downtown or North-East Line, then alight at any of the following stations: Bendemeer (DT23), Farrer Park (NE8), or Toa Payoh (NS19).
Bus: If you prefer riding the bus, your bus line options are 125, 130, 145, and 186. They pass by and have a bus stop on Balestier Road.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing App: You can also get to Balestier by riding a taxi or booking a ride from a ride-hailing app if you’re in a rush or you prefer privacy when commuting.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Balestier is during the daytime because many of the landmarks here are buildings with fascinating architecture, so it’s easier to appreciate them when you can clearly see them.
Additionally, if you’re visiting during the daytime, you won’t have to contend with the crowds when visiting a restaurant to eat or a shop.
That said, if you’d like to go bar-hopping in Balestier, then it’s preferable to come by at night instead because that’s when bars open.
What to Do
Go on the Balestier Heritage Trail
History is one of the selling points of Balestier, so if you’re interested in learning more about this area, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a Balestier Heritage Trail you can take.
This heritage trail is about 1.7 km long (though you can add more landmarks if you want), and it highlights some of the neighborhood’s most prominent historical landmarks. If you want to do this trail, be sure to download this helpful brochure.
Here are some of the places you might want to check out.
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Address: 12 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327874
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6562567377
Website
The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a national monument that traces the revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia of Dr. Sun Yat Sen.
1911 saw a revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty and led to the creation of modern-day China. Singapore played a pivotal role during this revolution, and one of the prominent figures who assisted was Dr. Sun Yat Sen.
This place was once the villa where Dr. Sun Yat Sen planned three uprisings. When the revolution was over, the villa changed ownership multiple times until it was donated to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and made into a memorial hall.
Now, when you come here, you can find informational exhibits about the revolution and Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s contributions. Most of the events here are free, but there are others that require a fee, so keep that in mind.
Maha Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple
Address: 14 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327873
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6562511717
Website
If you’re a big fan of temples, then you’ll love visiting the Maha Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple. This is one of the oldest Theravada institutions on the island, and wow, does it look so good!
Right off the bat, you’ll see that the temple’s facade is adorned with golden details, which sparkle even more when hit by sunlight. By the entrance, there are also two gold-like statues that look so grand and imposing.
The interior is just as impressive. There’s a massive Buddha that’s made from pure white marble, and it weighs up to 10 tons and stands 11 feet tall!
Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple
Address: 249 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329708
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 4 pm
Established in 1847, Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple is dedicated to the Tua Pek Kong, the deity of protection, blessings, and recovery from illness. And just like the other temples in Singapore, this one is a stunner!
The temple has undergone multiple renovations, and it’s noted for its architectural style that’s reminiscent of traditional Hokkien architecture. It uses red-painted plaster to mimic the look of terracotta wall tiles, and it also has a wayang (Chinese opera) stage.
This wayang stage is actually an interesting feature because it was built in 1906 and is technically the last surviving wayang stage in Singapore. It’s still being used, especially during festivals like the Zhong Yuan Jie (Hungry Ghost Festival).
Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sin Sia
Address: 1A Boon Teck Rd, Singapore 329578
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6562564428
Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sin Sia is a Buddhist-Taoist temple that was named after two religious and charitable groups (Thong Teck Sian Tong and Lian Sin Sia) when they merged together in the 1950s.
This temple encourages the practice of compassion, which is why they offer free medical consultation, funeral services, and help to the poor and needy. They also set up water kiosks on Book Teck Road and Balestier for thirsty passersby.
Kwan Yow Luen Shophouses
Address: 412–418 Balestier Road, Singapore
The Kwan Yow Luen Shophouses are some of Balestier’s main highlights. Despite being a century old, these shophouses still look good as new, and they feature intricate design details and stucco figures, such as proud lions flanked by water buffalos.
In fact, the shophouses look so gorgeous that you’ll be surprised to know that they were actually designed by a local architect who didn’t have any official training! Kwan Yow Luen was self-taught, yet he managed to create architectural gems.
These shophouses are so beautiful to look at that they actually were featured in films several times. Two great examples were Penarek Becha (Trishaw Puller), a Malay film released in 1955, and Anak-ku Sazali (My Son Sazali), another Malay film in 1956.
Pre-War Terrace Houses
Address: 2 Martaban Rd, Singapore 328626
Other historical buildings that you can visit in Balestier are the pre-war terrace houses on Martaban Road. These houses were built between the 1920s and 1940s, so seeing them now gives you an idea of what life was like in the past.
One of the houses was owned by a Hakka association and was turned into a primary school. Other terrace houses served as zhaitangs (Buddhist vegetarian halls) and even dormitories for orderlies who worked at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
These houses were eventually conserved in 2003, and some of them were re-adapted for contemporary use. Right now, these pre-war houses serve as perfect examples of the architectural diversity in Balestier.
Former School Dental Clinic
Address: 1 Pegu Road, Singapore
I know a former school dental clinic may not seem like much, but this one in Balestier is significant simply because it was the first standalone school dental clinic in Singapore. It actually started as an outpatient clinic in 1959 before it became a school clinic in 1963.
For several years, the clinic provided dental services to children, but starting in 1979, it offered services to adults as well. It continued being operational until the 1990s when the services were transferred to the National Dental Center located in Outram.
The clinic’s Balestier site was taken over by the Singapore Anglican Community Services, and they renamed it Balestier Care Center, which provided healthcare. It once again closed in 2004, and now, the clinic serves as a historical landmark.
Sim Kwong Ho Shophouses
Address: 292–312 Balestier Road
If you’re still looking for other architectural marvels in Balestier, then be sure to stop by the Sim Kwong Ho Shophouses. Built in 1926, these shophouses feature an architectural style known as Chinese Baroque or Singapore Eclectic.
Essentially, Chinese Baroque or Singapore Eclectic refers to a style that blends Western elements, such as molded pilasters (wall columns) and pediments (triangular frontispiece), and local symbols and motifs.
You won’t see this particular style anywhere else, which is why seeing these shophouses is such a memorable experience.
Balestier Point
Address: 279 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329727
Balestier Point was among the first high-rise developments on Balestier Road, and it served as a mixed-use building with shops, eateries, and residential units alike.
Inspired by Habitat 67, a housing complex in Canada, Balestier Point’s design is quite eye-catching. The upper portion, in particular, features cubicle modules that are stacked on top of each other like Lego blocks, which is really cool to look at.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Zhongshan Park
Address: Balestier Rd, Singapore
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6562502200
If you’re just in the mood for a relaxing time in Balestier, Zhongshan Park is the place to go. Named after Dr. Sun Yat Sen, this quiet little park features an open ground that’s perfect for children to run around and adults to stretch their legs or exercise.
The park’s main highlight is the large banyan tree at the very center. Right next to the tree is a manmade pond, and though it has no fish, its presence still makes the park even more aesthetically pleasing.
At the far end, you can find an area with low hedges. It’s almost like a maze, so feel free to wander about mindlessly here.
Where to Eat
Boon Tong Kee
Address: Balestier Rd, #399 401 & 403, Singapore 329801
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10:20 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562543937
Website
Hainanese chicken rice is one of my comfort meals, and whenever I crave it, Boon Tong Kee is one of my go-to restaurants.
The signature chicken here is just absolute perfection. It gets doused with a savory sauce made of oil and soy sauce, and the meat is so tender and succulent.
The whole chicken is meant for sharing, but I can definitely eat it all on my own, to be honest.
Another of my favorites here is the sweet and sour pork. The pork is nicely fried, so it’s crispy, allowing the sweet and sour sauce to cling to every surface.
This meal also has bits of lychee and cherry tomatoes for more sweet and sour goodness.
Lechon Republic
Address: 275 Thomson Rd, #01-09 NOVENA REGENCY, Singapore 307645
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—11 am to 8:30 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’ve never tried lechon (a pig that’s roasted until the skin is crackly and golden brown), you’re missing out so much. So, be sure to rectify that by visiting Lechon Republic in Balestier!
This Filipino restaurant is basically lechon heaven, where you can order half a kilo or a kilo of lechon skin and meat. The skin is addictively crispy, while the meat is juicy and salty.
If you prefer to have vegetables with your lechon, you might want to order lechon pakbet or lechon kare kare.
If you want other dish recommendations that aren’t lechon, I highly recommend the sisig (a sizzling dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver), pancit bihon (Filipino’s version of stir-fried noodles), and crispy pata (deep-fried pig trotters).
Founder Bak Kut Teh
Address: 347 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329777
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday—11:45 am to 12 am
- Closed on Tuesday
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6563526192
Website
Bak kut teh, a pork dish cooked in broth, is a popular dish in Balestier, and one of the best places to go if you want to try it is Founder Bak Kut Teh.
This restaurant has been serving bak kut teh for over 40 years, so you can just tell that they’ve perfected this dish.
You also have a variety of options. Premium ribs or short ribs are the best for me, but there are also options for sliced lean meat or mushroom soup.
Tandoori Corner Balestier
Address: 400 Balestier Rd, #01-12 Balestier Plaza, Singapore 329802
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6 to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562500200
Website
Craving Indian food? If so, Tandoori Corner Balestier might pique your interest.
This Indian restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, and they really offer so many dishes. I’m a big fan of their curry dishes myself—especially the butter chicken—but I also really love the tandoori platter, which already includes chicken, fish, and mutton.
For dessert, don’t miss out on their sugary gulab jamun (milk balls soaked in saffron-flavored syrup) or the indulgent kulfi (homemade Indian ice cream flavored with pistachios).
The Clueless Goat
Address: 189 Thomson Rd, Goldhill Center, Singapore 307631
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—8 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6592976960
The Clueless Goat is an underrated hangout place in Balestier, and I highly recommend this cafe if you just want a casual dining experience.
The cafe’s interior is pretty simple yet cozy, so you’ll feel right at home when dining here. As for the menu, they offer a good variety of comfort meals, from hearty sandwiches to sweet waffles.
Of course, don’t forget to order a cup of coffee or tea to complete your meal.
Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice
Address: 342 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329774
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562522318
Website
Another great place if you’re craving Hainanese chicken rice is Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice, a restaurant that has been around since the 1950s.
The star of the show is the Loy Kee Special Set, and you can choose whether to order steamed chicken or roasted chicken. Both options are great; the roasted chicken comes with crispy skin, while the steamed chicken is tender and juicy.
This restaurant has other options as well. If you’re eating breakfast, you can order kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and porridge; if you’d like to try something you’ve never eaten before, order the boneless chicken feet or the chicken gizzard and chicken liver.
Nanta BBQ
Address: 175 Thomson Rd, #01-175/177 Goldhill Centre, Singapore 307624
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562581391
Website
Going to a Korean BBQ is the best thing to do when you’re absolutely starving. If this is what you want, Nanta BBQ is the go-to place for Korean BBQ in Balestier.
What makes this Korean restaurant stand out is the fact they serve Wagyu meat, so you can enjoy incredibly succulent beef. You’ll also be served with an impressive array of side dishes, so your hunger will be gone in no time.
If you don’t want to do the whole BBQ thing, you can order already-cooked meals like chicken cutlets and rice or ox bone soup with beef.
ToGather Kitchen & Bar
Address: 1 Goldhill Plaza, #01-05, Singapore 308899
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6589070213
Admittedly, I was drawn to ToGather Kitchen & Bar because of its name (I do love a good pun), but ultimately, I stayed because of the great food.
I’m personally a big fan of the burger; it has soft brioche buns that are nicely toasted, and the patty is perfectly juicy and savory. I recommend getting a double patty or ordering more add-ons if you’re really starving.
This dining spot also offers several beer options, so don’t hesitate to order a bottle to wash down everything you’ve eaten.
Balestier Market
Address: 411 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329930
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: $
If you’re looking for an affordable dining option, you can’t go wrong with a hawker center. In Balestier, the best-known hawker center is Balestier Market.
The great thing about Balestier Market is that there are so many stalls to choose from, and each stall offers different dishes, so you can satisfy your cravings in no time.
Personally, I go for roasted chicken rice from Bugis Street Chuen Chuen Chicken Rice or the braised duck rice from Soon Kee Long House Boneless Duck Rice.
The popiah (a thin crepe stuffed with a vegetable or meat filling) from Miao Sin Popiah is worth trying out as well.
Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah
Address: 639 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329922
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—7:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Pricing: $
Contact Number: +6562534584
Website
If you’re just looking for a sweet snack to nibble on, then head to Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah. As the name suggests, this shop specializes in tau sar piah, a Malay pastry that’s basically a biscuit filled with mung bean paste filling.
This pastry is perfectly crumbly, and though you can order it sweet (in fact, it’s the most popular version), you can also try its salty variation. Both taste good, but since I have a sweet tooth, of course, I prefer the sweet one.
Aside from tau sar piah, you can also purchase custard puffs, coffee walnut cake, or pandan cake here.
Udders
Address: 155 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307608
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 11 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562546629
Website
Is the Singaporean weather too hot for you? Then beat the heat by grabbing a cup of ice cream from Udders.
What I love about this ice cream shop is that they offer classic favorites like strawberry, chocolate, and salted caramel, but they also serve unique Asian-inspired flavors. Examples include Kyoto matcha, Singapore chendol, and durian ice cream.
There are even ice cream flavors inspired by alcoholic drinks! So, don’t hesitate to experiment with any of the flavors.
Where to Shop
Balestier Plaza
Address: 400 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329802
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Website
Balestier Plaza is the one-stop shop for all your shopping needs in Balestier. Built in 1985, this shopping mall has stores if you want to buy new clothes and entertainment facilities if you want to have some fun.
There are also shops that offer beauty care needs. In particular, if you’re feeling kind of sore and tired, you can get a body massage or foot reflexology here—you’ll feel relaxed in no time!
Balestier Hill Shopping Center
Address: 2 Balestier Rd, Singapore 320002
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Another shopping mall option you can visit is Balestier Hill Shopping Center. This one is pretty underrated, so you don’t have to worry about crowds when you visit.
This mall has several kopitiams and dining spots, so it’s the perfect place to go for a casual hangout with loved ones. You can also visit some of the shops, and if you’re lucky, you can find amazing clothes and accessories at cheap prices.
Zhongshan Mall
Address: 20 Ah Hood Rd, Singapore 329984
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6562502200
Website
For a more premium shopping experience, be sure to head to Zhongshan Mall. Located near Zhongshan Park, this is a two-story retail mall with an integrated hotel and commercial complex.
You won’t run out of things to check out in this mall. There are many shops selling all kinds of goods (from clothes to pet items) and restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine; there’s even a luxurious supermarket where you can find several amazing wines.
Velocity @Novena
Address: 238 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307683
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +6563580700
Conveniently located above the Novena MRT station, Velocity @Novena Square is a contemporary shopping mall boasting countless brand-name retail shops and services. In other words, this is the ideal place to go if you want to go on a shopping spree.
In addition to the brand-name retail shops, this mall is home to many amazing restaurants as well. Some of the most well-known eateries include Josh’s Grill, Guzman y Gomez, Sō Ramen, and TungLok Peking Duck Novena.
Light + Form Concepts
Address: 341 Balestier Rd, #01-02, Singapore 329773
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562550055
Website
If you need to brighten up your home, Light + Form Concepts is the shop to go. This shop specializes in lighting, and it boasts a wide range of contemporary and classical crystal chandeliers.
Additionally, the shop has a full range of European and Chinese products, all of which can be applied indoors or outdoors. They’re also an exclusive partner of Swarovski Lighting, so if you can afford to splurge, why not check out their line here?
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Address: 99 Irrawaddy Rd, Singapore 329568
Contact Number: +6562500303
Book Now
Treat yourself to a luxurious vacation by booking a room at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena. This four-star hotel offers contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the neighborhood throughout your stay.
Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy the many amenities in this hotel as well. Feel free to work out in the working, indulge in fine dining in the on-site restaurant, and splash around in the rooftop pool (the view here is also amazing).
The hotel offers several promotions as well, such as discounts and free meals, so be sure to check out their website before you book your stay.
Oasis Hotel Novena, Singapore
Address: 8 Sinaran Dr, Singapore 307470
Contact Number: +6566640333
Book Now
Another great hotel if you want a luxurious stay is Oasis Hotel Novena, Singapore. What I love about this four-star hotel is its soothing environment; the interior design features a harmony of wood, granite, and other natural elements.
As for amenities, there’s the Club Lounge Party (exclusive to people staying in the Club Rooms and Suites), where you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast and access to a private pool and hot tub; there’s also an outdoor pool if you enjoy swimming.
The on-site gym is open for 24 hours, so you can exercise whenever you want. When you’re done working out, you can head to the steam and sauna room to unwind.
Fragrance Hotel—Balestier
Address: 255 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329710
Contact Number: +6562526888
Book Now
Fragrance Hotel is a two-star hotel that’s perfect for people on a budget. The rooms here are simply decorated, but they’re comfortable all the same; they all have air conditioning, so you can remain cool even when the weather outside is hot.
Another great thing about this hotel is that it’s located near Velocity, so you can enjoy shopping sprees whenever you want.
Aqueen Hotel Balestier
Address: 387 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329795
Contact Number: +6565930999
Book Now
Do you want a hotel that offers five-star services at only a fraction of the price? Then, Aqueen Hotel Balestier is a great option for you.
This modern hotel offers cozy rooms equipped with air conditioning, smart television, and high-speed Wi-Fi. They also offer several promotions, such as discounts of up to 20%, so don’t forget to check out their website to see what promotions they have.