From Fine Dining to Boutique Shops: A Guide to Dempsey Hill
In the mood for a shopping spree and a food trip but want to do it in an underrated neighborhood? Then, you should definitely stop by Dempsey Hill!
Located outside Singapore’s central area and near the Botanic Gardens, Dempsey Hill is a beautiful and serene corner that’s home to stellar restaurants and boutique shops. It also has some other quirky landmarks, such as a pet spa and an ice cream museum!
If you’re planning to stop by Dempsey Hill sometime in the future, feel free to use this article as your guide.
Things to Know
History and Background
Dempsey Hill started as a nutmeg plantation back in the 1850s, and when the British came to Singapore, they converted the area into colonial barracks for the soldiers. It stayed as barracks for over a century.
After the British left, Dempsey Hill was transformed into an idyllic lifestyle enclave. Now, it’s where people come if they need a break from the city and enjoy a few luxuries like shopping and dining.
How to Get There
Taxi or Ride-Hailing App: Taxi or a ride that you’ve booked on a ride-hailing app is the best way to get to Dempsey Hill.
Car: Driving is another great way to get to Dempsey Hill. Since there are many establishments in this area, you can also find various parking lots.
MRT: If you prefer public transportation, it’s possible to get here by riding the MRT. You just have to take either the East–West Line or Thomson–East Coast Line and alight at the Orchard Boulevard station (it’s an 11-minute walk to Dempsey Hill).
Bus: If you prefer riding the bus, the bus services that pass by Dempsey Hill are 105, 106, 123, 174, 7, and 75.
Best Time to Visit
Anytime is a great time to visit Dempsey Hill; it just depends on your preference or the activities you like to do here.
For example, if you just want to shop and dine, daytime is the best time to come here because that’s when most restaurants and shops are open. You can also enjoy the greenery while the sun is out.
However, if you want a casual outing at a bar with friends and family, visiting during nighttime might be ideal.
What to Do
Check out the artwork at Redsea Gallery
Address: Block 9 Dempsey Rd, #01-10 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 247697
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Contact Number: +6567326711
Website
If you’re fascinated by art, then you’ll love the Redsea Gallery. This gallery used to be one of the colonial barracks, but now, it’s home to various contemporary artwork pieces by artists from all over the world.
I’m no art expert, but still, I was blown away by what I saw here. My favorite has to be the painting of Queen Elizabeth II; the closer I approached the portrait, I realized that her image was comprised of people walking away from a group!
Some other pieces may seem too abstract to understand, but don’t worry because there’s a guide here to help you out.
Join a farm tour at Open Farm Community
Address: 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 4 pm, 6 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +6564710306
Website
Get in touch with nature and learn more about farming by taking a farm tour at Open Farm Community. This cozy farm hosts a tour that will take you around the green space where vegetables and herbs are planted and nurtured.
Open Farm Community also has a restaurant. So, whenever you feel hungry, feel free to grab a bite there; the ingredients are grown sustainably and sourced locally.
Take a distillery tour at The Tanglin Gin Jungle
Address: Dempsey Rd, 26B, Singapore 247693
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 to 10 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 12 am
- Saturday—1 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—1 to 9 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +6589093674
Admission Fee: S$49 per person
Website
Every hour is happy hour, so if you’re up for it, I recommend going to The Tanglin Gin Jungle in Dempsey Hill. It’s the first gin distillery in Singapore, and it has so many drinks to offer!
But before you drink any of the cocktails, you can take a tour of the place. Doing so will let you observe distillers creating alcoholic concoctions—from mixing botanicals to bottling gins!
See all the giant fish at the Dempsey Hill Pond
Address: Dempsey Rd, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
A hidden gem in Dempsey Hill is Dempsey Hill Pond, which also has a water fountain. The fountain is a captivating sight because of its rustic vibe, but the pond’s main highlight is the giant fish living in it.
These giant fishes are known as arapaima, an endangered species from South America that can grow up to six meters long! They’ve been in Dempsey Hill for a few decades now, so you can say that they’re locals.
Reminder: don’t throw coins into the water because the fish might choke on them.
Let your kids play at Wildlings
Address: 27A Loewen Road Wildlings, Nature Space, Singapore 248839
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday—9:30 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 5:30 pm
Admission Fee: From S$24 (Nature Play), From S$165 (Camping)
Contact Number: +6588755919
Website
Do you have a superactive child? Then, you might want to bring them to Wildlings and let them play to their heart’s desire!
Wildlings is a forest-themed playground. It features an acre of nature space, so there’s a lot of room for children to climb trees and run around; other activities they can engage in here include building sand structures and painting with mud.
If you’d like an overnight experience, you and your child can camp here as well. You and your little one can chat around the campfire and enjoy indulgent s’mores!
Visit a real chocolate factory
Address: 13 Dempsey Rd, #01-03/04, Singapore 249674
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 7 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 8 pm
- Closed on Monday
If you’ve read the classic children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you’ve probably daydreamed about visiting a real chocolate factory just like Charlie did. Well, now you can because there’s one in Dempsey Hill!
At Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, you can watch the whole bean-to-bar process from designated viewing zones. Afterward, you can head straight to the Tasting Room and taste some of the whimsical chocolate creations.
If you love what you’ve tasted, purchase some chocolate products to take home with you.
Have fun in the Museum of Ice Cream
Address: 100 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248837
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
- Closed on Tuesday
Admission Fee:
- General Admission—S$36 (weekdays), S$42 (weekends, eve of public holidays, and school holidays)
- Premium Ticket—S$46
Looking for a unique museum to visit? Dempsey Hill has you covered with the Museum of Ice Cream Singapore.
The Museum of Ice Cream is probably one of the prettiest museums you’ll ever see. It’s decked in all shades of pink, and every exhibit features adorable ice cream-themed decorations!
There are many exhibits here to check out; my favorite has to be the sprinkle pool, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Aside from the cool exhibits, you’ll also be able to enjoy unlimited ice cream!
Treat your pets to a five-star spa experience at The Wagington
Address: 27B Loewen Rd, Singapore 248850
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8:30 am to 7:30 pm
If you’re traveling with pets, here’s a suggestion: instead of just treating them to the usual grooming session, why not get them pampered at an actual pet spa? The Wagington is the place to go if you’re interested!
This pet daycare is practically a resort with the facilities it has and the services it offers. Your furry friends can splash around in the pool, work out in the gym with personal trainers, and get groomed in a salon.
They can even dress up in adorable costumes and have a photoshoot to show off their magnificence! This place truly is a paradise for our beloved four-legged animals.
Where to Eat
Canchita Peruvian Cuisine
Address: Dempsey Rd, #9A 9B, Singapore 247698
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5:30 to 10:30 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6580281994
Website
If you’re craving Latin American dishes, then Canchita Peruvian Cuisine is the restaurant to go to. As the name suggests, this restaurant celebrates the culture and cuisine of Peru.
The bestselling dish here is ceviche, which is made from fresh seafood marinated in citrus juice. Other dishes worth trying include Parihuela (traditional seafood soup), seafood rice, and lomo saltado (Peruvian-Cantonese stir-fried Wagyu beef tenderloin).
If you don’t eat meat, no worries because there are vegan options available here as well.
Margarita’s
Address: 11 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249673
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6564713228
Website
Another great Latin American restaurant in Dempsey Hill is Margarita’s. This restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine, and its menu is ever-evolving, so you know you can try a variety of flavors here.
You can stick to the classics like guacamole and chips, nachos, and chicken enchiladas, but I highly recommend trying the specials for a unique experience. My favorite is the pollo de la margaritas (it’s chicken cooked in a special margarita concoction!).
You can also build carne asada and fajitas, so feel free to get creative on your plate.
Burnt Ends
Address: 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-02, Singapore 249671
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—6 to 11 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—12 to 2:30 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6562243933
Website
Enjoy a fine dining experience at Burnt Ends, a restaurant founded by Chef Dave Pynt. This modern restaurant, which has one Michelin star, boasts a custom four-ton, dual-cavity oven, and its menu specializes in Australian-style BBQ dishes.
You can never go wrong with any of the offerings here. Personally, my favorites are the brisket and smoked turkey, but I’ve heard that the St. Louis-style ribs and hickory ham are also great.
Boutique wines are available here as well. Order a bottle to elevate your dining experience.
Morsels
Address: 25 Dempsey Rd, #01-04, Singapore 249670
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562663822
Website
Founded by Chef Petrina Loh, Morsels is a restaurant focused on Asian fusion. It was first located in a shophouse in Little India, and it relocated to its current location in Dempsey Hill.
You can enjoy a great array of dishes here. I recommend starting your meal with seasonal oysters, which are served with kumquat pepper kosho and citron kombucha vin, and then order mushroom pork dumplings and wild mushrooms truffle risotto.
If you love a sweet treat after a heavy main course, I recommend the preserved lemon curd tart or the Morsels signature Milo TIRAMiso.
Siri House
Address: 8D Dempsey Rd, #01-02 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249672
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday—12 to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6594871552
Website
Whether you’re looking for a brunch spot, a romantic dinner place, or a hangout rendezvous with your loved ones, Siri House will serve you well.
If you’re coming for brunch, I recommend the grilled flatbread with parma ham, salami, and feta, or the Boston lobster roll with truffle mayo and crustacean oil fries. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Barramundi (oyster mushroom and enoki) or unagi risotto.
Don’t hesitate to order an alcoholic beverage to wash everything down. A glass of Champagne Chapuy Brut Tradition NV is a winner, in my opinion; you can also order a bottle instead if you can afford to splurge.
Claudine
Address: 39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—6 to 10 pm
- Wednesday to Sunday—11:45 am to 2 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6580319935
Website
Housed inside an old colonial chapel, Claudine is a beauty to look at. The stained glass window adds a colorful touch, and the modern furniture makes you feel luxurious.
Aside from its gorgeous interior, Claudine is known for its impressive array of French dishes. Their charcuterie is top-notch; you can order various kinds of meats, such as jambon persillé, foie gras, and pork-parsley terrine.
Other must-tries in this restaurant include grilled scallops, steak tartare à la Parisienne, and Brittany-roasted pigeon. As for dessert, you don’t want to miss out on the Madong chocolate soufflé.
The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
Address: 17D Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 2:30 pm, 3 to 5:30 pm, 6 to 9:30 pm
- Friday—12 to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 12 am
- Saturday—11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 6 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 6 to 11:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6518003045588
Website
Owned by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar specializes in European cuisine infused with a bit of Asian flair.
For example, there are the Atlantic cod with spiced jade emulsion and the seared sea trout with bok choy, potato purée, and ginger-chili vinaigrette. You can also just order simple grilled meats if you don’t want complicated sauces.
As for drinks, there’s a good selection of wines, cocktails, and beers. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can order mocktails instead.
Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh
Address: 17C Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Closed on Monday
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6518003043388
Website
Craving tempura? Then, head to Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh in Dempsey Hill!
Here, you can find many tempura options—from your typical ones like shrimp and squid to vegan options like mushroom and sweet potato. You can also order all sorts of side dishes, such as rice, pickled radish salad, black truffle extras, and seasonal fruits.
The tempura here is priced per piece, and the minimum order is S$115 per person, so this restaurant can be pretty expensive. There are also set meals, which are also costly, but they already include appetizers, sashimi, and several tempura pieces.
Jumbo Seafood
Address: 11 Dempsey Rd, #01-16, Singapore 249673
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6564793435
Website
Seafood lovers, this one is for you. Jumbo Seafood is one of the best-known seafood restaurants in Singapore, so you can expect nothing but greatness here.
The bestselling dish here is chili crab, which isn’t a surprise because it’s perfectly sweet and savory with a little kick. I also really love the Boston lobster braised with broth; the lobster is tender and juicy, and the broth is so comforting.
This restaurant also serves other meat types. Some of the ones I recommend are the mocha pork ribs (it sounds weird, but it’s so good!) and garlic fried chicken.
Atout
Address: 40C Harding Rd, Singapore 249548
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 9:30 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6587994567
Website
Atout is a simple yet elegant restaurant that serves some of the finest dishes in European cuisine.
Their artisanal charcuterie, with meats like pig head terrine, duck foie gras terrine, and cod liver pâté, is one of the highlights. They also serve an impressive selection of oysters and caviars; you’ll undoubtedly be feeling fancy when dining here.
This restaurant also has seasonal specials. I recommend giving them a try because you never know when they’ll come back on the menu.
Candlenut
Address: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6518003042288
Website
Candlenut is all about the contemporary yet authentic approach to traditional Straits-Chinese cuisine. Operated by Chef Malcolm Lee, it received a star from Michelin—the first Peranakan restaurant to receive this honor!
My go-to orders here are the blue swimmer crab curry (creamy and earthy) and the Westholme Wagyu beef rib rendang (so tender and savory).
Samy’s Curry
Address: 25 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249670
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 3 pm, 6 to 10 pm
- Closed on Tuesday
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6564722080
Website
Samy’s Curry has been around since the 1960s. Though this restaurant primarily focuses on South Indian cuisine, you can also find several North Indian dishes here.
The menu is pretty extensive, so you might feel overwhelmed. Some of the dishes that I believe are worth trying are butter chicken, masala crab, curry mutton, and chickpea paneer.
I also suggest trying their lassi, the iconic Indian yogurt-based beverage; mango lassi is my favorite flavor, but the sweet and salt variations are intriguing as well. This drink is simply so refreshing!
The Dempsey Project
Address: Block 9 Dempsey Rd, #01-12, Singapore 247697
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6564752005
Website
Whether you want a casual brunch spot or an intimate dinner place, The Dempsey Project is the perfect option. This restaurant boasts quite chunky menus; one is dedicated to daylight dining, while another caters to dinner and beyond.
Additionally, this place has a gluten-free and vegan menu, so if you don’t eat any meat products, you still have plenty of choices here.
I recommend the following: the Big Dempsey Breakfast if you’re coming for brunch, TDP Wagyu beef burger if you’re visiting during dinner, and truffle mushroom risotto if you’re looking for vegan options.
Red Sparrow
Address: 11 Dempsey Rd, #01-18, 249673, Singapore 249673
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:45 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:45 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6567766118
If you have a craving for Vietnamese cuisine, Red Sparrow should satisfy that in no time.
One thing I really like about this Vietnamese restaurant is its homey and colorful atmosphere. It’s really hard not to smile and feel happy when several vibrant paper lanterns hang above you.
Of course, the food here is stellar. My favorite is the bánh mì bò xào, which has everything I want in a sandwich: soft and pillowy baguette, fresh and crunchy vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, and coriander), and tender sliced beef.
Don’t pass up on their phở as well! With fresh noodles paired and fragrant bone broth, it’s truly the perfect example of a comfort meal.
Where to Shop
Bungalow 55
Address: 8D Dempsey Rd, #03-04, Singapore 249672
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6583185358
Website
If you’ve got a passion for interior design, Bungalow 55 will undoubtedly seem like a haven made especially for you. This shop has all sorts of cool products, like accent tables, pendant lights, rugs, and coffee tables.
You can also avail of the interior styling service here. With this service, the owner Nina will help you find your personal style and bring it into reality in your home.
Lifestorey Prestige
Address: 8D Dempsey Rd, level 2, Singapore 249672
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562533177
Website
Another store that will appeal to people who love interior design is Lifestorey Prestige. Established in 1999, this store is dedicated to selling designer furniture and furnishings; some of the brands featured here are Franco Ferri, Himolla, Lodes, and Umage.
The best way to describe the products here is that they’re simple yet elegant at the same time. I can picture them being placed in homes with a modern or contemporary interior style.
Timothy Oulton at Curio
Address: 01-01 Dempsey Rd, BLK 13, Singapore 249674
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Contact Number: +6564797619
Website
If you’re into all things vintage, then you’ll love shopping at Timothy Oulton. Originally from Great Britain, this furniture and interior shop is known for its premium vintage-looking products with unique designs and distinctive leather finishes.
It also has a wide array of products—from furniture to home accessories and lighting. Whatever you purchase here will undoubtedly add a shine to your home!
B.P. de Silva Jewellers
Address: 14C Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249687
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6564738880
Website
If you can afford to splurge a bit, why not consider buying yourself or a loved one a sparkling piece of jewelry? B.P. de Silva Jewellers is just the spot for you.
The store already has pre-made jewelry for you, so you can browse the collection of studs, necklaces, and rings, and find one that you like.
But if you prefer something customized, you can talk to the jewelers, tell them what you want, and they will create something that’s totally unique.
Dover Street Market
Address: 18 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249677
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6531294323
Website
A global store with four locations in the world, Dover Street Market is the one-stop shop for fashionistas. It houses 25 designer brands ranging from Comme des Garçons to Céline, so you can truly build your personal luxurious style.
Aside from the impressive array of clothing items, another thing I love about this Dempsey Hill shop is that it’s laid out like an art gallery. The ceilings are high, the racks are cage-like grills, and the walls are colorful; the environment is such a vibe!
Kids 21
Address: 16 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249685
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6563041435
Website
It’s not fair if only you get to treat yourself, so why not go shopping for your little ones as well? Kids 21 is a great place to do this particular shopping spree.
Kids 21 sells all kinds of stylish clothes for children—from cool down bomber jackets for boys to gorgeous dresses for girls. There are also options for swimwear and footwear, as well as skincare products and perfumes!
After shopping here, your kids can become fashion icons in no time.