Everything You Need to Know About Kallang Bahru in Singapore
Kallang Bahru has that rare mix of old-school charm and quiet cool that keeps me coming back. Here, I can sip an artisanal latte or watch uncles play chess at a void deck…all in a single afternoon.
It’s a neighbourhood where industrial blocks hide indie cafes, and park connectors weave past friendly faces who’ll nod a hello at me. Kallang Bahru has a way of making people feel like they belong, be it for a day or a decade.
Where is Kallang Bahru?
Kallang Bahru is a sub-zone in Singapore’s Kallang planning area. It’s located at the east of Bendemeer, and north of Kallang Basin, near the junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Road.
What is the main street in Kallang Bahru?
Kallang Bahru’s main street is Kallang Bahru Road. It runs through the heart of the neighbourhood and connects to Lavender Street and Geylang Bahru.
How to Get to Kallang Bahru
Closest MRT: The closest MRT station to Kallang Bahru is Geylang Bahru MRT on the Downtown Line (DT24). From the station’s Exit A, it’s just a short walk to the main stretch of Kallang Bahru Road.
Closet bus stop: The closest bus stop to Kallang Bahru is ‘Bef Kallang Bahru Stn Exit A’ along Geylang Bahru Road. Buses like 26, 61, 107, 107M, and 853 stop there, and from the bus stop, it’s only a few minutes walk to the main Kallang Bahru area.
By car or taxi/dropoff: Head towards Kallang Bahru Road via Lavender Street or Bendemeer Road, depending on your starting point. Drop-offs can be made along the main road near Geylang Bahru MRT or at Aperia Mall.
What to See and Do in Kallang Bahru
Unwind at Kallang Riverside Park
– Media from imfrancesca1986
Location: Corner of Kallang Road and Crawford Street
In those days that I need a breather from the city buzz, I find myself making a beeline for Kallang Riverside Park. I’m a simple guy to entertain; I easily get amused watching dragon boats slicing through the water as I stroll along palm-lined paths.
On lazy days, I sprawl on the grass by the picnic beach and let the river views do the rest.
Cycle or jog at the park connector
– Media from nparksbuzz
Location: 221 Kallang Bahru
Starting my mornings with a jog along the Kallang Bahru park connector allows me to see the river glinting in the early light. The route feels endless, stretching from Kallang Bahru to Marina Bay.
On cooler days, I like swapping my running shoes for a bike and letting the breeze comfort me while I do the week’s cardio.
Catch pop-up events at Aperia Mall
– Media from aperia.mall
Location: Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Avenue
Aperia Mall fills the bill when I need a mix of errands and little treats for myself. I’ve stumbled upon weekend craft markets and mini art shows tucked between the shops when I least expected them.
Climb at Boulder+
– Media from boulder_plus
Location: #03-17 The Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Avenue
Contact: +6562827530
Hours:
Monday, 5–10.30 PM
Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM–10.30 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Boulder+ is a great place in Aperia Mall to burn off excess energy and challenge myself. The colourful wall looks fun initially, but halfway up, I begin to realise just how much grit it takes to get to the top.
There are options for beginner routes for warming up, and trickier overhangs for when I’m feeling extra confident.
Join activities at the Kallang Community Club
– Media from lucyluz
Location: 45 Boon Keng Road
Contact: +6562984582
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
I’ve caught lively and colourful performances, from festive lion dances to last-minute badminton matches, at the Kallang Community Club. Once there, you can’t help but feel part of the neighbourhood, and it’s always buzzing with fun activities.
Some days, I drop in for a free workshop, and other times, it’s just to chat with familiar faces over kopi.
Spot street art and local murals
– Media from merryntrevethan
Location: Kallang Riverside Park, Cnr Kallang Road and Crawford St/various HDB blocks and alleys
I like wandering through Kallang Bahru’s back lanes and void decks, where small bursts of wall art pop up quietly among HDB blocks. It isn’t a famous street art district, but those little splashes of colour give the neighbourhood its own charm.
For something bigger, I like following the river to Kallang Riverside Park to see Spirit of Kallang by Lim Leong Seng, a striking piece of public art.
Where to Eat and Drink in Kallang Bahru
Skinny Chef, Kallang Bahru
– Media from feliseet
Location: Kallang Bahru Ville, Blk 63 Kallang Bahru, #01-443
Contact: +6588270263
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Must-try: Grilled salmon and potato wedges
I stumbled into Skinny Chef while on a work errand in Kallang Bahru Ville, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The plating was neat, the portions generous, and the prices made my wallet smile.
I had the salmon paired with potato wedges, which were perfectly grilled, and came with a rich, satisfying sauce.
Kaeden Cafe
– Media from kaeden.cafe
Location: 12 Kallang Avenue Aperia Mall, #01-25
Contact: +6569939137
Hours:
Monday, 11 AM–3 PM
Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
Must-try: Buttermilk chicken burger
Kaeden Cafe is the kind of hidden gem that brings out the latent gatekeeper in me. For a surprisingly reasonable price, I got a couple of tasty mains, plus an appetiser and free water.
I had the buttermilk chicken burger, which was so juicy, I had to wipe my chin a couple of bites in. The portions are huge enough for me to have my leftovers bagged to tapao.
Tim Ho Wan
– Media from timhowan_sg
Location: 01-01/02/03, Lavender Aperia, 12 Kallang Ave
Contact: +6566842000
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 11 AM–9 PM
Friday, 11 AM–9.30 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $$
Must-try: Baked BBQ pork buns
When the dim sum craving hits and I’m in the area, I head straight to Tim Ho Wan at Aperia. The char siew bao is consistently crusty on the outside, and so tender inside with sweet-savoury pork BBQ filling that I can’t have just one order.
Don’t sleep on the steamed bean curd roll, either; every bite is packed with juicy, flavourful meat.
Bugis Fish Head Steamboat
– Media from thehangryfoodist
Location: Kallang Bahru Ville, 63 Kallang Bahru
Contact: +6596341193
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–11 PM
Price: $
Must-try: Hokkien mee
Bugis Fish Head Steamboat at Kallang Bahru Ville won me over even before the soup arrived. It’s Hokkien mee is so good, with noodles that soak up the rich gravy, and crispy pork lard that rounds up the dish satisfactorily.
The fish head steamboat lived up to its name, too, and is best shared among hungry family or friends.
Where to Shop in Kallang Bahru
85 Panettone Bakery
– Media from panettone_bakery_aries_161404
Location: 66 Kallang Bahru, #01-491
Contact: +6596822619
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
I stumbled upon 85 Panettone Bakery after lunch and out of pure luck. I was already full, but I figured shopping for some dessert would be worth it, especially after getting a whiff of its fresh custard buns.
I was right: the bun was soft, fluffy, and filled with rich, creamy custard that wasn’t overly sweet.
Kallang Estate Wet Market
– Media from restededge
Location: 71 Kallang Bahru
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM
Price: $
My mum told me that, to get the freshest fish in Kallang Bahru, you’ll need to get them straight from the fishermen. The bad news was that I didn’t know of any.
The good news is that there are Kallang Estate Wet Market’s stalls brimming with fresh catch, plus colourful fruits and vegetables that look like they came straight from the farm. It’s refreshingly free of tourist crowds, so shopping here feels personal and unhurried.
FairPrice Kallang Bahru
– Media from fishsoupparadise
Location: 71 Kallang Bahru, #01-529 & #02-531, Kallang Bahru Ville
Contact: +6562985369
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM
Price: $$
It’s easy to make FairPrice Kallang Bahru my weekly grocery stop, as it’s close, convenient, and stocked with all the essentials. It covers just about everything I need, from dairy to small appliances.
It’s a medium-sized store, so I can get in and out without feeling overwhelmed with decision fatigue.