Often touted as the grittier cousin of Tiong Bahru, Jalan Besar has long been a foodie destination and is now growing as an unofficial creative cluster. Walking around, you are likely see numerous hardware stores and industrial goods merchants, traditional eateries as well as some seedy establishments. And if you take time to explore further, there is a new crop of hip eateries, cool bars and creative offices hidden among the shophouses and industrial buildings.
Those interested in heritage and architecture will also be enthralled by the different styles of shophouses in the area. So do plan for some time before or after your workshop at our studio to explore the many facades of this vibrant neighbourhood!
Here are some interesting places within walking distance of Room To Imagine that you may want to put on your exploration list:
For a caffeine fix – 11 Hamilton | Chye Seng Huat Hardware | Apartment Coffee | The Coffee Shot | Black Fairy Coffee | LUCID | Antea Social
For that sweet tooth – Two Bakers | Wimbly Lu @ Tyrwhitt | The Tiramisu Hero | OLLELA | Butter Studio | Creamery Boutique Ice Creams | Gelato Labo
For a hearty meal or drinks – Two Blur Guys | The Bravery Cafe | The Refinery | CreatureS | alittle tashi | Druggists | The Whiskey Library
For a taste of the traditional – Kok Kee Wanton Noodles | 88 Hong Kong Roast Meat Specialist | Enjoy Eating House | Char | Original Serangoon Fried Hokkien Mee | Scissors Cut Curry Rice | Swee Choon Tim Sum | Sum Dim Sum | Dim Sum Haus | Berseh Food Centre
Creative spaces: Emporium of the Modern Man | Your MOTHER Gallery | Supernormal | Katia Verde Art Gallery | Onlewo
Instaworthy spots: Petain Road conservation shophouses | Kam Leng Hotel | Jalan Besar in general | Sam Leong Road | Cavan Road
Self-guided walk: Jalan Besar Heritage Trail | Walk along Petain Road