This is Singapore’s must-visit neighbourhood

As one of Singapore opens in new window’s oldest streets, Waterloo Street is incredibly rich in history. On the street alone, there’s the oldest synagogue in Southeast Asia, a Roman Catholic Church, and a Hindu and Chinese temple. But it’s not just these 19th century religious buildings that make this street one of the most special ones in Singapore — it’s how they sit right alongside a burgeoning creative scene driven by theatre groups, indie designers and local chefs, creating a charming mix of old and new. Here are some of the best gems to check out.

1. Sri Krishnan Temple and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

The former is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Lord Krishna; the latter is one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples. For over 130 years, the two ornate temples have stood side-by-side, resulting in interesting cross-worshipping rituals — you’ll see Buddhist worshippers placing joss sticks in the giant urn outside the Hindu temple.
152 and 178 Waterloo Street

Objectifs

This non-profit arts space opens in new window is dedicated to photography and film. There are two buildings — a pretty canary yellow chapel building that regularly holds exhibitions and film screenings, and an adjacent building where you can buy prints and books by Singaporean visual artists.

Fortune Centre

In the day, people head to this non-descript building to buy Buddhist artifacts or tuck into some of the best affordable vegetarian fare (Mushroom Udon from Tracy Juice Culture opens in new window and wholemeat tortilla wraps with curry potatoes and tofu from New Green Pasture are must-tries). At night, Fortune Centre becomes a mecca for specialty Japanese restaurants such as Kappou Japanese Sushi Tapas Bar opens in new window — a teeny-tiny, one-woman sushi bar with a focus on aged fish — and Motsu-ya opens in new window that serves mainly chicken and beef offal dishes.
190 Middle Road

Sumo Bar Happy

Maybe it’s the playlist of Japanese hip-hop, the effortlessly cool vibe or the fact that everything that comes out of the kitchen of this modern Japanese craft noodle restaurant is painstakingly made from scratch (even the togarashi is a house blend) … whatever it is, Sumo Bar Happy opens in new window has the recipe for a great night out.

When I Was Four

Tucked away on the second floor of Waterloo Centre is this quirky design studio and shop opens in new window that celebrates homegrown designers. For locals, the collection of bags, notebooks and tote bags inspired by childhood memories will make them feel warm and fuzzy. For tourists, a visit is a fun way to get acquainted with quintessentially local parts of life like kopitiam culture and Singlish.