Things to Do at Keong Saik Road: Where to Eat, Shop, Stay and Explore
Keong Saik is one of Singapore’s most distinctive neighbourhoods—a compact pocket of heritage shophouses, independent fashion, destination dining, temples, street art and design-led hotels.
For this guide, the Keong Saik precinct includes the surrounding streets of Teck Lim Road, Jiak Chuan Road and Neil Road, all easily explored on foot from Outram Park, Maxwell or Chinatown MRT station.
A Brief History of Keong Saik
Keong Saik Road was named in 1926 after Tan Keong Saik, a Malacca-born businessman and community leader. Once a residential enclave for wealthy Chinese merchants, the area later became one of Singapore’s most prominent red-light districts. Its shophouses have since been conserved and transformed into hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques and creative spaces.
The surrounding streets carry their own histories. Teck Lim Road was named after businessman Ong Teck Lim, while Jiak Chuan Road honours Tan Jiak Chuan, a grandson of philanthropist Tan Kim Seng. Neil Road was formerly known as Salat Road - derived from the Malay word for “straits” - before being renamed in 1858 after Colonel Neill of the Madras Fusiliers.
Today, the area’s past remains visible in its architecture, religious landmarks and narrow streets, even as a new generation of local businesses continues to reshape the neighbourhood.
Independent Fashion, Design and Retail
1. The Finix Store
Begin at The Finix Store, an independent fashion and lifestyle sanctuary hidden on the second floor of a Keong Saik shophouse.
The flagship is home to Singapore gender-fluid label Finix, known for its modern Asian silhouettes, Japanese-inspired details and breathable clothing designed for movement and tropical city living. Visitors can also discover a rotating selection of independent accessories, fragrances, beauty and wellness labels.
Step onto the balcony for a different perspective of Keong Saik Road and the towering Pinnacle@Duxton beyond.
Address: 35B Keong Saik Road, Level 2
2. Binary Style
Visit this homegrown design studio for colourful scarves, accessories and gifts featuring prints inspired by Singapore’s architecture, nature and multicultural heritage.
Address: 25 Keong Saik Road, Level 2
3. Hat of Cain
Browse Panama hats, felt hats and flat caps or arrange a personalised fitting to find a hat suited to your face shape, proportions and personal style.
Address: 43 Keong Saik Road
5. Jun Couture
Discover elegant womenswear and made-to-measure pieces from a Singapore fashion atelier focused on refined craftsmanship and personal service.
Address: 32A Keong Saik Road, Level 2
6. Mills
Browse contemporary fashion and thoughtfully selected wardrobe pieces at this independent neighbourhood boutique.
Address: 30A Keong Saik Road, Level 2
Restaurants, Cafés and Bars
7. Tong Ah Eating House
Stop for traditional kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and Singapore kopi at this longstanding neighbourhood coffee shop, now located directly beneath The Finix Store.
Just across the street stands its former home: Keong Saik’s unmistakable red-and-white triangular building. Built at a sharp road junction, its narrow Art Deco-style façade has become one of the neighbourhood’s most photographed landmarks.
Address: 35 Keong Saik Road
8. Eat authentic nasi padang at Yanti
For a more traditional local meal, visit Yanti Authentic Nasi Padang and choose from its display of Indonesian and Malay dishes, including curries, vegetables, chicken and rendang served with rice.
It provides a useful contrast to the neighbourhood’s newer restaurants and cafés—and represents the everyday food culture that has long existed around Keong Saik.
Best for: Authentic nasi padang and affordable local food
Address: 45 Keong Saik Road
9. Kok Sen Restaurant
Share Cantonese-style zi char favourites such as big prawn hor fun, claypot yong tau foo and sweet-and-sour pork at this longstanding family-run restaurant.
Address: 4 Keong Saik Road
10. Salud
Settle in for Spanish-inspired dishes, wine and a convivial evening atmosphere at this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and bar.
Address: 19 Keong Saik Road
11. Bistro Gaston
Experience the warmth of a Burgundian neighbourhood bistro through French comfort food, classic desserts and a carefully selected wine list.
Address: 25 Keong Saik Road
12. Creamie Sippies
Take a break over hand-whisked matcha, speciality coffee and playful creations such as its popular banana pudding matcha.
Address: 31 Keong Saik Road
13. Kafe Utu
Discover African food, coffee, culture and art inside this distinctive multi-storey café on Jiak Chuan Road.
Address: 12 Jiak Chuan Road
14. ANTO Pizza e Aperitivi
Head here for contemporary Italian pizzas, antipasti and aperitivo-style drinks in a casual setting designed for sharing.
Address: 2 Jiak Chuan Road
15. Chez Suzette
Enjoy French café fare, crêpes, pastries and coffee in a charming space inspired by the neighbourhood cafés of France.
Address: 5 Teck Lim Road
16. FOC Restaurant
Share modern Barcelona-inspired tapas, grilled dishes and cocktails in a colourful and energetic dining room.
Address: 32 Keong Saik Road
17. Mami’s Tamales
Try handmade tamales and Mexican comfort food at this lively, casual addition to the neighbourhood.
Address: 55 Keong Saik Road
18. Ahimsa Sanctuary
Slow down over nourishing plant-based dishes at this peaceful vegan destination on Neil Road.
Address: 76 Neil Road
19. Apiary
Finish your food trail with small-batch ice cream and creative seasonal flavours from this popular local creamery.
Address: 84 Neil Road
Heritage, Art and Photo Spots
20. Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple
Completed in 1925, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar and distinguished by its ornate five-tiered entrance tower, colourful sculptures and intricate religious details.
Address: 73 Keong Saik Road
21. Zhun Ti Gong
Also known as Cundhi Gong, this conserved Buddhist temple was built in 1928 and is dedicated to the 18-armed Cundhi Bodhisattva. Look out for its Nanyang-style architecture, decorative roof and original patterned tiles.
Address: 13 Keong Saik Road
22. Coach Wall Mural
Look out for the colourful Coach wall mural beside the Coach Play Singapore Shophouse.
To locate it, head to 5 Keong Saik Road, near the New Bridge Road end of the street. Walk around the side of the shophouse - the mural is positioned along the building’s exterior wall and makes an easy photo stop while exploring the nearby heritage shophouses.
23. KAWS Sculpture at Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Standing at the entrance of Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a monumental six-metre sculpture by internationally renowned urban artist KAWS. With its instantly recognisable crossed-out eyes and cartoon-like form, it has become one of the precinct’s most striking public artworks.
24. The Pinnacle@Duxton
Look upwards and you will see the seven 50-storey towers of The Pinnacle@Duxton rising behind the shophouses. The contrast between historic Keong Saik and one of Singapore’s best-known public-housing developments makes an excellent architectural photo opportunity.
The balcony at The Finix Store offers a particularly good view, framing the traditional shophouses against the Pinnacle’s modern skyline.
Hotels and Accommodation
25. Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Stay at this design-driven hotel overlooking the heritage district or visit for its art, rooftop views and dining concepts.
Inside, Bottega di Carna serves modern Italian cooking; Jungle Ballroom offers cocktails inspired by Southeast Asian flavours; and rooftop Canyon Club brings together a pool, Californian-inspired drinks and 1970s Hollywood glamour.
Address: 16A Duxton Hill
26. KēSa House
Check into a beautifully restored row of conservation shophouses at this boutique hotel in the heart of Keong Saik, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, bars and independent stores.
Address: 55 Keong Saik Road
27. KINN Studio
Step inside KINN Studio for design, culture and community-led experiences within a contemporary hospitality environment.
Address: 69 Keong Saik Road
Planning Your Keong Saik Visit
Begin in the morning with kaya toast and kopi at Tong Ah Eating House before browsing The Finix Store, Binary Style and Hat of Cain. Continue through Teck Lim Road and Jiak Chuan Road for lunch or coffee, then walk towards Neil Road for more independent retail, architecture and plant-based dining.
Stay for dinner, cocktails or rooftop drinks as the neighbourhood changes character after dark.
Many independent businesses occupy upper floors and can easily be missed, so remember to look beyond the street-level storefronts. Opening hours also vary, with several stores and restaurants closed on Mondays, so check directly before visiting.
Keong Saik is more than a dining street. It is a neighbourhood where Singapore’s history, independent creativity and constantly evolving culture exist side by side.