Showing posts with label Chinatown Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chinatown Singapore. Show all posts

These Chinatown Heritage Workshops in July Lets You Bring Home More Than Just Souvenirs

Written by Huney_Hun | | , , , , ,
0 comments
Hi Huneybees,


When people think of Chinatown Singapore, it's often the colourful shophouses, bustling markets and mouthwatering hawker food that come to mind. But beyond the photo spots and famous eateries, Chinatown is also one of the best places to experience Singapore's rich cultural heritage through hands-on activities.

If you're looking for a meaningful weekend activity with the family, or you're visiting Singapore and want to create a souvenir that's a little more personal, Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has lined up two heritage workshops this July that celebrate Singapore's creative and culinary traditions.


Design Your Own Canvas Bag

Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.

Taking place on 18 July 2026, the DIY Canvas Bag Workshop invites participants of all ages to personalise their own reusable canvas tote using colourful paints and their own creativity.

No artistic experience is needed, making it an easy and relaxing activity whether you're coming with young children, your partner or a group of friends. Over the 90-minute session, you'll leave not only with a one-of-a-kind bag, but also a keepsake that reminds you of your time in Chinatown.

At just S$6 per participant, it's an affordable family-friendly activity during the school holiday period.

Learn the Art of Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Food has always been one of the best ways to discover Singapore's multicultural identity, and this next workshop offers exactly that.

On 25 July 2026, participants can join a Traditional Nyonya Kueh Workshop, where they'll learn to make two classic Peranakan treats:

  • Kueh Koswee – soft pandan rice cakes coated with freshly grated coconut.

  • Apom Berkuah – fluffy traditional rice pancakes served with a rich coconut sauce.

Led by an experienced instructor, the workshop introduces beginners to authentic recipes while sharing the stories behind these much-loved Peranakan delicacies. Rather than simply tasting them, you'll get to experience the process of making them from scratch—something that makes the heritage feel all the more meaningful.


A Heritage Experience Beyond the Workshop

Both workshops take place at Chinatown Business Association, 9A Smith Street, right in the heart of Singapore's historic Chinatown district.

Its convenient location near both Chinatown MRT and Maxwell MRT makes it easy to spend the rest of your day exploring the neighbourhood. Wander through heritage streets lined with colourful shophouses, browse traditional stores, visit historic temples or simply enjoy some of Singapore's best local food while you're there.

The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) is a non-profit organisation established by passionate stakeholders across Chinatown, including business owners, grassroots leaders, clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers and retailers. Together, they work to preserve, promote and celebrate Chinatown's unique heritage while supporting the district's vibrant business and community ecosystem.

As Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of Chinatown Business Association, aptly puts it, Chinatown is more than just a tourist attraction, it's a living cultural district where visitors can connect with Singapore's traditions through meaningful, interactive experiences.

These workshops offer both international visitors and locals an opportunity to create lasting memories while gaining a deeper appreciation of Singapore's multicultural heritage.

I always feel that the best travel experiences are the ones where you get to create something, not just photograph it.

Whether it's painting your own tote bag or learning a traditional Peranakan recipe that's been passed down through generations, these workshops offer a chance to slow down, connect with Singapore's heritage and leave with memories you can literally take home.

If you're planning a family outing or looking for something different to do in Singapore this July, these Chinatown workshops are definitely worth adding to your weekend plans.

Workshop Details
๐Ÿ“ Chinatown Business Association
9A Smith Street, Singapore 058923

Session Times

  • 11.00am – 12.30pm

  • 1.30pm – 3.00pm

As workshop places are limited, advance registration is recommended.

Official Website: https://chinatown.sg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinatown_sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinatownSGcsm




Signature__zpsdf69aa7c

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X 
Read More

A Celebration of Art & Heritage at Starbucks 37 Smith Street (Chinatown) – Where Culture Meets Community

Written by Huney_Hun | | , , , , , , , , , , ,
0 comments

Hi Huneybees~ 

You all know I’m a sucker for all things Starbucks; it’s not just the coffee, it’s the whole experience. From the branding to the vibes, and especially the way certain outlets blend into the local culture so seamlessly. I still daydream about visiting the Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya store in Kyoto and that gorgeous one along QianMen Main Street in Beijing. So imagine my excitement levels exploding when I found out we’re getting our very own cultural concept store here in Singapore!

✨ Welcome to the Starbucks Heritage Shophouse at 37 Smith Street, right in the heart of Chinatown comes Singapore’s first-ever heritage shophouse Starbucks outlet that pays a stunning tribute to Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, artfully restored and reimagined for the community.


Step Inside: Where Modern Cafรฉ Meets Cultural Gem

Set within a conserved two-storey heritage shophouse, this two-storey beauty blends right into the row of heritage-rich buildings along Smith Street, and I couldn’t resist making a trip down with the hubby to soak in the vibes. We spent a lovely afternoon people-watching, sipping coffee, and discovering all the thoughtful little design touches that make this outlet so special.

Right from the entrance, you’re greeted with a beautiful nod to tradition: a signboard adorned with “ๆ˜Ÿๅทดๅ…‹” (Starbucks in Chinese characters), lovingly crafted by local artisans from Yong Gallery. This piece is more than signage; it’s a collaboration between Calligraphy Master Yong Cheong Thye and Wood Carving Master Cheh Kai Ho, created using time-honored woodcraft and calligraphy techniques. Even the entrance pillars are detailed with traditional plaster moulding, capturing the spirit of the past in subtle, elegant ways that feel authentically Chinatown. The whole place just oozes classic Chinatown feels.


The moment you step in, you’re greeted by that heavenly aroma of fresh coffee and a bright, spacious interior that’s both cozy and elegant. Think rich wooden textures, warm lighting, curved seating, and beautiful latticework that pays homage to the past. It’s stylish, serene, and definitely somewhere you could stay for hours.

One of the most magical moments for me was spotting the preserved original wooden ceiling beams and staircase. Instead of replacing them, they’ve been lovingly restored; the worn textures of the steps whispering stories of decades gone by. I used to work just down the road on Mosque Street, and climbing those familiar wooden stairs brought back memories I didn’t even know I still carried. Major points for keeping the heritage vibe alive!

Art That Tells Our Story

The building isn’t just a place to sip coffee – it’s a gallery in its own right.

Outside, a large, vibrant mural by Singaporean illustrator Tiffany Lovage wraps around the shophouse wall. It features a bullock cart transporting coffee cherries, a poignant tribute to Chinatown’s roots as “็‰›่ฝฆๆฐด” (“Ox Cart Water”), back when bullock carts were used to carry water into the area. It’s a beautiful way of connecting the neighborhood’s name to its historical function, reminding us how everyday necessities shaped the identity of a place.

Meanwhile, Lovage's murals breathe life and personality into every corner. Her pieces fuse contemporary charm with classic Chinese elements – gold koi, swirling motifs, and even the Starbucks Siren – creating a dreamlike narrative that feels both rooted and refreshing.

Upstairs, you’ll find even more art celebrating Chinese culture and coffee, including a mural by Tori Shao that reimagines classical Chinese landscape aesthetics with a modern flair. Think mountain clouds, misty peaks, and delicate ink-like strokes… but with a contemporary softness.. Sitting next to it feels almost celestial, like you’re sipping coffee up in the clouds with the deities. It's an atmosphere perfect for introspection, slow conversation, or quiet creation.


A Unique Starbucks Menu – Local Flavours with a Twist

Now let’s talk about the exclusive menu items! This outlet has all your usual Starbucks favorites, but they’ve also introduced local-inspired treats you won’t find anywhere else.

My personal fave? The Black Sesame Oatmilk Coffee Frappuccino® with Soy Pudding (Grande: S$9.90). It’s basically my beloved sesame paste dessert in drink form – nutty, creamy, slightly sweet, with a caffeine kick and that silky soy pudding layer. Heaven in a cup!

I’m saving the Yuan Yang Coffee Frappuccino® (Grande: S$9.90) for my next visit; it sounds like a dreamy mix of coffee, toasted hojicha, chocolate chips, and creamy milk. Can’t wait!

For bites, they’ve teamed up with local fave Old Seng Choong to create some mouthwatering snacks. We tried the XL Chicken Char Siew Puff (S$6.00) which is has generous filling and buttery pastry, though the char siew leaned more sweet than smoky. Then there’s the Starbucks Coffee Bolo Bun with Butter (S$4.90), a soft bun topped with coffee-crusted sweetness and served with a thick slab of chilled butter. So indulgent!


Peeking into the counter display, I also spotted:

  • Java Chip Frappuccino® Swiss Roll (S$7.20): Chocolatey goodness with a coffee twist.

  • Lychee Swiss Roll (S$7.20): Light, fluffy, fruity and fresh!

  • Pandan Chiffon Cake (Sliced: S$3.90 | Whole: S$22.80): A local classic, enhanced with gula melaka for that fragrant depth.

We just missed the Starbucks® Coffee Egg Tart (S$3.90), which apparently it’s a hot item! But you know what that means… another excuse to come back! ๐Ÿ˜‹

Merch That Celebrates Local Talent

Before leaving, we wandered to the back where the store opens up into a gorgeous little merch area. Earthy tones, calming vibes and so many treasures that champions local artists and heritage through design.


One standout is the collaboration with JunleFont, a unique calligraphy style created by a local artist on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed at age three, he expresses himself through daily writing practice, transcribing “The Heart Sutra.” This deeply personal journey led to the development of a signature font, which now appears on Starbucks mugs, tumblers, and bags with sweet affirmations like “Have a latte and chase those troubles away.”

It’s not just beautiful, it’s meaningful. A quiet reminder that art can be a language of its own, even when words fall short.

There’s also the whimsical WHENIWASFOUR x Starbucks® collection, bringing nostalgic Singaporean elements to life through playful, everyday objects. Think metal cups that bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen, playful tumblers, and bags with quirky local illustrations that just make you smile. Their designs, inspired by childhood and tradition, feel like little love letters to simpler times. 

And yes, the life-sized Merlion Bearista plushie in the corner is just too cute to handle. Standing proud with its own mini Starbucks cup, it’s perfect for photo ops, and you can take home the mini keychain version (and also the limited edition ones in Lion Dance suit) too! Perfect for adding some charm to your tote or backpack.

A Space for the Community

This isn’t just another Starbucks. It’s a space that respects and reflects the cultural heartbeat of its surroundings. By fusing art, heritage, and contemporary design, the outlet becomes a microcosm of Singapore itself – diverse, expressive, and ever-evolving.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a heritage lover, or just someone looking to reconnect with the soul of Chinatown in a fresh way, I highly recommend paying a visit. Come not just for the coffee, but for the stories that live in the walls, the strokes of each mural, and the quiet moments of reflection waiting to be found upstairs. I already can’t wait to go back. Maybe I’ll see you there?

Till then, stay caffeinated & keep exploring~ ๐Ÿ’š✨

Starbucks 37 Smith Street @ Chinatown
๐Ÿ“ #01-01 & #02-01, Singapore 058950
๐Ÿ•’ Opening Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays – 7:30am to 10pm
Fridays & Saturdays – 7:30am to 11pm



Signature__zpsdf69aa7c

Do follow me on my social media for more daily updates...
 Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok
Read More
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)