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 Café 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 “星巴克” (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 “牛车水” (“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.
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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!
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! 😋
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~ 💚✨
Starbucks 37 Smith Street @ Chinatown
📍 #01-01 & #02-01, Singapore 058950
🕒 Opening Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays – 7:30am to 10pm
Fridays & Saturdays – 7:30am to 11pm
