If there’s any district that grew me up, that moulded me into an adult — a Singaporean adult — it’s Kampong Glam, my most beloved neighbourhood on the island.

I’ve been stalking the back alleys of Kampong Glam since I was cutting my teeth on water pipes and first boyfriends. My teen wardrobe matured on vintage pieces picked up at Haji Lane, my music taste expanded through the drum and bass underground at Blu Jaz, and my tolerance for spicy got hiked up, trained by sambal belachan at Minang and Maimunah.

Nestled amongst the Melayu fabric shops, Iranian carpet dealers and the Turkish restaurants that have been located here for decades are an array of newer arrivals that have since made the neighbourhood incredibly hip.

Gone are the days when you could shisha for just $15, and gentrification can now get pretty swampy between Bali and Haji Lane.

However, the district still retains its old world charm, despite the many hipster cafés and indie boutiques that have mushroomed over the years. And that’s reason enough to deviate from your usual homogenous Orchard Road malls.

Many of these shops are sweetly hidden, so take your time on a one-day walking trail visiting my favourite 11 spots from Arab Street to Golden Mile.

10AM - Begin the day with breakfast and art at Artistry

There are dozens of cafés to choose from in this neighbourhood, but the first amongst them is arguably Artistry.

It is one of the area’s long-time establishments known for its delicious food in a hybrid café-gallery space. Here you can have locally roasted Liberty coffee and a winning breakfast, while checking out the art -- a perfect start to energise your day.

Address: 17 Jalan Pinang

11:30AM - Learn about the area’s history at the Malay Heritage Centre

Down the street are the beautiful gardens of the Malay Heritage Centre, following a year of redevelopment works in 2012.

Wander inside, where there are free exhibitions on the culture and heritage of the Malay community in Singapore.

Address: 85 Sultan Gate

1PM - Tuck into nasi padang for lunch at Maimunah

After educating yourself about the culture and history in the area, it’s now time to taste it! There’s no better spot than Maimunah, a local favourite for delicious nasi padang.

Address: 11 Jalan Pisang

2PM - Customise your own fragrance at Sifr Aromatics

Call in ahead of time to book an appointment to customise your own unique fragrance blend at Sifr Aromatics. You’ll be amazed by the wealth of knowledge about the aromatic arts that the shopkeepers have.

Address: 42 Arab Street

3PM - Shop at Supermama

Local brand Supermama has its flagship store along Beach Road. Pick up a souvenir of nostalgic Singapore or a unique ceramic piece for a friend.

Address: 265 Beach Road

3:30PM - Have tea and take a reading break at LookSee LookSee

By now, it must be getting hot outdoors. Right next door, take a break between the pages of a design book with a cup of freshly brewed specialty tea by A.muse Projects. A chic, quiet get-away from the noise of the city, LookSee LookSee is the newly-opened tea salon and reading room of The Lo&Behold Group.

Address: 267 Beach Road

4:30 Get groomed at Hounds of the Baskervilles

Offering some of the tightest cuts and shaves in Singapore, old-school barber shop Hounds of the Baskervilles deserves a visit. While waiting for your partner’s turn, check out the vinyls and local music at nearby Straits Records.

Address: 24 Bali Lane

5:30PM - Catch an indie film at The Projector

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Walk down Beach Road to Golden Mile Tower, where independent cinema the Projector is making waves with its curated selection of foreign, classic, cult, arthouse and local films. You certainly won’t find these features in other movie theatres, so watch something new!

Address: 6001 Beach Road Golden Mile Tower #05-00

8:30PM - Dine at Cicheti

Named after the Venetian bar food, Cicheti serves up wood-fired pizza and Italian cuisine. With its rustic interior, the restaurant is perfect for a cosy dinner.

Address: 52 Kandahar Street

10PM - Enjoy live music at Blu Jaz

Blu Jaz is undeniably the cornerstone of Kampong Glam and has long been a mainstay of the local music scene. Have a beer and enjoy live jazz at their al fresco area or head upstairs for their weekend DJ nights.

Address: 11 Bali Lane

11:30PM - Complete your day with a bespoke cocktail at Maison Ikkoku

Finish off a long day of exploring with a nightcap at Maison Ikkoku’s bespoke cocktail bar.

Address: 20 Kandahar Street

Cheers to you — you’re now well-acquainted with all the hidden gems of Kampong Glam!

Top photo by Olaf Protze/LightRocket via Getty Images.

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