From ‘hardware shop’ serving coffee to thrift shop in 94-year-old building, Jalan Besar isn’t quite what it seems

Beyond the stadium lights, Jalan Besar shines as a distinct neighbourhood where history, food and fashion meet.

Many of these shophouses, built from the early 1990s to 1960s, have stood the test of time, reminding Singaporeans of a bygone era.

Several long-standing stores have served generations of Singaporeans, growing into beloved icons that make Jalan Besar truly special.

At the same time, new businesses have breathed fresh life into the neighbourhood, attracting a different crowd and ushering in a new chapter.

A different era

At the heart of Jalan Besar's identity are local businesses that line its streets, each with their own story and character.

Some are new, and some have been around for long, keeping Jalan Besar’s industrial roots alive.

These businesses not only cater to the community's needs, but also add authenticity and warmth to the neighbourhood.

Sing Huat Hardware and Machinery, which still stands along the main road of Jalan Besar, has been around since 1971.

Teck Huat Hardware was formerly a marine hardware store located on Victoria Street in the 1960s, before consolidating its services and products to focus on the marine and offshore industries over the years.

Likewise, for Teck Hong Hardware which has been operating since 1965.

One person shared a story on Reddit about how, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he needed to replace a blade for his daughter's fan.

He found himself in a small shop along Townsend Road, where the owner, though lacking the exact blade, generously gifted him a similar replacement.

That is the charm of such old shops that have been part of the neighbourhood for years, you never know what kind of interaction, or kindness, awaits.

Brands that stand the test of time

Beyond its industrial heritage, Jalan Besar is also known for its good food.

Beloved brands like Ming Chung Restaurant and Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant have been around for decades.

Ming Chung Restaurant has been serving delicious Henghua cuisine in Jalan Besar for 92 years, since its establishment in 1933 on Weld Road.

It later relocated to 67 Maude Road as the land was cleared for redevelopment.

Three generations later, Ming Chung continues to preserve the legacy of Henghua cuisine with comfort dishes such as Lor Mee and Fried Peh Kueh priced affordably from S$5.80.

This gives both regulars and new visitors to Jalan Besar an opportunity to enjoy a taste of Henghua dishes without the worry of breaking the bank.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant has also been in the family for three generations.

Since 1962, the restaurant has been serving dim sum of all sorts at Jalan Besar, from steamed buns to fried dishes.

To cater to the ever-changing palates of its customers, Swee Choon later added other dishes, such as Xiao Long Bao and spicy wantons.

The owner, Ernest, shared that he grew up watching his grandfather run it back in the 1960s.

He had helped out in the kitchen at the young age of 10.

For him, Jalan Besar is synonymous with the restaurant where his family would hang out and where he spent most of his time.

“Melting pot” of old and new

You may notice that not all “hardware shops” at Jalan Besar sell tools these days.

Chye Seng Huat Hardware serves coffee instead.

In fact, Chye Seng Huat Hardware is one of the first cafes to open in Jalan Besar.

The cafe retained the name of the building to pay tribute to the hardware heritage of its site and the surrounding vicinity.

The name “Chye Seng” means to “flourish again”, reflecting how the cafe gives this historical building a second life to “flourish” as it welcomes a different crowd to the area with its coffee and dishes.

Beer bar and restaurant Druggists also pays homage to the heritage of the building it is located in; a 94-year-old shop house that was once the home of the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association.

The bar also retained many of the original features, with the original sign of the association remaining above the entrance and a wooden plaque that was carved in 1963. Much of the original tiling remains as well.

Contrasted against its traditional and historic setting, Druggists offers bar bites, craft beer on tap and delicious cocktails that are its own kind of remedy.

Average Service is one of the new additions to Jalan Besar. Opened at the beginning of 2025, it has drawn a more youthful crowd to its area with its viral strawberry matcha.

While Jerls, the cafe’s owner, has been a resident of Jalan Besar for the past three years, opening his cafe in the area is definitely not just out of convenience.

“It’s the mix of old and new in the area that gives it a flavour, it’s like being able to have a meal together even though we all come from different backgrounds.”

He also noted that there is a kind of “calm authenticity” to Jalan Besar, where it “feels more grounded and community-driven, almost like its own little bubble”.

Jerls shared that he feels excited to be adding to the rich history of Jalan Besar, as his cafe is not taking over an existing establishment, but rather bringing something different to the area.

This sentiment is also echoed by Raye, owner of The Fashion Pulpit, Singapore’s first clothes-swapping store.

Jalan Besar is a special place to Raye and he’s excited to be a part of a historic neighbourhood.

Fun fact: The Fashion Pulpit operates in the 97-year-old Allenby House.

Raye added that it’s very cool that a few heritage businesses are still in operation.

At the same time, he has spoken to newer businesses that are eager to inject a new vibe.

“So, being respectful of how we co-live with history and what we want to contribute to Jalan Besar.”

Free event to uncover Jalan Besar’s identity

Explore Jalan Besar, and there’s no better time than this month.

Presented by creative agency LOPELAB and events collective Ice Cream Sundays, in partnership with the DesignSingapore Council and Enterprise Singapore, the Find Your Folks @ Jalan Besar initiative kicks off on Sep. 11.

From Sep. 11 to 19, you can journey through Jalan Besar following a public trail that features public benches co-designed by current business owners of Jalan Besar, highlighting their unique experiences in the neighbourhood.

They include Druggists, Average Service, The Fashion Pulpit and more.

Take the chance to discover independent cafes, family-run shops and other local businesses that add to the vibrant “melting pot” that is Jalan Besar.

On Sep. 20 -21, Hamilton Road will transform into a vibrant street celebration with live music, food and drink pop-ups from the cafes in Jalan Besar, interactive installations, special discounts and family-friendly activities.

Other highlights include a Skate Jam, music by local collectives such as Tropika, 5210PM and Revision Music, as well as a thrift and swap market by Fashion Pulpit and street chess hosted by Aliwal Chess Club.

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Don’t miss this event that is free for all to experience.

This article by Enterprise Singapore helped the writer discover the hidden gems of Jalan Besar. Enterprise Singapore plays a part in efforts to rejuvenate areas like Jalan Besar, so that Singapore can become a vibrant lifestyle destination.

All photos by Mothership