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From old-school western enclave to modern pet-friendly hangout spot: How Holland Village has evolved over the years
Old but gold.
Over the years, Holland Village has established itself as one of Singaporeans’ favourite haunts for hangouts, dates, and special occasions.
Yet its charm didn’t begin with café culture or curated retail.
For decades, Holland Village was largely known as an expatriate enclave, from its roots as a military village for British soldiers in the 1930s to Western-style retailers popping up over the years.
A shop selling rattan/bamboo wares in Holland Village in the 90s. Photo from Singapore Tourist Promotion Board Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Today, the Holland Village we know looks a little different. Newer concepts, lifestyle boutiques, and more outdoor seating than ever, but its appeal remains.
Today’s Holland Village. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Youths hanging out at Plain Vanilla’s pop-up store at Holland Village. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Ushering in a new era
Once a rural area of plantations and cemeteries, Holland Village became home to military-era housing for British troops. Shophouses and stores were built to serve servicemen and their families.
Over the last few decades, as expatriates mingled with locals and Singapore modernised, Holland Village morphed into a low-rise enclave of cafes, quirky boutiques, and open-air social spaces, earning its reputation for a laid-back, small town‑like charm that endures to this day.
Chia Chong Sin is a familiar face at Holland Village. The cobbler sets up his shop under an umbrella every day. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
In recent years, Holland Village has ushered in a new look and feel, while keeping its rich spirit alive. In the last decade, treasured spots such as Thambi Magazine Store and Fosters Steakhouse have left their mark. New faces, such as local gelato chain Birds of Paradise, joined the community and injected a new energy to the precinct.
Birds of Paradise shop front. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Interior of Birds of Paradise. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Holland Village also saw the blooming of homegrown brands such as Marvx Coffee and Sunday Bedding Store, a collaboration that took over the spot where Thambi Magazine Store used to sit. The joint business aligns with the chill, laid-back spirit of Holland Village, welcoming patrons to sip on coffee while shopping for Sunday’s eco-friendly bedding in their mini-showroom.
Sunday x Marvx. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Interior of Sunday x Marvx. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Even with new and exciting additions to the neighbourhood, the old-timers of Holland Village can’t be discounted. Mediterranean vegetarian restaurant Original Sin along Chip Bee Gardens has made Holland Village its home since 1997, and Joo Ann Foh, a photography and printing service shop in Holland Road Shopping Centre adapted to Holland Village’s evolution.
Joo Ann Foh in Holland Road Shopping Centre. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Joo Ann Foh was first established as a Chinese medicinal hall in 1906, before adding daily goods and provisions to its offerings when British military forces moved into the area in the 1960s.
Eventually, it turned into a photography and printing service shop as the second generation took over in the 1990s.
The current owner Adam runs the store with his wife. He said that when his father took over the business, the latter made the request to focus half of the store on photo-related supplies and services – something more aligned to his personal interest.
Today, the shop still retains the original Chinese wooden signboard that was used since the beginning of Joo Ann Foh.
Original Chinese wooden signboard of Joo Ann Foh in the background. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Together, the old and new retailers show how Holland Village has retained and refreshed its charm, with a mix of offerings that set it apart from other neighbourhoods.
More recently, Holland Village has added another layer to its unique charm with its pet-friendliness, a sight not common in Singapore.
Pet-friendly cafe Plain Meredith. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Pawrent and his furkid at One Holland Village. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Pet-friendly culture in Holland Village
Long before cafe culture became a national pastime, Holland Village was already known for something many “paw-rents” now seek out deliberately: open-air dining.
Outdoor seating area of Original Sin. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Shophouses with deep corridors, wide pedestrian walkways, and F&B outlets that naturally spilled into outdoor seating made alfresco eating an unspoken norm in the neighbourhood.
Pet culture didn’t just happen to Holland Village – they embraced it. With more people visiting Holland Village with their pets, cafes and retailers took the initiative to offer water bowls, set up shaded seating and pet-friendly corners, building on the alfresco DNA the neighbourhood has had for years.
Chip Bee Bistro at Chip Bee Gardens is deeply shaped by Australian hospitality and European bistro sensibilities, and happily welcomes customers to dine with their pets.
Chip Bee Bistro at Chip Bee Gardens. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Chip Bee Bistro at Chip Bee Gardens. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
La Nonna, a longstanding Italian restaurant along the bustling Lorong Mambong also enjoys having furry patrons along with their owners at their establishments.
La Nonna at night. What a vibe. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Even the shopping mall – One Holland Village – has established a reputation as one of Singapore’s most pet-friendly malls. This further cemented the neighbourhood’s existing reputation as a haven for pet owners.
Just look at this lovely space at level 2 of One Holland Village for fur-iends to mingle:
Dog playground at One Holland Village, next to Plain Meredith. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
It’s a dog-meet-dog world here. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Deborah Tan, the Director of Commercial Group of Far East Organization, explained that they “always keep a close pulse on emerging consumer trends and curate a vibrant tenant mix to cater to changing lifestyle preferences”.
Tan added that One Holland Village is conceptualised to be not just a mall but more of “a lifestyle destination that encourages community engagement, creativity and connection”.
Lovely place. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
Holland Village has definitely made paw-rents and furkids feel welcomed, and it’s something that many of them hope more places will embrace, so that they can hang out together as a fur-mily.
For those who don’t have a pet, meeting these good bois and gals also brings a smile to their faces.
Big Furry Festival happening with masterclasses, free movie screenings, christmas marketplace
Thinking of visiting Holland Village?
Now is the best time of the year for pet owners and anyone who simply loves being around furry friends to visit Holland Village.
Organised by amc asia!, in partnership with Enterprise Singapore, the Big Furry Festival is an event kicking off on Dec. 18 that perfectly captures the identity of the neighbourhood.
From Dec. 18-21, visitors can join masterclasses, hands-on activities and workshops hosted by professionals, where you can pick up new skills, learn about pet care, and meet others in the community.
For something a little more adventurous, there’s also the Holland V Exploration Race, an interactive trail around the neighbourhood filled with scavenger hunts, bonding challenges, and attractive prizes to be won.
And of course, pet owners won’t want to miss the BFF Style Icon, a festive pet “star search” looking for the most stylish pet-human duo. If you think your pet’s got the heart, the charm, and the holiday swagger to steal the show, this is their moment to shine.
Get yourself a festival pass to participate in the activities here. With the ticket, enjoy access to promotions at a wide array of food and retail merchants waiting for you to explore Holland Village.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Photo by Khoo Wen-en.
If you’re just looking to soak in the atmosphere, there are also plenty of free activities happening throughout the festival.
At the Christmas Marketplace, you can browse curated stalls featuring local makers and pet brands while strolling with your furbaby.
For something more laid-back, head up to One Holland Village’s rooftop for Movie Nights With Your Pets. Bundle up with your pets and loved ones and soak up the chill atmosphere with screenings of well-loved dog films.
If you’ve got pre-loved pet items waiting for a new home, drop by The Great Christmas Exchange to swap or donate them. It’s a simple way to declutter while helping another pet owner, all in the spirit of the season.
This festival captures the essence of the Holland Village spirit and brings together the community that makes Holland Village like no other in Singapore. There’s also something for everyone, whether you’re a pet owner or not.
Trust us, you will fall in love with Holland Village even more from this event.
Follow Big Furry Festival on Instagram to stay updated on the event happenings.
Big Furry Festival
Date/Time: Dec. 18-21, 9am to 9pm daily
Locations: Holland Village, stretching across Lorong Mambong, Lorong Liput, One Holland Village and Chip Bee Gardens
This article by Enterprise Singapore helped the writer understand the continued charm of Holland Village. Enterprise Singapore plays a part in efforts to rejuvenate areas such as Holland Village, so that Singapore can become a vibrant lifestyle destination.
Top photos by Khoo Wen-en
