Bencoolen: Officially Singapore's Coolest Neighbourhood? | Singapore Hour

Bencoolen: Creativity, Craft & Culture in Singapore’s Hippest Neighbourhood

Key Concepts:

• Risograph: A stencil-based printmaking technique known for its vibrant colours and raw aesthetic.
• Nasi Padang: A customizable Singaporean dish consisting of rice served with a variety of pre-cooked Malay dishes.
• Conscious Fashion: A fashion philosophy focused on sustainability, ethical production, and reducing waste.
• Deadstock Fabric: Fabric that has not been used for a long time, often repurposed in sustainable fashion practices.
• Gelato: Italian-style ice cream, often made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

I. Introduction: The Heart of Bencoolen

Raihan, a furniture designer and recent NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) graduate, introduces Bencoolen as one of the world’s Top 20 “hippest neighbourhoods” in Singapore. The area’s vibrancy stems from a concentration of art institutions and a pervasive artistic spirit extending beyond traditional spaces like museums and schools. Raihan identifies creativity, craft, and culture as the core elements defining Bencoolen’s unique appeal.

II. Knuckles & Notch: Preserving the Art of Risograph

Raihan visits Knuckles & Notch, a creative space within the Waterloo Centre (a 1970s building) dedicated to the preservation of Risograph printing. Marl, the founder, explains that the studio began in 2011 after her partner discovered the technique in New York. They both left their jobs to pursue it, drawn to the vibrant colours, raw aesthetic, and non-boring quality of Risograph prints.

• Risograph Process: The process involves layering stencils, one colour at a time, through the machine. A three-colour artwork requires three passes through the Risograph printer.
• Community Focus: Knuckles & Notch hosts weekly workshops (3-4 hours) allowing participants to create their own collaged Risograph masterpieces. Beyond workshops, they publish artist-led books and prints, and operate a gallery/creative gathering space, fostering a thriving Riso community. Marl emphasizes that the community’s engagement is the true engine preserving the art form. As Marl states, “We all have a hand in preserving the art of Risograph, simply by realising our hunger for something tactile.”

III. Fortune Centre & Syam Corners: A Culinary Haven

Fortune Centre, despite its dated appearance, is highlighted as an unexpected culinary destination. Raihan visits Syam Corners, a Nasi Padang stall that has operated in Fortune Centre for 20 years.

• Nasi Padang Explained: Nasi Padang is described as a customizable Singaporean dish where white rice serves as a base for a selection of pre-cooked Malay dishes.
• Ayam Masak Merah Recipe: Raihan speaks with the owner (Aunty) about her Ayam Masak Merah (red chicken curry), a dish she learned from her mother. The key ingredient is candlenut, which creates a thick and creamy texture. The recipe has been a family tradition for generations. Aunty emphasizes the importance of generous spice paste usage. She notes the dish is now rare, typically only found at weddings or during Hari Raya. She states, “That’s the best feeling you can get when you’re eating food. That you know love is put into it.”
• Community Impact: Syam Corners’ long-term commitment to serving the building’s community, including art students, is seen as integral to Bencoolen’s heart.

IV. Zabu Boutique: Conscious Fashion in Burlington Square

Raihan explores Zabu Boutique, a secondhand clothing store located in Burlington Square (a 1990s building). Cherry and Pradeep, the owners (both NAFA alumni), intentionally chose the location for its “rustic look” and emerging “hip culture.”

• Sustainable Fashion Philosophy: Zabu focuses on “conscious fashion,” prioritizing sustainability and ethical production. They curate a collection of unique, hand-picked vintage items, including corduroy pants from the early 2000s. They emphasize the importance of researching the history of each piece.
• Supporting Southeast Asian Designers: Zabu also features Cherry’s own clothing line, manufactured in Myanmar to support small businesses. They champion other up-and-coming designers from Singapore and Southeast Asia, such as Drunkdad (an Indonesian brand). They prioritize using deadstock fabric to minimize waste. Pradeep explains, “It's more of trying to bring out our Southeast Asian culture through Zabu and all these designers.”

V. Sunshine Plaza & Kiat Tan’s Gelato: Entrepreneurship at Any Age

Raihan visits Sunshine Plaza and meets Kiat Tan and his wife, Ah Choo, who opened a gelato shop in their 70s after retiring from previous careers (refrigeration engineering and food & beverage, respectively).

• Gelato Expertise: Kiat Tan trained with an Italian master in Bangkok to perfect his gelato-making skills. He emphasizes the importance of passion and continuous improvement. His pistachio flavour is a top seller.
• Intergenerational Connection: Kiat Tan acknowledges his family’s concerns about his return to work but finds fulfillment in staying active and engaging with younger customers, even learning TikTok advertising from them. He states, “At this age, we are still healthy. We'll continue to keep doing this. It's something that keeps us active.”
• Community & Resilience: Kiat Tan and Ah Choo’s story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of Bencoolen and demonstrates that age is no barrier to starting a new venture. They share life lessons with their younger customers.

VI. Conclusion: The Heart Behind the Hype

Raihan concludes that Bencoolen’s “hippest neighbourhood” status isn’t about superficial trends but about the genuine creativity, craft, and heart embedded in its community. The dedication of individuals like Marl, Aunty, Cherry, Pradeep, Kiat Tan, and Ah Choo, along with the support of institutions like NAFA, contribute to the area’s unique and inspiring atmosphere. The neighbourhood’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to preserving traditional arts and sustainable practices are what truly define its character.