Why You Should Visit Tiong Bahru: Food, Funk & Photo Ops | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Private dining
• Tiong Bahru (Singapore neighborhood)
• Wet market
• Streamline Moderne architecture
• Conservation
• Fusion cuisine
• Brutalism architecture
• Homegrown brands
• Community

Tiong Bahru: A Chef's Home and Inspiration

• Daily Routine: Justin, a private dining chef, starts his day at the Tiong Bahru wet market, sourcing ingredients for his menu. He doesn't pre-plan his menu, relying on the market's offerings for inspiration.
• Ingredient Sourcing: He specifically looks for fish maw and his favorite fish, the White Patin, a rare, wild-caught catfish in Singapore.
• Morning Vibes: After marketing, he soaks in the neighborhood's atmosphere.
• Breakfast: He and his partner, Eileen, a resident baker, have breakfast at the Tiong Bahru hawker centre, known for its popular food. He prefers vegetarian food and Tiong Bahru pau (bun).
• Flowers: He purchases flowers for guests from a local shop.

Tiong Bahru: History and Evolution

• Location and History: Tiong Bahru is a charming neighborhood near Singapore's business district. The iconic flats were built in 1927 by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) under British rule, making it one of Singapore's oldest public estates.
• Architecture: The buildings are inspired by the Streamline Moderne style, emphasizing rounded curves and horizontal lines.
• Real Estate: SIT flat prices have increased due to the prime location and rich history.
• Personal Connection: Justin and Eileen chose Tiong Bahru for its charm, community, and blend of old and new.
• Mid-2000s Transformation: New-age artisan cafes and vibrant shops replaced old shops, integrating into the conservation structure and creating a unique vibe.
• Fusion Example: A traditional mee pok kway teow soup place transforms into Dirty Supper, a modern fusion restaurant, at night.
• Mural: A famous mural by a local artist depicts olden Tiong Bahru.

Fatt Leong Private Kitchen

• Location: Located in a Tiong Bahru apartment.
• Dining Area: Hosts one sitting per night for up to 10 guests.
• Unique Feature: A long hallway is decorated with empty wine bottles brought by customers.
• Kitchen: A converted courtyard with natural light, where Justin cooks and Eileen bakes.

Community and Local Businesses

• Record Shop: Justin visits a record shop with a collection from the owner's father, uncles, and friends, featuring rare Southeast Asian artists. Collectors and foreign DJs frequent the shop.
• Justin's Impression: "This is the type of shop that makes Tiong Bahru come alive."

New Bahru: A Lifestyle Destination

• Location: A 10-minute drive from Tiong Bahru.
• Concept: A space housing over 40 businesses, including local designers, cafes, and diverse cuisine.
• Former School: The former Nan Chiau High School, designed by James Ferrie and Partners in 1969, was transformed into a lifestyle destination.
• Architecture: The architecture style is called Brutalism.
• Preserved Features: The facade and old roof of the library were preserved.
• Retail Example: Beyond The Vines, a homegrown brand, fits well in the space.
• Dumpling Bag: A deconstructed bag that folds into a pocket.
• Selection Process: Handpicked local talent and brands, including famous restaurants, retail, and educational workshops.

Private Dining Experience

• Home Private Dining Trend: The home private dining scene in Singapore has grown, focusing on connection and creativity rather than fine dining.
• Eileen's Role: Eileen is a self-taught baker, encouraged by Justin, who provides desserts.
• Welcome: Guests are welcomed to Fatt Leong Private Kitchen.
• Five-Course Meal:
  • Plum with lactose-free burrata
  • Fish soup made from Patin fish bones
  • Fish pie
  • Pasture-fed meat with fresh US cherry chimichurri
  • Blueberry lemon chiffon cake
• Guest Experience: The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed.
• Justin's Closing: "We had a great time serving you guys and I hope through this meal we could foster a good community and bring up the spirit of Tiong Bahru itself and hope to see you all again."

Conclusion:

Tiong Bahru's constant evolution makes it a special neighborhood for Justin and Eileen, blending history with modern creativity and community spirit.