Central · Rochor
Best Bubble Tea Shops in Kampong Glam
Sultan's style, Haji Lane's hip.
Kampong Glam is where old-world charm meets contemporary flair, and you feel it right as you step onto its historic streets. It's lively, with families who've lived here for generations rubbing shoulders with young artists and entrepreneurs who bring a fresh vibe to the scene. The small alleys are alive with the aromas of traditional Malay cuisine mixed with hipster coffee, creating a mosaic of scents that's uniquely Kampong Glam. Sultan Mosque stands majestic at the centre, drawing you in, and the buzz around Haji Lane flows continuously, blending tradition and trend.
For the locals, Arab Street is more than a tourist spot; it's the backbone of everyday life. There’s always time for a feast at Kampong Glam Café, where the mee rebus and nasi padang are legendary. Those who know, cherish the quieter spots of Bussorah Street on a weekday afternoon, watching the world pass by, iced teh tarik in hand. And of course, the unassuming gelato from the corner store is the secret delight after a long day.
Living in Kampong Glam is like being part of a time warp where the past and present coexist beautifully. It's a place where community matters and where everyone from the uncle at the bike shop to the trendy boutique owner seems to greet you like old friends. Once you've called it home, there's really no other place that feels quite the same.
Bubble Tea in Kampong Glam
Where to get boba around Kampong Glam
This guide lists 2 bubble tea shops across 10 brands in Kampong Glam, alongside the local food, transport and neighbourhood context that makes the area easier to explore. It also includes 4 coffee outlets from your Airtable Coffee Shops table. You will also find 17 juice outlets from your Airtable Juice Shops table.
Popular brands
Malls and locations
Coffee in Kampong Glam
Coffee outlets around Kampong Glam
These coffee listings are pulled from your Airtable Coffee Shops table and linked to the same town, mall and MRT records as the rest of the directory.
Juice in Kampong Glam
Juice outlets around Kampong Glam
These juice listings are pulled from your Airtable Juice Shops table and linked to the same town, mall and MRT records as the rest of the directory.
Local Guide
What to know before exploring Kampong Glam
Use these notes as a local-first companion to the shop listings, especially if you are planning food stops, a weekend walk, or a quick drink run around the area.
Food Scene
Cafe cultureFamous Hawker Centres
Golden Mile Food Centre
Michelin-Recommended Stalls
Hjh Maimunah
The Coconut Club
Late-Night Food Spots
Zam Zam Singapore
Al-Tasneem Restaurant
Afterwit Bar
Mexican Taqueria
Things To Do
Landmarks
Sultan Mosque
A landmark of Singapore's Islamic heritage, renowned for its massive golden dome.
Haji Lane
An iconic street famed for its vibrant murals, eclectic shops, and hip cafes.
Malay Heritage Centre
Showcases the history, culture, and contributions of the Malay community in Singapore.
Bugis Street Market
One of Singapore's largest and liveliest street markets, popular for its affordable fashion and souvenirs.
Arab Street
Known for its colorful shophouses offering textiles, carpets, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Parks and Green Spaces
Kampong Glam Park
Small urban park perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst the vibrant historical area.
Malay Heritage Centre Gardens
Tranquil green space offering cultural insights and shaded areas within the heritage site.
Malls and Shopping
Bugis Junction
An integrated shopping mall featuring a mix of fashion, food, and entertainment options just a stone's throw from Kampong Glam.
Arab Street
Known for its vibrant textile shops, quaint boutiques, and eclectic blend of cafes and Middle Eastern eateries.
Haji Lane
A trendy retail street lined with independent fashion outlets, home decor stores, and hip cafes.
Sports and Recreation
Kampong Glam Community Club
Offers various sports and wellness classes like yoga and Zumba in a heritage-rich setting.
Rochor Canal Linear Park
A serene park with pathways ideal for jogging and leisurely walks along the Rochor Canal.
Jalan Besar Stadium
Historic stadium located nearby, hosting football matches and community events.
Local Character
Neighbourhood Vibe
Kampong Glam exudes a vibrant blend of old-world charm and modern hipster flair, where the historic shophouses and narrow lanes tell stories of the past while housing trendy boutiques and cafes. The area is a melting pot of cultures, attracting a diverse mix of young professionals, creative types, and expats who are drawn to its lively atmosphere and rich heritage. The streets are always bustling, especially around Haji Lane and Arab Street, with a constant hum of activity that peaks during weekends and evenings. Unlike the uniformity of HDB towns, Kampong Glam's housing is a mix of conservation shophouses and boutique residences, adding to its unique character and appeal. The neighbourhood's identity is deeply tied to its Malay and Islamic heritage, yet it seamlessly integrates modern influences, making it a truly dynamic and distinctive part of Singapore.
Arts and Culture
Aliwal Arts Centre
A vibrant arts enclave offering diverse performances, exhibitions, and workshops that celebrate contemporary and traditional art forms.
Haji Lane Murals
A series of captivating street art pieces that reflect the eclectic and multicultural spirit of Kampong Glam.
Malay Heritage Centre Cultural Programmes
Regular exhibitions and cultural activities that delve into the rich history and traditions of the Malay community in Singapore.
Heritage Sites
Sultan Mosque
An iconic mosque built in 1824, serving as the focal point for Singapore's Muslim community.
Malay Heritage Centre
A cultural institution housed in the former Istana Kampong Glam, highlighting Malay history and culture.
Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
A unique blend of European design and traditional Islamic architecture, built in the 19th century.
Istana Kampong Glam
Former royal palace of the Sultanate of Singapore, now a key historical building within the Malay Heritage Centre.
Annual Events and Festivals
Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar
A vibrant night market held during the month of Ramadan, featuring a variety of food stalls and festive goods along Bussorah Street. Kampong Glam Heritage Festival - An annual celebration in June showcasing Malay culture through performances, workshops, and exhibitions at the Malay Heritage Centre. Sultan Mosque National Day Celebration - A community event held every August with cultural performances and a communal iftar at Sultan Mosque. Haji Lane Art Jam - A creative festival in December where local artists and visitors collaborate on murals and art installations along Haji Lane. Arab Street Eid Celebrations - Festive activities and traditional performances marking the end of Ramadan, held around the Sultan Mosque and Arab Street.
Nightlife
Blu Jaz Cafe
A lively spot for live music and eclectic vibes, popular among both locals and expats.
Going Om
A laid-back bar on Haji Lane with a bohemian atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Bar Stories
Known for its bespoke cocktails, this intimate bar on Haji Lane is a hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts.
Practical Tips
Local Tips
If you want to avoid the lunchtime crowd at Golden Mile Food Centre, head there around 3pm for a more relaxed experience.
For the freshest produce, visit the Tekka Wet Market early on Saturday mornings; it's just a short walk from Kampong Glam.
Park at the multi-storey carpark at Sultan Plaza; it's often less crowded than the ones closer to Arab Street.
Take Exit B at Bugis MRT to get closest to the bus stop that heads towards the East Coast.
The nasi padang stall at Warong Nasi Pariaman on North Bridge Road is a must-try, but it sells out quickly, so go before noon.
Supermarkets and Wet Markets
NTUC FairPrice (Rochor Centre)
A convenient spot for daily essentials, with a decent selection of fresh produce. Sheng Siong (Golden Mile Complex) - Known for its affordable prices and a good range of local snacks and groceries. Tekka Market - Though slightly outside Kampong Glam, it's the go-to wet market for fresh fish and meats, especially on weekends. Cold Storage (Bugis Junction) - Offers a more upscale selection, perfect for imported goods and specialty items.
Notable Schools
Stamford Primary School
A historic primary school known for its focus on holistic education and character development.
Northlight School
A specialized secondary school offering a unique curriculum for students who thrive in a non-traditional academic setting.
Lasalle College of the Arts
Renowned for its contemporary arts education, attracting creative talents from across the region.
School of the Arts (SOTA)
Singapore's premier arts school offering a six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum for youths with artistic talents.
Hospitals and Polyclinics
Raffles Hospital
Private hospital known for its comprehensive range of specialist services and 24-hour emergency care, located just a short walk from Kampong Glam.
Geylang Polyclinic
Operated by SingHealth, this polyclinic provides primary healthcare services and is a convenient option for residents in the Kampong Glam area.
Religious Buildings
Sultan Mosque
An iconic mosque with a golden dome, serving as the focal point of the Muslim community in Kampong Glam.
Jamae Mosque
A historical mosque known for its striking dual minarets, catering to the Indian-Muslim community in the area.
Getting Around
Key MRT Stations
Bugis MRT (DTL/EWL)
The main station for Kampong Glam, with Exit D leading directly to Bugis Street Market and a short walk to Haji Lane.
Nicoll Highway MRT (CCL)
Provides easy access to the southern part of Kampong Glam, close to the Golden Mile Complex.
Lavender MRT (EWL)
Popular with residents heading towards the northern side of Kampong Glam, near the ICA Building.
Bus Interchange
Kampong Glam does not have a dedicated bus interchange. Residents typically rely on nearby inline bus stops along major roads like Victoria Street and Beach Road, or they use the Bugis MRT station for convenient access to the Downtown and East West Lines. For more extensive bus services, they often head to the nearby Bugis or Rochor areas, where they can connect to a wider range of routes.
Expressway Access
East Coast Parkway (ECP)
Provides a direct route to the CBD with access via Rochor Road, but expect congestion during morning peak hours.
Central Expressway (CTE)
Accessible via Bukit Timah Road, it offers a north-south route through the city, though it often experiences heavy traffic during rush hours.