A Local's Guide to Haji Lane: Where to Shop, Eat & Drink

When you think of street art, counter-culture shops, and a thriving nightlife scene, Singapore may not be the first destination to pop into your mind. But spend some time exploring Haji Lane and you’ll get to experience a funkier side of Singapore.

Located in the Arab Quarter of Kampong Glam, the 19th-century shophouses that line this ultra-narrow alley once housed pilgrims during the annual Hajj to Mecca – hence the name “Haji Lane”. The buildings were all but abandoned in the 1960s and '70s. But in the early 2000s, creative Singaporean entrepreneurs and artisans began opening up their eclectic businesses inside the neglected shophouses, breathing new life into Haji Lane. 

Today, locals and visitors alike flock to the 250-metre-long alley to snap selfies in front of colourful street murals, shop for vintage clothes, and drink and dine at some of the coolest bars and restaurants in town.

If you're looking for things to do on Haji Lane, this guide will lead you to all the must-visit shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes on the narrowest street in Singapore. 

If you prefer shopping at chain stores, you’re better off going to Orchard Road. But if you’re hunting for something new and unique, you’ll love the Haji Lane shopping experience. 

With its giant pinwheels and upcycled bus-stop bench, you can't miss the whimsical facade of Vintagewknd. Step inside and you'll find a wonderland of repurposed goods you can’t find anywhere else. From 90s-style patchwork dresses and tapestry corsets to funky handbags and crochet flowers, you never know what sorts of gems you'll unearth in this budget-friendly vintage shop. 

Vinyl enthusiasts will love digging through the crates at Musicology Records. With new and used records on offer, the collection spans genres, decades, and nationalities. The staff members are super knowledgeable, too, and happy to help you find what you're searching for – or just chat about anything music.

For budding photographers, no Haji Lane shopping experience is complete without perusing the collection at The Digicam Depository. The shop may be small, but they have an impressive collection of vintage digital cameras and camcorders at wallet-friendly prices. The friendly staff will even let you test out as many cameras as you'd like.

When it comes to finding the best Haji Lane food, you're going to have a tough time choosing between all of the innovative eateries.

Fatt Choy Eating House is one of the top Haji Lane restaurants, especially if you're craving modern Singaporean food. The most popular dishes are the Hokkien Mee, Pork Lard Fried Rice, Roxy Laksa, and XO Carrot Cake. But check out the menu and you’ll find all sorts of tempting local comfort food dishes to pick from. 

If you’re craving authentic Mexican, you’ll want to have a meal at Piedra Negra. The menu at this festive little eatery has all the classics – from fresh guacamole prepared at your table to cheesy quesadillas, meat-stuffed burritos, fish-filled tacos, and much more. They also have a generously long happy hour with excellent deals on their signature margaritas.

For fusion comfort food, there's no match for the menu at The Halal Corner. Most people flock here for their famous and indulgent Carbonara Beef Roti John. But this place is also popular for its eclectic dishes like the Samyang Wings, Balado Beef Fries, Lemak Chilli Api Ribeye Steak, and Cheesy Mac Burger. 

When night falls, Haji Lane becomes one of the most buzzing nightlife spots in town. Expect the alley to be packed with people on weekends.

Black Sheep & Co is a no-frills hole-in-the-wall, popular for its craft beers and bar bites. Expect a handful of BrewDog beers on tap, as well as a long list of wines, ciders, and spirits. They have great happy hour deals, too, which makes this a popular spot for budget-minded travellers.

If you prefer bespoke cocktails over discount beers, make your way to Bar Stories. This intimate cocktail bar touts itself as "Singapore’s original artisanal cocktail bar," and they've been mixing up creative concoctions since 2010. You won't find a cocktail menu here. Instead, the expert mixologists will dream up something especially for you. You can also order Middle Eastern izakaya dishes with your drinks from their partner restaurant, Habibi-san.

If it's local craft beers you're after, you'll definitely want to stop off for a pint at Good Luck. They always have 12 brews on tap with at least a few carefully curated options from the top Singaporean microbreweries. Can’t decide? Order a flight to sample a few local flavours. Feeling peckish? The dim sum menu has got you covered.

Craving a caffeine fix? You'll have quite a few coffee shops to choose from in this hip alley.

Coffee Donkee is a must if you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up. The beans here are high quality, the latte art is perfection, and their cups and saucers are as cute as can be.

Cat lovers won't be able to resist visiting Meomi Cat Cafe. You can get all the kitty cuddles you want while sipping on coffee drinks and snacking on cake. The entrance fee includes a complimentary drink, which is a nice perk.

Momolato is a must if you prefer your coffee with a sweet dessert. This place is known for its gelato (try the Sea Salt Pistachio or the Blue Pea Hokkaido Vanilla Creme Brulee). But they also have addictive waffles and croffles.  

• Arab Street, Bali Lane, and Muscat Street: For even more international eats and cool bars, shops, and street art, be sure to explore the streets and alleys in Kampong Glam. Arab Street, Bali Lane, and Muscat Street all surround Haji Lane and are full of hidden gems. 

• Sultan Mosque: Located on Muscat Street, Sultan Mosque is just steps from Haji Lane and is well worth checking out. This 19th-century mosque was a popular stop on the Hajj and is known for its grand architecture and massive gilded dome. 

• Bugis Street: Located a 10-minute walk from Haji Lane, Bugis Street is a bustling marketplace that's brimming with hawker stalls selling everything from clothes and household goods to street food, tourist trinkets, and bargain finds. It's a bit chaotic, but that's part of the appeal.

You'll find Mercure Singapore Bugis just a few blocks from the Haji Lane location and a short stroll from the Bugis MRT station. Stay here and you can take advantage of the rooftop infinity pool (with excellent city views), 24-hour gym, lobby bar, and two on-site restaurants. The rooms at Mercure Singapore Bugis feature plush beds, flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea-making facilities, and floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of natural light. Upgrade to a Loft Room and you'll get even more space with a living area on the ground floor and a bedroom in the mezzanine. 

No trip to Singapore is complete without spending at least some time shopping, drinking, and dining on Haji Lane. For a city that's best known for its curated attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Orchard Road, having the chance to experience Singapore's artsy and creative side while supporting independent local businesses is always a winning idea.