Experience European-American flavors in Holland Village

By Wei Ruyi, compiled and reported; Source: Monocle Editorial Department

Holland Village in Singapore is somewhat similar to Taipei’s Tianmu—a neighborhood with a relatively high expatriate population. Most residents here are Westerners on overseas assignments to Singapore. Thanks to its tranquil surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, it has become particularly popular among expats.

In addition to local residents, you’ll also find many tourists wandering the streets of Holland Village. Their sole mission? To hunt down the legendary food scene. Turn off Holland Ave. onto Jalan Merah Saga, and you'll find a row of upscale European restaurants lining the laid-back alleyway—names like Original Sin, Michelangelo’s, Au Petit Salut, and Da Paolo Pizza Bar frequently grace the pages of food magazines. Over on Lorong Mambong, more affordable eateries dominate, and it's where many famous Singaporean restaurant chains got their start. As night falls, don’t forget to head down to the end of the street. The area near Holland Rd. at the end of Lorong Mambong is a hotspot for nightclubs in Holland Village. Open-air bars, cafés, and atmospheric restaurants light up with candles, while various music genres echo through the streets, exuding an enchanting vibe that draws crowds of visitors.

Also, tucked away on the rooftop of Holland Road Shopping Centre is Café 211—a spot that’s not easy to find without a tip-off. Yet, the restaurant still enjoys brisk business, as its reputation precedes it. Café 211 offers budget-friendly Western fare such as pizza and pasta. With hearty, quality ingredients, it has become a go-to place for locals looking for a casual treat or students gathering for a meal. Especially charming is the rooftop terrace turned sky garden, which creates a romantic ambiance, like an urban oasis.

[Travel Information]

Getting to Holland Village: From Exit B of Orchard MRT Station, walk to Orchard Blvd. and take bus numbers 7, 77, 106, 174, or 502 to Holland Village Station. Alternatively, take a taxi.

Café 211 Website: www.cafe211.com.sg