The Orchard neighbourhood is one of Singapore’s hidden gems, nestled in a serene and picturesque environment. Located in the heart of a thriving suburban area, the Orchard neighbourhood is in Singapore’s northwestern region. Its prime position provides residents with convenient access to amenities, services, and recreational opportunities.
One of the most significant advantages of living in the Orchard neighbourhood is the abundance of nearby amenities and services. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the shopping centres and malls, offering a wide range of retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
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Suburbs of Singapore: Exploring the Hidden Charms of Orchard: A Local’s Guide
Orchard Road History
Orchard Road has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally a cluster of nutmeg orchards, the area was transformed into a bustling commercial hub in the late 1800s, with the development of shophouses and orchards giving way to retail stores and hotels. Over the years, Orchard Road underwent several renovations and improvements, becoming a premier shopping destination in Singapore. Today, it is adorned with iconic shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and gourmet restaurants. Its journey from humble nutmeg plantations to a vibrant retail centre showcases Singapore’s evolution as a global city and highlights Orchard Road’s integral role in its history.
What type of accommodation can you find in Orchard?
The type of housing in Orchard primarily consists of high-rise condominiums and apartments. These condominiums and apartments offer a wide range of unit sizes, from one-bedroom to penthouses, with spacious and well-designed layouts.
Beyond the residential complexes, Orchard is also known for its upscale landed properties, which include elegant bungalows and townhouses.
Restaurants
Where to eat and drink in Orchard?
Where do I start? The amount of food and beverages in Orchard Rd is extensive, from cheap eats to high-end luxury meals. However, I have listed my favourites in the area for you to check out.
Best family restaurant
Fire Ramen – The fire ramen restaurant serves an exhilarating culinary experience with its blazing hot ramen bowls set on fire at the table. The Fire ramen concept originated in Japan, specifically at Menbakaichidai in Kyoto.
Address: 26 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277685,
Opening Hours: Daily, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Fusion restaurant
Joie Restaurant – Joie Restaurant embraces the concept of “joie de vivre,” meaning the joy of living, offering a delightful vegetarian, Japanese and French fusion with an element of fine dining experience where the focus is on the celebration of life through delectable plant-based cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #12-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday, with lunch hours from 12 pm to 3 pm and dinner hours from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Special Note: Many shopping centres in Singapore (especially on Orchard Rd) have great little gardens on the rooftop with great views, and Orchard Central is one of them.
Peranakan Restaurant
Violet Oon – Violet Oon is a renowned Singaporean chef and restaurateur known for her exquisite Peranakan cuisine, which combines Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian flavours. Her self-titled restaurant was first established in Singapore in 2005, setting new standards for local dining by presenting traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #03-22, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 am till 10:00 pm
Speakeasy
Mama Diam – Mama Diam is an enchanting restaurant serving local Singaporean cuisine in a hidden, dimly lit setting. The exterior of Mama Diam is unremarkable, resembling an ordinary minimart, which cleverly disguises it as a speakeasy to create a sense of exclusivity and mystery.
Address: 38 Prinsep St, Singapore 188665
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.
Special Mention:
Cuppage – There are loads of restaurants and bars in this small section of Orchard Rd, tucked behind Centerpoint Shopping Centre; there is a mixture of dining options and cuisines.
Are there any good cafes in Orchard?
Orchard is a haven of cafes, and if you are on the hunt for coffee, you can pretty much find one on every corner, but if you want some cafes that have something a little special, then check out these below:
Walking on Sunshine Cafe
Walking on Sunshine Cafe is a Korean-inspired cafe that serves excellent coffee aesthetically presented along with Korean cuisine. It is a little different because it is connected to a Korean-style hair salon that offers treatments such as the Korean Head Spa. It is widely known for its profound scalp-cleansing benefits, such as improving circulation, loosening congestion, and promoting relaxation. Read about it here.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #03-07/08, Orchard Central, 238896
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cafe de muse
Cafe De Muse in Singapore is a charming and cozy restaurant with a delightful selection of gourmet coffee, delectable pastries, and a warm and inviting ambience.
Address: 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House, #01-K5/K6 & #02-K4 238868
Opening hours: Downstairs is open 24 hours, and Upstairs is open from 10 am to 9.30 pm Daily.
Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee offers a delightful variety of artisanal coffee blends, providing an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers. If you want something a little special, this cafe ticks the box, with such a variety of coffee that you will have your head spinning; team that with a bit of old-world glamour and some delicious, decadent pastries, and you are in heaven.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-49 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801.
Opening hours: From 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
Special Note: There are takeaway options at 391A Orchard Rd, Basement 1 Takashimaya Department Store
Now After Cafe
This cafe is perched high above the street above Design Orchard (an excellent place for local artists to display great products). Now After Cafe is a Korean-themed cafe that is all things black and white. You can sit inside this monochrome cafe, take your coffee (if the weather permits), and watch the world go by from above.
Address: 123 Orchard Rd, Singapore.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Crazy rich Thai cafe
Crazy Rich Thai Cafe is a new cafe right in the heart of Paragon Shopping Mall. Since opening its doors in May 2023, this cute cafe has been one for photographers and Instagrammers. With its cute interior decorated like you have sat in a colouring book before it has seen any colour, the mesmerizing infusion of green will surround you on the other side of the cafe!
Address: 290 Orchard Rd, #01-25/25A Paragon, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Are there any other hidden gems in Orchard Rd?
67 Pall Mall
67 Pall Mall is an exclusive private members’ club inspired by the renowned London-based club of the same name. This prestigious establishment is known for its sophisticated ambience and exceptional wine selection, catering to wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
The membership at 67 Pall Mall offers a range of exclusive benefits. Members gain access to a vast collection of over 5,000 exceptional wines sourced from renowned vineyards worldwide. The club also features state-of-the-art wine storage facilities, ensuring optimum conditions for tasting and preserving fine wines.
As a member, one can indulge in regular wine tastings and educational events hosted by renowned sommeliers and industry experts. Additionally, the club organizes exclusive wine dinners featuring carefully curated menus designed to complement the exquisite wine offerings.
Peterson Wines
Petersons Wines is located in a shophouse in Emerald Hills and offers a delightful wine-tasting experience for wine lovers looking to indulge in Peterson Wines’ exceptional Australian wine selections. You can also join their wine club. Where you will be surprised three times a year with six bottles of wine.
Things to do in Orchard Rd
Is there anything to do in Orchard (other than shop)
Plenty of things in Orchard keep you, your family of all ages and visitors busy. Because of the wide variety, I have narrowed the selection down to my favourites.
Library@Orchard
This library is not only centrally located and has a great variety of books for the avid reader, but it is also one of the most beautiful libraries I have seen in Singapore. Anyone can join the National Library and visit the Library@Orchard.
Address: 277 Orchard Road, Orchard Gateway #03-12 / #04-11 238858
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm
Massage
Treat yourself to a massage in and around the Cuppage area; there are loads of “mama and pappa” style massage venues and more well-known franchises like Natureland.
Projector
Movie Theatres on Orchard Rd can be found in both Plaza Singapura and Shaw Centre, but the Projector is unique. This cute, eclectic movie theatre at Cineleisure boasts retro-style seating, a great bar to meet friends before the picture starts and a variety of movies that are more than just recent blockbusters.
Address: 8 Grange Road, Cineleisure building, #05-01, Singapore 239695
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 3 am
Walks
If you live in the Orchard area, the closest walking areas would be Fort Canning on one side and Botanic Gardens on the other. Both are a short walking distance from Orchard Rd and a great place to keep active or take visitors. If you would like to read more, click here for details.
Kids Activities in Orchard Rd
Are there any activities for the kids in Orchard Rd?
Bounce
Every kid loves a trampoline park, and Bounce is perfect for all ages. If you go enough, it is worth investing in a package that will save you money. This trampoline park is ideally located; again, drop the kids off while you head to the shops or run errands. They also host parties, a great venue to keep the kids busy.
Address: 8 Grange Rd, #09-01 Cineleisure, Singapore 239695
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm; Fridays, 10 am – 9 pm; Saturdays and Public Holidays, 9 am – 9 pm and Sundays, 9 am – 8 pm
Basketball
Strange as it may seem, you can book yourself time on the basketball court in the basement of Footlocker. In other words, head out and go shopping and leave the kids to enjoy their own time playing on an air-conditioned court. You do need to book, so check before you head out.
Address: 218 Orchard Road, Gateway, #03-01/03-06 @ Emerald Unit, Orchard, 238851
Fitness
Are there places to exercise around Orchard Rd?
BBounce Studio
Rebounding is a high-intensity exercise involving jumping on a mini trampoline; this fun activity will have your heart racing quickly! BBounce Studio even offers classes for kids.
Address: The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238843
Options Pilates
If Pilates is your thing, and you have lived in Singapore for a while, you will have heard of Options Pilates, as they have a few studios dotted around the little red dot!
Address: #05-05/06 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238880
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a franchised fitness centre that offers classes and the latest gym equipment. They have two locations along Orchard.
Address: Orchardgateway 277 Orchard Road #04-01, Singapore 238858 ·
Address: Wheelock Place 501 Orchard Rd, #05-13/14 · 8512 0878
Max Out Fitness
Max Out Fitness is a gym that offers both personal and group personal training and gym access.
Address: 181 Orchard Road Orchard Central #06-23/24/25 238896
Healthcare in Orchard
Are there any hospitals or Medical Centres near Orchard?
Recommended Medical Centre
Complete Healthcare International (CHI) offers various medical services and treatments. Now situated amongst AsaiMedic Limited, you can get all types of scans. I probably wouldn’t go anywhere else, even if I moved from the area.
Address: 350 Orchard Road #08-00 Shaw House Singapore 238868
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Hospital
Mount Elizabeth Hospital – With a history spanning over 40 years, this hospital has established itself as a trusted healthcare provider in the region. Mount Elizabeth Hospital offers various medical services, including cardiology and fertility treatment. Foreigners and expats often frequent Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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What a fantastic podcast. Very helpful. You have made planning my trip to Singapore very easy!!