BACK TO THE 70S
Four vintage locations in Singapore that you have to visit - from retro themed diners to book stores that are deeply ingrained in Singapore's history
Words, Photos and Illustrations by Felise Seah
1. KOMBI ROCKS
Kombi Rocks Diner dates way back to the 70s where it was previously known as Koon Kee Restaurant. The name Kombi sprung from a Volkswagen type 2 design forward control van or some would also regard it as a microbus. It's not possible to miss the four Kombis parked outside the diner, each van is ablaze with jazzy and vibrant shades of red, blue, green, and cream.
As you saunter into the diner, a multitude of vintage photographs can be seen hanging comfortably against the Tiffany blue walls of the diner.
Each photo frame is tinted in a rusty gold shade - where it greatly amplifies washed out images of iconic personalities belonging to the 70s era.
This place is great if you appreciate traditional dishes with a fusion of local and international tastes.
ADDRESS: 66 Yio Chu Kang Rd, Singapore 545568
2. TELOK AYER STREET
There are numerous cafes and shophouses lined up along the streets of Telok Ayer with absolutely stunning oriental architecture exteriors. These shophouses preserve the original framework of buildings from the 60s/70s.
One such example is a cafe called My Awesome Cafe. Interestingly, this cafe retains much of its historical past - where it was once a free clinic. The Chung Hwa Free Clinic once served the poor post World War 2.
The exterior of the cafe still preserves the general structure of the clinic - two massive pillars holding the fort together, laced with intricate chinese calligraphy detailings which reads in English as ‘CHUNG HWA FREE CLINIC’.
-GETTING THERE-
TANJONG PAGAR MRT STATION EXIT G - 5 minutes walk to Telok Ayer Street
3. KOON SENG ROAD
Colours of the rainbow, florid and flamboyant structures, emanating a strong Peranakan design concept - this is the row of shophouses built along Koon Seng Road. This spot has now become a backdrop to many self-respecting instagrammers, photographers and even tourists.
The road was named after Cheong Koon Seng who belonged to a wealthy first-generation Straits-born family. He also belonged to one of the first cohort of 13 students of Anglo-Chinese School.
Although Koon Seng Road was previously a residential area, the shophouses situated along the road contributed to the vibrant tenor of the businesses that shaped the history of Singapore. The location was predominantly Peranakan until there was a sharp surge in violence that resulted from gang fights. Since then, many Peranakans have moved to different parts of Singapore.
ADDRESS: Singapore, 287 Joo Chiat Rd, 427540
4. YONG SIAK ST.
A street that was once home to veteran shopkeepers of coffee shops, tailors, furniture manufacturers is now dotted with hipster cafes and vintage book stores - which are so often frequented by millennials. These shopkeepers are now atypical of modern, visually appealing shophouses residing on the streets of Tiong Bahru.
The area of Yong Siak St. provides a pleasant experience for families or friends who just want to grab a cup of coffee.
GETTING THERE: Thiong Bahru MRT Station Exit A - walk 5 minutes to Yong Siak Street
