Old trades, new cafes: Can Jalan Besar keep its charm?

In Singapore's Jalan Besar neighbourhood, a harmonious blend of old and new businesses creates a unique and captivating atmosphere. At the junction of Jalan Besar Road and Petain Road, Average Service, a brightly coloured cafe, stands out with its vintage building and eclectic charm. Nearby, a hardware trading shop creaks open its rusted metal shutters, while a geomancer practises his craft above.

This fusion of historical and contemporary establishments, backed by a community striving to maintain their serene coexistence, has started to attract curious visitors.

Time Out has dubbed Jalan Besar Singapore's coolest neighbourhood for 2026, drawing in residents, office workers, tourists, and cafe-goers from across the island. The neighbourhood's main artery, Jalan Besar Road, is home to a mix of traditional businesses and newer entrants, contributing to a dynamic energy that is described as "somewhere between chaotic and eclectic."

Side streets such as Tyrwhitt Road and Allenby Road have also seen a surge of new establishments, from cafes and hotels to creative agencies, sharing the area's distinct "slightly scrappy, unpolished" aesthetic with long-established businesses, including hardware dealers, engineering workshops, clan associations, eating houses, and entertainment outlets.

The neighbourhood's character comes from the organic layering of new functions onto existing ones, creating a sense of authenticity that differs from master-planned lifestyle precincts. For example, a conserved old lodging house now houses a craft beer restaurant, cheese shop, and private event space. Similarly, a once-motorbike accessory shop has transformed into a full-fledged restaurant and private event venue.

The area's potential for growth may draw more investment interest, with property observers noting the expansion of the residential population due to upcoming public housing developments.

However, some older shop owners express concerns about the changing balance between old and new businesses. Albert Ng, a second-generation owner of Sing Lee Machinery & Trading, worries that the customer mix has shifted as the neighbourhood becomes saturated with food and beverage outlets and pubs. Ee Yuan Swee, a sales engineer at an automotive electrical parts supplier, has observed that similar shops have either closed or relocated to industrial hubs like Kaki Bukit and Toh Guan since 2000.

Despite these challenges, the neighbourhood's unique blend of past and present continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike.