Where have all the hipsters gone? Once bustling, Tiong Bahru’s streets are now quiet

For decades, Tiong Bahru, Singapore's first public housing estate, thrived as a vibrant neighborhood filled with low-rise white flats, cute lifestyle shops, bustling cafes, and hipster restaurants. However, in recent years, the area has become quieter, with businesses struggling to maintain their customer base.

Drips Bakery, which has operated in Tiong Bahru for 16 years, recalls the neighborhood's heyday. Founder Jessica Tan attributes the dwindling footfall to the loss of the area's hipster appeal. Sales have declined by 25-30% compared to pre-pandemic levels, forcing the cafe to downsize to a takeout-only outlet in Seng Poh Road.

Hello Arigato cafe, one of the eight businesses facing reduced customer traffic, has experienced a 10-15% decrease in revenue this year. Rising fuel prices have affected food and beverage spending islandwide, but the Tiong Bahru location is experiencing more significant losses compared to its outlets in Joo Chiat and Upper Thomson.

The historic estate, bounded by Tiong Poh Road, Outram Road, and Seng Poh Road, was once a go-to destination for shoppers and cafe-hoppers. Gentrification began in the early 2010s, transforming the area into a hipster enclave, with businesses like Forty Hands, Open Door Policy, Tiong Bahru Bakery, and We Need A Hero opening between 2010 and 2013. Independent bookstores also opened in the neighborhood during this period.

However, recent years have seen many of these businesses close or move out, replaced by gyms, clinics, and art galleries. The decline in F&B options and specialty shops has also impacted nearby Tiong Bahru Market hawkers. Some businesses have shifted their closing times, while others have left the area altogether, contributing to the quieter atmosphere now permeating the neighborhood.