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Burnt Basque Cheesecake
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Holland Village Food Guide: Restaurants, Bars, and Desserts
A neighbourhood guide to Holland Village’s best restaurants, bars and dessert spots — where to go, what to order and how to plan a proper Singapore makan crawl.
Holland Village is where laid-back kopitiam classics meet polished brunch cafés — perfect for mixing hawker eats with bar-hopping.
Come early for brunch, later for bars, and always leave room for dessert — the cafés here do local flavours very well.
Why Holland Village matters for Singapore food lovers
Holland Village (‘Holland V’) sits at the crossroads of expatriate hangouts, neighbourhood kopitiams and late-night pubs — a compact pocket of Singapore where brunch, zi char and bar-hopping collide. It’s long been a favourite for students, expats and locals who want an easygoing makan scene with options that range from hole-in-the-wall hawker hits to polished bistros.
This guide helps you cut through the choices: where to go for breakfast or brunch, which kopitiam stalls are worth queueing for, the best places for after-work drinks, and dessert cafés to end a meal on a high note.
Where to eat: hawker stalls, kopitiams and neighbourhood restaurants
Start with the classic neighbourhood loop: the hawker-style stalls and kopitiam counters near Holland Village MRT for cheap, comforting plates — think laksa, chicken rice and stir-fried noodles. Nearby shophouse restaurants and casual bistros add international choices when the group can’t agree.
Look for weekday lunch specials if you’re in the CBD crowd — many restaurants nearby offer set lunches or rice bowls ideal for a quick sit-down. On weekends expect longer waits at popular brunch cafés; arriving early or booking (where possible) saves time.
- Hawker/food court stalls: quick, cheap and authentic local flavours.
- Casual restaurants: tapas, pasta and grill options for sharing.
- Brunch cafés: expect a crowd on weekends — go early (8:30–10:30am).
- Takeaway kopitiam classics: kopi, kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs for a light start.
Bars and nightlife: where to go after sunset
Holland Village is well known for its bar strip — a mix of relaxed pubs, craft cocktail dens and live-music venues. It’s an easy area for pub crawls because most places are within walking distance and the vibe is casual rather than dressy.
If you prefer quieter evenings, choose a wine bar or a cocktail spot with table service; for a rowdier night, head to the cluster of pubs close to the market and expect a lively mix of expats and locals. Many bars stay open late, making Holland V popular for supper runs that end in a late-night prata or kopi stop.
- Early evening (6–8pm): ideal for alfresco drinks before dinner.
- Late-night (10pm–2am): look for live music or rooftop bars.
- Cash vs Cashless: most bars accept cards, but small stalls may prefer cash or PayNow.
Desserts, cafés and the best sweet endings
Holland Village has a strong café culture: think pandan chiffon, kaya-inspired bakes, artisanal cakes and gelato. For dessert lovers, look for specialty bakeries and independent cafés tucked into side streets — many pair excellent coffee with local-inspired pastries.
Ordering tip: share a few small desserts so you can taste multiple spots; gelato and kaya toast make surprisingly good late-night pairings after bar-hopping.
- Must-try: pandan or gula melaka desserts and a proper kopi (local coffee).
- Café etiquette: peak brunch times can mean 30–60 minute waits on weekends.
- Dessert trail idea: café hop two places for cake and one for gelato in a single walkable loop.
Practical tips and a sample Holland Village makan trail
Getting there: Holland Village MRT on the Circle Line puts you right at the action; buses and a short taxi ride from Buona Vista work too. Parking is limited on weekends, so public transport is easier.
A compact sample trail: start with kopi and kaya toast for breakfast, come back for a weekday lunch plate of zi char or hawker laksa, then an early evening drink at a craft bar followed by dessert at a nearby café. This loop suits groups with mixed tastes and keeps travel between stops short.
- Best times: weekday lunch for fewer crowds; early weekend brunch or late-night for drinks.
- Budget: hawker meals S$4–8, casual restaurants S$15–35 per person, bars vary widely.
- What to bring: water bottle, phone for cashless payments, patience for queues on weekends.
- Avoid: expecting a single ‘authentic’ hawker centre experience — Holland V is eclectic and neighbourhood-focused.