Offering a healthy (or not so healthy) mix of activities to do and places to chill at late at night, the colourful neighbourhood of Bugis is home to more than its shopping malls. Since the early days, Bugis has been a nightlife haven for locals and foreigners, bustling with bars, markets and more.
The scene stretches as far back as the 1950s but it has since undergone a massive facelift, removing what remained of its former sleaze and transformed into a modern place that brims with street art, culture and lots of food.
Keen on seeing what Bugis has to offer? We break it down to reveal some of our favourite supper and dessert spots as well as places to help you combat boredom and decent watering holes to get a drink.
SUPPER: WHAT TO EAT IN BUGIS AT NIGHT
1. Founder Bak Kut Teh
When it comes to bak kut teh, many consider Founder to be one of Singapore’s best. They’ve been around for over 40 years now and they specialise in the peppery style of bak kut teh. The quality of their food is exceptional and the taste is pretty solid too, making it a great supper option to consider if you’re in need of something comforting.
Read our guide to late-night Bak Ku Teh in Singapore.
Address: 530 North Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 188747
Opening Hours: 11AM – 3AM
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
2. Seng Huat Coffee House
Open 24 hours a day, this humble hole-in-a-wall dishes out a variety of local noodle dishes that rarely disappoints. Their noodles may not be the best around but as far as cooking is concerned, they hit the mark. The servers here are experienced and very attentive to what every customer wants so if you’re someone who prefers your noodles with a tangier bite, go ahead and request for more vinegar.
Address: 492 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188737
Opening Hours: 24-Hours
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
3. Jin Jin Eating House
A popular lunch, dinner and supper spot, Jin Jin Eating House boasts a space no bigger than a coffee shop but within its tiny confines, houses 4 to 5 different stalls. The one that commands the biggest crowd is the one at the end selling a variety of Sichuan-style noodles.
We tried some of their popular dishes, namely their tan tan noodles, beef shank noodles and sour & spicy noodles—all of which were exceptional (and crazy generous) for their respective price points.
Address: 496 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188739
Opening Hours: 6AM – 3AM (Daily)
Contact: +65 8812 1121
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
DESSERTS: LATE-NIGHT SWEET TREATS IN BUGIS
1. Ah Chew Desserts
Amidst the slew of dessert options available in Bugis, the one that stands out amongst the rest is Ah Chew Desserts. Located along restaurant-laden Liang Seah Street, this humble dessert stall sees consistent crowds on a regular basis. They specialise in traditional Cantonese desserts but they also have an arsenal of contemporary creations as well.
Ah Chew also has an outlet in Novena that opens till midnight.
Address: 1 Liang Seah Street, 10/11 Liang Seah Place, Singapore 189032
Opening Hours: 12.30PM – 12AM (Mon to Fri), 1.30PM – 1AM (Sat & Sun)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
2. Dessert First
Despite the fact that their main competitor across the street—Ah Chew Desserts—draws a much bigger crowd, you can rest assured that their desserts are just as good and authentic. Best known for their variety of ‘snow ice’ desserts, we couldn’t help but try their rendition of some of the classics as well. Their Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Ginko is very good.
Address: 8 Liang Seah St, #01-04, Singapore 189029
Opening Hours: 1PM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 1PM – 2AM (Fri), 12PM – 2AM (Sat), 12PM – 1AM (Sun)
Contact: +65 6333 0428
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
3. Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Cafe
Specialising in a variety of Korean desserts, Nunsongyee is a godsend for anyone looking to escape the heat. If you find yourself craving authentic Korean bingsu, look no further.
From thick sweet toasts to several varieties of bingsu, you’ll be hard bent to decide on one sweet treat to settle on. Their shaved ice is finer, fluffier and creamier than most, boasting a snow-like appeal. Do be warned though, their desserts are slightly on the pricier side compared to many others.
Read our guide to late-night desserts in Singapore.
Address: 534 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188749
Opening Hours: 11AM – 6AM (Daily)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
ALCOHOL: WHERE TO DRINK IN BUGIS
1. Atlas Bar
More than your average bar, Atlas’s interior mimics something of a movie set. Here, they serve a vast variety of alcoholic beverages with a heavier emphasis on gin. Their gin tower is something to admire, boasting hundreds of rare labels from around the world. If you’re not into gin, feel free to explore their collection of fine wines, champagne or simply ask their skilled bartenders for cocktail recommendations.
Fun fact: Did you know Atlas was ranked no. 5 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019?
Address: 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
Opening Hours: 10AM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 10AM – 2AM (Fri), 3PM – 2AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
2. Blu Jaz Cafe
One of the most popular drinking joints in the entire Bali/Haji Lane district, Blu Jaz is a melting pot for everything art-related. On some nights, they open their space to stand up comedians, slam poetry enthusiasts and on most nights—back in the day at least—, live music.
They recently had their entertainment license revoked, disallowing them from featuring live band performances, but that hasn’t crippled their popularity one bit.
Address: 11 Bali Ln, Historic Kampong Glam, Singapore 189848
Opening Hours: 12PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 12PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
3. The Singapura Club
Situated along Haji Lane, this quaint little hole-in-a-wall is not particularly well known for their food, however, it is a decent place to get a beer and some cocktails if you’re craving something cold and refreshing to combat the midday sun. They carry a range of German beers on tap.
Address: 26 Haji Ln, Singapore 189219
Opening Hours: 11AM – 12AM (Daily)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
4. Tess Bar & Kitchen
Helmed by the award-winning bartender, Boo Jing Heng, the bar at Tess Bar & Kitchen is one that guarantees polished service and excellent craft cocktails. The restaurant-bar adopts a drink-centric but food-centred concept that focuses on contemporary interpretations of cocktails and food.
Formerly a conservation shop-house, the open space plan now features a modern industrial-chic design ideal for patrons to lounge and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. At the bar, guests can look forward to a combination of novel signatures, classics as well as bespoke cocktails for the truly adventurous. Their Salted Caramel, Espresso Martini is delicious but if you’re pining for something fruity with hints of citrus, definitely go for the Yuzu, Thyme Martini.
Address: 38 Seah St, Singapore 188394
Opening Hours: 3PM – 1AM (Mon to Thu), 11AM – 3AM (Fri to Sun)
Contact: +65 6337 7355
ACTIVITIES: WHAT TO DO IN BUGIS AT NIGHT
1. Fish @ Bugis+
Fish@Bugis+ is an indoor, air-conditioned fishing and pawning joint—the first of its kind in fact—located on the rooftop of Bugis+. It also doubles up as a bar, selling a variety of bottled beers. It opens until 6 am daily, making it a great spot to hang out with friends without blowing too big a hole in your wallet.
Being an indoor prawning joint, do be warned that the place smells pretty gnarly. Other than that, it’s not a bad place to chill.
Address: Bugis+ Shopping Centre, 201 Victoria St, #07-05, Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: 10am – 6am (Mon to Fri), 9am – 6am (Sat & Sun)
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
2. Manekineko
If you’re all out of ideas for things to do with your friends, why not go for a round of karaoke? At Manekineko, prices are fairly affordable with prices starting at just S$18 nett for 2-hour sessions. Their rooms are clean, spacious and the best part is that soft drinks and tidbits are free!
Address: 201 Victoria Street, #03-18, Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: 11AM – 3AM
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
3. King And The Pawn
King And The Pawn is a one-of-a-kind board game-centric bar and cafe located at Purvis Street. They have more than 300 board games for you to choose from and to accompany the experience, a decent array of finger foods, craft beer and cocktails as well.
Address: 24 Purvis St, level 2, Singapore 188601
Opening Hours: 5.30PM – 11.30PM (Tue to Thu), 5.30PM – 1.30AM (Fri), 11AM – 1.30AM (Sat), 11AM – 10PM (Sun), Closed on Mondays
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis / City Hall
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