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Discover New Bahru Singapore, the city's latest hotspot for authentic experiences, unique dining, and local shopping in 2026. Explore hidden gems and must-try Sri Lankan food at Kotuwa!
Wondering where the absolute hottest spot in Singapore is right now?
Marina Bay Sands? Orchard Road? Think again.
It's all about New Bahru.
Imagine a vibrant cultural hub, much like Brooklyn's Williamsburg or Seoul's Seongsu-dong. New Bahru has completely transformed a former school building into a buzzing complex featuring local brands, unique restaurants, trendy cafes, delicious desserts, and fantastic shopping. It's already a massive hit with Singaporean locals, and in 2026, international travelers are starting to discover this exciting destination.
New Bahru: What's the Hype About?
New Bahru is nestled in Singapore's River Valley, specifically at 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road. This wasn't always a trendy hotspot; it was once the Nan Chiau High School. The renowned Singaporean hospitality group, The Lo & Behold Group, took over the entire building and gave it a spectacular makeover. What were once spacious auditoriums, hallways, and classrooms are now vibrant restaurants, chic cafes, curated select shops, and creative workshop spaces.
Fun fact: 'Bahru' means 'new' in Malay. So, 'New Bahru' literally translates to 'New New'! This repetition is a common way to add emphasis in Singaporean culture.
With over 40 local Singaporean brands calling it home, and new establishments continuously opening, there's always something fresh to discover with every visit.
Getting There: It's a 10-15 minute walk from Fort Canning MRT station. Alternatively, a free shuttle bus runs daily from Orchard Gateway between 10 AM and 7:20 PM. Definitely take advantage of the free shuttle!
New Bahru Highlights: What's Hot Right Now?
Just like its Korean counterpart Seongsu-dong, every spot in New Bahru boasts its own unique character. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
🍽️ Unique Dining Experiences
The biggest draw of New Bahru is undoubtedly its incredible food scene. We're not just talking about good food; we're talking about renowned Singaporean chefs flocking here to open their latest ventures.
Artichoke — Celebrity Chef Bjorn Shen's new-school Middle Eastern restaurant. It recently added a 10-seat omakase sushi counter, Jellyfish Sushi, offering a unique concept of sushi served on bread. Expect a 12-course menu for ~$165.
Somma — The latest creation from the chef behind East Coast Park's popular Italian spot, Fico. This new space features a 36-seat fine dining area, a pasta bar, and a cooking lab. Courses start from ~$168++.
Odem — A modern Korean bar showcasing craft makgeolli from various regions of Korea. A delightful find for anyone familiar with Korean culture.
One Fattened Calf — Famous for serving some of Singapore's best burgers. Their signature features New Zealand grass-fed beef patties on potato buns. Butterburgers start from ~$16.50.
The Coconut Club — A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient renowned for its Nasi Lemak. The Ayam Goreng (fried chicken) and coconut rice combination is a must-try signature.
🍰 Cafes & Desserts
Dearborn — Started with granola and has evolved into a flagship bakery cafe. Their daily baked sourdough bread and peanut butter and jelly English muffins are signature items, perfect for brunch!
Átipico — A bakery cafe that sees long queues on weekends. Their bread paired with specialty coffee is a winning combination. It's one of New Bahru's most popular spots.
PPP Coffee — A pioneer in Singapore's specialty coffee scene, offering an omakase coffee experience and an all-day dining menu.
🛍️ Shopping Finds
Beyond The Vines — A leading local Singaporean fashion brand known for its simple and practical designs.
Studio Yono — A curated selection of local designer souvenirs. The perfect place to pick up unique gifts from your Singapore trip.
Soilboy — Combines houseplants with handmade Korean pots. They also offer potting workshops and bonsai classes for an interactive shopping experience.
Crafune — Leather crafting workshops where you can create your own leather accessories to take home as a personalized souvenir.
Woods in the Books — An independent bookstore with a charming, artistic vibe.
Sojao — Offers 100% organic cotton bedding.
Excitingly, from late April 2026, Beams, the legendary Japanese brand from Harajuku, opened its first standalone store in Singapore at New Bahru for a limited time. French shoe brand Veja and Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain Sushiro are also slated to open. Now is the perfect time to visit!
🎡 Other Attractions
You'll find an outdoor playground (great for families with kids), a Pilates studio, a wellness massage spa, and even Alma House, a serviced apartment. This means you can actually stay right here and fully immerse yourself in the New Bahru experience.
My Personal Pick: Kotuwa, a Sri Lankan Gem
While New Bahru boasts a plethora of amazing restaurants, my recent visit took me to Kotuwa.
What is Kotuwa?
Kotuwa is a dedicated Sri Lankan restaurant. Sri Lankan cuisine might be new to some, but it's distinct from Indian curries. It’s characterized by a rich coconut base and intense spices, delivering a unique blend of spicy and deeply flavorful notes.
The restaurant is helmed by Chef Rishi Naleendra, Singapore's first chef to be awarded two Michelin stars. While he also runs other fine dining establishments (like Cloudstreet), Kotuwa was created out of his passion to showcase authentic Sri Lankan food, his homeland's cuisine. It has consistently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award since 2021.
Originally located in the Wanderlust Hotel in Little India, Kotuwa has moved to New Bahru, gaining a much larger space. It now accommodates 80 guests and features a new outdoor cocktail bar.
Location & Hours
📍 New Bahru #01-03, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
⏰ Mon-Thu: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
⏰ Fri-Sun: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM (Dinner)
📞 +65 6518 4278 🌐 kotuwa.com.sg
💡 Reservation Tip: I made a reservation just in case, but for a weekday lunch, it seemed unnecessary as there was plenty of seating. However, for weekend dinners, booking in advance is highly recommended! You can make reservations through the Chope app.
Atmosphere
Upon entering, a striking large wooden horse sculpture immediately catches your eye. The interior design, inspired by a traditional Colombo home in Sri Lanka, feels both modern and warm. It's a casual and relaxed setting, so no need to dress up. There’s a separate outdoor bar area, perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail while you wait.
Recommended Dishes
Appetizers / Short Eats
Crab Cutlet (~$16) — A Sri Lankan-style croquette. These crab cakes are sweet and savory, packed with delicious crab meat. This is an absolute must-order!
Mutton Rolls — Similar to a spring roll but made with mutton, these are spicy and wonderfully crispy.
Main Courses
Lamb Shank (~$42++) — Tender lamb shank braised in a rich Sri Lankan red curry. It’s incredibly soft and deeply infused with aromatic spices.
Crab Curry (Market Price) — The ultimate signature dish at Kotuwa. Whole mud crabs are cooked in Sri Lankan curry. It’s absolutely divine when eaten with rice or hoppers, soaking up all that flavorful sauce. While it's a splurge, it's an essential experience here.
Kottu Roti (~$25++~) — A quintessential Sri Lankan street food. Finely chopped roti (flatbread) stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and gravy. The portion is generous – easily enough for two people! You can choose from lamb, chicken, or vegetable versions.
Hopper — A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Available as plain or egg hoppers, they are perfect for scooping up and enjoying with the curries.
Desserts
Watalappam Tart — A coconut custard tart topped with jaggery (palm sugar), pistachios, and candied orange. It offers a deep, satisfying flavor without being overly sweet.
Jackfruit Fritters — Fried jackfruit served with vanilla ice cream. The combination of hot fritters and cold ice cream is a delightful contrast.
Cocktails The cocktail menu, aptly named 'The Lion's Cup,' features signature drinks infused with Sri Lankan spices like curry leaves, tamarind, and coconut. The Head Spinner (~$25++) is a standout, reminiscent of a Pisco Sour and Margarita blend, with guava, tamarind, and chili for a unique and delicious kick.
💡 Pro Tip: Don't forget to order side dishes (Sambols)! Options like Pol Sambol (coconut sambol) and Seeni Sambol (onion sambol) elevate the flavors when paired with hoppers or rice. It’s easy to overlook sides, but here, they are truly essential!
Overall Verdict
Even if you're new to Sri Lankan cuisine, there's nothing to be intimidated by. If you enjoy Indian curries, you'll definitely love these flavors. The coconut base makes them surprisingly smooth and creamy. While some dishes have a kick, many say the spice level is milder than in its previous Little India location. With a great ambiance, delicious food, and excellent cocktails, Kotuwa is highly recommended for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience in Singapore.
Top Tips for Visiting New Bahru
Free Shuttle Bus — Catch it from Orchard Gateway or Fort Canning MRT Exit B. Runs daily from 10 AM to 7:20 PM.
Weekend Crowds — Be prepared for potential waits, especially at popular cafes. Consider visiting in the morning or on weekdays.
Parking Available, but Limited — Parking can fill up quickly on weekends. Taking a Grab (ride-sharing service) is often the most convenient option.
Half-Day to Full-Day Itinerary Recommended — With so many eateries, shops, and cafes, you can easily spend half a day or even a full day exploring New Bahru.
You can take the free shuttle bus that operates daily from Orchard Gateway, from 10:00 AM to 7:20 PM. Alternatively, it's about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Fort Canning MRT station.
Kotuwa is a Sri Lankan cuisine restaurant. It is operated by Chef Rishi Naleendra, who was the first in Singapore to receive two Michelin stars, and it has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2021.
From Monday to Thursday, it operates from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. From Friday to Sunday, both lunch (12:00 PM to 3:30 PM) and dinner (6:00 PM to 10:30 PM) are available. For weekend dinner, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance through the Chope app.
Signature dishes include Crab Cutlet ($16), a Sri Lankan-style croquette with crab meat, and Crab Curry (market price), which features a whole mud crab in Sri Lankan curry. Kottu Roti ($25++~) made with stir-fried roti, and Hopper, served with curry for dipping, are also recommended.
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