One of Singapore’s most-colorful and diverse neighbourhoods, Rochor is a compelling mix of aristocratic Malay villas and bustling street markets. Its modern shopping malls are interspersed with some of the city’s oldest mosques and temples, with plenty of lively bars and cafes on every street.
Things to do in Central Area
Rochor is home to Little India, a buzzing ethnic district that showcases Singapore’s vibrant Indian culture. Try delicious street food like roti prata pancakes and fish-head curry, then wander the stalls selling brightly-colored saris, gold bangles, incense and paper bags of Indian sweets. The Indian Heritage Centre has interesting jewelry, clothing and vintage suitcases used by Indian immigrants to Singapore.
Some of the city’s most idiosyncratic museums can be found in Rochor. Visit the Vintage Camera Museum to see its collection of more than 1,000 vintage cameras and documentaries on the evolution of photography or drop into the Children Little Museum to play with a treasure trove of toys from a bygone era.
The district has several gleaming shopping malls, the most popular of which is The Verge. In addition to the clothes shops and cafes, it has a fifth floor dedicated entirely to craft boutiques and beautiful florist’s stalls.
When you’re all shopped out, have a drink at one of Rochor’s numerous cafes. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is popular for its ice-blended drinks, while cat lovers will adore petting the friendly felines at the Cat Cafe.
Getting around Central Area
Rochor is centrally located just north of the Downtown Core and is only a few minutes away on foot from the main shopping street at Orchard Road. It is served by the Rochor, Little India, and Farrer Park metro stops.