Haji Ln

"Kampong Glam is a culturally rich district, bordered by Little India and Bugis, that’s one of Singapore ’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods. But today Kampong Glam is becoming the hub for artisan foods and crafts, most of them sold out of monochrome storefronts on Haji Lane. Wander the alleyway to discover clothing, accessories, and home decor made in Singapore and nearby countries; multicolored murals; hidden cafés; and lively bars that often host music acts. A block or two off the main drag, Maison Ikkoku is a hipster haven of single-batch and cold-brew coffee. Nearby, Symmetry is the best spot for weekend brunch, especially if you’re a sucker for truffle eggs and Aussie-style flat whites."

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Haji Lane in Kampong Glam is one of the narrowest streets in Singapore, but that doesn’t stop thousands of shoppers from flocking to it year after year. The laneway is lined with boutiques, cafés, tattoo parlors, yoga studios, and old-school Egyptian restaurants. Funky street art murals bring out the Instagram set, but remember to point your camera up, too: the vintage shutters on the two-story storefronts are painted in bright, cheerful colors. Who comes here? Twenty- and thirty-something shoppers. Most people come to shop at Singapore's trendiest stores or hang out with friends; they'll spend half a day wandering the street. Did it meet expectations? Haji Lane is hyped only in terms of shopping. It delivers on that front, assuming you're in the market for younger clothes or housewares. Got it. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for? It's best for indie-minded shoppers interested in trendy, youthful, affordable brands. This is not high-street luxury, although you can definitely find some good-quality gifts here." - Ashlea Halpern