Turkish Delights & Magic Carpets

(note: this post was originally published on the 14th July 2013)

On me: Top Topshop, Jeans Abercrombie & Fitch, Glasses Karen Walker,

Bag Jamin Puech, Shoes Brian Atwood, Jewellery Jules Smith & Sass & Bide, Camera Samsung nx300

These are some of the photos from my exploration of the Arab quarter in Singapore. If you haven't been before, I do recommend this. It is a step away from the usual clean, air conditioned shopping centres into a vibrant pocket of Singapore, full of  character and old world charm. Here, all five of your senses will be touched, especially that of smell with the scent of sweet grape shisha lingering while I spent the afternoon weaving in and out of the little stores that sold everything from Persian carpets, perfumes, bicycles, antiques and home wares to jewellery and souvenirs.

Here's my guide to the Arab quarter below. Although all the shops are unique, and I would encourage you to visit each store down Haji Lane, Arab Street, Bussorah Street and Kandahar Street, I have short listed my favourites...

Nosh...

Coffee, brunch and sandwiches at Maison Ikkoku

Dessert at Fika Swedish Cafe

Turkish coffee and mezze at Cafe le Caire

Open air food market at Mustcat street (follow the crowd and the Mosque)

Lebanese at Beirut Grill

Cocktails at Bar Stories

Cocktails at Maison Ikkoku

Fusion dishes at Bushra Cafe

Shop...

Home wares at Salad Shop & Shop Wonderland

Lifestyle, Clothing and Jewellery at Hide & Seek

Vintage and Antique at World Savage

Books and Lifestyle at Soon Lee

Cool bikes at tokyobike

Men's wear at Maison Ikkoku

Optical at Define Happiness Sunglass Shop

Experience...

Shisha at any of the Turkish teashops

Manicure and Pedicure at The Nail Artelier

Museum showcasing the history of Singapore Malays at Malay Heritage Centre

Tip... The shops here are open until late (10pm), and naturally, most will start later... I would recommend that you start the day after lunch and during the weekdays as some of the boutiques are by appointments only during the weekend.

xOxo