Dhoby Ghaut Café Looks Like An HDB Estate, Some Unhappy It Seemingly Mocks ‘Poor People Aesthetic’

Dhoby Ghaut Café Lou Shang Looks Just Like An HDB Estate

[UPDATE: 10.15am, 21 Aug]: In response to a media query by MS News, Lou Shang said its aim is not to “exploit or trivialize any aspect of people’s lives”, but to pay homage to the shared memories and experiences that have shaped Singaporeans’ communities.

The article has been updated with their response.

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A new café and bar in the Dhoby Ghaut area, Lou Shang, looks just like an HDB estate, but some have called the decor out for being “poor people aesthetic”.

Lou Shang, which is opening on 22 Aug, is opened by the founders of Mama Diam, a café in the same area.

A video taken by food blogger @TheStormScape shows the aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for many.

But on Instagram, several people appeared to have issues with the decor and the term ‘old-school’ being used.

Not everyone concurred with these comments, however.

Lou Shang is a café that looks like an older HDB estate

You can find Lou Shang “hidden” behind a lift that looks just like one found in older estates.

But once you step out of the lift, you’re greeted by a whole HDB estate — the second floor, to be exact.

The furniture and decor will be instantly recognisable to Singaporeans who stay or used to stay at HDB estates.

There’s much attention to detail here. There are metal door frames to bamboo poles and even window shutters dotting the corridor — callbacks to older estates.

Even the blue chess table that used to be ubiquitous at void decks makes an appearance.

Overall, the design is a reminder of what many HDB estates look like.

You’ll only be able to find many more Easter eggs if you visit.

Not everyone likes HDB design

Some comments, however, didn’t see the nostalgia in the decor. They questioned why Lou Shang appears to be profiting off the “poor person aesthetic”.

Others claimed that the decor seemed to be almost mocking the lifestyles of poor people.

Another person said there was nothing “old school” about the decor when they currently live in an HDB estate like that.

But one comment shot back at the others, stating that the view of the decor being an example of “poor people lifestyle” was stereotypical.

They further asked how often one gets to find a corridor that looks like that in a newer BTO estate.

Idea behind cafe and bar was to pay homage to past HDB estates, founders say

In response to a media query by MS News, Lou Shang stated that the cafe and bar is a “tribute to the cherished memories of HDB living”.

It is also a homage to the places we call home, they said.

One of the co-founders, Sebastian, would head to a mama shop after school and climb the stairwell from the void deck, before returning to his HDB flat.

This childhood routine, Lou Shang says, “resonates with us all”.

“We’ve painstakingly recreated this experience to bring back the warmth, the camaraderie, and the cultural tapestry that defined those days,” Lou Shang said.

Each corner of Lou Shang tells a story—a story of neighbors sharing stories, children playing, and the tapestry of ethnic diversity that colours our nation.

It also noted that the ambience is “more than just decor — it’s a portal to a time when community bonds were forged over simple joys”.

The menu was also created with the spirit of “home” in mind, it added.

Committed to creating inclusive and respectful space

A Lou Shang spokesperson said that they are aware of concerns over “profiting off poor people aesthetic”.

They would like to assure that their intentions are “rooted in a genuine appreciation for nostalgia, community, and cultural heritage.”

“Our aim is not to exploit or trivialize any aspect of people’s lives, but rather to pay homage to the shared memories and experiences that have shaped our communities.”

The idea was to recreate HDB estates in the past and the “warmth, camaraderie, and cultural diversity” that were features of these estates.

“We believe that these elements hold timeless value and deserve to be celebrated,” they added. “Our intention is to bring people together, to spark conversations, and to foster a sense of belonging, rather than to commercialize or glamorise any particular socio-economic situation”.

Lastly, they said they are “committed to creating an inclusive and respectful space that honours the past while embracing the present and future”.

Opens 22 Aug

According to a post on Lou Shang’s Instagram page, the café and bar are opening on 22 Aug.

If you do enjoy the aesthetic and local delights on offer, you can visit Lou Shang here:

Address: 38 Prinsep St, #02-02, Singapore 188665
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am-5pm (café), Tuesday to Thursday, 6pm-11pm. Friday and Saturday, 6pm-12am (cocktail bar), closed Monday & Sunday
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut
Social media: Instagram

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Featured image adapted from @Stormscape on TikTok.