Tiong Bahru: Pre-War Housing Estate Dating Back To The 1920s Ask any 2000s kid about Tiong Bahru and they’ll probably mention Tiong Bahru Bakery or Plain Vanilla. Many wouldn’t be able to tell you about the rich history that belies its snaking rows of hipster cafes and eateries. Commercialisation of Tiong Bahru estate has been a longstanding point of contention between residents and business owners. Due to its proximity to the CBD area, rental prices have skyrocketed with the inclusion of popular eateries in the vicinity of older flats. Here’s what Tiong Bahru was before it gained its new reputation — a kampung slum, the site of Singapore’s largest fire, a cemetery & a “den of beauties” housing rich men’s mistresses. 1. What’s in a name? Tiong Bahru’s name is a conglomeration of two terms — “Tiong” which means “to die” or “in the end” in Hokkien, and “bahru” which means “new” in Malay. Source Locals called the area “Tiong Bahru” as it was a relatively new cemetery developed by the government for Cantonese and Hakka communities. 2. Burial ground & military uses (1859) Back in 1859, Tiong Bahru burial ground was established, according to early colonial records. Source Maps […]
6 years ago
