Temasek Shophouse at Dhoby Ghaut, Singapore

A Hidden Heritage Gem Along Orchard Road

Just a short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT, beside the bustling stretch of Orchard Road, sits a quietly impressive building known today as Temasek Shophouse.

At first glance, it may look like just another restored row of shophouses — but step inside, and you’ll realise this space carries nearly a century of stories, transformation, and purpose.

From 1920s Townhouse To Modern Social Hub

Built in 1928, the building originally functioned as a mixed-use townhouse — with shops on the ground floor and residences above.

Over the decades, it went through many identities:

A furniture shop
An eatery
A trendy department store in the 1980s
Even offices tied to early film distribution in Southeast Asia

Fast forward to 2017, when it was acquired and restored by Temasek. The goal? Not just preservation — but reinvention.

In 2019, it reopened as a social impact hub, and by 2025, it expanded into four connected conserved shophouses, transforming into a much larger space for community, innovation, and collaboration.

More Than Just A Building: Its Purpose Today

Temasek Shophouse isn’t your typical commercial mall or office space.

It was designed with a clear mission:

To bring together people, ideas, and organisations that want to create positive social and environmental impact.

Today, it functions as:

A co-working hub for social enterprises
A venue for community events, talks, and exhibitions
A collaboration space connecting public, private, and non-profit sectors

Think of it as a place where ideas are brewed — sometimes over coffee — and turned into real-world impact.

What To Eat & Drink Inside Temasek Shophouse

Beyond its meaningful mission, the building has also become a quiet food and café destination in the Dhoby Ghaut area.

🍽️ Bibik Violet (Peranakan Café)

A standout highlight is Bibik Violet, a casual concept by renowned chef Violet Oon.

Expect comforting Peranakan flavours such as:

Nasi lemak
Nyonya laksa
Kueh and sugee cakes
Kaya toast with kopi

Unlike her upscale restaurants, this café is more approachable — perfect for a relaxed brunch or tea break.

☕ Foreword Coffee (Social Enterprise Café)

Another must-visit is Foreword Coffee, a purpose-driven café that:

Employs individuals with disabilities
Promotes inclusive hiring

It’s not just about coffee here — it’s about supporting a meaningful cause with every cup.

🍪 Shophouse BAR (Snacks + Culture Space)

This unique space blends:

Old-school local snacks
Books, films, and cultural artefacts

“BAR” stands for Books, Artefacts, Reflections — making it more than just a snack stop, but a place to slow down and reflect.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Temasek House is not just another lifestyle spot — it’s a layered experience.

You can:

Grab kopi and kueh
Explore heritage architecture
Discover local stories and art
Or simply enjoy a quieter alternative to Orchard’s busy malls

It’s where Singapore’s past, present, and future quietly meet under one roof.

Location & Accessibility

📍 28 Orchard Road, Singapore
🚇 Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (just a few minutes walk)

In a city filled with shiny new malls, Temasek Shophouse stands out by doing the opposite — preserving the old while creating something meaningful for today.

It’s not loud, not flashy — but that’s exactly its charm.

And if you’re exploring Dhoby Ghaut, this is one hidden gem that deserves a spot on your list.