Lavania Rosie, an entrepreneur, the founder of Dance Embassy & Tinted Wateva (IG @lavania_rosie) and also a self-confessed foodie tells us she loves her condo in Farrer Park for it’s location (near Farrer Park MRT) and the bountiful of food options with Pek Kio market right on her doorstep.
Fact File: The Farrer name
The name Farrer pops up in various places across the island. Farrer Park Field, for instance, is a large green space in Little India that was the location of Singapore’s first horseracing track, and also a makeshift runway (one of the earliest planes landed there in 1911). Just to the north is Farrer Park Hospital. Farrer Road, meanwhile, links Bukit Timah Road to Holland Road, and has a smaller road, Farrer Drive, leading from it.
All are named after Roland John “RJ” Farrer (1873-1956), who was president of the former Singapore Municipal Commission. RJ apparently suggested that Farrer Road be renamed because of the confusion that might arise from it being so far from Farrer Park (five kilometres away) – but his suggestion was rejected!
Speaking of names, the aforementioned racecourse was built in the 1800s at the urging of the Singapore Sporting Club, whose members included Charles Spottiswoode and William Napier. Sound familiar
The Specifics
What street and neighbourhood do you live in? Mergui Road, Farrer Park.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean? Mergui is a sweeping archipelago of hundreds of islands on Myanmar’s southernmost tip.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Mergui Road, off Rangoon Road, near Bak Kut Teh!”
Closest MRT station? Farrer Park MRT (purple North East line).
How long have you lived here? Close to four years now. I love the fact we have four balconies! Our condo in Farrer Park is windy and centrally located.
Condo Fact File
Name of condo: Pristine Heights
Facilities: Gym and pool
New or old: “Very old!”
Community vibe: “It’s a good mix of locals and expats. I love that there is a wet market right nearby – whatever you need, it’s in the hood.”
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? A road packed with delivery vans and riders.
What’s the closest store to your front door? Pek Kio Market and food centre.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? Ah Boys to Men.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? Do mosquitoes count as neighbours?
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? Sportswear – we have a small running track nearby, with lots of fitness enthusiasts on it!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? Avid birdwatchers. I mean, where else in a Singapore neighbourhood do you see uncles and aunties with massive professional cameras bird watching?
The Superlatives
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? I can thoroughly recommend the chee cheong fan, chicken rice and wanton mee, all from Pek Kio Market!
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Pek Kio Market and food centre is the star of the neighbourhood. Pre-COVID, there used to be buses offloading people at durian stalls and bak kut teh joints along the street.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Apart from the Pek Kio Market and food centre, the street is dotted with lovely brunch cafés. Can you tell by now that I’m a foodie? You can also bird watch!
What’s one thing you’d never change? The location with unobstructed views and in close proximity to the Farrer Park MRT station and, yes, the food.
How about one thing you would change? The annoying mosquitoes! I had dengue once, two weeks before my due date – so you know how much I hate them.
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it? Would a million dollars suffice to bring in a beach? Maybe not.
Beyond The ‘Hood
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? If they want to go local, I would highly recommend Lau Pa Sat or Satay by the Bay for the ambience. But my all-time favourite would be Spago at Marina Bay Sands. The view, the food, the service, everything is impeccable. Oh, and there is KOMA too – one of my favourite restaurants!
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Little India. I’m Indian and no one does a better threading service than an Indian. (I am biased.)
If you’re missing home, what do you do? Singapore is my home!
Do you love your nieghbourhoood?
Share it with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
This article first appeared in the October 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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