We talk neighbourhoods with DÉBORAH FRAY-CHAUDHURI, who is originally from Bordeaux in France. She’s the owner of jewellery company The Beaded Space (IG @the.beaded.space) and lives in Singapore with her family – and new puppy!
About your neighbourhood
What’s the name of your street? Jalan Lim Tai See.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean? Jalan means road, and Lim Tai See was a Chinese scholar during the Ming dynasty. He was deified by Hokkien communities. The Hoon San Temple on Jalan Lim Tai See is dedicated to him.
What’s a common myth or misconception about Jalan Lim Tai See.? That it’s an atas hideout for crazy rich Asians. Hideout? I’ve seen more Rolls Royces than squirrels here!
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Lim Tai See near Coronation Road West.” They usually say “Aah, Hoon San Temple?” as it’s the street’s landmark.
Closest MRT station? Sixth Avenue. Technically. But it’s like saying Everest base camp is “close” to the summit. So, best is to take the bus from there to the other end of Sixth Avenue.
How long have you lived on Jalan Lim Tai See? Why here? We moved here in 2019 after seven years in Upper East Coast. We had outgrown our place there and were also looking for a greener, more residential area, closer to our girls’ school (UWC Dover).
Jalan Lim Tai See highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? Landed houses adorned with frangipanis, palm trees and banana trees, among other beautiful trees. We’re so close to the action (it’s an eight-minute drive to Orchard Road) yet so secluded – the best of both worlds. And, of course, the Hoon San Temple.
What’s the closest store to your front door? Cold Storage at Jelita. “Close” is a relative term; we like to think of it as a scenic, calorie-burning grocery run. But that’s also what makes our neighbourhood such a little residential haven, away from the urban disruptions.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? 101 Dalmatians for the Twilight Bark, but with a twist: the Dawn Bark! We have a puppy and are dog lovers so we actually don’t mind it (mostly!). In fact, combined with the resident rooster’s crowing that we often hear from our house, it reminds me of the countryside I grew up in in France.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? People who think the middle of the road is a personal treadmill.
What’s the unofficial uniform of Jalan Lim Tai See? Lycra – lots of jogging enthusiasts here.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? We often see families of hornbills fly from tree to tree – not necessarily a strange thing but definitely a magical one!
Things to do around Jalan Lim Tai See
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? My street may not have any walking distance eateries but there are plenty of great options around District 10. I love the zen ambience, wholesome food and banana oats smoothie at The Ritual on Bukit Timah Road. In Holland Village, Keong Saik Bakery @Chip Bee Gardens is my go-to café because who doesn’t like a fusion pastry? We also very much enjoy Sunday morning breakfast at Micro Bakery in Serene Centre – it’s super chill and dog-friendly, and their homemade breads and cakes are fresh and delicious.
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Simply Bread at Guthrie House has, in my view, the best bread in Singapore (I’m French, I know my bread!). For groceries, Ghim Moh Market for the freshest seafood, and Little Farms (Holland Village) for small batch produce from Australia – they make their own preservative-free hummus, a must-try! In Cluny Court, I like The Missing Piece – gorgeous dresses and accessories and everything there is uniquely sophisticated and refined. And Vanillapup, for when my puppy demands the finest chew toys and tastiest treats that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? The Rail Corridor is a lovely place to walk or cycle with the family. I recommend checking out the Old Bukit Timah Railway Station and heading across the cast iron bridge. For nature walks, we go to the Botanic Gardens or to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – the Singapore Quarry is a must-see there. For more urban activities, One Holland Village is a new “patio” pet-friendly mall with its own pet lifts. And let’s not forget Coronation Park, which hosts the best kids’ Halloween parties in town and open-air cinema nights.
What’s one thing you’d never change? The lack of skyscrapers pretty much anywhere you look.
How about one thing you would change? A café within stumbling distance. Because sometimes, I just want coffee without a cardio workout!
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up Jalan Lim Tai See, how would you use it? I’d hire a professional dog whisperer to negotiate a weekend ceasefire with the Dawn Bark gang.
Things you like to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? Raffles Hotel for the “Singapore Sling” initiation, followed by a stroll through Telok Ayer, Club Street and Duxton Hill, and a drink at Atlas Bar. The Katong-Joo Chiat area is lovely to see, including visiting the beautiful Peranakan houses, whose tiles inspire a lot of my jewellery pieces. For a more “ulu” experience, we like taking our visitors to Bollywood Veggies, or hiking at Bukit Brown Cemetery to admire the magnificent “Avatar” trees and look for the famous abandoned car.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Chinatown, and do all the cliché touristy things: have lunch at Din Tai Fung (I know, but it’s so good…), visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, book a vintage Pu-erh tea tasting workshop, buy some Chinese decoration items, and take some bakkwa and pineapple tarts home!
If you’re missing home, what do you do? Head straight to Merci Marcel’s French Fold for my favourite comfort food: a crêpe! (or galette to be more accurate). I also like hanging out at Alliance Française for a full-on immersion: have a pain au chocolat or quiche at the So France café, borrow books from the Médiathèque, check out the exhibition of the moment, go for a Francophone movie screening… I basically live there when I need a “Parisian escape” without the jet lag.
Hoon San Temple – A Fact File
This old temple in Déborah’s neighbourhood was most likely built in wood in the 1900s, before being reconstructed with sturdier materials in the 1920s. It was used in the 1950s and 1960s for regular performances of Chinese opera, on a theatre stage set up beside the temple. Hoon San Temple was awarded conservation status in 2009 and underwent a three-year renovation, with craftsmen from China called on to help restore the intricate carvings and frescoes.
Do you love your neighbourhood? 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 June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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