Dinesh Ajith is an editor from Singapore and he lives on Shunfu Road near Marymount MRT. Here he answers some questions about his Upper Thomson neighbourhood and shares recommendations and the best things to do in the area including Thomson Plaza and MacRitchie Reservoir.
About the Upper Thomson neighbourhood
What’s the name of your street? 312 Shunfu Road.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean? I think it means “to submit to”.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood? The Upper Thomson area’s only real stereotype is that it’s got lots of brunch places, which isn’t untrue.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “312 Shunfu Road, near Marymount MRT Station.”
Closest MRT station? Marymount MRT Station (yellow Circle line).
How long have you lived here? And why here? I’ve lived here close to five years. I really like this neighbourhood because, unlike my old place in Seletar, it’s incredibly central. Having an MRT station a three-minute walk away is an absolute novelty for someone who used to live somewhere as ulu as Seletar.
Neighbourhood highlights
When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see? The first thing I see is the Jadescape Condo. Not particularly thrilled that it is occupying the space that used to be an empty field (goodbye, ventilation!).
What’s the closest store to your front door? While the 7Eleven under Jadescape is the closest, I prefer going to Hoe Peng Kiosk, a “mama shop” (convenience store) that’s just a little bit further. The owners are a lovely couple and it’s a great place to pick up drinks, beer and snacks for impromptu hangouts.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? I’d love to see a Singaporean remake of Napoleon Dynamite set in my neighbourhood. The original film is a coming-of-age story that offers a slice-of-life look into rural Ohio, so I’d like to see something similar done in Singapore. Especially important would be scenes set within uniquely Singaporean spaces like the void deck, coffee shops and dive bars in Upper Thomson.
Fact File
The spot where Dinesh calls home, Shunfu Road near Upper Thomson Road, was once a hotspot for Singapore’s sesame oil industry. There were around a dozen sesame oil manufacturers in the area, operating chiefly between 1930 and 1980. The first of these to open was Oh Aik Guan, Singapore’s longest-standing sesame oil manufacturer, founded by Mr Oh Kim An. It still produces oil today – look for Gu Ding Pure Sesame Oil, which is manufactured using 100 percent sesame seed.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of? New condos in my neighbourhood have significantly increased traffic congestion and as someone who’s fond of a sleep-in, I do get a bit annoyed by the honking right outside my window.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street. Flip-flops, the ubiquitous army t-shirt and shorts – too hot for anything else really!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? An Asian palm civet! While my neighbourhood is near large nature reserves like MacRitchie Reservoir, the surrounding roads tend to keep animals out. I was walking back home late one night and noticed a pair of glowing eyes in the rafters of a sheltered footpath. I assumed it was a cat but realised it was a rather rare Asian palm civet. Beautiful creatures; I wish I came across them more.
Things to do around Upper Thomson
What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? One of my favourite neighbourhood haunts is Sara’s. It’s a dive bar that’s been a neighbourhood icon for decades. The music is good, the beer is cold and there’s a pool table. If you happen to meet the bar’s eponymous owner, ask her what the “IITYWTSSWYBMAD” plaque behind the counter means.
For food, I’m particularly fond of Dong Nan Wanton Noodles at Shunfu Mart. They add finely diced chestnut to their boiled wantons to give them a bit of textural interest. Bak chor mee at Ming Fa is another late-night staple that I’ll never tire of – it’s way, way better dining in than taking away though!
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Thomson Plaza is an old-school strata mall that’s got your usual mix of fast-food options along with a FairPrice Finest, Daiso, clothing stores and even a Lego specialty store (one of my favourite places to browse while killing time).
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Spending an early morning walking MacRitchie’s trails is a great way to escape from Singapore’s urban gridlock. After working up an appetite, grab a meal at Shunfu Mart followed by a cheeky afternoon pint at one of the bars that line the Upper Thomson Road stretch.
What’s one thing you’d never change? I like how raw the neighbourhood can be. Sure, there are plenty of upscale cafés, but the coffee shops and gritty bars are the places here that truly make me feel at home.
Things to do in Singapore
What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? I’m especially proud of Singapore’s bar scene, so Kult Yard is one of my favourite places to take out-of-towners. The drinks are reasonably priced and there are unique “Kulttails” that put Asian flavours at the forefront, like the Sambal Bloody Mary. Offtrack is a music-focused bar that’s another go-to for me, especially if I’m out with people who want to explore the more eclectic side of Singapore’s music scene.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? On holiday.
Tell us about your neighbourhood
Keen to share the best bits of your ’hood in our Street Talk feature? 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 on Shunfu Road and the Upper Thomson Road neighbourhood first appeared in the August 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
