Wondering where to live in Singapore, which neighbourhoods other expats are living in and what they love about them? Our Neighbourhood Guides – Street Talk as we like to call them in the mag – will help you decide. Here we chat to Irmelin Mathilde Røhn Amundsen about living in Spottiswoode Park Road.
From: Norway
Occupation: Project Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy
The Specifics
What’s the name of the street where you live? Spottiswoode Park Road.
What does it mean? It takes its name from Charlie Spottiswoode (1812-1858), an English businessman who owned Spottiswoode & Co and lived in this vicinity.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Spottiswoode Suites, across from Spottiswoode Residences, please.” Taxi drivers are usually very familiar with the area, but they understandably tend to get the Suites, Residences and 18 Spottiswoode mixed up. Everton Park is also a good reference.
What’s the name of your neighbourhood? Outram; it’s perfectly wedged between Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown and Tiong Bahru.
Closest MRT station? Outram MRT (East West Line and North East Line).
How long have you lived here? Six months in this apartment and area. We’ve lived in Singapore for three and a half years, previously at Skyline Residences in Telok Blangah near Keppel Bay, which we also loved.
Why here? We immediately fell for the large balcony and duplex layout of the unit. Additionally, it’s located just one to two blocks away from Keong Saik, Duxton Hill, Tras Street and a lot of other areas we love. Walking distance to work and F45 in the CBD is an added bonus!
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: Rows and rows of lovely, colourful shophouses.
The closest store to your front door is: Kith Café, with good grub and amazing coffee.
Your street would make the perfect backdrop for a remake of: Any Singapore heritage film.
The unofficial uniform of your street is: Gym clothes, with a dog on a leash in one hand and a reusable coffee cup in the other.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you: Explore the museums and temples in Chinatown.
If you’re missing home, you: Barbecue fresh Norwegian seafood from Snorre Food on the balcony
A mandatory stop for out-of-town guests is: Satay Street behind Lau Pa Sat.
A common myth about your neighbourhood is: That there is not a lot of greenery when living in a central location, when in fact there is a plethora of parks, palm trees and wildlife even in the middle of the city.
A massive late-night rager on your street is likely to be: Karaoke bus pick-ups and drop-offs. (Occasionally ours…)
The Superlatives
Your hands-down favourite neighbourhood joints are: Garçons at Essen for funky food-court vibes, Wang Dae Bak for a Korean feast, Ottomani for a special occasion, Butcher Boy for bar bites and Neon Pigeon for an all-in evening.
You won’t find better local food than at: Kok Sen Restaurant. We also love the Indian food at Indline next door, followed by drinks at Potato Head on the rooftop above.
The strangest thing you’ve ever seen in your neighbourhood is: The crew of Crazy Rich Asians shooting a scene on Bukit Pasoh Road. We love a good bargain.
The best deals in your neighbourhood are: Casa Poncho for $5 draft beer and $10 cocktails any day of the week; truly a hidden gem for a fiesta. Also, Humpback on Monday night for happy hour oysters.
The guiltiest pleasure in your area is: The Lokal’s fish and chips.
One thing you’d never change is: The contrast between old and new architecture.
But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing go is: The construction work, though it’s an understandable necessity for development.
The city gives you $5 million to soup up your street. You use it to: Make the pathways more easily accessible for everyone.
Condo fact file
Name: Spottiswoode Suites
Size: 175 units
Age: New – around two and a half years
Facilities: Pool, gym, tennis court, playground and spa
For more helpful tips, head to our Living in Singapore section.
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This article first appeared in the August 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
