Photobooths, thrift stores, and cafes. Simply scrolling through a social media platform, such as TikTok or Instagram, surfaces such places. Haji Lane also happens to have all of these situated in just one street! But surely the thought of visiting a place just based on videos from the internet can be daunting and even overwhelming for some. Well, fret not as we have compiled a list of our favorite places in Haji Lane, step by step guides for possibly confusing photo-booths, and even recommendations for the cafe we visited!
cafes
Tucked into a quiet corner of Haji Lane, Cafe Margaret is an unassuming looking cafe concealing a haven of freshly baked goods.
Upon entering, we were greeted with a spread of various pastries, ranging from their iconic cube croissants, to the classic brownies and cookies; a sight for sore eyes. The confectionery were presented in an open format, allowing customers to hand pick the pastry of their choice. With a plethora of choices; it definitely was not easy making our selection— everything looked irresistible! We ended up picking 2 pastries, but not before snapping a couple of instagram worthy pictures.
The Matcha Cube
Featuring flaky layers in a distinctly cube (though we would argue rectangular) shape, the matcha cube was one of a kind. Baked to a flawless golden brown, it was definitely a delightful treat. Upon our first cut, matcha filling oozed out generously. The filling encapsulates the unique earthiness matcha has, without being overpoweringly sweet. Its buttery crisp pastry cutting through the rich matcha filling, making for the perfect bite. Proving to be a decadent treat, we decided to order some drinks to offset our sinful indulgence.
Earl Grey Scone
Infused with the fragrant essence of the timeless Earl Grey tea, we thoroughly enjoyed this twist on a classic scone. Its crumbly exterior and soft centre definitely complements the subtle aromatic undertones of the classic Earl grey. However, we must admit the scone was a little too crumbly for our liking, though it had the perfect density.
Drinks
Galileo Galilei once said “wine is sunlight, held together by water”. However, from the sweet, refreshing green apple ade, we contend that non-alcoholic drinks must be like moonlight held together by sparkling water – because who needs a hangover when you can have a sober sparkle? Dominated by a bright, crisp, fruity flavour, this bubbly beverage will certainly quench your thirst on a blazing hot day.
Cafe Margaret’s Dirty Matcha’s vibrant green hues of matcha sitting idly on top of pale brown contrasting tones of the coffee created an eye-catching layered effect in the cup. The resultant drink proved nicely light and invigorating, as the nuances of espresso and matcha seamlessly intertwined, complementing both its distinct flavours. Rather than a confusing, unpleasant flavour, the dirty matcha boasted a more profound and earthy essence than a mere iced matcha latte, and tasted brighter than a conventional latte.
The captivating charm of Cafe Margaret holds its place in eclectic Haji Lane. Offering patrons not just a delightful culinary experience, Cafe Margaret immerses them into an artfully curated ambience. The unique, quirky decor adds an extra layer of allure to this haven where aesthetics and gastronomy meet. With its wide selection of carefully crafted pastries, there is undoubtedly something to please every palate. Be prepared, however, to spend upwards of $15 for a drink and pastry of your choice. Nonetheless, it’s inviting atmosphere and promise of the closest escape to a Korean cafe renders it a place worthy of at least one visit.
thrift stores
In recent years, thrift shopping has gained immense popularity as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. In Singapore, Haji Lane has become a haven for thrift shopping enthusiasts. It's a place where you can escape the mainstream and discover unique pieces that tell a story. Here are a couple of thrift stores we visited!
Vintage Wknd
Without a doubt, Vintage Wknd a standout among the thrift stores in Haji Lane. With its retro aesthetic and unconventional pieces, it has become a staple in Singapore's fashion scene, celebrating diversity and individuality.
What sets Vintage Wknd apart is their commitment to refurbishing pieces. They breathe new life into leftover textiles from fast fashion items—taking a significant step towards a more eco-friendly fashion industry. Since 2015, the brand has managed to save over 50,000 tonnes of textile waste. This amazing achievement further highlights the sheer significance thrifting holds in relation to the environment.
Don't forget to capture some Instagram-worthy moments while you're there! Vintage Wknd offers some cool photo spots that will add a touch of nostalgia to your feed.
Goodluck Bunch
Next, we have Goodluck Bunch, a store that curates hidden gems from all around the world. From countries such as Germany and Japan, they bring together a collection of unique finds that you won't find anywhere else.
At first glance, the store may not have the flashiest interior. However, it exudes a certain charm with its warm lighting and stylish ornaments hanging from the walls. It's a place where you can relax and immerse yourself in the experience.
Goodluck Bunch specializes in streetwear and basics, offering a selection of clothes that cater to those who appreciate a more laid-back style. And if you're in need of practical accessories like tote bags, hats, or even fragrances, they've got you covered! It's a place where you can easily put together a complete look.
Remember to keep an eye out for their ginger cat! It’s a delightful surprise to stumble upon this furry friend, peacefully enjoying the cool weather outside. It adds a touch of coziness to the whole experience.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience visiting these thrift stores. After all, thrift shopping is an avenue where you can embrace sustainability and discover hidden treasures that reflect your unique style. If you’re looking to partake in it, enjoy the journey!
photobooths
With the advent of photobooths, Haji Lane has become one of Gen Z’s go-to places due to its wide plethora of choices. If you are new to photobooths— sit back, relax and join us on this journey!
Step 1: Choose your photobooth
From low-angle, high-angle, fish-eye angle, classic angle, viral elevator-themed photo booth and denim-themed photobooth — the list goes on and on. Here’s some of the must-try photobooths we have picked out:
Solace Studios: Solace Studios is the biggest photo booth studio in Singapore, and perhaps the one that really started it all. With a total of 9 rooms spanned over 2 levels, you get to try classic-themed rooms with different coloured backgrounds, low angle rooms, and fisheye lens rooms with a checkered and elevator theme.
One Click Studio: With the iconic wide-angle shot and the cutest frames, One Click Studio is sure to offer an experience like none other.
Pic Up: Famed for its iconic 0.5 angle coupled with blue, red or yellow backgrounds, we chose this!
Step 2: Choose your props while waiting
There’s normally a queue at each shop but once you are done picking your props, it would probably be your turn next. The props offered at each store depends on their respective vibes but they generally can be categorized into 2 types — cute and y2k! The cute props include teletubby head, sanrio headbands, birthday glasses and more while the y2k props often include fake guns, digital cameras, headphones and retro glasses.
Step 3: Choose your room (and decide on your poses)
Each shop would offer rooms that differ by background (colour/theme) or camera angle (high angle, low-angle, classic, fish-eye). Take your pick and you might want to decide on your poses as there would be a timer once you enter the booth.
Step 4: Choose the layout and pay
You can pay by cash or through digital payment!
Step 5: Take your pictures
There will be a timer shown on the screen for each shot, so make sure to switch fast!
Step 6: Select your pictures to print
Out of 6 tries, choose 2 or 4 (depending on the layout you choose) to include in your final photobooth strip.
Step 7: Scan the QR code to get the digital copies(or send a picture of the QR codes to the group chat)
On top of the physical copies, you will get digital copies of the pictures and video as well!
If you are on a budget, don’t worry as there are plenty of free photo spots around haji lane — such as the mirror in front of the photobooth shops or aesthetic mirrors and television pictures at thrift shops!
Haji Lane can be confusing for first-timers to navigate, but we hope that with our guide, each and every one of you can have a delightful experience there! Regardless of what you prefer, we believe that everyone can find something they enjoy here, whether it be irresistible pastries, or the opportunity to take fun photos with a few of your closest friends. What are you waiting for? Come visit this fascinating street now!
Written by: Shervonn Tan (EJC 23-E6), Lee Chin Yi (EJC 23-E4), Sophie Ho (EJC 23-E3), Jil-lene (HCI), Zea-Ra (HCI)
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