Singapore’s buzziest lifestyle destination, New Bahru, is expanding with 15 new food and retail tenants set to open across its Factory Block and School Block by the end of May 2026. The rollout includes a curated food court, an izakaya-style dumpling concept, the Southeast Asian debut of Japanese label Beams, and a rotating pop-up platform, all with a sharp focus on homegrown brands.
The New Food Court: Five Kiosks and 14 Beer Taps
On the second floor of the Factory Block, a 150-seat food court anchors the expansion. Five stalls surround a central bar, Orh Gao Peh Gao, which brings 14 craft beer taps sourced from local breweries. Manager Darien called the move from Serene Centre a “reset” that allows the brand to reach a new demographic. Offerings include kaya toast sets from $5.50 and crab fried rice for $16.
Adjacent, Kios Minang reimagines the 40-year-old Indonesian heritage brand as an express nasi padang kiosk. Second-generation owner Ariff Zin said the menu—priced from $12—aims to shift perceptions of the cuisine from an older crowd to a younger generation. A new Padang wrap ($12) uses less oil and rice for health-conscious diners.
Next door, Kulon, a Bali Lane favourite known for contemporary Indonesian noodles (from $8.90), introduces more sharing plates. Co-founder Haris said the New Bahru outlet is designed for social dining. Laifaba, known for wood-fired roast meats, offers hearty rice bowls and artisanal noodles from $12.80, featuring bold cuts like dry-aged duck.
The food court sits between hawker and casual-dining price points. Vendors emphasized a community spirit, with familiar faces and warm service.
Dumpling Darlings Goes Izakaya
On the ground floor, cult dumpling spot Dumpling Darlings opens a standalone space with an extended small-plates menu in collaboration with Mustard Seed. Co-founder June described the izakaya-style vibe, with dishes such as agedashi prawn tofu ($10) and nasi ulam ($11). “We’re excited to be surrounded by other creative Singaporean brands we personally patronise,” she said.
Retail: Beams Arrives, Local Brands Test New Formats
At ground level, Beams opens its first Southeast Asian store. The Japanese select shop carries a curated mix of menswear, womenswear, kids, and lifestyle goods from its in-house labels. Across the hall, Stacked Store debuts a flagship retail concept—a living-room-style space reimagining home shopping with designer-led goods from artists like Jean Julien and Danish brand Hay.
School Block: Rotating Pop-Ups and Sound Healing
In the School Block, Store Store serves as a rotating pop-up platform. The first edition features Atlas Kind, a contemporary fashion brand focused on responsible practices, and Source, a modular apparel line opening its first physical space. Founder Hannah of Atlas Kind noted the mix of locals and tourists exploring. Source’s Vincent said the pop-up allows customers to feel fabrics and understand construction.
Rounding out the block, Future Resonance brings light, sound, and vibration therapy to an urban setting. Visitors move through warm, analogue Solar spaces and tech-led Lunar environments. The studio evolved from eight years at Pyramids of Chi in Ubud, Bali, and offers Sound Healing journeys and LSV immersions designed for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike.
A Testing Ground for Homegrown Creativity
What emerges from the expansion is a pattern: nearly every tenant is reimagining a heritage format, evolving from a previous location, or opening their first physical space. New Bahru’s refresh feels like a creative laboratory where local brands can experiment—a model that prioritises Singaporean names over the usual international anchors.
Where to Find Them
Factory Block (Level 1 standalone):
- Dumpling Darlings – #01-07
- Parlour Gelato – #01-01
- Beams – #01-03
- Stacked Store – #01-06
- VEJA (pop-up) – #01-02
- YETI (pop-up) – #01-05
Factory Block (Level 2 Food Court):
- Fico (pop-up) – #02-04
- Kios Minang – #02-05
- Kulon – #02-06
- Laifaba – #02-03
- Sushiro – #02-01
- Orh Gao Peh Gao – #02-02
School Block:
- Store Store (Atlas Kind / Source pop-ups) – #02-06
- Future Resonance – #04-03
All 15 tenants open by end of May 2026. Follow New Bahru on Instagram for updates.