Despite commercial pressures and falling readership, many of Singapore’s independent bookstores have managed not just to survive, but thrive. And whilst several larger chain stores have veered towards becoming lifestyle goods purveyors, many smaller operations have steadfastly held onto their niches, curating unique collections and cultivating a dedicated community of readers. So, from specialists in local literature to Korean picture books, here are four of Singapore’s most interesting independent bookstores.
Book Bar
Founded by an alum of Singaporean publisher Epigram, Book Bar focuses on local literature, as well as a curation of books by international Asian authors. It also has a coffee shop and bar area in the back that serves drinks and snacks that customers can enjoy whilst perusing their latest purchases.
57 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089521
Book Bar’s strong social media presence also draws a steady flow of bibliophiles to the store’s diverse programming of author events. These have included readings by Rachel Heng, author of The Great Reclamation (a sweeping narrative set in Singapore as it moves through British colonialism, World War II, and beyond) and June CL Tan, author of wuxia (a Chinese fiction genre covering the adventures of martial artists in ancient China) and anime-inspired contemporary fantasy novels Jade Fire Gold and Darker by Four.
bommoi
Singapore’s love affair with the K-wave continues with this quaint little Korean bookstore-cum-café on Armenian Street. Opened by a Korean-American mother of two small children, bommoi focuses mainly on Korean titles – particularly adorably illustrated children’s picture books – along with a small selection of Korean books with English translations, such as travel guides and educational books.
50 Armenian St, Singapore 179938
It makes for a nice stop even if you don’t speak a word of Korean, thanks to its minimalist hanok-style aesthetic and cosy café that serves a wide variety of teas from Korean brands Altdif and Chasigan, refreshing tea sodas, and petite desserts like yakgwa (traditional Korean honey cookies). Little ones are also welcome to browse their newest picture book whilst enjoying Korean snacks such as Haitai crackers and Crown chocolate cream cookies.
Wardah Books
Tucked between bustling tchotchke vendors, Mediterranean restaurants, and the landmark Masjid Sultan, Wardah Books is a welcome refuge from Bussorah Street’s hordes of tourists. It’s a tranquil, double-storey space specialising in English language books on Islam with cosy seating areas for shoppers to get stuck into their new purchases. And there are many to choose from; since it was founded in 2002, the store has steadily amassed over 4,000 titles that span the arts, philosophy, Quranic studies, fiction, and children’s books.
58 Bussorah St, Singapore 199474
Recent new arrivals include books of verses by famed poet Rumi, Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So (a poignant children’s book about the meaning of the Arabic word for life’s uncertainties), and wellness-focused titles like Nishat Samiha Chowdhury’s A Recipe for Faith and Wellbeing, a practical guide to achieving healthy, nutritious eating through the guidance of core Islamic principles.
City Book Room
Talk about hidden – this Chinese literature-focused indie bookstore isn’t something you can just stroll into off the street. Instead, it’s cloistered in a residential unit in Joo Chiat called the Modules – you’ll have to press the intercom so the staff can buzz you in – making it a bit of an IYKYK-type affair. It’s a labour of love by bookstore veteran Chen Wanjing, who once memorably declared that ‘a bookshop should have its own taste and style,’ and has held fast to her raison d’être of focusing on local Chinese literature, history, social commentary, and other quality humanities readings.
387 Joo Chiat Rd, #03-02 The Modules, Singapore 427623
If you don’t read Chinese, you’ll also find a small selection of thought-provoking English titles, like Art Studio, a translated version of Yeng Pway Ngon’s stirring novel about a group of artists in 1980s Singapore contending with the art and politics of the time. You’ll also find the poetry of Alfian Sa’at and Air Conditioned Nation Revisited by academic Cherian George, which examines George’s groundbreaking observations on Singapore’s unique blend of comfort and control.
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