You might have noticed the beautiful row of shophouses from 292-310 Balestier Road, which are sitting opposite to the Balestier Point. They were built in 1926 by a female developer named Madam Sim Cheng Neo. You are able to see the Chinese inscription “Sim Kwong Ho”.

Though these shophouses have been slated conservation status, the existing trades and business cannot fully reciprocate the true nature of the architecture. Value Hotel Nice took over 302 Balestier Rd as budget hotel, while other shops operating as sanitary fitting and wares, interior design, and F&B.
I …

Walking along the Kim Keat Road gives me a sense of nostalgia and laid back feel. The stretch of shophouses is made up of mix of two to 4 storey heights. They are of the more latter construction, and do not carry much of colonial influence in the design. A couple of units are not well taken care of, and they need face lifting.
 

Turning towards the Kim Keat Lane, you would see Fayidha Restaurant. It is a 24 hours shop serving Indian and Indian-Muslim food. I had the roti prata …

If one mentions of Balestier, many people will think of its famous Tau Sar Piah. From the Thomson Road leading to Balestier, you will be seeing a number of Tau Sar Piah shops selling this traditional pastry. Sometimes you could be seeing drivers taking risk for parking illegal along the side of the shops to buy the famous Balestier Tau Sar Piah, since it is simply not convenient for the customers to park else place and walk over to the shops for purchase.

Loong Fatt at No 639 is said to be the first …

I believe that you must have tried the Rochor Beancurb from Balestier Road. Situated at 432 Balestier Road, #01-436 Public Mansion, it is just beside the Mutton Soup Steambot which is famous for its food.

Rochor Beancurd House is popular. There may be much more the history and originality of the Rochor Beancurb business. However the food tasting good is much more important to me. I love the beancurd dearly for it is just so smooth and melts in your month. I always go for the traditional beancurb with You Tiao …

Balestier Market used to be known as the Or Kio Market. It means a black bridge in Hokkien, as there was this black bridge along Whampoa River that connected Ah Hood road (off Balestier Road) to Lorong 8 Toa Payoh thus giving rise to the name.
After the recent revamp, Balestier Market turns to be 24 hours operated. Today it may not be as bustling and crowded as the Whampoa market. It still has some good food around if you hang out long enough.

Today I tried out the Hokkien dish Lor Mee from this …

Balestier is famous for its many Bak Kuh Teh stalls. Today we went to the 333 Bak Kuh Teh just located behind a bus stop. As the name suggests, it is located at 333, Balestier Road.
Personally I prefer the Hokkien Bak Kuh Teh which is darker in the soup color, which is prepared by Chinese herbs. I believe all the Bak Kuh Teh stalls in Balestier serve the Teochew type. Teochew Bak Kuh Teh is a clear type with garlic and white PEPPER.
The 333 Bak Kuh Teh shop is operated …