Most people would say that a Starbucks would look out of place in Chinatown, and I’d normally agree. Who would associate a modern café with the historic area anyway? The brand’s typically simple storefronts would clash with the elaborate baroque and Victorian shophouses lining the district, sticking out like a sore minimalist thumb and ruining the rich atmosphere built up over generations. But, what if I told you that a Starbucks in Chinatown does defy all these expectations?
Recently, I attended the grand opening of Starbucks’ 37 Smith Street outlet–the first of its kind in Singapore to be housed within a heritage shophouse. Situated in the heart of Chinatown, just a three-minute walk from its namesake MRT station, this store offers the perfect blend of local heritage and the globally recognised Starbucks experience.
So, from its storefront and interior to its merchandise and menu, come along as I uncover how coffee meets culture in this landmark Starbucks–and why it’s more than just a kopitiam (coffee shop) or café.
Local Delights
Drinks
Black Sesame Oatmilk Coffee Frappuccino with Soy Pudding
Before we begin our exploration of the store, let’s take a quick detour to look at the menu, starting with the Black Sesame Oatmilk Coffee Frappuccino with Soy Pudding.
This unique, indulgent twist on the traditional Chinese black sesame paste dessert is a celebration of flavours, combining the nutty richness of roasted black sesame with coffee or tea. Swirled with ice and milk, layered over a custard-like soy pudding, and finished with a cloud of whipped cream, this beverage offers a multi-layered journey of our local flavours.
Ingredient list aside, what also really stood out to me during my tasting of the Black Sesame Oatmilk Coffee Frappuccino was its subtly grainy texture. It proved to be a pleasant contrast to the otherwise smooth soy pudding, and so for fans of both breakfast classics, this modern fusion is well worth a try.
Yuan Yang Coffee Frappuccino
Following that comforting combo, I tried the Yuan Yang Coffee Frappuccino next–a delicious blend of both worlds containing coffee, toasty hojicha, creamy milk, and chocolate chips before being finished with whipped cream.
While the drink it’s inspired by isn’t exactly a local invention—its origins stem from Hong Kong, after all—this rendition captures the authentic taste that helped make it a beloved favourite here in the little red dot. If you’re looking for a perfectly balanced pick-me-up after a day of sightseeing in Chinatown, this bold treat is the one you’re after.
Bites
Now, as for when you’re feeling peckish, Starbucks has you covered too. Also available exclusively only at 37 Smith Street, come savour the essence of Chinatown with a variety of treats crafted in collaboration with traditional confectionery Old Seng Choong. While I didn’t get to try all of them, here’s nevertheless a quick lightning round of the many I did taste:
First up, it’s a classic slice of Pandan Chiffon Slice. Light and airy as expected, this beloved cake was elevated by the inclusion of gula melaka, a touch I truly appreciated. Plus, if that sounds like something you and your friends or family would devour in a heartbeat, here’s more good news–whole cakes will also be available on a later date, so be sure to get them for your next party or homely get-together.
Next, the tropical Lychee Swiss Roll–a midday snack consisting of a light, fluffy sponge cake filled with lychee bits and sweet fresh cream. With the perfect balance of fruity and floral notes, this sweet treat is the ultimate refresher for a hot summer afternoon or a well-deserved break.
But, if you’d prefer something more creamy, go for the decadent Java Chip Frappuccino Swiss Roll instead–a real delicate slice made with moist chocolate sponge cake filled with velvety Starbucks coffee-infused cream and crunchy chocolate chips. I specifically loved how everything immediately melted in my mouth upon entering it, giving way to an interplay of textures and flavours.
Anyways, no matter which Swiss Roll ends up being your favourite, one thing’s for sure: I’m definitely a fan of the Starbucks Coffee Bolo Bun with Butter. Made with a soft, fluffy bun stacked under a rich, buttery Starbucks coffee-flavoured crust, this already caloric dish also comes with a thick, solid slab of cold butter–and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Unfortunately, if there was one thing I had to criticise about this exclusive selection, it would be that the misleading XL Chicken Char Siew Puff: it doesn’t look very XL to me? Though putting that aside, this flaky, buttery pastry is generously filled with savoury-sweet char siew chicken, especially when you consider its size, delivering the perfect balanced flavour in every bite.
Finally, I wrapped up my tasting session with the Starbucks Coffee Egg Tart–a decadent twist on the standard pastry, featuring a smooth, creamy egg custard infused with rich coffee notes encased within a buttery cookie crust. Recommended for coffee lovers looking for a comfy and complementary treat with their beverage of choice.
But let’s not stop at only what I’ve tasted, especially when there’s so much more to explore at 37 Smith Street. Take the playful Starbucks Gem Icing Cookies, for example, a nostalgic childhood favourite reimagined. Topped with vibrant icing in either pastel pink, green, or yellow, these treats add a playful pop of colour to any snack break–whether you grab one or collect them all.
Meanwhile, if you’re craving something savoury too, why not try the Laksa Mac & Cheese Pie with its rich, coconut-infused kick, or the Nonya Chicken Curry Prata Pie for its bold, spicy comfort. Just know that either way, you’re in for a local delight.
Reimagined Design
Signboard and Pillars
And now that the menu’s been covered, let’s officially start our journey through the grand opening at the entrance of the shophouse, where an electrifying lion dance performance set the stage for General Manager of Starbucks Singapore Patrick Kwok and Mayor of Central Singapore District Denise Phua to jointly unveil the “星巴克” (Starbucks) signboard hanging from its doorway.
Meticulously crafted by Master Calligrapher Yong Cheong Thye and Master Wood-carver Cheh Kai Hon of Yong Gallery, this intricate signboard—a harmonious synergy of Chinese calligraphy and wood carving—will welcome customers alongside traditional plaster moulds of its characters on both entrance pillars, marking the debut of the 星巴克 branding in Singapore previously only seen in China and Taiwan.
Personally, I’d prefer if Starbucks fully committed itself to the traditional design and left out its usual neon sign and iconic siren logo. But then again, those were also the very things that helped me to recognise the store in the first place, so I’d understand why they made the trade-off for aesthetics over practicality. Still, the wooden signboard and plaster moulds look undoubtedly authentic, adding an extra layer of immersion to an already impressively area-accurate building.
Murals
What I think is not down for debate, however, is how stunning the murals adorning the inside and outside by Tiffany Lovage are!
Having spent much of her childhood in Chinatown, Ms. Lovage first brings a touch of her heritage to the outlet’s exterior mural, showcasing a cyclist, skateboarder and even a bullock cart—the very inspiration behind the area’s Chinese name—all journeying past one another against glimpses of the sky and an Eastern building framed by Western windows.
Thus, together with the thick aroma of coffee wafting throughout the scene and its windows, this mural thereby celebrates the connections sparked across cultures and generations with just one hell of a versatile drink: a classic cup of joe.
Moving into the shop’s interior, I first spot the stunning blend of the lush landscapes of Yunnan, featuring koi fish and the Starbucks Siren on the first floor–a meaningful tribute to resilience, elegance, and the region’s vibrant coffee culture, especially since some of Starbucks’ seasonal beans are sourced from there.
After ascending a flight of stairs filled with the heavenly scent of vintage wood, I was instantaneously greeted at the top by the first of three murals on the store’s second floor. This whimsical coffee-inspired scene also pays tribute to Yunnan’s distinctive flavour profiles through a depiction of herbs, spices, and most strikingly, a soaring phoenix–a symbol of renewal and the richness of its coffee culture.
Continuing my exploration, I was drawn to the next mural on my left in the dining room, where various coffee brewing methods are artfully presented against a set of Chinese porcelain-inspired art, giving the otherwise plain wall a sense of texture and a splash of colour.
Finally, though this final work is neither a mural nor a piece made by Ms. Lovage, I just couldn’t leave it out–a sweeping landscape depicting a majestic mountain range, made all the more ethereal with a cloud weaving around its misty peaks. While all the other murals are lovingly lively, this painting might just be my favourite, owing to how simple yet serene its composition is.
Seating
And since I’m on the second floor, let’s talk about its seating options first. Here, the group booths take inspiration from traditional void deck chess set-ups, offering a nostalgic nod to community spaces and shared moments of connection. However, no worries if you’re too paiseh (embarrassed) to take up so much space–this floor also offers two-seaters by the windows, complete with a great view of Smith Street and the towering People’s Park Complex to boot.
Descending back to the first floor, I found the same harmonious balance of traditional, youthful, and contemporary colour tones present upstairs, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere throughout the building. Specifically, one small detail I noticed on both stories was the use of tile mosaics beneath the store’s tables and merchandise pillar stands–more subtle yet meaningful nods to the old-school style of our void decks.
In a time when these familiar designs are quietly fading from our HDBs, seeing them here offered a nostalgic sense of comfort, one that reminded me to connect with others not only through a shared love of coffee but also community as well.
Retail Space and Merchandise
Speaking of merchandise, I headed to the outlet’s retail space next, where the thoughtful design of its interior carried over seamlessly into its contents. Another first for the company, this dedicated area with an inviting, earthy colour palette showcases an exclusive lineup of merch in collaboration with local artists, among other limited-edition goodies.
Plus, it’s Instagrammable too: a life-sized Merlion Bearista welcomes visitors to the store, providing an exciting photo opportunity and a symbol of Starbucks’ commitment to crafting immersive brand experiences.
Lee Jun Le’s JunLeFont Collection
At the heart of this local collection lies the inspiring story of Singapore artist Lee Jun Le, affectionately known as Lele (樂樂), who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
Despite struggling with verbal communication and talking to others, Lele instead finds solace in the daily ritual of transcribing the Heart Sutra. which led to the unexpected creation of his own “Junlefont.” A calligraphy full of unconventional and spirited strokes imbued with an innocent charm, Lele’s work reminds us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds in all its imperfections.
To honour his artistry, Starbucks has launched an exclusive collection that thoughtfully incorporates Junlefont across a range of drinkware and lifestyle essentials. From mugs and tumblers to a tote bag, pouch, and chopsticks set, each piece embodies storytelling, tradition, and craftsmanship—symbolising both Lele’s journey and Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.
More than just a collection, this collaboration is a celebration of perseverance, passion, and the
power of art to shape meaningful narratives. Just as every stroke in JunLeFont’s design carries meaning, every cup at Starbucks is an invitation to savour the moment, find joy in the little things, and connect over shared traditions.
PS: See how many “Le” (樂) characters you can spot throughout the collection! Besides forming part of Jun Le’s name, the character also symbolises joy, happiness, and celebration–all values that resonate deeply with Starbucks’ mission to create uplifting experiences.
WHENIWASFOUR’s Local Destination Collection
That’s not all the retail space offers. Next, I took a trip down memory lane with the Local Destination collection by WHENIWASFOUR–an exclusive collaboration that blends its signature nostalgic charm with even more Starbucks drinkware and lifestyle essentials, creating a myriad of products imbued with the essence of Singaporean culture.
A beloved local design studio, WHENIWASFOUR is known for crafting products that seamlessly marry contemporary design with nostalgia, drawing inspiration from local traditions, everyday life, and modern-day influences. Their work has been embraced by design enthusiasts worldwide, and collaborations with big brands have propelled their unique creations into both local and global limelight.
By featuring vibrant patterns, iconic landmarks, and beloved cultural symbols, every piece of this special collaboration pays tribute to Singapore by telling a story, bringing the spirit of the city into homes around the world. Whether you’re a local like me or a visitor captivated by Singapore’s charm, these limited-edition items let you experience the Lion City’s essence with every Starbucks moment, making it the perfect keepsake for everyone.
Starbucks’ Lion Dance Series
Last but not least, remember the lion dance I mentioned earlier? If you missed the performance, don’t worry: you too can still celebrate the grace and energy of this time-honoured tradition with Starbucks’ Lion Dance Series–a vibrant extension of the Grand Opening festivities on 37 Smith Street.
Intricately designed and infused with Singapore-exclusive elements, this special edition collection brings a fresh wave of prosperity and festive charm. Highlights include a Singapore-exclusive Bearista plush and keychain both dressed in an adorable lion dance costume, making them the perfect keepsakes to carry the spirit of the season beyond the celebrations.
Plus, embrace the heart of Chinatown with the Samsui Bearista Plush Keychain–a tribute to the iconic hard workers. Dressed in traditional attire with a charming clog charm, this unique souvenir captures Chinatown’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit, offering a slice of our timeless history.
This collection, along with all of the others mentioned above, is only available exclusively in-store on 37 Smith Street, so get them while stocks last!
So, what are you waiting for? If any of these details or dishes have piqued your interest, make a trip over to Starbucks’ 37 Smith Street outlet today!
📍Location: 37 Smith St, #01-01 & #02-01, Singapore 058950
⏰Time:
- Sunday to Thursday: 7:30am to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 7:30am to 11pm
Additionally, for more updates on weekly launches and Starbucks Rewards Member exclusives, do follow and stay tuned to Starbucks on their Instagram and Facebook. Plus, if you haven’t already, check out the list of Starbucks articles we’ve written covering the brand’s latest updates! With that said, I’m off to continue enjoying my relaxing coffee break here in Chinatown. Catch you later!
Photos by Kristen Ong of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Starbucks Singapore.
