Planet Plus
Photograph: Planet Plus
Photograph: Planet Plus

How to unleash your inner Barbie in Singapore

Think pink at these vibrant restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and entertainment spots

Cam Khalid
Advertising

Life in plastic is not fantastic. But you know what is? Being pretty in pink à la Barbie! 

Leading up to the release of the highly anticipated Greta Gerwig film starring Margot Robbie as everyone's favourite Mattel doll and Ryan Gosling as Ken, Barbiecore has taken the world by storm. We’re talking Barbie’s signature pink aesthetics and yassified style. 

Jumping on the rose-coloured bandwagon is easy for us here in Singapore. After all, we’ve got plenty of pink eateries, pink shophouses and the most recently celebrated Pink Dot. To celebrate all things Barbie, we’re showing you the best places for crimson cocktails, showstopping cakes, stylish fashion pieces, and a saccharine museum that will make you scream for ice cream. Here’s to being a Barbie girl in a Barbie world!

RECOMMENDED: The best pink cafés and restaurants in Singapore and the best alternative cinemas in Singapore

Where to eat

  • Chinese
  • Geylang

There are six Beauty in the Pot outlets in Singapore, but only one of them reigns supreme in the pink category: Kinex. Reminiscent of the former Insta-famous Millennial pink Gallery restaurant at Sketch in London, the hotpot restaurant is decked with pale pink seats and light fixtures that create a bright, comfortable space. As it says on the tin (or the restaurant), Beauty in the Pot specialises in soup bases that are purportedly good for your skin. With ingredients like red dates and ginseng, the soups are as nourishing as they are delicious. Here’s to keeping us feeling and looking good!

  • Things to do
  • Chinatown

Come and slay at Coach Play Singapore Shophouse. This Keong Saik Road centrepiece is coated in pastel pink and coral, with the iconic Coach logo front and centre. The experiential concept houses three floors of the brand's latest leather goods, as well as the world's first Coach Café. Brunch in style with its all-day breakfast menu such as fluffy pancakes ($16) and avocado toast ($17). Like Barbie and her multiple wardrobe changes, the café transforms into a dessert house with more all-American diner delights come 6pm. Sweeten your evening with hot fudge ice cream sundae or a traditional apple crumble pie. While you’re at it, why not shop for a pink handbag too?

Advertising
  • Cafés
  • Tampines

A feast for the eyes of pink furniture and foliage, this candy floss-hued emporium is a Pinterest board IRL. To amp up the wow factor, the café also has giant teddies in its corners which undoubtedly makes for a cute companion. Relive your Barbie tea party with its gorgeous all-day high tea set (from $56). If you're craving for something savoury, order something from its Asian fusion menu like the confit chicken with sio pak choy and creamy Hainanese risotto ($18.90). Gig Café is also available for events, with food and decor packages tailored according to your needs. "Come on, Barbie. Let's go party", anyone?

Where to drink

  • American
  • Tanjong Pagar
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

While you can’t cash out real money, you most definitely can bank on some comfort food and drinks served at this hidden burger bar. Better known as The Bank, this 80s-inspired, neon-lit American diner is all about the burgers, shakes and craft beers. Take your pick of the signature cheeseburger (from $18.80), the extra-large fried chicken sandwich (from $18), or the grilled portobello burger (from $18). Shake things up with a pink strawberry milkshake ($12.50), or Baileys-flavoured one ($17) if you're feeling naughty. For imbibers, the bar also stocks an impressive 12-beer tap list, pouring esoteric hopbomb IPAs, sour-salty goses and proper heavy stouts.

  • Cocktail bars
  • Novena

Live out your Malibu Barbie dream at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena's poolside bar. Located on level 33, Las Palmas' poolside feature and pink decor take inspiration from Palm Springs and downtown LA. The panoramic view of the city skyline also makes for a stunning backdrop for cocktails with the girlies. Or Ken. Treat yourself to a fruity cocktail like Coachella Dreaming ($28), a creamy blend like Pink Squirrel ($20), or the chocolate-infused sipper L.A. And ladies, get up to 40% off your drink bill when you reserve a spot at its Women-Out Wednesday event.

What to do

  • Attractions
  • Theme parks
  • Tanglin

Indulge in a pink soft serve fantasy at the sister museum of New York City’s iconic Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC). The brainchild of “Millennial Walt Disney” (well, according to New York Magazine) Maryellis Bunn, the playground-meets-art installation features 14 picture-perfect attractions and free-flow ice cream, making it a huge hit with the Instagram and Tik Tok generation. So grab all your Barbie friends (and your very own Midge), and make a quick dive into the largest MOIC Sprinkle Pool ever before treating yourself to the local flavours of pulut hitam ice cream and taro milk tea ice cream sandwich.

  • Things to do
  • Pasir Ris

We've seen those movie stills with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling rollerblading in their neon yellow and pink ensemble as Barbie and Ken. And you can do the same too! Lace up your roller skates and show off your fancy footwork at Singapore’s largest indoor roller skating rink. Hi Roller offers state-of-the-art experiences on both inline and roller skates. Think disco lighting and thumping music – yes, just like Beyoncé’s Blow music video. Don't worry about falling flat on your face. There are inline skating athletes and certified instructors to guide you through your glide and make your roller disco dream come true.

Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Harbourfront

While you explore the corners of Labrador Nature Reserve, make your way to the Berlayer Creek Broadwalk for the Berlayar Beacon. Okay, the striking, brick-red centrepiece looks something out of a Wes Anderson film (Asteroid City is currently in cinemas) but hear us out: it is passable for pink on photos and makes for a stunning backdrop. Pro tip: strike a pose and snap a photo at sunset for that Barbie Malibu vibe.

Where to shop

  • Shopping
  • Fashion
  • City Hall

Don’t just walk past Super Freak’s pink neon sign. Step in and shop the bold offerings of this avant-garde and edgy boutique. A celebration of everything maximalist, it has everything from novelty socks and platform shoes with funky designs to retro-inspired windbreakers and eye-catching dresses. On top of the repertoire of cult brands and local designers, Super Freak also has a corner for pre-loved clothes. We’re sure style icon Barbie will want you to let your freak flag fly.

  • Shopping
  • Fashion
  • Orchard
Love Bonito
Love Bonito

Pink is the word at Love, Bonito. Whether it's the flagship store at ION or the sister stores at VivoCity, Funan, or 313@Somerset, there's always a pop of pink – and we’re not just talking about the clothes either. There are blush-toned fitting rooms and Instagrammable corners for a quick #OOTD. But while we’re at it, let’s talk fashion. The local label’s stylish threads are designed with the everyday modern Asian woman in mind, and made with care, ensuring quality and value. Time for a wardrobe refresher, ladies!

Advertising
  • Shopping
  • Home decor
  • Orchard

Bring your dreamy interior vision to life with bold furniture and quirky homeware from Planet Plus. This pink shopping wonderland has everything you need to turn your sweet digs into something aesthetically thrilling. It also carries unique standout pieces that you won’t even think about such as wavy mirrors, handpainted ceramics, and even a glacier sofa. If all that shopping has gotten you feeling peckish, refuel at the store's dessert corner which serves gelato, cheesecakes and crepes.

More to explore

Advertising
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising