More Unique Finds in Chinatown Singapore: Herbal bubble tea (Amacha), Birkenstock concept store & affordable ramen (Uma Haus)
- Grace
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Chinatown may be best known for its bustling markets, red lanterns, and the occasional touristy trap, but if you take the time to wander off the main drag, there’s a treasure trove of hidden steals and unique finds tucked between its oriental shophouses and winding streets.
I roped in my fellow food enthusiast (and reliable partner-in-adventure), Ann, to join me on a little exploration. Our mission? To uncover special spots that deserve more than just a passing glance... places that spark curiosity, feed the senses, and remind us why Singapore’s Chinatown remains fascinating.
First stop: AMACHA, Herbal BBT!
Our first stop was AMACHA, right at the mouth of the Chinatown MRT exit, right next to the Heritage Centre. On paper, “herbal/TCM bubble tea” sounds like the kind of thing you might secretly cringe at. I half-expected an old, cauldron-like apothecary filled with jars and a strong medicinal smell. But seeing as it's well-raved about on TikTok, I did have to go try it for myself.
I wasn’t entirely wrong. It was a little cauldron-y. But the surprise came in how beautifully modern the space was. The shophouse skylights allowed natural light to spill in, creating a warm, airy ambience that softened the idea of “herbal remedies” into something stylish and inviting.
Don't get me wrong, the place was jammed packed with walk-ins and online orders, but when you wander into the heart of their seating area, it has a serenity that's a complete contrast from the bustling outside.
Ann went for Ethereal Beauty ($7.90, M size) while I ordered the signature Grandma’s Remedy ($5.90, M size) and let’s just say we were both instantly converted (no cap). The drinks were fantastic and far from the "herbal-ly/medicinal taste" that I had initially feared.
Refreshing... actually delicious, and on top of all that, comforting. It's the kind of drink that makes you rethink all your previous prejudices about TCM brews.
I'd go and grab a cup again if I'm around the area (and that says a lot, coming from someone who doesn't habitually like BBT, hehe).
It also doesn't hurt that they contain these medicinal brownie points (BBT, but make it healthy, amirite)
Second stop: Retail therapy at Birkenstock's Concept Store (oriental style)
After cooling down, we indulged in a bit of retail therapy (as we always do). Our wanderings brought us to what might just be one of Chinatown’s coolest surprises: a three-storey oriental Birkenstock shop.
Think of it as the shoe version of Coach Café: a lifestyle concept store, but with German roots and its own quirky flair. The design is nothing short of enchanting, featuring interactive displays, boards that tell the brand’s history, and even a mini “shoe workshop” showcasing leathers and limited-edition designs.
The space is gorgeously thought-out, with little nooks perfect for mirror selfies and Instagram shots. Even if you’re not a die-hard Birkenstock fan, you’d be charmed by its storytelling, interior design, and explorer vibe. Ann and I couldn’t resist poking our feet around each corner.
Sure, it felt a little odd seeing Birkenstock dressed up in oriental chic, but that’s exactly what made it so fun. Quirky, unexpected, and impossible not to wander through (yes, we took way too many mirror selfies).
Our last stop: Affordable ramen lunch at Uma Haus, in Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre
Exploring is hungry work, so for lunch I linked up with my ex-colleague, Jia Le, for something simple but satisfying. Enter Uma Haus at 335 Smith Street (L2): home to one of the most affordable ramen spots I’ve come across in Singapore.
Here’s the deal: the dry ramen goes for just $3.90, while the signature soup version is only $6.90. That’s almost unheard of in a city where ramen often starts at $15 and up.
The char siew slices are melt-in-your-mouth and absolutely delicious. (Looks-wise, they were also quite unique, resembling smoked duck tbh)
The broth was hearty, the noodles had a good bite, and the toppings weren’t stingy. It’s not a flashy, Michelin-starred experience, but if you’re after comfort food that hits the spot without emptying your wallet, this is the place to go. We also got the scallop mentaiko ($4.90) and they were so plump and juicy. A satisfying quick-fix for ramen lovers if you're around the area!
By the end of our walk, Ann, Jia Le, and I concluded that we loved how Chinatown isn’t just about touristy stalls or the usual food haunts. Between the herbal bubble tea at AMACHA, a surprisingly fun Birkenstock concept store, and ramen that’s both tasty and affordable, the area still has plenty of surprises worth checking out.
So the next time you think of Chinatown as just a tourist stopover, give it another chance.
Wander the side streets, step into shophouses that catch your eye, and you might just find your own hidden gems... just like we did :)
Locations:
AMACHA
Birkenstock, Chinatown Concept Store
Uma Haus
Comments