Singapore is the meeting point of many polar-opposite cultures—but they blend together beautifully in these bastions of literature.
Singapore is the meeting place of multiple cultures and languages and a place that has rapidly transformed in the span of a few decades—all of which is reflected in its rich, diverse literary scene.
Books Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store
Japanese media is popular everywhere—so, it’s little wonder that one of Japan’s biggest chain bookstores made its way to Singapore. The main store of Books Kinokuniya, located in Ngee Ann City, houses loads of books and magazines across various languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, and French.
It also sells a range of other items like stationery and collectibles and is the official retail partner of Studio Ghibli. So, you know, if you’re a fan of any of those movies, there’s a good chance you can snag some merch.
Wardah Books
Wardah Books has been specializing in English-language Islamic literature on a variety of topics for over 20 years. Founded by Ibrahim Tahir, he was inspired by a Muslim judge with a deep faith in his religion who sold Islamic books in between court cases. The name comes from the Arabic word for “rose”—both a common symbol in Sufi poetry and the favorite flower of Tahir’s late mother.
The store’s bright, clean-cut interior and half-moon windows add to the sense of deference given to the subject matter. It’s a must-visit if you want to learn more about this cultural subset.
Book Treasure
For local secondhand shops, you can’t go wrong with Book Treasure. Found in Parklane Shopping Mall, its most notable features are actually the staff who run it. They’re all warm and friendly people, happy to help in your search for your next favorite book.
It might not be easy to find given the books piled a mile high and buried in boxes, but then again, the jungle of books offers its own appeal. Like an untamed Treasure Island, it’s a chance to stumble upon hidden finds that will make you glad you stopped by, with a sizable collection in both English and Chinese.
Littered with Books
Established in 2014, Littered with Books’ architecture is in the style of a conservation shophouse, which means a two-story building with a narrow storefront but quite long when you get inside.
As long and narrow as it is, stepping inside feels like walking into a hallway of books, with polished wooden floors and homey decorations giving it a welcoming feel. Its collection carries a decent mix of both Eastern and Western titles (seemingly entirely in English) across a fairly broad array of genre fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction like history and travel.
Basheer Graphic Books
Basheer Graphic Books focuses on the realm of graphics and design of all sorts: architecture, interior design, graphics, typography, photography, and more. You can even find a few comic books and art books based on anime, movies, and other visual media. The collection is primarily English, with a few Chinese volumes sprinkled throughout.
This long-standing book and magazine seller is the local go-to for design and art needs, particularly for broke design students in need of a discount. It’s especially known for providing rare and independent publications, some sourced from local designers.
Woods in the Books
While Basheer covers all things design, this colorful, independent bookshop focuses specifically on illustrated books, primarily in English with some in simplified Chinese. Most of the books are targeted towards kids, but you’ll find more than just simple picture books. There are also activity books and kits, wooden animals and figurines, gift cards, and more.
Of special note is its “homegrown stories” section (viewable online), promoting stories by local writers and illustrators.
Books Ahoy!
If you head over to Forum the Shopping Mall, you’ll find Books Ahoy! (Exclamation point included.) Created by the same people who founded Woods in the Books, this shop also specializes in children’s literature and includes classics and graphic novels alongside new and niche titles.
This bookshop is immediately recognizable by the colorful and whimsical murals on its storefront windows, drawn by one of the co-owners himself and repainted regularly.
POPULAR Bookstore
This is another bookstore chain—and as the largest one in Singapore, it is indeed as popular as the name implies. It started out selling Chinese picture books a century ago, but is now a fully bilingual store with both Chinese and English texts.
POPULAR has branches in multiple countries; in Singapore, its flagship store is at Bras Basah Complex. In addition to a broad book collection, it sells gadgets, stationery, trinkets, toys, and even snacks.
Grassroots Book Room
For an independent bookstore with a focus on Chinese-language texts, look no further than Grassroots Book Room. That’s not all, though; you can also find a decent chunk of Taiwanese titles, and some English-language books as well.
There’s also a café at the back of the shop, where you can enjoy cakes, coffee, bagels, and other small meal items. Of particular note is a jar of notes for messages from strangers (in both English and Chinese), filled with words of kindness or well-wishing. You can pick up a message when you’re feeling down or leave your own.
Books Beyond Borders
This one is a used bookstore with a mission. For every purchase made, 5% of the sale goes towards scholarship programs for girls in Nepal. It offers two main types of wares: first, books—ranging from novels and comics to self-help books—and second, hand-crafted gift items.
The gift items include totes, stuffed animals, and mobiles; they’re fair trade and made in Nepal. I.e., you don’t have to worry that they were made in a sweatshop somewhere; it’s a decent price for the original artist’s time and skill.
Hook on Books
Sitting pretty in Singapore’s Chinatown is a children’s bookstore called Hook on Books, or 童言童语 in Chinese. As you’ve probably guessed from that introduction, this store’s book collection is entirely in Chinese (specifically Mandarin).
That doesn’t take away from the store’s charm, however. With cute decorations and an array of toys, stationery, CDs, and other items, this bookstore has a lot to offer. There’s even a small café with teas, coffees, and various Chinese treats like honey cake and something labeled on the menu as “Gastrointestinal Scavenger.”
City Book Room
This is probably one of the most literal examples of a “hidden gem” you’ll ever see because it’s quite hard to find. Located on the third floor of a residential building, you’ll need to call the intercom to get in. But the search is definitely worth it; City Book Room has a high-quality assortment of thought-provoking Chinese literature, and a few curated English titles as well.
It’s best known for its rare and out-of-print books, making it one of the best places to go if you want something a more mainstream place is unlikely to have.
The Book Cafe
Need something simple and straightforward? The Book Cafe is exactly what it says on the tin: a café where you’re surrounded by books. With sleek black furniture and walls lined with books in English, guests are free to pluck a few and read while they wait for their meal.
The café offers free wifi and power outlets, making it a great place to work while you eat or just relax with a good book.
The Zall Bookstore
The Zall Bookstore, AKA 卓爾書店, specializes in Chinese and Taiwanese books, offering a huge selection over two stories. You can also find a smaller section of English-language volumes and some cute accessories, all within a beautiful and pristine space.
Honestly, it’s worth a visit just to admire the interior design, which varies from room to room. It’s filled with sleek curving steps and shelves, minimalist arches, and the kind of modern zen arrangement of plant life and art displays you’d expect from an art museum.
Bommoi Bookstore
To end with a bit of a twist, Bommoi is a Korean bookstore with a focus on poetry and picture books, though there are novels and biographies as well. Most of the collection is, naturally, in Korean, but there are also some English-language titles and some books translated from Korean into English.
The interior is almost entirely white, with light-colored wooden tables and shelves. Every corner is touched with Korean culture, whether in the café menu, the subtle decoration, or the distinctive, Korean-style seating.
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Migz
K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
