This Cafe Looks Like A HDB Estate, Has Drunken Clam Pasta And Kaya Latte

Lou Shang is a HDB-themed cafe bar along Prinsep Street

Image credit: @saltyaaron

While the above image may look like the corridor of a HDB estate, it’s actually a cafe-bar by the people behind speakeasy bar Mama Diam. Lou Shang 楼上, meaning upstairs in Chinese, is its name.

A few years ago, Lou Shang’s HDB-themed interior drew some controversy. There’s an interpretation that this is a form of class appropriation, where the lived realities of working-class Singaporeans are commodified. Still, one can also think of Lou Shang as a homage to the true-blue heartlands with its decor—it depends on how you look at it.

Image credit: @saltyaaron

If you’re keen on checking the place out, you’ll need to access it via a hidden elevator within Mama Diam. Take the lift up and you’ll find yourself there.

Image credit: Lou Shang 楼上

The cafe-bar offers an interesting range of food and drinks. When it comes to food, there are exciting fusion dishes such as Drunken Dashi Clam Broth ($20.90++), Dry Laksa Supreme Aglio Olio ($22.90++) and more. There are also interesting sides, too, such as Tom Yam Calamari ($14.90++) and Golden Lava Fries ($13.90++).

Image credit: Lou Shang 楼上

There are also eye-catching desserts, such as the Tutu Kueh ($14.90++), which is a cake version of the traditional snack. Its exterior is made out of fluffy meringue, and its interior features aromatic shredded coconut.

Image credit: Lou Shang 楼上

Drinks-wise, there are creations such as Bak Kut Teh Coffee ($7) and Pandan Kaya Latte ($6.50++), which sees latte infused with notes of pandan kaya.

For a new retro-inspired cafe with moonlight hor fun and coconut coffee, read our Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe review. For a minimalist cafe in Tanjong Pagar with Korean-inspired pastries, check out our Snap Cafe review.

Address: 38 Prinsep Street, #02-02, Singapore 188665
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 8714 0012
Website
Lou Shang is not a halal-certified eatery.

Feature image adapted from @saltyaaron and 楼上.

Enze Kay

Enze is a Singapore-based food writer with over five years of experience, having written for the first iteration of HungryGoWhere before joining Eatbook. He enjoys noodle dishes from around the world, but local classics such as bak chor mee, wonton mee, and hokkien mee hold a special place in his heart.