Chinatown’s Charming Starbucks: Pastel Walls, Local Flavours, and Heritage Vibes

#summervacay Tucked along Smith Street in Chinatown, Singapore’s most distinctive Starbucks outlet feels worlds apart from the usual glass-and-metal storefronts. Housed in a restored two-storey heritage shophouse, the building catches your eye immediately with its soft pastel palette—peachy pinks, lavender, and mint green—offering a modern yet respectful nod to traditional Chinese architecture. This uniquely local Starbucks isn’t just about looks. The store name above the door is written in Chinese calligraphy, crafted by master calligrapher Yong Cheong Thye, while intricate wooden carvings at the entrance were created by artisan Cheh Kai Hon. These small but meaningful details reflect the heart of Chinatown, where old trades and heritage are still celebrated in quiet corners. A large outdoor mural by local illustrator Tiffany Lovage wraps around the exterior walls. It blends nostalgic scenes like bullock carts carrying coffee cherries with glimpses of modern-day Chinatown, showing how tradition and contemporary culture continue to intertwine. It’s the kind of artwork that makes you pause—even if you were just walking past for a quick drink. Inside, the store’s ground floor offers exclusive merchandise you won’t find elsewhere. Think mugs and tumblers with Chinese calligraphy, limited edition tote bags designed by local creative studios like JunleFont and WHENIWASFOUR, and an adorable Merlion Bearista plush toy that’s quickly become a photo favorite. Climb the stairs to the second floor and you’ll find a cozy seating area designed to evoke Singapore’s void decks and community spaces. Rounded booths and long communal tables create a comfortable spot for lingering. Mosaic tiles, vintage ceiling fans, and sunlight pouring through wooden shutters make it feel more like a nostalgic reading room than a coffee chain outlet.