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Source : https://geediting.com/gen-people-wh...sugar-often-share-these-9-personality-traits/ Below are nine personality traits that tend to surface, again and again, in people who take their coffee neat. 1. A minimalist streak Black-coffee people rarely complicate things. They want the core experience, unembellished, whether that’s caffeine or a life philosophy. Drinkers who eschew add-ons describe themselves as valuing “simplicity” and “efficiency,” in contrast to latte lovers, who gravitate toward comfort and indulgence. Minimalism isn’t only an aesthetic choice—it’s a cognitive one. Decision-making fatigue drops when we trim excess options, a point that cognitive-load studies reinforce. Choosing the plainest drink on the menu is an everyday rehearsal of that principle. 2. High conscientiousness and self-discipline A 2024 review in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews found modest but significant genetic overlap between habitual caffeine use and the Big Five trait of conscientiousness. In other words, the same neural wiring that keeps someone organized, punctual, and goal-oriented nudges them toward a reliable stimulant like black coffee—and helps them stick to it without the “treat yourself” sugar spiral. This makes intuitive sense: disciplined people appreciate rituals that boost focus without hidden variables (extra calories, unpredictable sugar crashes). They drink their coffee the way they plan their calendars—clean and to the point. 3. Ambition with a dash of stubbornness Barista culture jokes that long-black regulars are still “working at their laptops long after the caramel-latte crowd has left.” It’s half a joke and half a reliable observation. Consumer-psychology profiling shows black-coffee fans score higher on ambition and persistence scales than those who order sweeter beverages. The bitterness itself may reinforce that mindset. Accepting an initially harsh taste, then feeling the payoff of alertness, mirrors any challenging goal: delay gratification now, reap results later. 4. Comfortable with (a little) bitterness—outer and inner The most headline-grabbing study on black-coffee drinkers came out of the University of Innsbruck. Researchers asked more than 1,000 adults to rate their taste preferences and complete personality inventories. A stronger liking for bitter flavors—black coffee, in particular—correlated with higher scores on everyday sadism and subclinical psychopathy. Important caveat: correlation isn’t destiny. The effect sizes were small, and enjoying espresso doesn’t make you a movie villain. What the data does suggest is that black-coffee people are comfortable confronting harsher sensory experiences—an ability that can translate into mental toughness or, when paired with other factors, emotional coldness. Think of it as a taste-bud litmus test for how readily we face (or even relish) life’s sharper edges. 5. Health-conscious and calorie-aware Nutrition research keeps piling up: moderate coffee intake (three to four cups a day) is linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, benefits attributed in part to coffee’s polyphenols and magnesium. Black-coffee drinkers reap those perks without the downside of added sugar or cream. Not surprisingly, dietitians interviewed in mainstream coverage stress that the healthiest cup is the one left unadulterated. Choosing zero-sugar coffee is therefore a small, consistent signal of nutritional mindfulness. The same mindset often shows up in other domains—reading labels, tracking macros, or at least asking, “Is this extra spoonful worth it?” 6. Independent thinkers Every era has a prevailing coffee trend—pumpkin-spice lattes, nitro cold brew, rainbow frappés. Black coffee stays immune to the hype. Choosing zero-sugar coffee is therefore a small, consistent signal of nutritional mindfulness. The same mindset often shows up in other domains—reading labels, tracking macros, or at least asking, “Is this extra spoonful worth it?” Market analysts note that minimal-additive drinkers report feeling less influenced by social media fads and more by their own sensory judgment. Psychologists call this trait “internal locus of evaluation.” Instead of outsourcing choices to the crowd, these individuals ask, “Does this work for me?” If that means walking past a ten-ingredient specialty menu to reach the drip-brewed house batch, so be it. 7. Emotionally self-regulating Caffeine is a psychoactive drug, and its acute effects on mood—heightened alertness, reduced perception of effort, even mild euphoria—are well documented. A 2024 synthesis of coffee-and-emotion studies concluded that regular intake helps most people maintain a stable, engaged mood across demanding workdays. Black-coffee drinkers rely on that straight chemical handshake, uncontaminated by sugar’s boom-and-bust glycemic roller-coaster. In mindfulness terms, they fine-tune arousal levels with precision, not indulgence. Over time, this cultivated self-regulation spills into broader emotional life: staying calmer in meetings, rebounding faster from setbacks, and pacing energy over marathon work sessions. 8. Sensation seekers—within limits Research on caffeine use and sensation-seeking paints a nuanced picture. One dissertation tracking 300 adults found that higher caffeine intake predicted moderate sensation seeking—enough to chase novelty but not enough to tip into reckless behavior. Black coffee fits that profile perfectly. It’s a sensory kick—aroma, heat, bitterness—yet socially acceptable and easily dosed. People who favor it often hunt for other “clean” thrills: trail-running at dawn, deep-focus coding sprints, spontaneous weekend trips that still end with them back at their desks Monday morning. 9. Heightened environmental (and ethical) awareness One quiet reason many people keep their coffee “naked” is that they genuinely care about the footprint behind each cup. Milk production, flavored-syrup bottling, and single-use creamers all add water, carbon, and plastic to the supply chain. Life-cycle analyses show that a plain 8-oz pour-over has the lowest per-serving carbon load of any café option—roughly half that of a large, milk-heavy latte. Social-impact surveys back this up: the same consumers who skip sugar and dairy are more likely to buy Fair-Trade beans, bring a reusable tumbler, or ask about a shop’s composting policy. In psychological terms, they score higher on “biospheric values”—a concern for the planet that guides everyday choices. By stripping the drink to its essence, they minimize waste and sidestep ethical gray zones (factory-farmed dairy, excess packaging, exploitative flavor-additive supply chains). Agreed or not?

Male Ozempic users claim weight-loss drug increasing penis size

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKVsusWxhOh/

M'sian man, 57, loses S$48,784 to 'wealthy Hong Kong woman' looking to get pregnant 'naturally' He only realised he might have been scammed after he was left penniless. In February 2025, a 57-year-old Malaysian man came across an online advertisement supposedly put up by a "wealthy married woman from Hong Kong", who was looking to buy sperm for HK$2 million (S$328,164) to get pregnant. Later on, the "woman" also apparently told the man, surnamed Chen (transliteration), that she would visit Malaysia for three months and that he would get paid if he impregnated her, reported China Press. When Chen asked her why the "woman" chose him in particular, the woman allegedly complimented him, causing him to fall deeper for her spiel. As a result, even though Chen had never met the "woman" in person or heard her voice, he transferred his lifetime savings of RM161,000 (S$48,784) to three different bank accounts she provided. It was only when the "woman" asked Chen to transfer another sum of RM79,000 (S$23,937) that he realised he might have been scammed and lodged a police report. Hoping to prevent others from falling for scams like him, Chen publicised his ordeal at a press conference in Malaysia on Jun. 5. 'Woman' asked for Chen's details At the press conference, Chen shared that after he came in contact with the woman, they began to converse on WhatsApp, reported China Press. According to screenshots of the conversation provided by Chen, the "woman" appeared to be the first to introduce herself. In one of the screenshots, she could be seen writing in simplified Chinese: "I am from Hong Kong. I am 36 and a married woman. I am 168cm tall and weigh 52kg. I own a beauty salon. I like nature, beaches, hitting the gym, reading, and travelling." Hong Kong uses traditional Chinese. Image via China Press The "woman" also shared photos she claimed to be of herself and asked Chen to introduce himself, including his marriage status and whether he was living with his family. In response, Chen told her that he was a retiree who was single at the moment, but he might be getting married around March or April 2025. 'Woman' hoped to conceive naturally At one point during their conversation, the "woman" told Chen that her husband suffered from infertility "due to some special reasons", reported China Press. After discussions with her husband, the "woman" said she wanted to conceive a healthy child "naturally" and asked Chen whether he would be agreeable to such an arrangement. In response, Chen said he was willing to be part of the impregnation process if they could keep it confidential. Should they fail to conceive a child the first time, they could engage in sex on more occasions until the "woman" is pregnant, added Chen. Image via China Press 'Woman' sent lawyer to demand money from Chen Following the agreement, the "woman" sent a man who claimed to be her "lawyer" to liaise with Chen, reported China Press. The "lawyer" subsequently asked Chen to pay a "handling fee" of RM41,000 (S$12,423), which included a registration fee of RM1,000 (S$303), RM10,000 (S$3,030) for the woman's flight fare, and costs for security, which amounted to RM$30,000 (S$9,090). When Chen compiled and transferred the sum in March 2025, his bank froze his account and alerted the police about the transactions. However, Chen insisted on getting his bank account back, and he transferred another sum of RM120,000 (S$36,360) to the "lawyer" later on. According to the "lawyer", this fee would be used to pay the two doctors who would be coming to Malaysia from the United States for a month to help improve Chen's health. Chen left penniless, lodged police report Chen only realised that he might have been scammed after the "lawyer" asked him to transfer another "international bank transfer handling fee" of RM79,000 (S$23,937), reported China Press. As he had already depleted his life savings by the time, Chen did not transfer the amount. At the press conference, Chen lamented that the "woman" rarely responded to his WhatsApp messages, even though he took the initiative to ask about her well-being almost every day. Whenever he asked to video call her or speak to her over the phone, the "woman" would reject him, using pretexts, such as "she was out eating with her friends". "I had never received any payment and never met the woman. It was not until I was penniless that I gave up and reported the case to the police for the second time," recounted Chen. According to a legal advisor at the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Public Service and Complaints Department, the photos provided by the "woman" are suspected to have been misappropriated from the internet. Another lawyer at MCA also asked online users to treat Chen with charity after the press conference, as he had already admitted that he had been scammed due to "a momentary lapse in judgment". Top images via China Press

i cant describe why... but i think u nail it

Look like atb who sell vegetarian food in kopitiam

For me is the one in red heels 👠

https://theindependent.sg/things-are-hard-right-now-family-pays-s4k-month-house-rent-their-mum-even-struggles-to-return-to-the-workforce-after-15-years-being-a-housewife/ seriously pork brain max.... how the fk can pay 4k house rent but cannot just buy a condo?

zz give tips for good skin and underarms for a fee

@Cybertan @classyNfabulous @chamfer @sTiCkY @coffeenut in b4 pinoy @noobmaster talk about period or rendang dont mix with nasi lemak

limpeh havent lecture all u kumgong pappy serfs lately and all u kumgong pappy serfs starting to think of rebelling against ur pappy lords/ladyships just how many times must limpeh lecture all u rebellious kumgong pappy serfs?????????? just how many times, limpeh ask all u rebellious kumgong pappy serfs?????????

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIrgVB9IHuq/?igsh=cGNldWJjNXBlbXI=

Kum gong max. 色字头上一把刀

Mabel

limpeh makes a point of buying this fried chicken when in ipoh use fresh juicy chicken to fry

this ish better den kfc n mc jiji

@Cybertan

@sTiCkY Small mangoes

funny right want charge high rental dont want clamp down unlicensed seller

@ManOfTheHour @noobmaster @coffeenut @sTiCkY @pigpigoink

The piak2 sound sure very loud mmmmm

With six children and three part-time jobs to juggle, Ms Lydia Susiyanti Sukarbi, the 36-year-old sole breadwinner of her household, may not have much. But what she has - compassion, generosity and grit - she gives freely. Three times a week before the crack of dawn, she dishes out free breakfast to underprivileged children who live in her Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood. Ms Lydia, a former school canteen stall vendor, started her Breakfast Buddy initiative in February as she had seen first-hand how some students went without recess so that their younger siblings had money to buy food to eat. Related Story Jun 4, 2025, 01:42pm Woman struck by Grab driver who gave up corporate job, spends $60 a week to stock snacks in car for passengers 9,916 5 2 More related stories "How can we, as neighbours, step up for these kids? I feel I should help to fill this gap," said Ms Lydia, who lives with her family in a two-room Housing Board rental flat. "Breakfast Buddy is more than giving them breakfast. It's to let the children know there are resources for them, and I'm here to share my resources. If it's within my capability, I will give. "I'm like an auntie, mother, teacher to them. And they share many things with me." Ms Lydia juggles two jobs and also runs a home-based bridal business, while her husband stays home to look after their six children, aged between one and 15. She earns about $3,000 a month on average. Her modest means did not stop her from pursuing her "dream" of providing breakfast to children, although she was initially uncertain how long she could keep the initiative going. She said: "I have just enough with three jobs and government subsidies. Though I'm concerned about money myself, I went ahead as I thought: Just do it." Her children are on the Education Ministry's Financial Assistance Scheme, which helps lower-income families with basic schooling expenses. In the first month, she forked out $300 to $400 out of her own pocket to buy breakfast items for the children. She also asked her friends and extended family members if they wanted to pitch in. Through word of mouth, more donors came to donate in cash or kind, such as cereals. Most of the breakfast cost is now covered by donations, she said. More than just breakfast Breakfast starts at 6.30am at the void deck of Block 228A Ang Mo Kio Street 23, where the children gather at tables to eat. Ms Lydia and her partner for the initiative, Ms Halinah Yatim, prepare a variety of cereals, bread with various types of spread such as peanut butter and Nutella, and biscuits. Drinks include hot Milo, milk and juice. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES About 15 children show up each time, she said. They include Aina Adrianna Mohammad Fareez, 11, and her seven-year-old brother, who come three times a week. Their mother, a single mum, works in childcare. Aina, the second eldest of five children, said of the free breakfast: "It fills my stomach. We don't eat much at home, as my mum needs to rush to work (in the morning). "And it has some of my favourite things such as Froot Loops (a type of cereal), Nutella and Milo." PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Ms Halinah, a 52-year-old divorcee, helps Ms Lydia as often as she can with the breakfast initiative, despite her own mobility problems - she has knee and nerve issues. "It makes me happy when I see them eating together and going to school together. They also share with us what they are facing," said Ms Halinah. Using a mobility scooter, it takes her 20 minutes from her two-room rental flat in Ang Mo Kio to reach the breakfast venue. "We ask them what they want (to eat) to make them feel they have the privilege of choosing. That they can choose also brightens their day." She speaks from experience, recalling not being able to afford the food her children - aged 10 to 22 - wanted to eat when they were younger. Three of her four children are now working, easing her financial burden. When Breakfast Buddy first started, Ms Lydia and Ms Halinah served up dishes such as scrambled eggs and hot dog rolls, but were surprised to find that the children did not like such fare. One child told Ms Lydia he always ate sausages at home and wanted something different. So they asked the children what they really wanted. The answer: cereal, especially Froot Loops, and bread with Nutella. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES One issue Ms Lydia faced was the lack of space, given the small size of her two-room flat, to store the food items. So the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO), which was set up to strengthen the Government's partnerships and engagements with Singaporeans, linked her up recently with the People's Association (PA) to secure a storage space at the Teck Ghee Palm View Residents' Network. The SGPO learnt about her efforts through Skillseed, a social enterprise Ms Lydia works at. Skillseed is currently helping Ms Lydia to apply for a community grant to fund the breakfast items, with the SGPO and PA facilitating the process. "Everyone in the community can be a change maker. We are completely inspired by Lydia's spirit of wanting to help others," said an SGPO spokeswoman. "Lydia's Breakfast Buddy initiative is a heartwarming citizen-led, ground-up effort that brings the neighbourhood together, anchored in the spirit of gotong-royong (communal help)," she said. At Skillseed, Ms Lydia is a mentor guide, where she leads learning journeys in her neighbourhood and shares about her life, as well as the experiences and strengths of the rental flat community. Ms Phua Huijia, founding director of Skillseed, said Ms Lydia is paid per trail as a community guide, and earns an hourly rate for mentoring new guides. Ms Lydia also works on an ad hoc basis at social service agency Allkin Singapore, where she organises activities and programmes that bring people together. Her giving nature started early, around the age of 10 or 11, when she would invite children she met while playing home for a meal. The eldest of five, Ms Lydia recalled: "If they looked haggard or looked like they were not well taken care of, I would ask them if they want to eat. And my mum never said no when I asked if we could feed another mouth." She describes her mother, a retired hawker, as her inspiration for compassion and generosity. Ms Lydia said of her growing-up years: "People say, 'oh you don't have enough, then you are poor'. But we don't feel poor. We had just enough, probably less than normal, but that doesn't make us less of a person. I feel that the word poor shouldn't be used to identify or label people. All of us are under-resourced, with time, money and love."

lhl better come clean!

she is well taken care of by PAP no fear

Jaime training her pigu mmmm @ManOfTheHour https://www.instagram.com/p/DKq2arsPIW1/?img_index=1&igsh=MWY5YnlhaW12NW1tcQ==

registering a temple naooooooooooooooooooooo

[SINGAPORE] Once a magnet for nightlife and alfresco dining, Holland Village teemed with diners and bar-goers on weekends. Today, the once-bustling indie enclave faces thinning crowds and shuttered storefronts, in a neighbourhood struggling to find its rhythm. “Holland Village is a forgotten gem,” said Dasmond Gan, owner of V Lounge Bar, which occupies a second-storey unit along Lorong Mambong. “On long weekends, the streets are quiet, with very few customers around. Every business is struggling – there’s no footfall anywhere.” The 60-seat bar reaches full occupancy once or twice weekly but serves just 20 to 30 customers most nights, with Sundays as low as 10. “Holland Village is a forgotten gem. On long weekends, the streets are quiet, with very few customers around. Every business is struggling – there’s no footfall anywhere. ” — Dasmond Gan, owner of V Lounge Bar Month on month, restaurant sales fell 3.7 per cent in April, based on the latest Department of Statistics data. Sales from cafe, food courts and other eating places inched up 0.6 per cent. With dwindling foot traffic, Holland Village businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Convenience store Cheers has closed for good, with a “for lease” sign placed on its doors. Next door, butcher shop Swiss Butchery has shuttered its brick-and-mortar outlet and taken operations online since February. Along Holland Avenue, Sens Dining, a Japanese restaurant serving teppanyaki and omakase, closed in April after its space was repossessed by its landlord. Swiss Butchery shuttered its physical store and has taken operations online since February. PHOTO: CHONG XIN WEI, BT While longstanding establishments – such as British Indian Curry Hut and Wala Wala Cafe Bar – are still holding on, sustained largely by a pool of regulars, their top and bottom lines have taken a hit. Footfall at British Indian Curry Hut has slipped more than 30 per cent since 2019, said general manager Khader Basha Ghouse Basha. Revenue has fallen 37 per cent from pre-pandemic levels. The restaurant sees an average of 1,800 cheques and 500 takeaway receipts per month. Along the same street, Italian restaurant La Nonna logged an 8 per cent year-on-year decline in sales in the first three quarters of 2025, said owner Olivier Dyens. “Our margin was already melting like snow in the sun. Now with lower sales, we are starting to make small losses,” he said. “Our margin was already melting like snow in the sun. Now with lower sales, we are starting to make small losses.” Olivier Dyens, owner of Italian restaurant La Nonna Road closures Road closures in Holland Village have contributed to the revenue slump, tenants said. The neighbourhood’s two main thoroughfares, Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput, are closed every day, with swing gates from 6.30 pm to 2.30 am – introduced in 2002 after the 9/11 terrorist attack. From Dec 3, 2023, the entrance near Holland Village MRT station closes from 6.30 pm to 2.30 am. From Dec 20, 2024, the road closure at the entrance was extended to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, eves and public holidays from 6.30 pm to 2.30 am. A spokesperson from Buona Vista Constituency Office said the time-based road closure for parts of Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput was first introduced in 2002 to enhance safety in popular and high-footfall public areas. Car visitors can park at four locations: One Holland Village basement, Holland Road Shopping Centre basement, Block 10A multi-storey car park and Warna Road open-air lot. “In December 2023, the closure was expanded to cover the broader Holland Village area as part of a broader strategy to enhance its safety. This expansion was supported by on-the-ground consultations with stakeholders,” the spokesperson added. Operators said the road closures have led to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction, as Wala Wala’s owner Stanley Yeo noted. “The overall experience has become less convenient for both customers and delivery partners, and unfortunately, that deters repeat visits,” he added. Takeaways and deliveries, which account for 30 per cent of La Nonna’s sales receipts, fell 30 per cent in the first quarter of this year, said Dyens. Yeo also noted that with the closure of the open-air car park in March this year, the number of available parking lots in Holland Village shrank significantly. “Visitors are finding it more difficult to secure parking, which may be gradually deterring them from coming to the area.” “The open-air carpark closed on Mar 9 to make way for new HDB flats, said the constituency office’s spokesperson, who acknowledged the “new challenges” brought about by the closure.” The open-air carpark closed on Mar 9 to make way for new Housing and Development Board flats, said the constituency office’s spokesperson, who acknowledged the “new challenges” brought about by the closure. It added that it is working with stakeholders and relevant agencies to manage this. Changing consumer habits, reduced spending Tenants also feel the pinch from post-pandemic shifts in consumer habits. V Lounge’s Gan said the strong Singapore dollar against other currencies has spurred outbound travel and loss of customers. Wala Wala’s Yeo observed that consumer habits across generations have shifted. Gen X is going out less, possibly due to health or financial reasons, while Gen Z prefers digital spaces such as online gaming over nightlife. Millennials, though familiar with pre-pandemic nightlife, are now more focused on essentials than leisure. “These changing habits have had a lasting impact on the social and commercial landscape of Holland Village.” “Wala Wala owner Stanley Yeo observed that consumer habits across generations have shifted. “These changing habits have had a lasting impact on the social and commercial landscape of Holland Village.” ” Nasen Thiagarajan, president of the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), also pointed out that dampened consumer sentiment caused by macro uncertainties led to reduced spending and lower footfall. High rents, additional costs While footfall has thinned and spending has slowed, one thing remains high: rents – compounding the squeeze on already fragile bottom lines. At That Wine Place, owner Lee Joon Peng pays about S$28,000 per month for a two-storey unit opposite Holland Village Park – up 20 per cent since it opened in 2020. “This place never makes money because rents are already so high. If this were my only job, I wouldn’t have survived. We are not breaking even at all.” “This place never makes money because rents are already so high. If this were my only job, I wouldn’t have survived. We are not breaking even at all.” — Lee Joon Peng, owner of That Wine Place At V Lounge, rent makes up half of total expenses and runs into five figures monthly. With lower sales, the bar has fallen into the red on several occasions, said Gan. Wala Wala’s Yeo said: “Managing rent increase has definitely been challenging, especially in the current economic climate, where footfall and discretionary spending have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels.” Rents at Wala Wala rose 9 per cent over the past two years. To cut costs, the restaurant shortened operating hours on quieter days, trimming utility and staff bills. During the pandemic, it shuttered its live music space on the second floor as live entertainment was halted. “Maintaining a space with high fixed costs, while unable to generate revenue from live performances, was simply unsustainable,” said Yeo. When Wala Wala’s lease came up for renewal, the landlord for the upper-floor space declined to adjust rent despite the changed landscape. In contrast, the ground-floor landlord offered a sustainable rate, allowing Wala Wala to stay, he added. Crowds at Wala Wala pre-pandemic. The cafe bar had to close its live music space on the second floor during Covid-19 as live entertainment was halted. PHOTO: BT FILE Beyond rents, tenants in Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput pay “a few hundred dollars a month” to use the outdoor refreshment area. They also pay about S$300 per month to cover security costs and management fees, as well as fees to use the walkway after 6.30 pm, said La Nonna’s Dyens. “These additional expenses are layered on top of the already demanding costs of day-to-day operations – especially in an environment where footfall and sales have declined,” said Yeo. Business at That Wine Place has been “up and down” since the bar opened in 2020, and foot traffic is patchy. “We can have no reservations for two days, but can fill out spaces by 8 pm the next day. Sales are unpredictable,” said Lee. Too many cooks Adding to the pressure was the opening of a new mall at One Holland Village in 2023, bringing a fresh slate of new food and beverage (F&B) options to the area. Tenants include casual eateries and prominent names such as Japanese bistro Ginkyo by Kinki and wood-fire grill restaurant Fireplace. Developed by Far East Organization, Sekisui House and Sino Group, the mall spans 145,310 square feet and is fully leased. In 2018, the Far East-led consortium clinched the coveted commercial and residential site in Holland Road for S$1.21 billion, or nearly S$1,888 per square foot per plot ratio. Deborah Tan, Far East Organization’s director for operations and marketing, commercial group, said: “We believe that the location was ready for revitalisation as it offered a chance to bring new energy to an already established and authentic community.” She added: “One Holland Village is conceptualised to complement the low-rise, shopping-street character of the neighbourhood, with an emphasis on creating more public spaces and enhancing the liveliness of the area.” The influx of eateries is posing stiffer competition in an already saturated F&B landscape, though some point to new upsides. For one, its 464-lot carpark has improved visitor accessibility. Wala Wala’s Yeo said this has encouraged some regulars to return. While sales have yet to see a significant increase, he noted that there may be some spillover effect from the mall. Tenants also observed a new crowd from homeowners at the 296-unit One Holland Village Residences, which is fully sold. About 90 per cent of homebuyers are locals and permanent residents, with the remainder coming from countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia and the US, said Far East’s Tan. Le Bon Funk moved into a corner unit along Holland Road in 2023, drawn by the new mall and residential developments, said chef-owner Keirin Buck. While walk-in traffic at the Holland Village outlet accounts for just 10 to 15 per cent of customers – compared with about 30 per cent at its Club Street branch – Buck said business has been good and the 60-seater still fills up most nights. Still, some worry F&B supply is outpacing actual demand. SNBA’s Thiagarajan said food options in Holland Village have grown 30 per cent since the mall’s opening. “The area doesn’t necessarily have more people – it just has more options. If businesses in the mall are doing okay, while the streets remain quiet, it means we’re not seeing fresh footfall. We need people.” Nearby is the ageing Holland Road Shopping Centre, where magazine store Thambi shut down in 2024 and other tenants have also closed. While the strata-titled property has been showing signs of retail fatigue, new operators are set to move in. “Revitalising Holland Village requires acknowledging that the old formula simply will not work in today’s landscape. The vibrant, cross-island crowd we once attracted now consumes differently. The goal now is not to recreate the past, but to interpret the village for today’s audience. ” — Stanley Yeo, owner of Wala Wala Plans for revitalisation To attract customers and boost sales, some businesses are diversifying. At night, V Lounge operates as a whiskey bar. Gan is considering opening from noon for coffee, offering a daytime space to work and relax. To boost sales, V Lounge’s Gan converts its space to host events, such as pottery lessons and art exhibitions. PHOTO: CHONG XIN WEI, BT The bar can also host events. Renting out the space brings in additional income – a pottery class, for instance, can fetch between S$1,000 and S$3,000, depending on the duration of the session, said Gan. At the precinct level, Thiagarajan said several tenants are exploring marketing initiatives to improve footfall along Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput. These include a three-month campaign starting July or August, coinciding with SG60 celebrations, where participating restaurants will offer discounts, product deals and vouchers. Diners who visit all outlets can enter a lucky draw. These tenants have plans to hold four marquee events annually, starting from 2026. They could include National Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas and other major dates. Wala Wala’s Yeo said: “Revitalising Holland Village requires acknowledging that the old formula simply will not work in today’s landscape. The vibrant, cross-island crowd we once attracted now consumes differently.” “The goal now is not to recreate the past, but to interpret the village for today’s audience. This includes integrating social media strategies, collaborating with influencers, and creating content-worthy experiences that resonate with a digitally savvy demographic.”

It's the ice milo