An hour can feel like an awkward amount of time since it is typically too short to head somewhere far, yet too long to simply sit around scrolling on your phone. If you happen to be near City Hall with time to kill, however, Peninsula Plaza gives you plenty of ways to put that spare hour to good use.
You could grab a quick Burmese meal, browse vintage fashion, pick up some snacks, sort out a practical errand or even squeeze in a little self-care. Here are a few ways we’d spend an hour at the mall, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Hungry? Grab a Quick Myanmar Meal
An hour is more than enough for a satisfying meal, particularly if you already know where you’re heading.
Mandalay Style Myanmar Restaurant is a good option for a hearty meal, serving Mandalay-style dishes ranging from noodles and salads to BBQ and fried meats. Its Mandalay Mae Shay, a dry noodle dish tossed in a tangy meat sauce, is worth considering if you’re trying the restaurant for the first time.
For something a little gentler on the palate, Inle Myanmar Restaurant serves clean-tasting dishes inspired by family recipes from Myanmar’s Shan State. Its pickled tea leaves salad and mohinga are popular choices, while the all-day set meals can make a quicker meal more convenient.
There is also Maw Shan, where you can tuck into Shan noodles, lahpet thoke and warm tofu noodles, or Ye Yint Cafe, a humble spot known for its mohinga, nan gyi and curries.
If you’re after something meat-free, the aptly named Vegetarian serves generous portions of affordable vegetarian fare. Three dishes can cost around $5, making it an especially wallet-friendly option when you’re hungry.
Mandalay Style Myanmar Restaurant
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #B1-01 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 11 AM – 10 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM | Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Inle Myanmar Restaurant
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #B1-07A Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Maw Shan
Location: 111 North Bridge Rd, B1, #07F, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Ye Yint Cafe
Location: N Bridge Rd, #03-59 111, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Open Daily: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Vegetarian
Location: 111 North Bridge Rd, b1 Basement foodcourt Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM | Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Fancy a Browse? Discover Something Unexpected
If you don’t need to accomplish anything during your spare hour, why not simply wander?
Ashitagaaru is an especially fun place to browse, thanks to its eclectic selection of vintage clothing and leather goods. The father-and-son-run shop carries leather and denim jackets, belts, bags, kimonos and more, spanning different eras and styles. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth taking your time to see what catches your eye.
For something completely different, Clifford Numismatic And Collectible Centre houses a broad international collection of coins and other collectibles. The couple who run it have five decades of experience and are known for being particularly welcoming to newcomers, so don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned collector.
You could also browse Golden Htet Oo, which specialises in handmade Burmese jade, gemstone accessories and cultural arts. Its collection includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, bangles, paintings and lifestyle pieces, making it an interesting stop even when you don’t have a particular purchase in mind.
Ashitagaaru
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #02-45 Little Myanmar Building, Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Open Daily 12:30 PM – 8 PM
Clifford Numismatic & Collectible Centre
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #02-04 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM | Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM | Closed on Sundays & Mondays
Golden Htet Oo
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #04-61 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Thursday-Tuesday: 12 PM – 8 PM | Closed on Wednesdays
Need to Get an Errand Done? Make Your Hour Count
A spare hour doesn’t necessarily have to be entertaining. Sometimes, the best use of it is finally getting that small task out of the way.
Mayfair Optical, which has been around since 1958, is worth knowing about if you need prescription glasses or eye care services. Its friendly and patient staff are happy to answer questions, while its range includes popular brands such as Rudy Project.
If you’re already due for a medical consultation, Peninsula Medical Centre is a highly rated GP clinic known for friendly, professional staff and the ability to accommodate some same-day appointments. Naturally, medical visits shouldn’t be rushed just to fit a one-hour itinerary, but it’s useful to know you have a clinic nearby if the need arises.
For photography-related errands, Alex Photo offers new and second-hand cameras, lenses and accessories, along with trade-ins and repair services. Meanwhile, Treasurelux Traders carries equipment in various conditions and is particularly appreciated for its honest advice. The owner is happy to explain unfamiliar equipment and even help set up a new camera before you leave.
Mayfair Optical
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #03-41 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday: 10 AM – 6:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Closed on Mondays
Peninsula Medical Centre
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #04-36 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday: 11 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Wednesdays
Alex Photo
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, Shop #01-15 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:49 AM – 7:13 PM | Saturday: 1:14 – 7:13 PM | Sundays: 2:13 AM – 6:13 PM
Treasurelux Traders
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #01-38 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM | Closed on Sundays
Treat Yourself to a Little Something
Perhaps your hour doesn’t need to be productive at all. Maybe you simply want to leave the mall with something that makes your day a little better.
If you’re into running, Feder Sports is worth browsing for its extensive selection of shoes from brands such as ASICS, HOKA and Brooks. The seller takes the time to understand how you run, including details such as your usual distances and socks, before recommending a suitable pair. The range can be overwhelming and you may have to wait during busy periods, but the personalised advice makes the extra time worthwhile.
For a smaller indulgence, head to Rebecca Min’s Corner for Myanmar snacks and ingredients. The owner personally tries many of the products sold in the shop, including lesser-known treats and ingredients she regularly orders for her own cooking. It’s an easy way to turn a quick browse into something tasty to bring home.
Feder Sports
Location: 1111 N Bridge Rd, #02-40/41, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM | Sundays: 11:30 AM – 7 PM
Rebecca Min’s Corner
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #03-12A Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
Have an Hour to Spare? Give Yourself a Mini Makeover
Finally, you could use your spare time for a little personal upkeep.
Ma Ma Gyi Hair Salon is known for its popular haircut, hair wash and face wash package, with the latter including exfoliation and a relaxing head and facial massage. The stylists also share tips on styling your hair afterwards, making it more than just a quick trim.
Alternatively, KIT KIT SALON offers familiar services such as haircuts, colouring and rebonding in a cosy family-run setting. The staff are patient, don’t push products and even offer customers drinks and snacks.
For a more beauty-focused appointment, Avenue Beauty provides eyebrow embroidery and facials, including Deep Facial Cleaning, Carbon Peel and Lifting Facial. Its professional, detailed approach makes it an option for those looking for more than a basic touch-up.
Do note that salon and beauty appointments can vary in duration, so it’s best to contact the individual businesses beforehand if you’re working with a strict one-hour window.
Ma Ma Gyi Hair Salon
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #04-34/35 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
KIT KIT SALON
Location: 111 N Bridge Rd, #05-22 Kit Kit Hair Salon, Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 8 AM – 9 AM | Closed on Mondays
Avenue Beauty
Location: #05-22 Peninsula Plaza, Singapore 179098
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
Three Easy Ways to Spend Your Spare Hour
Still can’t decide? Keep it simple:
The Hungry Hour: Pick a Myanmar restaurant, enjoy a meal, then swing by Rebecca Min’s Corner for snacks to take home.
The Curious Hour: Browse Ashitagaaru, admire the collections at Clifford Numismatic And Collectible Centre, then explore Golden Htet Oo.
The Productive Hour: Sort out an optical, medical, printing or photography-related errand, then reward yourself with a bite before leaving.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an entire afternoon to appreciate what Peninsula Plaza has to offer. Its unusual mix of food spots, specialist retailers, practical services and independent businesses means even a short visit can be surprisingly worthwhile.
So the next time you find yourself with an hour to spare around City Hall, resist the urge to simply wait it out. Head into Peninsula Plaza and see what you can discover instead.