Bommoi might just become your new favourite bookstore. There’s no traffic or noise, only zen vibes, as you lounge comfortably on hanok-style seating with Korean snacks and tea by large windows. 

Most of the books are in Korean, and you’ll mostly find Korean children’s picture books which bommoi specialises in. If you’re a beginner in Korean and are looking to improve on your studies, these entry-level books are perfect for you. (I myself spent quite some time reading children’s books when I was learning Japanese!)

For those looking to chill, there’s a small selection of English books available, including educational books, biographies, translated guides and more. Otherwise, flipping through the beautifully illustrated picture books is still an equally interesting way to pass the time!

Once you’ve chosen a book, make a beeline towards the hanok-style seating at the cafe area. This unique seating area emulates traditional Korean “floor seating”, with raised wooden platforms and soft cushions for you to rest on as you read.

Don’t forget to order a cup of bommoi’s unique Tea Latte (S$9.50) or Tea Soda (S$9.50) to go with their Small Bite of the Day (S$4). It’ll typically be treats that you can only find in Korea. 

Want more of these Korean snacks? They’ve got you covered with their Kids Snack Tray Snack (S$7.50) set, where you can get to pick a juice box and any four snacks from their basket of Korean goodies. 

bommoi also offers an extensive array of tea blends from Korean tea brands Chasigan (CSG, from S$9.50) and Altdif (from S$6). The tea blends range from black to rooibos teas, with floral, herbal, fruit infusions and more. Additionally, each steaming pot of tea is served with two pieces of yakgwa — traditional Korean honey cookies — which you can snack on while savouring your tea.

Other than books, there’s some adorable stationery and small gifts for sale as well. This peaceful bookstore and cafe occasionally hosts book clubs, talks and reading sessions, so if you’re interested in learning more about Korean language and culture, head down to bommoi the next time you’re free!

bommoi
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???? 50 Armenian Street, #01-02, Singapore 179938
???? 10am–7pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon

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This bookstore at Chinatown may be catered to children, but you’ll be surprised to find out how many adults frequent this aesthetic bookstore to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. 

Hook on Books is a haven for everyone with its DIY corners, reading areas for children and adults, a cafe, and also shelves stocked with books, accessories and toys.

You can find charming enamel pins, picture postcards, music CDs, and beautiful stationery. There are even retro toys like handheld water games that I haven’t seen since my childhood days.

Hook on Books also works with non-profit organisations to sell crochet toys, patchwork blankets, bags, accessories and more. They are all handmade by the less privileged and vulnerable — now’s your chance to score some good karma. 

The walls are lined with shelves of books categorised according to age, ranging from 0 to 10 years old, as well as books for adults. For those seeking to explore your inner child and to reminisce about your younger days, feel free to pick up a fairytale book!

If you prefer some peace and quiet while reading a book, you can grab a book and head over to the cosy reading cave — yes, there is a snug little reading corner warmly lit with paper lanterns. 

So, it’s the best place to enjoy the good book in hand with some tea and treats from the cafe located at the back of the bookstore. 

On the menu are classic drinks like TongYan Herbal Tea (S$5.50) and sugar free soya milk (S$5.50), espresso (S$3.50) and more. You can pair your drinks with a selection of delectable desserts such as Mandarin Peels with Honey Cake (S$6.50), banana cake and more. The cafe also offers main courses if you’re craving something a little heartier. 

Take a break from reading by getting hands-on with some DIY crafts. You can create your own notebook and cards from scratch starting from S$5.55, customising the size, paper and design all according to your fancy.

A large assortment of cute decorations are available so you can spare no effort in making your notebook shine!

You can even make your own scented sachets or small flower bouquets to add a touch of freshness and beauty to your room.

Feeling stressed? Head down to this unique bookstore and enjoy its tranquillity!

Hook on Books 童言童语
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???? 114 Neil Road (Level 1), Singapore 088852
???? 11am–7pm (Wed to Fri), 11am–8pm (Sat), 11am–6pm (Sun), Closed on Mon and Tue

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Happening at Projector X: Picturehouse from 3 to 4 December 2022 (that’s this weekend!) from 1pm to 9pm, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

The festive book fair returns after a two-year hiatus, with over 15 vendors and a wide range of books across different genres. You can even get certain titles at a 25% discount, and books at S$5! Swap your pre-loved books with other books (up to 10) at the pop-up, grab some drinks at Projector X’s bar, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

And if you’ve got burning questions about your love life, career, or relationships, Raven’s Indigo offers paid tarot readings. You can book your slots here or walk in at selected times for a reading.

If you’re into thrifting and vintage clothes, fun local brands including Vintage Wknd and Thrifty Thieves will be selling cute retro-themed outfits. Singaporean author Amanda Lee Koe (Delayed Rays of a Star) and local film director Kirsten Tan will also be running a booth, Tiger Tiger Thrift, selling vintage curios and secondhand books from their travels!

You can expect several unique booths like Hanko_san, an adorable crochet creator, Lilteddystudio, a pastel-themed creator selling pretty floral prints and cute character prints, as well as Jynk_ink, a pop-up vendor where you can get unique Jagua tattoos (they’re temporary too)!

Reserve a spot here to RSVP for the event.

Looking for something interesting to check out this weekend? Then run, don’t walk, to the Ethos Books Festive Sale and grab some books and cool merch!

Ethos Books Festive Sale
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???? Projector X : Picturehouse, The Cathay, Level 6, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
???? 1pm – 9pm (Sat to Sun)
???? 3 & 4 Dec 2022

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Bookstore cafes have always been a thing in Singapore, with many hidden gems like the recently-closed Katasummi Koohii. This is why café hoppers will enjoy the quaint café on the first floor of Zall Bookstore.

Its decor is a minimalistic blend of white and brown, with some exposed bookshelves to give it an elegant edge. Plenty of daylight comes in through the wide windows and plenty of eye-soothing greens populate the perimeter.

Zall Bookstore’s bakes are all procured from a central kitchen, and not sourced from other brands. You can find common bakes in their display cabinet including Brownies (S$4.50) and Assorted Mochi (S$1.90).

The main cakes they have on rotation include their eye-catching Rainbow Cake (S$7.50), Burnt Cheesecake (S$7.90), and Ondeh Ondeh Cake (S$7.50).

You can find the usual suspects on their beverage menu such as Black (S$4.60), White (S$6), and Matcha Latte (S$7).

But if you want something more interesting, Zall Bookstore is quite popular for their Matcha Espresso (S$7.50). Essentially dirty matcha, you can see the cleanly seperated layers of matcha, milk, and espresso.

It’s a cup with a nice, smooth mouthfeel, but leaned towards the sweeter side and had a slightly jarring grassy profile. However, I can see matcha fans enjoying its depth of earthy notes.

Alternatively, Zall Bookstore also offers unique Purple Sweet Potato Latte (S$7.50) and Vanilla Latte (S$6.50) if matcha and coffee are too passe for you.

If you’re feeling peckish and need a bite, the staff strongly recommended the Ondeh Ondeh Cake (S$7.50). There’s nothing mind-blowing about it, but it’s a pretty solid slice of the cafe classic.

I like when my cake sponge is soft and slightly moist, and the grated coconut texture added extra oomph. It had a nice fragrant mix of cocnut and pandan, but could use with a bit less sweetness.

When you’re finished chilling at the cafe, their instagrammable spiral staircase can bring you upstairs to browse through Zall Bookstore’s extensive collection.

The bookstore’s 30,000-strong collection mainly comprises Chinese literature, but they also carry some English titles for those who aren’t proficient in mandarin.

Its decor on the second floor is beautifully minimalistic, alternating between elegant white hues and sleek black marble. Bookworms will find themselves enjoying the zen vibe throughout the store.

For those looking for some high culture, Zall Bookstore also has a small art gallery space hidden behind some bookshelves. Art lovers can peruse their carefully curated Chinese fine art — a nice change of pace from art commonly found in our galleries.

Overall, Zall Bookstore is a beautiful space in which book lovers, art lovers and café hoppers can feel at home. Zall Bookstores are typically opened 24 hours in China, so we might be able to look forward to some late-night book shopping in the future.

Zall Bookstore Singapore
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???? 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #01-02/#02-18, Singapore 238880
????️ 10am–10pm (Daily)

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