Nestled at the junction of Geylang Road and Tanjong Katong Road, City Plaza stands as a glorious monument to the 1980s. While its neighbours have opted for minimalist aesthetics and international franchises, City Plaza has doubled down on its identity as a chaotic, charming, and utterly authentic community hub.
Known primarily to the masses as a wholesale fashion haven or the home of the legendary Arnold’s fried chicken, this mall hides a much deeper ecosystem within its labyrinthine corridors. It is a place where time slows down, where shopkeepers know their craft by heart, and where you can find items and services that have long been purged from the curated shelves of Orchard Road. If you are tired of the cookie-cutter shopping experience, here is your definitive guide to the shops and stalls you simply cannot miss at City Plaza.
The Directory of the Unique: Six Places You Shouldn’t Miss in City Plaza
1. Tomi Tattoo Alley
For those looking to wear their stories on their skin, Tomi Tattoo Alley is a must-visit. Helmed by the talented duo of Tomi and Nick, this parlour has earned a reputation for precision and artistic versatility. From delicate, minimalist designs to sprawling full-sleeve masterpieces, their portfolio (frequently updated on Instagram) showcases an incredible range of styles.
Their inking skill isn’t the only thing that sets them apart isn’t just the ink but also the atmosphere. Tattooing can be an intimidating process, but the friendly service and welcoming vibe at Tomi Tattoo Alley make it accessible for both seasoned collectors and first-timers. It is a space where professional artistry meets a genuine, down-to-earth Singaporean spirit.
Tomi Tattoo Alley
Location: #03-109 City Plaza, 810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 10 PM
2. KaiDeng Billiards
In an era where digital entertainment reigns supreme, KaiDeng Billiards offers a refreshing, analogue escape. This billiard hall is a hidden sanctuary for those who appreciate a well-maintained table and a spacious environment. Unlike many cramped, dimly lit pool parlours, KaiDeng is bright and airy, ensuring you have enough cue room to make that difficult bank shot without bumping into a stranger.
The prices are remarkably reasonable, making it a popular spot for groups of friends to linger over a few frames. While they focus on the essentials—quality equipment and sufficient snacks and drinks—they also host competitions occasionally for the more seriously inclined.
KaiDeng Billiards
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #03-131 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday: 10 AM – 1 AM | Saturday: 10 AM – 2 AM
3. Everlasting Entertainment
Walking into Everlasting Entertainment feels like stepping back into 1998, and in the best way possible. While the rest of the world has moved to the ephemeral clouds of Netflix and Spotify, this shop caters to the physical media purists. They specialise in brand-new films and music CDs at prices that are almost suspiciously affordable.
You won’t find 4K Ultra-HD Steelbooks here; instead, you’ll find an extensive selection of DVDs in various languages, from regional dramas to international blockbusters. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, often happy to provide recommendations for a hidden gem film you might have missed. For those who believe that you don’t truly own a movie unless you can hold it in your hand, this shop is a holy site.
Everlasting Entertainment
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-36 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
4. Noor Mohamad Services & Travel
City Plaza isn’t just about hobbies; it’s a hub for significant life journeys. Noor Mohamad Services & Travel has been a pillar of the community since 1998, specialising in Hajj, Umrah, and Islamic Heritage tours. This is a family-run agency in the truest sense since it was founded by Ustaz Hj Noor Mohamad and Hajjah Julia, and now led by their daughter, Ustazah Juyda.
Their longevity in the industry speaks to their reliability and the deep trust they’ve built with pilgrims. They handle everything from the complex visa processes to accommodations and spiritual arrangements like Korban. It is a business built on sincerity and compassion, ensuring that the spiritual journey of a lifetime is met with comfort and peace of mind.
Noor Mohamad Services & Travel
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-88 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM | Closed on Sundays
5. Hock Heng Watch Servicing
In our throwaway culture, Hock Heng is among the few who uphold the repair-and-reuse philosophy. They are authorised distributors of various quartz clocks and watches (perfect for finding a sturdy, affordable timepiece for daily use), but their real magic lies in their repair services.
The owner is renowned for his patience and technical skill, often fixing vintage clocks or intricate watch issues that modern battery-replacement-only kiosks won’t touch. Beyond timepieces, the shop stocks household accessories for DIY handyman jobs. All in all, this neighbourhood shop delivers service that is personal, fair prices, and time-honed expertise that is inherited through years of hands-on experience.
Hock Heng Watch Servicing
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-71 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 1:15 PM – 7 PM
6. Tong Cheong (Soon Kee) Trading
If you are looking to elevate your game night, Tong Cheong (Soon Kee) Trading is your final destination. Forget the plastic, flimsy sets found in toy stores; this shop is where you go for serious Mahjong sets, high-quality poker chips, and Bicycle playing cards.
The shop is run by a kind auntie and uncle duo who epitomise the old-school Singaporean service style: patient, honest, and entirely devoid of hard-selling tactics. They offer options across various price points, though their high-end Mahjong sets are the real stars as you can literally feel the quality in the weight and click of the tiles. They even sell Mahjong tables, making it a one-stop shop for anyone looking to host the perfect lunar new year gathering.
Tong Cheong (Soon Kee) Trading
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-68 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Why City Plaza is a Cultural Time Capsule
Why does City Plaza continue to thrive despite the gleaming competition next door? It’s because the mall offers something that cannot be manufactured by a property developer: character.
Modern malls are designed to be efficient; they guide you through a predictable loop of international brands and franchised cafes. City Plaza, by contrast, is a place for the curious. It is “off the beaten path” because it reflects the diverse, unpolished reality of Singaporean life. It is a place where a tattoo artist, a pilgrimage guide, and a Mahjong specialist can exist within the same floor, creating a tapestry of services that cater to the soul, the home, and the spirit.
When you go to City Plaza, you aren’t just a consumer; you are an explorer. You are navigating a space that prioritises longevity over trends. The shops here don’t just sell products; they offer expertise that has been honed over decades.
Final Thoughts
City Plaza is a reminder that the best parts of a city are often the ones that refuse to change. Whether you are a local looking to reconnect with a sense of nostalgia or a visitor wanting to see the “real” Singapore beyond the tourist traps, City Plaza offers a directory of experiences you simply shouldn’t miss. It is quirky, it is a little bit chaotic, and it is undeniably authentic. In a world of digital shortcuts, a trip to City Plaza is a rewarding journey into the heart of Singapore’s enduring heritage.