Despite the rise of the digital age, with the internet and social media dominating daily life, Singapore still boasts a vibrant community of book readers. Many Singaporeans continue to cherish the tactile experience of reading a physical book, finding solace and joy in the pages of their favourite novels and non-fiction works. This enduring love for books is evident in the bustling book fairs, literary festivals, and the steady patronage of libraries across the country.
Fortunately, for these avid readers, Singapore is home to numerous excellent bookshops, particularly in the Bras Basah area. Known as the city’s literary hub, Bras Basah offers a rich array of bookstores catering to diverse tastes and interests. From second-hand bookshops to specialty stores focusing on rare and antique books, Bras Basah ensures that every book lover can find something to their liking. In this article, we list down six of the best book stores in Bras Basah that both bookworms and casual readers alike will definitely love.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Basheer Graphic Books
Basheer Graphic Books is a renowned specialised bookstore in Bras Basah Complex, which caters to design enthusiasts. It offers an extensive collection of books and magazines covering diverse fields, such as architecture, interior design, landscape design, graphic design, animation, product design, fashion design, art and craft, typography, and photography. Known for its curated selection, Basheer Graphic Books serves as a vital resource for professionals, students, and hobbyists alike, providing access to the latest trends and timeless classics in design literature. The store’s commitment to quality and variety makes it a beloved destination for those passionate about the visual arts.
Business Reviews:
1. They’re on Lvl 4! Best design & architecture bookshops/magz in town. You cannot find a better choice somewhere else. If you’re a foreign visitor in Singapore, is a must for book hunter! Be sure you ask for a GST refund and bring ur passport with you. The owner was very humble!
2. A Hidden Gem on the Fourth Floor. This bookstore is a treasure of graphic books across genres. Its diverse collection make it a must-visit for fans and people like me who needs lots of visual / illustration.. A true hidden gem! Always heard, don’t judge a book by its cover. Here, don’t judge this store from the store front. Go inside, and it is amazing!!!
3. My favourite place to visit in Singapore, the variety of books in graphic design, illustration and photography is unmatched. Absolutely love this store and highly recommend for everyone to visit.
| Website: | https://www.basheergraphic.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM | Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM |
| Number: | 6336 1917 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #04-19, Singapore 180231 |
2. Evernew Book Store
Evernew Book Store has been a cherished destination for book lovers since 1988. Specialising in second-hand books, this popular Bras Basah bookshop offers a diverse range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, and cookbooks. Moreover, Evernew Book Store is committed to sustainability, rescuing and rehoming books that might otherwise be discarded. With a welcoming atmosphere and a treasure trove of literary finds, it caters to readers of all ages and interests. The store also provides convenient online shopping and delivery services to ensure that everyone can enjoy their extensive collection.
Business Reviews:
1. I had been going to this bookstore from my teenage in the early 90s and till now in my 40s. I even reckon to my 13yrs old daughter and she love it so much. You can just spend 30 bucks and go home with 10 books happily. Best part was, my daughter treated me with books from this shop for my birthday, which I never imagined or dreamt of especially coming from my daughter. This shop really has its magic and bring love to Bookworms and also future generations. I pray this shop to be there forever no matter what.
2. A wonderful little shop with a excellent variety of books. It was on our way to masjid sultan from peninsula excelsior towers. If you want to find such gems, then buy a pair of comfortable shoes and walk to every destination, with the goal of stopping frequently. Only then can you enjoy being a tourist with hints of being a local!
3. Great place to find used books. I found some of christian secondhand books that I love here.
| Website: | https://www.evernewbookstore.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 7:30 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Number: | 6338 1753 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #01-07, Singapore 180231 |
3. Maha Yu Yi
If you are specifically into Chinese literature, Maha Yu Yi is the Bras Basah bookstore you should visit. It is a distinguished Chinese bookstore offering a wide array of books for all ages. Specialising in Chinese literature, the store features an extensive collection that includes traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy, history, and language reference books. Maha Yu Yi is also renowned for its comprehensive selection of children’s books, making it a favourite among parents and educators. The bookstore likewise provides specialised procurement services for schools, kindergartens, and libraries, ensuring access to quality Chinese literature. With a commitment to promoting Chinese culture and literacy, Maha Yu Yi remains a vital resource for the community.
Business Reviews:
1. Maha Yu Yi is a bookshop (at a corner) of Bras Basah that sells only Chinese books. Visited the bookshop with my wife and youngest child on a Saturday afternoon and were attended to by two enthusiastic & helpful ladies. This bookshop carries a good range of curated Chinese storybooks for children. They also sell Chinese stamps. Bought some books recommended by the 2 ladies and will definitely be back for more. Worth a visit if you are looking for Chinese storybooks for your kids.
2. Don’t think you can find a better Chinese bookstore for children’s books. Besides being well-stocked and organized by age group, staff were also able to recommend a wide range of age-appropriate books.
3. Been trying hard to nail down this book through reservation at the library & it was extremely tough because all copies were out on loan with many others who had already placed a reservation for this book. Maha Yu Yi was also out of stock for this book by the time I got in touch with them. I placed an order with them for this book and it was quite a long wait (almost a month). However, I was pleasantly surprised that they remembered and alerted me with an SMS when the stocks were replenished! And the staff were very helpful and nice. I hope to continue buying books from them on off whenever the need arises as they are really good in supplying Chinese books for both adults & kids. And they do offer pretty good discounts to members. Highly recommended!
| Website: | https://yuyi.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Thursday 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Friday & Saturday 10:30 AM – 7 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM |
| Number: | 6336 5222 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #03-07/#03-11/#02-15, Singapore 180231 |
4. Union Book Co
Union Book Co is another prominent Chinese bookstore located in Singapore’s Bras Basah Complex. Established in 1952, it offers a vast selection of over 30,000 titles, encompassing various genres, such as literature, history, philosophy, and children’s books. The store is basically known for its high-quality imports from Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. In addition to books, Union Book Co also provides a range of stationery and cultural products. With a commitment to fostering a love for reading and learning, the bookstore serves as a cultural hub for the community, offering a quiet and comfortable environment for book enthusiasts.
Business Reviews:
1. First time dropped by Union Books, conveniently nestled on the 3rd level of BBC. Huge bookstore carrying a range of traditional Chinese heritage-cultural items & primarily deals with books in Mandarin. Past reviews have highlighted how you need to speak scholar-level literary Mandarin to get anything but the staff there were really professional & polite in handling my queries. Yes perhaps you need some level of Chinese comprehension to look up what book you want, but don’t feel too discouraged to ask for help in basic Mandarin. Will be coming back in the near future! 🙂
2. Union Book Co Pte Ltd, perched on the 3rd level of Bras Basah Complex, is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese literature. Very neat place.
3. A good place to buy Chinese books.
| Website: | https://www.unionbook.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Sunday 12 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Number: | 6338 0696 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, Blk 231 Bain Street,#03-01, Singapore 180231 |
5. Tecman
For those specifically looking for Christian books to read, Tecman is a book shop in Bras Basah that offers exactly what they need. It is a leading Christian bookstore established in 1980 and offers a comprehensive selection of Bibles, Christian literature, devotionals, and inspirational books. Tecman also provides a variety of church supplies, gifts, and music, catering to the needs of the Christian community. The store is essentially dedicated to promoting spiritual growth and education, making it a trusted resource for individuals and churches alike. With a welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Tecman ensures a pleasant shopping experience for all visitors. Additionally, the bookstore offers online shopping and delivery services, making its extensive collection accessible to a wider audience.
Business Reviews:
1. There is something for everyone – Wide range of books. Pretty Christian plaques (of various sizes). Cute badges and bookmarks for children too. Friendly staff.
2. Wonderful Christian bookstore selling Christian books. Staff there are cheery and friendly, and service is unmatched. Doing God’s work by making his word accessible to all.
3. Tecman sells goods such as Christianity gifts, decorations, homeware, and books where it was awesome to shop for. The store is organised into their respective sections for customers to look through and purchase. The staff were friendly and warm. 🙏
| Website: | https://www.tecman.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM – 6 PM | Friday & Saturday 11:30 PM – 7 PM | Closed on Sunday |
| Number: | 6338 6764 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #03-37A, Singapore 180231 |
6. Hungry Traveller
Hungry Traveller is a leading online bookstore dedicated to travel literature. It offers an extensive collection of guidebooks, maps, and travel narratives that cater to adventurers and globetrotter. The store basically features books on various destinations, providing valuable insights and practical information for travellers. In essence, Hungry Traveller is committed to inspiring exploration and discovery, making it a go-to resource for those planning their next journey. With a user-friendly website and efficient delivery services, Hungry Traveller ensures that customers can easily access their desired travel books. The store’s curated selection and dedication to quality ultimately make it a trusted companion for travel enthusiasts.
Business Reviews:
1. The Hungry Traveller has all the ingredients of a great book store: a constantly refreshed collection of vintage books and maps, including some rare signed first editions; cookbooks and travel books that take you back in time to the age of explorers; and even some rare out of print military histories. The special ingredient is the chance for a conversation with the fabulous owners or with other marvelous bibliophiles who happen to be there at the same time.
2. Definitely a place worth visiting! This bookstore has a beautiful selection of antique and vintage books, as well as other items like travel pamphlets and maps. The shop owner Peter is very friendly and generously shares his vast knowledge on his books and experiences. Will definitely come back again!
3. The store seemed to focus on cookbooks, journals/textbooks on exploration and travel (primarily 1700-1900s), maps & vintage postcards. It’s a small store with only high quality content, a passionate owner who will stay open late for you and walk you through any book in the collection. I could not have been happier to browse, and also grab an 1880’s print of Captain Cook’s travels.
| Website: | https://hungrytraveller.com.au/ |
| Operating Hours: | Saturday – Wednesday 10 AM – 6 PM | Thursday & Friday 11 AM – 7 PM |
| Number: | 8600 0553 |
| Address: | Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #01-31, Singapore 180231 |
Conclusion
Without a doubt, reading books remains a cherished pastime in Singapore, with many residents continuing to enjoy the immersive experience that only a physical book can provide. The presence of numerous book shops in Bras Basah and across Singapore plays a crucial role in sustaining this hobby. Bras Basah’s diverse range of bookstores, from second-hand shops to specialty stores, ensures that readers have access to a wide variety of books.
If you’re keen to explore even more literary treasures, be sure to check out the best bookstores in Orchard Road to get immersed in, where another vibrant book scene awaits. Together, these bookshops not only support the local literary culture but also foster a community of readers who value the written word. Ultimately, in an era dominated by digital media, these bookstores are essential in preserving the tradition of reading and inspiring the discovery of new favourites.
