Personal Essay

I Went To The Worst Mall In Singapore

But it made me strangely happy

I have been feeling so mind numbingly bored going to the same mall to get my steps in, so I asked my partner to finally drive to an old seemingly decrepit mall that I haven’t stepped into for possibly more than 3 decades. The reason being, it’s a dead mall now.

It’s called Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre and was a place my mum used to drive me to very often for purposes of photocopying stuff for school.

Here’s where I go off tangent…

I wonder if my nieces have even seen a photocopier as everything is paperless now and with copyright there are restrictions on photocopying that don’t exist then. Also it was super cheap back then. I would need a whole other story on photocopiers as it featured quite prominently in my life.

And I’m back…

I was still curious though as I saw reviews online saying there was a Teochew restaurant there which was pretty darn good. I just wanted to feel the nostalgia and we went in with the lowest of expectations.

Firstly, the carpark was as I recalled in the 80’s. No changes or upgrades there.

The lift lobby area

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I love the old typography. Made me nostalgic for the 80’s and 90’s. The old fashioned wooden door too. I didn’t take a photo in the lift as it had mirrors inside and I was reflected in it but it looked quite retro as well.

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Very normal for me to see signs like this but the no bicycle in a mall is new. I discovered why later as the mall is just so vast and empty perhaps some kids chose to ride their bikes inside.

The basement restaurant: Fragrant Garden

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Looks so spacious here. When I spotted the big tables spilling out all over the huge atrium, I thought we should come one day with family as well.

The restaurant is called Fragrant Garden and it’s a rare thing to have such a quiet spot with high ceilings to yourself.

Just as we entered the mall we saw a big group of office workers leaving. They probably just had lunch here.

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Two items caught my eye. The fried kuay tiao with chai poh and for dessert, the yam paste with pumpkin and ginko nuts were mentioned that most on the google review page. We were too full to have anything today but perhaps one day soon.

Need to try it first to make sure before recommending it to family as often reviews online could be influencers who are invited or paid. We have been disappointed before so I don’t really trust many of the food bloggers. Also they all seem to say the same thing like it’s been scripted.

Claw machines

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I always wonder who plays these as I feel they are rigged. Perhaps teens who go in the group and want to have some excitement in their lives. Maybe that’s why back when we were teens life was fun – we were always giggling and joking. But as adults all we think of is cost.

Fashion from the 80’s and 90’s

I feel like this shop has been frozen in time. I just love it so much. It feels like I’ve stepped into a Time Machine. Are there places in your country that make you feel this way? It’s especially so in Singapore where almost nothing old is spared. There is constant construction everywhere.

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How I wish this article would bring the owners of these stores some fame. Many of them had shops here since the 80’s and I read an article that the rent here is affordable much more than at the posher malls. It would be awesome if they could go viral and get some business from those who appreciate the novelty aspect. I haven’t seen these old fonts in such a long time. I am feeling such joy just writing this article in particular as it’s taking me back to a simpler time. I haven’t had this feeling in a while.

There is a bridge connecting the two buildings would make up the mall. The view from the window of this pathway on the second floor. You can see how old the building is compared to say other malls I’ve featured.

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Told my partner I wanted to see the front of the mall but it was hard for me to get a proper photo. I remembered the two lions guarding this building from when I was a teen.

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And from these photos you can tell why it’s called a dead mall. It seems the escalators have been down for a long time but they intend to fix it. Meanwhile we took the stairs. The stairs are exactly as I recall. The flooring is the same and so more than 4 decades old.

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I liked the vibe created by the hanging lights.

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More shops on the upper floors including those for traditional Chinese Medicine. Although there were others I didn’t photograph that looked a bit dodgy with ladies sitting inside. Supposedly massage parlours.

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More of that old school typography. I especially liked the one at Comfy Optics. And the 80’s vibe at the Barber and Hair Salon.

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I read that the florist has been here for years and is very popular. The retro greeting cards caught my eye and they are a fraction of the price of what’s at posh stores.

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I also read that the food stalls at level 4 are popular too. Perhaps loyal fans have been having this all their lives.

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It seems there are some affordable ball rooms in here used for weddings too.

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The newest addition was the indoor pickleball court which I thought looked so pretty in pink.

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There were also quite a number of computer stores and education places but not a single photocopier store.

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And I thought this vending machine had drinks unique to South East Asia that you may not have seen before if you live outside of this region.

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As we drove off I looked forward to returning for a meal. I must say for a dead mall the Aircon was much cooler than most of the posher malls. I wonder if those malls turned their Aircon down to save electricity or whether it’s just that they are too crowded with the body heat is too many people as opposed to this one. But yes the strong Aircon was even mentioned in a review online.

The owners of this mall are holding out for a S$260 million collective sale and so far no takers. Perhaps as it’s not located near an MRT station (subway).

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This is one of the few malls which does not have one owner but multiple ones like in a condo. That is why it has been hard for it be sold.

But I kinda wish it could be revived somehow with that old school vibe retained.

Such a refreshing contrast to all those mega malls. They are like clones with the same shops in multiple malls. Just so draining to see no individuality or uniqueness.

Often we go for the vibe. Well me at least. Most people I guess go to actually shop each time. I am not into fashion so that’s out. Anyway I pick comfort over fashion and it’s just too hot to dress up the way I want here.

This Japanese YouTuber based in Singapore does a great review of the mall. He made it seem like an adventure. Makes me want to visit more dead malls and I might be pleasantly surprised again.

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