What used to be the St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital is now the home of the newest one-stop lifestyle enclave located in the downtown Singapore. Nestled in the heart of Maxwell, Kada is a haven where history seamlessly blends with contemporary indulgence—think old, rustic elevators and charming alfresco dining spots. This new lifestyle hub is deeply enriched with a history dating back to the 1920s. Over the years, the hub has reinvented itself under different names. In 1942, the building carried the name, Shimin Byoin Hospital, before rebranding to IOH Polyclinic in 1998. Now, the three-storey colonial-style building enters a bold new chapter as Kada.
The name Kada is inspired by a traditional bracelet believed to hold healing properties and bring good luck in Indian culture—which makes for the perfect ethos for a lifestyle destination. Bustling with the crème de la crème of cultural and wellness experiences, the mall features must-visit spots like Pacto By Parchmen for a daily dose of espresso and Echo for their highly-raved strawberry matcha. Keep reading to discover the new Instagram-worthy spot that has everyone buzzing.
Echo
Kada is home to many cafés, but if you’re pressed for time, Echo is the one to visit. Enter the space and you’ll find yourself instantly captivated by the rich aroma of Papua New Guinea coffee beans, and sweet, buttery pastries. The alfresco dining space is pet-friendly as well, so pet parents who need a pick-me-up can stop by for a quick brew. While it hasn’t officially cut its ribbons for a grand opening, Echo is already serving up a fresh taste of their signature beverages, with the café’s delightful strawberry matcha quickly becoming a fan-favourite.
Pacto By Parchmen
The best thing about Pacto By Parchmen? Its charming open-window counter, adorned with a hand-drawn mural. Serving up your daily dose of handcrafted coffee and tea, this hidden gem is a humble space exuding warmth and quirky-as-ever personality. Tucked right beside Singapore’s oldest electrical lift—Pacto By Parchmen is a delightful find for those who appreciate a cosy hole-in-the-wall café experience.
Singapore’s Oldest Electrical Lift
This piece of machinery takes you back in time. More specifically, the 1920s, also known as the roaring decade of flapper dresses and The Great Gatsby. Right in Kada sits Singapore’s oldest electrical lift—and a majestic must-visit photo spot. Manufactured by British company Smith, Major and Stevens in 1929, this 96-year-old lift offers a unique historical experience in the heart of the 21st century. While the lift is kept running on a freshly installed motor, the original carriage is left untouched to preserve its rich history.
Limitless Performance
A space that practices physiotherapy and personal training, Limitless Performance is where you can reach your full fitness potential. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or powering through your everyday gym routine, this fitness studio ensures you get the most out of every session. The ultimate destination for those looking to prioritise their health and performance, right in the heart of the city.
Haus
Haus is where indulgence meets sophistication. For your next date idea, consider taking your beloved on a wine-and-cheesecake tasting at Haus. This homey locale offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its signature offering is the Burnt Basque Cheesecake, which takes you on a creamy, velvety ride, allowing you to savour life’s finest pleasures.
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