Kada at Maxwell is a new lifestyle hub housed within a preserved heritage building with cafes, restaurants, boutique fitness studios and even a flexible living accommodation. Located just beside the famous Maxwell Food Centre, it is trendy spot where heritage becomes hip.
Kada at Maxwell Overview
The building consists of three floors plus a rooftop level and is located at Kadayanallur Street, where it derives its name. Kada also refers to a traditional Indian bracelet believed to have healing properties and good luck.
Kadayanallur Street is just off Maxwell Road and the Kada building can be found beside Maxwell Food Centre, across the road from the URA Centre where the Singapore City Gallery is housed.
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The building was built in 1923 and was designed by Swan & Maclaren. It is one of the earliest Modernist buildings in Singapore. It was formerly the St Andrew’s Mission Hospital before becoming a commercial building in more recent times. Interestingly, the Kada creative lifestyle hub is operated by healthcare provider Bethesda Medical, who won the tender for the site in April 2024.
Bethesda Medical also operates the heritage-turned-hip Margaret Market in Queenstown. So, if you’ve been to Margaret Market before, you may know the type of vibes to expect at Kada at Maxwell.
The building has an interesting triangular shaped design with a (now enclosed) central airwell.
Another interesting feature within the building is an old-style elevator with metal grills. It runs from the first floor to the fourth floor. The unique antique elevator has collapsible iron gates and wooden panels and is one of the oldest fully functioning elevators in the country.
While we were excited to try it, it was not in operation when we visited Kada. We hear that it has been requiring maintenance because many people are not used to using it.
Cafes and Restaurants at Kada in Maxwell
Kada will have 17 offerings including trendy cafes alongside four restaurants, a full gym and pilates studio, an ice bath and infrared sauna service along with an art jamming space. Habyt offers 18 co-living rooms in the building too.
Many of the food outlets at Kada, consisting of cafes and restaurants, are located on the ground floor.
Echo
Just to the left of the building entrance is Echo. This cafe prides itself in brewing exceptional coffee. Its signature espresso blend is made using the beans from Papua New Guinea and Brazil. They are also known for their strawberry matcha and brown butter latte. You can also enjoy pastries such as almond croissants here.
Where: #01-08
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 5 pm
Website: Echo
D’Penyetz Heritage
Those who love smashed chicken will be familiar with the D’Penyetz brand. On the other side of the entrance to Kada, you will find D’Penyetz Heritage where you can get your fill of Indonesian cuisine.
Origin Tea
Looking for all-natural tea drinks? Origin Tea, which is on the ground floors and accessible from the exterior of the building crafts drinks using hand-picked tea leaves and no artificial flavouring. You can pick up your tea and enjoy it at the alfresco seating area.
Where: #01-05A
Kit & Kaboodle
Just inside the passageway at the building entrance is Kit & Kaboodle. While it was not open when we visited, it looks like a bakery concept. We wonder if it is related to the event furnishing business of the same name.
Where: #01-07
Kyuukei Coffee
Venturing further into the Kada building at Maxwell, you will find more cafes. Kyuukei Coffee started off in Bukit Merah and has now expanded to Kada. In addition to its coffees, it is also known for its toasties and galettes. The interior at Kyuukei Coffee in Kada has a minimalist vibes and is an inviting space to relax in.
Where: #01-04
Pacto by Parchmen
Pacto by Parchmen is located up the blue stairwell that leads a small little spot with only four seats. You can purchase specialty coffees, along with tea to satisfy your caffeine needs. If you want something to go, Pacto by Parchmen also operates a little hole-in-the-wall (literally) coffee window located at the rear of the building. You can walk up to the window to pick up your brew. The outlet at Kada is the brand’s second after its first location at Jalan Besar Community Club.
Where: #01-10
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Website: Pacto by Parchmen
Shou / Daikoku – Dim Sum and Izakaya
An innovative restaurant located in the interior of the building on the ground floor is the dual concept Shou / Daikoku. In the daytime, it operates as Shou, a dim sum spot with handmade Hong Kong-style dim sum with classics like siew mai and har kow. At night, it turns into a a Japanese yakitori izakaya called Daikoku.
Where: #01-02
Alani
Up on the rooftop of Kada, you will find Alani, a Mediterranean restaurant where you can dine amidst greenery that will be officially opening in February 2025.
Where: Level 4
Proud Potato Peeler
Also at the rooftop is Proud Potato Peeler, a reservations-required restaurant that offers Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine that will offer a curated menu. It is run by chef Alberto Simillides, a Turkish-Greek from Cyprus.
Where: Level 4
Lifestyle Outlets at Kada
Up on the second floor, you will find other lifestyle outlets including a gym alongside the ice baths, hydrotherapy, an infrared sauna and more.
Closed on Sunday curated by lil’ palette
One of family-friendly spot is Closed on Sunday curated by lil’ palette. This is a “no-pressure art club for people like you who need a moment to breathe, create, and just be.”
It is an art jamming spot where you can enjoy art along with a beverage. It also offers a New York-inspired art curriculum for kids.
Where: #04-01
Habyt at Maxwell: Flex Accommodation
At Level 3 of the Kada building is Habyt at Maxwell. This consists of 18 rooms ranging from ensuite to studio, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, which feature a fully equipped kitchenette.
Habyt at Maxwell is designed to offer a multifaceted lifestyle experience, combining essential amenities under one roof and allowing for short and long term stays. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a gym (in partnership with Limitless, a performance gym), wellness centre (in partnership with Shiruki Studio), and Oasis Lounge, a co-working space to accommodate modern working arrangements, all within the property.
Find out more about Habyt at Maxwell.
Where is Kada at Maxwell
You can find Kada at Maxwell along Kadayanallur Street.
Where: 5 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069183
