What it is: Between the late 1930s and 1945, it was a military village. In the 1950s, farmers set up makeshift roadside stalls to serve locals staying in the nearby wooded areas. Today, it is a bustling mix of banks, places where you can get traditional Chinese therapy, specialist ice cream or where you can wine and dine at sleek, modern eateries.
Why it's hot: Everything's in one place: Cold Storage for groceries; health and beauty stores like Watsons; hair salons such as Toni & Guys and Color Bar; and a dizzying array of food choices from the humble Ipoh hor fun to sashimi to Lebanese delights. Plus Holland V has always had a trendy yet relaxed ambience.
Why it's not: Parking is a headache. In 2002, 32 carpark lots were removed; then, in 2004, a further 116 lots went. The authorities have put in another 157 lots since then, but this has not eased the problem. MRT works are also a nuisance, bringing with it noise, dust and traffic flow interruptions.
Crowd it attracts: From Japanese housewives with kids in tow to local university students to students from nearby foreign schools to folks from nearby HDB estates.
Check out:
211 Roof Terrace Cafe (04-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre, tel: 6462-6194). If you think Holland V lacks rustic spots, visit this charming rooftop cafe where trees and plants soften the skyline.
Eski Bar (46, Lorong Mambong, tel: 6469-6180). The freezing cold Eski Bar is ideal for downing vodka or tequila shots while staying cool, in both senses of the word.
Fosters - An English Rose Cafe (main head picture, 277 Holland Ave, tel: 6466-8939). Fosters serves nice English meals but its appeal lies in its quiet and romantic alfresco area with tiki torches and a little fountain with goldfishes.
