Gogorama

Gogorama.

A squiggle of a name…electrifying with the suggestion of scintillating ladies in high heels and red lips. The Gogorama art.design.illustration café shares its name with an infamous American strip-joint, but the only wanton displays of seduction are its moist desserts that warrant adultery.

This undiscovered gem, more hidden than the Tiong Bahru and Duxton to-go enclaves, promises its delicious underground vibe the minute you climb up its stairs. Hand-painted walls plastered with an assortment of posters and vintage paraphernalia rise up to greet you, before you pass Mr Pacman on the door. Walk through hand-beaded curtains of shells and plastic bowling pins…

Now you enter a world of a beautiful vision that sticks to its guns, truly expressing the owners’ graphic design and fashion backgrounds. Illustrations from emerging and established illustrators ranging from the United Kingdom and Singapore fill the walls in a visual feast. The owners want Gogorama to be part of the conversation for youth and alternative expression. They have a small but loyal following amongst both local hipsters, true-blooded artists, expatriates who recognize their vision, and the average Jack on the street who appreciates their efforts to be authentic in a world filled with generic malls.

Their affordably-priced illustrations are for sale, but most of the vintage frames which are rare finds from scouring London and Australian garage sales and vintage markets, are the personal collection of the owners. More than anything, this demonstrates the passion and how much of themselves is invested in the beautifully-unique space.

Enjoy a quesadilla, sticky toffee pudding or the refreshing Tikki Blush, a fruit smoothie – watermelon, strawberries, apple – the perfect thirst quencher for our hot tropics. The cakes here are on a rotational basis, but there are always winners in this lucky draw, with two daily specials that are baked with love by its owners, Yvonne and Cheryl.

Appetite satiated, it’s time to explore the visual adventure. With a melding of their fashion and graphic design backgrounds, the place is unlike any other….hand-painted walls festooned with artworks for the taking, shelves stacked with illustration and art catalogues, and designer toys to thrill the avid collectors in the know.

Welcome to the other side of Singapore’s concrete walkways, you owe yourself this treat.