Look, if you're wondering how BYD went from a fairly unfamiliar Chinese automotive company to seeing it every three cars on the roads, this could be the reason. The best way to Singaporeans' heart is through their stomachs (or some saying like that), thus BYD by 1826 came to be.
Now on its sixth outpost after Zhongshan Park, Tanjong Pagar, Suntec City, Boat Quay, and Waterway Point, the IMM store is the first pet-friendly concept within a mall. While the concept remains essentially parking (ha) a car showroom within a restaurant, the experiential hub offers more than food. Which is admittedly pretty bangin', but more on that later.
As many pawrents would tell, most pet-friendly locales often compromise either food quality or an accommodating ambience. This is not something you have to worry about here. You can see utmost care for integrating family lifestyles through the thoughtful design of the interior.
Conspicuous elements that would otherwise feel odd next to each other seem to seamlessly blend in. Exploring a fleet of car models doesn't feel quite as transactional when the space allows you to take your time to, with the loved ones in tow.
Seating is bright and airy by the expansive wall of glass opening to the roof garden, with each pocket facing toward natural light. The neutral palette, organic spruces, and soft touches lend to a relaxed, almost domestic setting where both humans and furry friends easily feel at home.
In true Singaporean fashion, this ethos extends into culinary artistry i.e. the impressive array of dishes. Find local flair in the aromatic Nyonya Beef Rendang, an innovative Biscoff Kopi Pork Ribs and fusion favourite Tiger Prawn Risotto Pao Fan.
The sides are just as worthy contenders. Especially the selection of potatoes in any way you might like—smashed and crispy, or bite-sized tater tots drizzled in honey butter, or shoestring fries generously sprinkled with Salted Egg crumble, complete with bits of curry leaves.
Specialty drinks spares no expense. House cocktails and mocktails, craft beers and a playful variety of lattes. We would gladly go for the Zesty Yuzu Espresso Cream again if there weren't 14 other options to try. Like the Golden Cloud Coffee. Or the Kinako Cream Latte.
It may surprise some to know that BYD by 1826 is a first across the global BYD brand. That's because car ownership in Singapore hardly exists in silo; it's a full family affair. It extends beyond individual pursuit to a shared purpose.
Which is, again, the very vision. All outlets champion local creatives, small businesses, sustainable decisions and charitable causes. This store simply continues that legacy. If the electric premium makes automotive mobility an accessible dream, BYD's newest playground is but a modern expression to where cars, coffee and community can coexist.
Find out more at BYD by 1826
