Tucked into the leafy enclave of Chip Bee Gardens in Holland Village, Singapore, Chip Bee Bistro is the latest project from Peter Teo, co-founder of the celebrated PS.Cafe. Opened in July 2025, the bistro reunites Teo with longtime collaborators Philip Chin, Richard Chamberlain, and Edward Lee to bring a neighbourhood-focused dining experience to the area.
The space balances heritage and contemporary design: classic tiled floors, timber finishes, brass accents, and generous windows create an interior that feels both familiar and refined. At its heart, the bistro is guided by warmth, hospitality, and understated elegance—an approach echoed in the gentle glow of NEOZ Tall Poppy lamps placed on every table.
The main dining room at Chip Bee Bistro with our 'Tall Poppy' cordless lamp
You helped shape PS.Cafe into one of Singapore’s most recognisable dining brands. Looking back, what were some of the highlights and learnings from that chapter?
Looking back at my time with PS.Cafe, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of a passionate team and partnership that built something meaningful for Singapore’s dining scene. The brand’s evolution taught me the importance of consistency, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. Some highlights were seeing customers return year after year, watching new locations take on their own character, and learning how every decision—from menu to lighting—impacts the guest experience. More than anything, those years reinforced the value of listening to my instinct and continuously striving to improve.
What led you to start fresh with something new?
After a bit of a break, I started to feel an urge to challenge myself with something a bit smaller and more personal. I wanted to channel what I had learned into a cosy space where every choice had a direct impact on the atmosphere. Starting fresh with Chip Bee Bistro gave me the chance to create something intimate—a neighbourhood spot inspired by warmth, hospitality, good food and drinks.
Gathering after the Monsoon - a charcoal drawing by Singaporean artist Jimmy Ong commissioned for the restaurant.
Tell us about the vision behind Chip Bee Bistro. What kind of experience did you want to offer?
Maybe not so much a vision but really an idea of a space that was understated yet stylish enough to feel comfortable, with a food and drink offering that is interesting but still comforting.
Was there a concept or principle that guided your choices in fittings, artwork, and lighting?
The lens through which decisions were made was one where every element—including the lighting—had to feel like a fresh approach befitting of a new chapter.
You’ve used NEOZ lamps in venues for more than a decade. How would you describe our lights from a user and operator perspective?
Actually, it feels closer to two decades. When we started using NEOZ table lights, I’m pretty sure we were one of the first independent cafés in Singapore to use them. We chose the Owl lamp for its durability and strong performance. With NEOZ you knew the light strength would easily last the whole service period. They are easy for staff to use and make a world of difference to the atmosphere.
What are you looking for when choosing lighting for a space, and why was the Tall Poppy a good fit for Chip Bee’s style?
To be honest, I was first looking for a unique design that wasn’t something seen all over the city. The Tall Poppy is beautiful in its elegance and has a nice heft to its weight. Additionally, because its light is cast downwards onto light-coloured table tops, it bounces back up as a glow. I find that this indirect light is much more complimentary to the faces seated at each table.
What does the Holland Village location mean to you, and how does it complement what you’ve created?
Chip Bee Gardens, where the bistro is located, was where I first lived after moving out of my parents’ home many moons ago. I know it well and like the community atmosphere it has. Opening a bistro here feels a bit like coming home.
Let's go makan!
Tucked away at 44 Jln Merah Saga, #01-48, Chip Bee Bistro is the perfect spot for a delicious meal. Join them for lunch Friday through Sunday, or for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Browse the menu and reserve your table at www.chipbeebistro.com.
