Beyond cakes and curry puffs, Polar was one of only two cafes that served ice cream sundaes. It was also among the few businesses that stayed open during the Japanese Occupation.
After the war, the High Street area became the Orchard Road of its time, surrounded by key landmarks like the Supreme Court, the old Parliament House and Metro.
Lawyers, politicians, expatriates and executives frequented the cafe. Former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee was reportedly fond of the curry puffs.
For six decades, Polar Cafe served as both a neighbourhood fixture and a date spot.
“I’ve been told that people went there for romantic dates,” said Dr Chan, whose team has been searching for customers whose parents or grandparents took photos at the cafe.
