An unassuming road, Lorong Telok has a surprisingly long history, appearing in George Coleman's Map of Singapore in 1836. The name of the road means "bay lane" in Malay, possibly referring to the curve of Singapore River. There was a tributary or drain connecting the river to the canal which was in between North Canal Road and South Canal Road. Both that tributary and the canal have since been filled in.
Today Lorong Telok is known for its elegant row of 3-storey shophouses which have been beautifully restored.