Chinatown Singapore

Singapore is a boiling mix of nationalities and people from all over the world which contributes to the bustling pulse of the town. People from China makes out some 76% of the population and their mark is all over town and especially in the Chinatown district. So let´s go there and experience it in full colours.

A story of Chinese heritage

Singapore’s historic Chinatown is a bustling mix of old and new, filled with traditional shops and markets as well as cool stores and cafes. The cramped five-foot-ways, dingy alleys and raucous street hawkers are relics of Chinatown’s past. Yet pockets of history remain in Chinatown, along with more modern sights. You could easily spend a few days wandering through these still-narrow streets. Family operated goldsmiths, traditional medicinal halls and teahouses ply their trades next to sleeker neighbours such as hipster bars and lifestyle shops.

Eat, drink and be very merry

Singapore is all about food and eating and if you’re a devoted foodie, try the Chinatown specials like ‘char kway teow’ (stir-fried noodles) and ‘satay’ (barbecued meat skewers) at Chinatown Food Street, a row of hawker stalls, shophouse restaurants and kiosks along Smith Street. For trendier tastes, chic restaurants and bars are in Neil Road, Duxton Road and Keong Saik Road. The vibe is electric in Club Street and Ann Siang Road on Friday and Saturday nights, when locals as well as expats head down for dinner, drinks and endless fun.

So much to do

Want to shop? Buy souvenirs in Pagoda Street, ‘bak kwa’ (barbecued meat) in New Bridge Road or traditional Chinese medicine in South Bridge Road. Chinatown is where Hindu temples and mosques sit right next to Chinese temples. Sri Mariamman Temple and Jamae Mosque are on South Bridge Road, as is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

To rest that weary head, stay at a boutique hotel in Duxton Road, Keong Saik Road and Ann Siang Road. For budget stays, try Trengganu Street, Mosque Street and Temple Street. Best of all, there’s free Wi-Fi connection all over the Chinatown area so you can continue to be plugged in while you sightsee, shop and eat.

See & Do

From migrant settlement to a vibrant heritage precinct, get captivated by the Chinatown story. With revamped exhibits at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience of Chinese culture. First of its kind in Singapore, Singapore Musical Box Museum aims to share the history of musical boxes as well as to entertain the visitors with music from the antiques.

Eat

There are so many great places to fill up your tummy. Dine like a local at Chinatown Food Street, where a tantalising spread of local delights awaits. Take a break from the heat too, in the specially-cooled alfresco dining area. One of the pioneers of the small plate-big plate menu concept, The Disgruntled Chef, serves Modern European cuisine with touches of Asian flavours and original handcrafted cocktails – courtesy of award-winning Founder & Executive Chef Daniel Sia.

Shop

Head to iconic century year old medical oil shop Chop Wah On and take home their popular eucalypthol balms or exotic oils. These make great gifts with their traditional packaging and healing properties. Take a breather at Grassroots Book Room, a prominent Chinese bookstore/café which houses works by award-winning illustrators and serves up freshly baked bread. 

Bring Back

Tong Heng is home to one of the most popular egg tarts and traditional Chinese pastries on the island. With over 90 years of history, they’ve also perfected omelette toast with kaya and desserts.