Asia Travel Guide

Singapore’s Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name - Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact each household at that time had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts.

Not all parts of Chinatown are Chinese though. The Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road lay witness to the harmonious racial and religious atmosphere in Singapore.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with its own distinctive flavour. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

Chinatown Food Street
Located at Smith Street, the Chinatown Food Street offers the best local hawker favourites! You would be able to savour the best of Singapore’s hawker food and rediscover the joys of al-fresco roadside dinning among the beautifully restoring shophouses of Chinatown.

The Chinatown Food Street offers over 20 types of local delights. Do try out local dishes like Char Kway Teow ( a noodle dish fried with fresh cockles), Carrot Cake (a steamed savoury radish cake fried with eggs and preserved vegetables) or Rojak (a refreshing local salad tossed with sweet sauced and peanuts), served from outdoor stalls like days of the old. Expect to pay an average of SGD 5 per person for a hearty meal.

Chinatown Night Market
Take a stroll along the Chinatown Night Market for a unique night market shopping experience! Delight yourself with an array of traditional and modern merchandise ranging from street opera masks to handmade ornaments, traditional clothing to unique fashion accessories, you will be spoilt for choice with the eclectic mix of merchandise on offer.

Immerse yourself in the old world charm of these Chinatown shophouses as you browse the selections at every stall. For those looking back to kick back and relax, there are also traditional and modern dance performances to entertain you in the evenings.

Don’t forget to check out the wide variety of local finger food stalls at Trengganu Street too!

Source: Uniquely Singapore