Chinatown - Singapore

Chinatown in Singapore

Chinatown in Singapore is a vibrant and historic neighborhood, offering a blend of traditional heritage and modern attractions. It’s a cultural hub known for its Chinese temples, historic shophouses, bustling street markets, and excellent food scene.

 

Key Attractions in Singapore Chinatown:

  1. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: A stunning Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple, home to a sacred relic believed to be the tooth of the Buddha. Visitors can explore the temple and its museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts.
  2. Sri Mariamman Temple: Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, located on South Bridge Road, known for its colorful gopuram (entrance tower) and cultural significance.
  3. Chinatown Heritage Centre: A museum housed in a restored shophouse that tells the story of Singapore’s early Chinese immigrants through immersive exhibits and recreated living spaces.
  4. Thian Hock Keng Temple: One of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples, dedicated to Ma Zu Po, the goddess of the sea, who was revered by Chinese sailors.
  5. Maxwell Food Centre: A famous hawker center where you can try some of Singapore’s best street food, including the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Other Interesting Spots:

  1. Ann Siang Hill and Club Street: A charming area with boutique shops, cafes, and trendy bars, popular for its vibrant nightlife and chic atmosphere.
  2. Chinatown Street Market: A bustling market that comes alive with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to street food. It’s an excellent place for bargain hunting.
  3. Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street: Lined with colorful shophouses, these streets are packed with shops selling traditional goods, clothes, and trinkets.

Dining in Chinatown:

  • Hawker Centers:

    1. Maxwell Food Centre: Must-try dishes include chicken rice, fish porridge, and char kway teow.
    2. Chinatown Complex Food Centre: The largest hawker center in Singapore with over 260 stalls, offering a wide variety of local dishes. Try the famous Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, a Michelin-starred stall.
    3. Amoy Street Food Centre: Another popular hawker center offering a variety of local favorites like laksa, bak chor mee, and nasi lemak.

  • Casual Dining:

    1. Hawker Chan: The world’s first Michelin-starred hawker, famous for its soya sauce chicken rice.
    2. Smith Street (Chinatown Food Street): An outdoor dining area offering a wide range of local street food, including satay, dim sum, and BBQ seafood.

  • Fine Dining:

    1. Tong Heng Delicacies: Famous for its traditional Cantonese pastries, particularly the iconic egg tarts.
    2. Yan Ting: A high-end Cantonese restaurant located in the nearby St. Regis Hotel, serving gourmet dim sum and exquisite Chinese dishes.

Shopping in Chinatown:

  • Souvenirs and Traditional Goods:

    • Chinatown Street Market: Best for buying traditional Chinese crafts, tea sets, lanterns, jade ornaments, and local snacks.
    • Pagoda Street and Temple Street: Great for picking up souvenirs like t-shirts, keychains, and handcrafted items.

  • Chinese Herbs & Medicine:

    • Eu Yan Sang: A reputable chain selling traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, and health supplements.
    • Singapore Chinese Medicine Hall: Offers an array of traditional medicinal herbs and tonics.

  • Textiles and Clothing:

    • People’s Park Complex: A good place for affordable clothing, shoes, and bags, including traditional Chinese outfits like cheongsams.
    • Chinatown Point Mall: A modern mall with a variety of fashion boutiques, beauty products, and electronics.

  • Local Snacks and Tea:

    • Yue Hwa Chinese Products: A well-known department store offering a range of traditional Chinese products, including silk garments, teas, and snacks.
    • Tea Chapter: A charming tea house where you can buy high-quality Chinese tea and accessories, while also enjoying tea appreciation sessions.

How to Get There:

  • By MRT: Take the North-East Line or Downtown Line and alight at Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19). Exits lead directly to the heart of Chinatown.
  • By Bus: Numerous bus routes stop near Chinatown, such as services 61, 124, 143, and 147.
  • By Foot: It’s a short walk from the business district and Clarke Quay area.

Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: Chinatown is especially lively during festivals like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and there are many cultural performances to enjoy.
  • Night Markets: Visit during the evening when the street market and food stalls come to life with bustling crowds and vibrant lights.

Chinatown is a dynamic neighborhood where you can experience Singapore’s rich cultural heritage, sample delicious street food, and shop for unique items.