Chinatown is a cultural stronghold for the entire Chinese community staying in Singapore for decades. This place is a hub of activities for not only the Chinese population but also for local non Chinese and tourists coming from other parts of the world. A highly popular place in Singapore for it has also been given the status of a World Heritage site to conserve the many cultures and traditions of several Chinese clans.

Chinatown is forever vibrant with grand gates, most of the places done up in red and gold, lush park, narrow lanes adorned with shops selling interesting merchandise and the very famous Food complexes which are full till the brim during lunch hours. A few Michelin-star restaurants too find pride in having their outlets in Chinatown for this place has the tradition and heritage of China intact.

A must visit place for every tourist visiting Singapore as this is the place which gives the country its distinctive and diversified flavour. Chinatown contributes majorly to the cosmopolitan culture of Singapore. Singapore consists of majorly migrant Chinese and South Indians along with citizens of different origins which have made the country even more vibrant, lively and dynamic. Visit Chinatown to have a feel of the real Singapore and relive the past amidst an array of experiences.

For a fascinating peek into Singapore’s Chinese culture and history, Chinatown is a good place to start. Here, you’ll enjoy a mix of heritage visits to museums, shopping as well as a good variety of food options, sure to leave a traveller happy and satisfied at the end of the day.

Culture vultures looking to immGain insights into Singapore’s rich, multi-ethnic culture by visiting some of the country’s most fascinating places of worship, located in the heart of Chinatown. This age-old precinct is home to myriad different cultures and is the only Chinatown in the world to boast a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple along a single street.

erse themselves in Buddhism’s rich art and history should pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. The temple’s interior is architecturally designed in the form of a mandala, a central concept in Buddhist and Hindu spirituality that represents universal connection. You’ll be able to find moments of reprieve and tranquillity at the temple’s rooftop garden with its beautiful pagoda.

From the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, take a short jaunt down South Bridge Road, and keep an eye out for Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. While the statue of this temple’s patron deity is only unveiled on special occasions, the temple’s interior is a wealth of murals and shrines, dedicated to gods like Shiva and Durga.

A taste of old and new

Whether you’re a foodie exploring the traditional flavours of a country or a gourmand who loves fusion and experimentation, Chinatown’s diverse food offerings are certain to sate your appetite.

To experience Singapore’s multi-ethnic culinary traditions, make Chinatown Food Street your first stop. This open-air stretch of eateries provides visiting foodies a smorgasbord of well-loved Singaporean hawker food. Dishes here range from char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles in dark soya sauce) and orh luak (fried oyster omelette) to roast duck and South Indian curries.

Foodies looking for behind-the-scenes insight into the preparation of Japanese dishes should visit Meta at Keong Saik Road. French fare meets Asian influences at this Michelin-starred restaurant, with dishes including grilled langoustine seasoned with seaweed, and Japanese sea bass served with razor clams and chorizo. Visitors should reserve a seat at the counter if they’d like to watch the chefs at work.

Tipples and Bar Talk

Besides being home to culture and tradition, Chinatown is also a neighbourhood filled with a plethora of bustling bars where you can socialise over a tipple.

To discover cocktails inspired by Asia’s diverse flavours, order a drink at Native in Telok Ayer. Ranked 13th on the 2018 World’s 50 Best Bars list, the drinks are made from locally foraged produce and exotic ingredients, which make them great conversation starters. Or pay a visit to Flagship in Bukit Pasoh, an unpretentious watering hole that serves up both whisky-based cocktails and hard rock vibes. Gibson—its sister bar—is located on the second floor of the same building, and their unconventional cocktails have earned them a spot on the 2018 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Things to do in Chinatown Singapore:

Food: Indulge in a lip-smacking and delectable food at Chinatown’s Maxwell Food centre to experience local Chinese cuisine. Try out the Hainanese Chicken Rice at Tian Tian which is a popular food joint in the hawker’s centre. There are numerous stalls serving authentic Asian cuisine at a pocket-friendly price. The Chinatown complex has more than 260 plus eateries serving local Singaporean and South East Asian cuisine out of which a few are Michelin starred stalls. While you walk down the streets you will be enamoured by the aroma of Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Shopping: Even a person who is not keen on shopping will be lured to shop in Singapore at Chinatown seeing the huge and colourful array of garments, household wares, necessities, souvenirs, crafts and antiques.

Photography: Visitors who are keen to carry back memories of Chinatown can capture scintillating and colourful candid images from the daily lives of the locals. Do not forget to take a selfie at the Chinatown gate near the stone lions.

Nightlife: Chinatown has an interesting and colourful nightlife in Singapore with a popular hole in the wall eateries, bars and pubs where one can wind up after a long day of work or travel.

Places to visit near Chinatown Singapore.

Heritage trip-

With close proximity to Chinatown there are a few places like the Chinatown Heritage Centre which showcases the rich tradition, culture and heritage of the Chinese community which has several ethnic groups and clans with distinctive features. A must visit for culture vultures keen to know more about the evolution of orientals in this part of the world.

Spa and Foot reflexology –

After a day-long walk down the streets and park of Chinatown one may want to have a relaxing time at the spa indulging in either a foot spa, fish spa or full body spa to experience the art of reflexology that the Chinese are proficient in.

Tea house-

There are several Tea rooms close by Chinatown which are favourite hangout places to catch up on friends and families over a refreshing brew of exclusive Chinese beverage.

Souvenir trip-

Art aficionados and culture lovers can find hordes of little retail shops and galleries selling artistic wares and knick-knacks which can be carried back home as souvenirs of a wonderful trip.

Nightlife-

Nightlife in and around Chinatown is very vibrant and happening with colourfully done up retro bars to quaint little resto bars offering the best cocktails and a bevvy of a beverage of choice.

Best Places to Eat Street Food at Chinatown Singapore:

Tiong Bahru Meng Kee Roast Duck:

This is a highly recommended stall for it's soft and juicy sweet Char Siew and Sion Bak with crackling skin.

Maxwell Food Centre:

This place is known for its local style Chinese food and has an elaborate menu full of delectable dishes at a pocket-friendly price.

Burnt’s End:

This Michelin starred Australian style barbecue restaurant in Singapore is not only a treat to the eyes but also features in the World’s 50 Best restaurants. It is famous for its crunchy coleslaw, slow-cooked pulled pork, super fluffy brioche buns and the all-time famous pork burger.

The Chinatown Complex:

close to 226 food stalls under one roof is an extraordinary experience to undergo especially during lunch and dinner time. This also happens to be the place of the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles. Sampling a few dishes at Lia He Ben Ji Claypot Rice would be a memorable experience.

Haikee Brothers:

This 3rd generation Chinese restaurant which dishes out delectable Chinese dishes also carries on the legacy of Soya Sauce chicken which happens to be a popular item in their menu.

Mein Heong Yuen Dessert:

This is a shop selling desserts exclusively and is an institution by itself for innovating creative desserts. Beat the heat with a refreshing bowl of snow ice available in 18 flavours. They also specialize in bird’s nest soup, water chestnut with corn and almond paste and several other lip-smacking delicacies.

Best Places to Shop at Chinatown Singapore 

Chinatown street market:

These are extremely colourful and vibrant stalls selling artefacts and souvenirs under canopies. The best part of the market is that one can haggle for the best price.

Woofer and Purrlensky:

This exclusive pet store is a haven to buy things for your furry friends. Pet collars, leashes, hammocks and several other products to keep your pet happy and comfortable

People’s Park Centre:

This is a repository of everything Chinese. Ranging from Chinese herbs and Idols and Cheap electronics to clothing there is a store for every possible thing under one roof.

Egg3:

This high-end store has a mix of eclectic style with a Nordic touch in it. Clothes, home décor, furniture and other lifestyle products. This store has brands like Max Tan, You You and Ginlee.

Mythology:

This multi-branded store located prominently on Chinatown is a comparatively new place which has gained popularity due to its exclusive collection of Asian labels. This ritzy store has luxury apparels, jewellery and an exotic range of resort wear.

Aston Blake:

This posh and bespoke men’s tailor catering to the class has a bespoke collection of Men’s wear along with tailoring services.

Best Hotels to Stay in Chinatown Singapore:

Furama City Centre:

Situated in the heart of Chinatown, this 445room hotel in Singapore is committed to creating an unforgettable memory for the guests who travel for either leisure or business.

Amara Hotel:

This 384-roomed business hotel has earned a name for itself by providing state of the art hospitality. The hotel is clutter free and has a minimalist design while their primary focus lies on quality service.

M-Hotel:

The strategically placed hotel at a Prime location in the Central Business District calls for several foreign tourists who call it their home for a couple of days either for leisure or work.

Tips for Visiting Chinatown Singapore.

• A visit to Chinatown is a must when in Singapore as it reflects the authentic culture, heritage and tradition of the Chinese community residing in the country for a long time. 

• Though Singapore is known to be one of the safest cities it is advisable to keep valuables under supervision when in the beach or parties.

• The land has strict laws on drug offenders, shoplifters and other crimes and disciplinary issues so one needs to be careful on those aspects.

• Though very rare, there are times when the city has bad air quality and is surrounded by smog and haze, thus it is recommended to carry and wear masks during that time.