Singapore: A sensory getaway in Chinatown
Singapore is a dense melting pot and Asia as a whole is well represented there. The Chinese community was once concentrated in the Chinatown district, but today this community is omnipresent throughout Singapore and this renovated neighborhood has gradually lost its authenticity, giving way to shops, trendy restaurants, and hotels.
However, some details are worth noting. First of all, the language spoken here is Cantonnais! The atmosphere afterwards is colorful and fragrant. A whole street is dedicated to street food; let yourself be tempted by these new flavors from the north. Once you’ve enjoyed the food, explore the surroundings: colorful walls, traditional signs, lanterns, and Buddhist temples will transport you into a deep immersion in Chinese culture.
Must-visits in Chinatown:
–> The temple Thian Hock Keng : Make an early morning appointment at this authentic temple Absolutely remarkable, with a very traditional architectural style, where you feel like you’re out of time and in deep harmony with the surroundings. You feel relaxed and at peace, even though it’s located just steps from the business center!
Address: 158 Telok Ayer Street | Chinatown, Singapore 068613
–> The temple Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relics : An imposing and majestic temple located right in the heart of Chinatown. You can attend religious ceremonies between 9:00 and 16:00 (with discretion of course), visit the museum of the relic of the Buddha tooth, stroll on the 4 floors of the temple, and definitely head to the lush and peaceful rooftop terrace, with a beautiful traditional small temple in the center of it housing a large prayer scroll.
Address: 288 South Bridge Road | Chinatown, Singapore 058840
–> Chinatown Cooked Food at Smith Street : one of the main Hawker Centers in the city (a kind of small shopping mall) located right in front of the Chinatown Buddha Tooth Relics temple, where you’ll find many stalls selling local specialties to eat on the spot or to take away for just a few Euros. Feel free to share several dishes to try them all; it’s a real treat! By the way, did you know that a Michelin star was awarded for one of those street food stands?! We were there the day after it was awarded and there was a crowd in front of the 168 CMY Satay. The chef Chan Hon Meng He was in heaven, not realizing what was happening! So don't miss the chance to try his famous «Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle stall«
And for the little anecdote, I was interviewed by a journalist from the Reuters agency about the chef’s award! The next day I received many messages on Facebook and Instagram informing me that the video had been seen on the news programs of many countries! Here is the video below:
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