Shop for fresh produce, hunt for hidden treasures or just soak in the buzzy atmosphere at Singapore's best markets
Whether you're looking to stock up on fresh produce at home, refresh your closet for cheap, on a lookout for cool vintage memorabilia or just like to look like pretty things, these are the best markets in Singapore to keep on your radar. Best of all, these either stay open everyday or throw a pop-up flea on the regular.
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Originally an abattoir in the early 1900s at its initial site closer to Sungei Road, Tekka Centre in its present incarnation at the corner of Buffalo, Race Course and Serangoon Roads presents a far more appetising prospect. Now home to one of the best wet markets in town with a greater offering of halal-slaughtered meats than most, the pasar’s adjoining food centre has become a hawker institution offering great grub from a range of cuisines.
Located between the bustling thoroughfares of Changi Road and Sims Avenue, the Geylang Serai Market has been a focal point for the local Malay community since it was built in 1964. For 42 years, stallholders eked out a living behind makeshift stalls in ramshackle conditions, sweltering under a rusting zinc roof. Finally, in 2006, the aging market was torn down as part of a government redevelopment project for the entire vicinity of Joo Chiat, and in 2010 was replaced by a two-storey concrete block with its distinctive three-tiered grand entryway. Now, the airy 955-seater Geylang Serai food centre sits on the second floor, sharing the enclosed 9,000 sq ft floor space with a wet market and a battery of shops laden with clothing, groceries, household goods and other bric-a-brac. The market is a hub of frenetic activity from sun up to sun down, and retains its Malay roots, with plenty of Malay and Indian-Muslim specialities on offer.
What better way to try local food than in the heart of Chinatown? The Chinatown Complex Food Centre is fully loaded with all your favourite Singapore dishes at reasonable prices. This massive hawker centre is also home to over 200 stalls, including local craft beer bar Smith Street Taps and the Michelin-starred Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle.
Yes we do have farms in Singapore. But the closest we have to a farmers' market in this country is this pop-up run by the good people behind Kranji's Countryside Farmers' Market. Every quarter, the Singapore's farming community gather all their fresh produce and bring them to this no-frills market for sale. If you want to eat local, here's the best place to start.
For affordable fashion and accessories
Just a stone's throw away from Bugis station lies a bargain shopper's heaven. Bugis Street is the closest you'll get to a street market in Singapore – the first floor is non-airconditioned but we suggest heading straight up to the second air-conditioned floor to shop. The most popular thing to do there, however, is to get your nails done in one of the many nail salons in the 'beauty aisle' – trust us, you'll know when you get there.
Opens daily 11am-10pm.
For vintage hunters
Vintage collectors, this is the market for you. Yes, lots of patience and digging required but it'll be worth it. Hunt for one-of-a-kind finds amidst the booths selling all things vintage – watches, vintage jewellery, haute couture, vinyl records, objets d’art and more.
Check Vintage Flea Market by The Retro Factory's Facebook page for exact dates.
For hipster finds
Every last weekend of the month, Bagdad Street transform into a vibrant flea market filled with plenty of food and drink stalls, and pop-up shops hawking quirky lifestyle products including but not limited to flowers, hanna, homemade beauty products, candles, art prints and more. Of course, there'll be lots of live performances to add to the buzzy atmosphere in this quaint Kampong Glam neighbourhood. And since you're in the vicinity, remember to check out the best of what Bugis has to offer and hit up these cafes for brunch.
Check their Facebook page for exact dates.
For free things
The neo-bartering concept behind the Singapore Really Really Free Market may not be new, but it’s certainly on-trend these days. Swap your stuff, be it food or products, or use your set of skills in exchange for what other people have brought along to trade – all without money changing hands.
Check their Facebook page for exact dates.
Flea markets are old hat – visit these new art, design and fashion-centric bazaars for artisanal products, affordable art and locally made knick-knacks
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