Singapore's TidbiTs

Once known as the Malay Emporium of Singapore and although it was developed later than the more glamorous and historical Kampong Glam , Geylang Serai has long been associated with the Malay community of Singapore with history of the area dated back to early 19th century. It is one of the oldest Malay settlements in Singapore. Located between Changi Road and Sims Avenue, the main attraction of the larger Geylang Serai is the busy Geylang Serai Market, affectionately known amongst the Malays as Pasar Lama (old market). Pasar Baru (new market) is the opposite building called Joo Chiat Complex, which was completed in 1985 on the site of the former Changi Market. Designed like a traditional Malay house, Geylang Serai Market comprises two storeys consisting of a wet market on the ground floor and a cooked food or hawker centre on the upper floor. It was first opened in 1964 by the first prime minister of Singapore Lee Kwan Yew. It was redeveloped in 2009 and reopened in 2010. It is the go-t...

Many associated Little India with Mustafa Centre, the huge 24-hour department store that sells almost anything. Yes, they practically sell everything including electronics, jewellery, shoes and fresh produce. And we all know of someone who would dash to Mustafa Centre to get that last-minute travel luggage. Other than Mustafa Centre, another well-known landmark in Little India is without doubt Tekka Centre or Market and the Arcade. Although not part of the original Raffles Town or Jackson Plan, like the ethnic areas of Kampong Glam and Chinatown , the well-preserved Little India in Singapore evolved through trade-related activities and remain a magnet of all things that represent the Indian culture and heritage of Singapore. The area was developed around agriculture and cattle trading in the 19th century. Common traditional trades include garland-making, goldsmithing, and fortune-telling. Indian goldsmiths are prominent, as gold jewelry is culturally significant. Walk along Serangoon ...

Bugis Village also known as Bugis Street Market is a good place for tourists and locals alike to pick up a souvenir or two such as fridge magnets and keychains. It is not a flea market, but more of the street's night market concept stores with fixed price,though you can also bargain for higher value items like a luggage bag. You can find 'I love Singapore' or 'Singapore is a Fine City' T-shirts that go for three pieces for $10. But of course, it must look lame for locals to wear these T-shirts here or elsewhere. Not that we are not patriotic. I think one would look pretty hilarious too, wearing a 'no chewing gum' t-shirt. You cannot find chewing gum at Bugis Market or elsewhere in Singapore. So, do I miss chewing the sugary gum? Sometimes, but it is what it is. Snowman at the roof of busy Bugis Market If you are looking for inexpensive watches, you can get a $5 watch at Bugis Market. These are not fake branded watches like those found in some alleys in Bang...

You can find Roti John at many hawker centres and pasar malam (night markets). They are french bread coated with eggs and butter and and fried on hot plate and topped up with generous amount of chilli or tomato sauce and mayonaise. You can get them for around $4 to $5. The name John is English and roti is bread. So maybe during the early days this omelette sandwich is the equivalent of hamburgers or simply the french toast! You can find Roti John usually being sold at Malay stalls. At some hawker centres such as at Bedok Corner , the stall owners are getting creative. You can find Roti John Steak, Chicken or Sardine and Roti John Power! Grilling Roti John (front) and Ramly Burger Ramly Burger is that ubiquitous delicious and juicy meat local burger wrapped in egg and splashed with plenty of colourful sauces of tomato sauce, mayonnaise and mustard that you can only get at Pasar Malam . And it only cost about $3. The meat can be beef or chicken. Of course you can get value burgers at so...

At Pasar Malam, you can find many stalls selling the familiar and perennial crowd favourites of deep-fried street snacks or food such as 'Ramly' burger, roti john , Indian vadai or wadai, banana and tapioca fritters, fried fish crackers, otak-otak (ground fish meat with spices wrapped in palm or attap leaves) steamed buns and peanuts, kebabs, coconut juices and ice-creams, fried noodles, nasi lemak, chendols and roasted chestnuts. And of course, knick-knacks like smartphone accessories and clothes. The flea-market style pasar malam or night market opens during broad daylight too. 'Pasar' is a Malay word which means market. Maybe during the olden days, they used to only operate in the evenings when it is a bit cooler given the tropical weather here, that is why they called it Pasar Malam. The vibe in the evenings tend to be better too. During the festive season such as during the fasting month of Ramadan, pasar malam is turned into bazaar such as at Geylang Serai. Pasa...