Following my short stroll through Fort Canning Park, I hopped on the Downtown Line MRT from Fort Canning Station to Chinatown Station which is just one stop away. Yes, Singapore’s public transportation is that convenient. Since its launch on 7 November 1987, the Singapore MRT system has grown remarkably. From an initial 6-kilometer stretch with only five stations, it now spans over 242.6 kilometers with eight lines and 143 stations. As the oldest, busiest, and arguably most comprehensive metro system in Southeast Asia, it serves more than 3.4 million commuters daily, totaling about 1.2 billion passengers annually. For my journey—starting from Changi Airport and eventually back again—I used the super-convenient 1-Day Tourist Pass, which I purchased from a vending machine at the airport. This pass made getting around seamless during my short layover. The only thing to really pay attention to is the exit signs at each station, as they lead to different parts of the area around the stop. By the time I reached Chinatown, it was well past noon—and hunger was kicking in. Naturally, the first thing I went searching for was food. And what did I find? A comforting, generous bowl of chicken laksa—just what I needed.
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| Chinatown’s iconic shophouses blend tradition and color in perfect harmony |
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| Vibrant streets lined with shops selling souvenirs, herbal remedies and even durians |
Laksa is a spicy coconut-based noodle soup, a beloved dish of the Peranakan Chinese community in the region, commonly found in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The ingredients and preparation vary widely across locations, making it difficult to determine the dish’s exact origin. The laksa I had during this Chinatown visit was a chicken laksa—served piping hot, with a rich, flavorful broth and tender pieces of chicken. It was the perfect comfort food to recharge after all the walking. Once I finished my meal, I stepped back out onto the street to savor another kind of treat—Singapore Chinatown’s vibrant atmosphere. The neighborhood was buzzing with energy: rows of heritage shophouses painted in bold hues, street stalls selling everything from souvenirs to herbal remedies, and temples with intricate architecture tucked between modern cafés. As I wandered through Pagoda Street and its neighboring lanes, I caught the scent of incense drifting from the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, built in 1827 and dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. Just a short walk away stood the grand Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a relatively newer but no less impressive landmark completed in 2007, which claims to house a sacred relic of the Buddha himself. In the same area, we can also find the historic Jamae (Chulia) Mosque, one of the earliest mosques in Singapore, built around 1830 by Tamil Muslim traders from Coromandel Coast, South India. Its unique architectural style, blending South Indian and neoclassical influences, stands as a testament to the religious diversity and harmony found in this part of the city. The mix of cultures, sights, and sounds created a lively tapestry that truly awakened my senses and offered a deeper glimpse into Singapore’s rich and multicultural identity.
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| This generous bowl of chicken laksa delivers a true taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage |
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| Sri Mariamman Temple, built in 1827, is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple |
The history of Singapore’s Chinatown can be traced back to Sir Stamford Raffles’ 1822 Town Plan, which designated the area southwest of the Singapore River as a Chinese settlement, then known as the Chinese Kampong. This strategic zoning attracted waves of immigrants from mainland China, many of whom were seeking better opportunities in the burgeoning trading port. The kampong (a traditional settlement common in the Malay archipelago) was further subdivided by dialect and clan groups such as the Hokkiens, Cantonese, Teochews, and Hainanese, each forming their own tightly-knit communities. Trades and occupations were also allocated by area, shaping the early character of the district—for example, blacksmiths, tailors, and traditional medicine halls each had their own distinct clusters. Development of the area began in earnest around 1843 with the construction of shophouses and clan buildings. However, by the mid-20th century, rapid population growth had led to overcrowding and poor sanitation. Major upgrading projects took place in the 1980s to address these issues, including improved infrastructure and the conservation of historic buildings. In 1983, Chinatown underwent significant urban renewal, balancing the need for modernization with efforts to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage. Despite its name, Chinatown has never been exclusively Chinese. From the early days, a small but significant number of Indian and Muslim traders also made their home here, leading to the establishment of places of worship such as the aforementioned Sri Mariamman Temple and Jamae (Chulia) Mosque and also Al-Abrar Mosque. These temples not only remain standing today, but are active sites of worship and community life—testaments to the area's longstanding multiculturalism. This blending of cultures continues to be one of Chinatown’s most distinctive and enduring features, making it more than just a historic district, but also a living representation of Singapore’s diverse roots.
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| This Cantonese Opera mural by Yip Yew Chong is one of many he painted around Chinatown |
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| The murals here remind me of Penang’s Georgetown. I wish I could’ve explored more of them |
A sign of how Chinatown continues to embrace its vibrant past while blending into the modern cityscape can be found in the captivating murals adorning its walls. These artworks serve as windows to the area’s cultural heritage. Two particularly striking examples are the My Chinatown Home, which depicts a traditional kitchen scene on Smith Street, and the vibrant Cantonese Opera performance mural on Temple Street. Both are painted by Yip Yew Chong, a local artist known for his nostalgic depictions of Singapore’s past. These murals breathe life into Chinatown’s everyday stories—of home cooking, community life, and street entertainment—offering visitors a vivid connection to a bygone era. And these are just the beginning; there are plenty more murals scattered throughout the neighborhood, each with its own tale to tell. With its rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, spiritual landmarks, and artistic street corners, it’s no wonder Chinatown remains one of Singapore’s most beloved and frequently visited destinations.
Chinatown Singapore
Location Chinatown, Singapore
Opening Hours
Daily, 24 hours (public areas)
Shops, eateries, markets, and temples may have their own operating hours
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