When we first arrived at Chinatown, we were amazed at the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. Chinatown is a colourful cultural hub that is packed with shopping and eating areas. Antique shops abound, selling everything from furniture to small antiques and jewellery. There is a wide variety of boutique hotel as well as Chinese medical halls.
Chinatown
We first started by walking in the Chinatown Street Market (牛车水街市). Here, we found ourselves immersed in a vibrant and lively traditional atmosphere accompanied with modern style. It is full of nostalgia especially for the older generation, as items sold here are authentically Chinese. One thing that we all know that is famous in Chinatown is the bargaining part! All of us really had fun haggling prices with the shopkeepers. One of us even managed to buy a scarf at $2!
After a few hours of walking (and bargaining), we settled at the Chinatown Food Street (牛车水美食街) for a feast. All of us ordered several local dishes. The dishes ranged from fishball noodles to laksa to barbequed seafood to desserts like sweet glutinous rice ball. The food was salivating and simply delicious - 5/5 stars! The average price for a meal here ranges from as low as $3 to $12. A bowl of noodles would cost about $3 and a plate of barbequed seafood would cost about $12.
Chinatown Food Street
Whilst walking, we spotted various places of interests. The Chinatown Heritage Centre that holds precious history of Chinatown, Singapore's oldest Hokkien temple- Thian Hock Keng and the Sri Mariamman Temple which is Hindu. Unfortunately, we did not have time to go into these places but we will definitely be back again. Since we do not know what is inside these places of interests, you can head down to Chinatown to check it our yourselves!
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Also, we found out unique characteristics of Chinatown by talking to some of the shopkeepers. Chinatown's is locally known as Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water). In the past, conditions were not favourable and harsh. The only sources of fresh water were available from the wells of Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street. Households had to collect fresh water in bullock-drawn carts. That was how Chinatown's local name came about. Chinatown is also pronounced is many different ways due to the diverse dialect groups such as Hokkeins, Teochews and Cantonese.
After a long day of walking, we were all very tired so here is a tip for all of you: Always remember to wear comfortable shoes!
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