Chinatown: Indulge in the Unexpected

From Chinatown MRT station, exit on New Bridge Road and take a short walk to Pagoda Street where the Chinatown Heritage Centre is located. Stop here for an overview of Straits Chinese customs and traditions, as well as a lesson on the history of Chinatown. -- Hours : 9am-8pm daily --

Address:
48 Pagoda Street
Singapore S059207
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6221 9556

You wouldn't expect to find a Hindu temple in Chinatown, but Sri Mariamman Temple is in fact Singapore's oldest Hindu temple that dates back to 1827. An astounding sight, the Hindu-Indian structure is covered with colourful sculptures of deities and mythical beasts. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, known for her power to cure epidemic illnesses and diseases. The Theemithi (fire walking ceremony), one of the main festivals celebrated at the temple, is held annually around October and November each year. -- Hours : 7am-12noon, 6pm-9pm daily -- Admission: Free

Address:
244 South Bridge Road
Singapore S058793
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6223 4064

Walk along Cross Street to Amoy Street, where you can stop at Annalakshmi Janatha, a "pay as you wish" Indian vegetarian eatery run by volunteers. South Asian food may not be the first thing that comes to mind in Chinatown, but this place opened in 1986 and is a local institution. Meals are served buffet-style so load up on rich spicy curries, dosais and oothappams (rice and lentil pancakes). -- Hours : Monday- Saturday: 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm

Address:
104 Amoy Street
Singapore S069924
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6223 0809

Further down the street is Thian Hock Keng Temple. Completed in 1842, this Hokkien religious site is among the oldest and most important in Singapore. The temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea where seafarers went to pray and give thanks for a safe voyage. Take in the remarkable architecture of the temple that's been built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style, with stone, tiles and wood, dragons and phoenixes, detailed carvings, intricate sculptures and imposing columns--all amazingly assembled without nails. -- Hours : Open daily -- Admission is free

Address:
158 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore S068613
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6423 4616

Returning to the main Chinatown area, venture down Smith Street for some surprising shopping options such as Li-Hong Jade which has traditional and contemporary jewelry made from premium Burmese stones. Also, check out Mei Guo Ginseng and Vitatron & Medical Co. next door where you can buy traditional Chinese medicine. Don't be surprised to discover some unconventional remedies here! --

Address:
Smith Street
Singapore
Singapore

Off this stretch, find old school street markets on Trengganu and Sago Streets, hawking knick knacks and crafts; an uncommon find in this modern metropolis.

Address:
Trengganu Street and Sago Street
Singapore
Singapore

Emerging from Sago Street onto South Bridge Road, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, famous for housing a crystallized Buddha tooth, a sacred treasure found in 1980 under a collapsed stupa in Myanmar.The building's grand design is based on the elements and history of Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala, the latter which is a representation of the Buddhist universe. Other highlights found in this building include the Buddhist Culture Museum, Eminent Sangha Museum, Tripitaka Chamber, and a theatre for cultural performances, talks and films. Note: Appropriate attire to be worn when visiting temple (especially for ladies, shoulders and knees are to be covered). Not to worry, the temple provides robes should you not be dressed according to the requirements. -- Hours : Viewing of Buddha Tooth Relic: 9am - 6pm daily Buddhist Culture Museum and Relic Chamber: 8am - 6pm daily Eminent Sangha Museum: 7am - 7pm daily -- Admission is free

Address:
288 South Bridge Road
Singapore S058840
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6220 0220

Leaving the temple, you'll see Maxwell Road Food Centre (Kim Hua Market) with over 100 stall, houses some of the best local food in the country. Some must-try items there are the famous Tian Tian Chicken Rice, the traditional congee with pork and century egg from Zhen Zhen Porridge stall and the popular char kway teow from the Marina South Delicious Food stall. -- Hours : 8am - 10pm daily (hours also depend on individual stalls)

Address:
1 Kadayanallur Street (in the corner of South Bridge Road and Maxwell Road)
Singapore S069184
Singapore

For a fancier meal, continue down South Bridge Road to Duxton Hill, one of the city's top dining destinations. Find diverse and often surprising cuisines here, including Russian fare at Buyan. Other options in the vicinity are Restaurant Andre, and the quirky Group Therapy which serves excellent all-day breakfasts. --

Address:
Singapore
Singapore

End the day with a night cap at champagne and cocktail bar, Drink Culture. Sip on surprising concoctions like strawberry Frangelico sours and Red Ruby martinis. -- Hours : Mon & Tues: 5pm - 1am Wed: 5pm - 2am Thurs: 5pm - 1am Fri & Sat: 5pm - 2am

Address:
51 Kreta Ayer Road
Singapore S089007
Singapore

Phone:
(+65) 6557 0538