Joanna James
As one of Asia's premier shopping hotspots, it should come as no surprise that Singapore is a night market capital in the region. Here are some of the Lion City's must-experience night markets.
Tipped to be one of Little India's top night markets the Tekka Centre thoroughfare is the ideal venue to sample local treats and food items in Singapore. The clothing items and accessories on sale at the venue are also highly affordable although most travellers and locals flock to this market mostly to sample Singapore's authentic fusion cuisine. The Biryani dishes at the venue are also delicious and cheap while the many hawker stalls found in the complex. Occupying pride of place in the corner where Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road meet, one can also pick up fresh vegetables at this marketplace which is divided into separate sections based on the goods available on each floor.
Regarded as one of the finest local markets to pick up fabrics and apparel items, the Little India Arcade comes alive as the sun goes down on Singapore's Serangoon Road. Those in search of Arabian or Bollywood style clothing, materials and household goods will be spoiled for choice at this sprawling marketplace that's as colourful as it is busy. Consisting of a maze of narrow alleys, travellers can also pick up fresh spices, herbs and traditional wear at the Little India Arcade which also specializes in incense and Indian sweets. A bargain hunter's dream, the main draw of the market for most tourists is the low price points.
Tipped to be among the best places to pick up cheap but tasteful souvenirs, the Chinatown Street Market takes over Pagoda Street, Smith Street Trengganu Street, Sago Lane and Temple Street from 9.30 am till 8 pm. Although the market is open during the day it is in the after-dark hours that the market truly comes to life. Some of the top buys at the Chinatown Street Market include antiques, electronic items, fashion accessories and souvenirs while the sheer variety of street food available at the thoroughfare is equally impressive. Also named Chinatown Food Street, the most coveted food items to try at the market include the satays, stingrays, kway teo, laksa and dim sum.
This weekend night market is about as close as tourists can get to a traditional flea market experience in Singapore. Taking place in Chinatown the old fashioned thoroughfare features innumerable stalls and kiosks on the exterior and the interior of a two-storey building. Some of the best buys at the China Square Central Flea Market include classic comic books, vintage Chinese ware, second-hand books, toys, mobile phones and ancient timepieces. Visitors based at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Singapore or any other similar Singapore apartments compound will have easy access to the market.
Counted among Singapore's most popular discount heavy markets, the Bugis Street Market is located close to the Bugis MRT Station. Renowned as the ideal venue to pick up collector's items, quirky trinkets, stationery and postcards, there are many consumer goods which are less than a single Singapore dollar at the Bugis Street Market.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
