Tiong Bahru Market,Singapore

Tiong Bahru Market is a landmark hawker centre and wet market at the heart of the Tiong Bahru estate — one of Singapore's earliest public housing developments. The market has long served as a social and culinary hub for residents, preserving Singapore's hawker-food culture and everyday community life. Architecturally, the surrounding estate is noted for its pre-war Art Deco and Streamline Moderne blocks, giving the area a distinct historical character.

Places to visit

  • Tiong Bahru Market hawker centre (well-known for breakfast and local hawker staples)
  • Ground-floor wet market with fresh produce, seafood and butchers
  • Surrounding Art Deco housing blocks and heritage walk
  • Independent bookstores and specialty cafés nearby (e.g., BooksActually, Tiong Bahru Bakery)
  • Street murals and photogenic alleys (popular with photographers and Instagrammers)

Unique Aspects

  • Blend of traditional hawker stalls and modern cafés – a true 'old-meets-new' neighbourhood vibe
  • Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture in the surrounding estate
  • Community atmosphere where residents and visitors mingle
  • Covered multi-storey market building that houses both wet market and cooked-food centre

Things to do

  • Sample local breakfast dishes such as chwee kueh, lor mee and prawn mee
  • Browse the wet market for fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and local ingredients
  • Café-hopping and trying artisanal coffee and pastries
  • Take a heritage walk around the estate to view pre-war architecture and murals
  • Photography and people-watching in the bustling hawker centre

Best Time to Visit

Best times: early morning (about 7–9 AM) for breakfast and the freshest wet-market produce; weekdays and mid-mornings are generally less crowded than weekend peak hours.

Weather Conditions

Singapore has a tropical climate — hot and humid year-round with frequent short afternoon showers. Expect temperatures around 25–33°C (77–91°F).

Entry Fees & Permits

There is no entry fee to the market. Most hawker stalls open early for breakfast (many from around 6–7 AM) and serve through lunch; a number close in the mid-afternoon while some operate into the evening. Wet market traders typically operate in morning to early afternoon hours. Exact stall hours vary.

Accessibility

Easily accessible by public transport — a short walk from Tiong Bahru MRT (East-West Line) and served by several bus routes. The market is a covered, multi-storey complex with ramps/lifts for accessibility; streets around the estate are walkable but can be busy at peak times.

Recommended Duration

Plan for 1–2 hours to explore the market, sample food and wander a few surrounding streets; extend to half a day if café-hopping and visiting shops.

Clothing & Gear Tips

Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket for sudden showers. Carry a small bag for purchases.

Local Food & Souvenirs

Must-try foods: chwee kueh, lor mee, prawn mee, local kaya toast and pastries from nearby bakeries. Souvenirs: artisanal coffee beans, local snacks or packaged kueh, books from independent bookstores and small design/handmade items from nearby boutiques.

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