Chinatown: Where History, Food, and Culture Come Together
Nestled on the southern bank of the Singapore River lies Chinatown. This historic district has developed into a vibrant hub for Chinese immigrants from various regions of mainland China, including Guangdong, Fujian, and Chaozhou.
Even amidst the modern high-rise buildings that surround it, Chinatown retains its old shophouses, where Chinese culture and traditions continue to thrive.
This guide offers an in-depth exploration of Chinatown, one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Singapore.
Explore historical and cultural sites, enjoy affordable and delicious street food, find traditional Chinese items, and enjoy a relaxing foot massage – everything you need to fully experience Chinatown!
Plan Your Visit: Access & Map
How to Get to Chinatown
The most convenient access to Chinatown is via the MRT’s Downtown Line (blue) or North East Line (purple), to Chinatown MRT Station.
Take Exit A, and you’ll be on Pagoda Street, Chinatown’s main street.
Map: Suggested Itinerary & Duration
Chinatown, a historic district nestled in the heart of downtown, lies just behind the Central Business District (CBD), the core of Singapore’s economy.
The main attractions are clustered closely together, so a leisurely stroll with a break for meals typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Strolling Through Chinatown’s Vibrant Streets
Pagoda Street: Chinatown’s lively Heart
Pagoda Street, always bustling with tourists, is the main street of Chinatown.
Lining both sides of the street are traditional houses known as shophouses.
The vibrant, colourful buildings offer a feast for the eyes as you stroll along the street.
Discover Chinese Goods and Souvenirs
On the first floor of the shophouses, you’ll find a row of souvenir shops.
They offer a wide range of items, from everyday goods like tea sets, chopsticks, and fans, to traditional Chinese dresses and accessories, along with Chinese ingredients and herbal medicines.
Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end. As you browse for gifts or unique finds, enjoy a stroll along Pagoda Street.
Historic Landmarks of Chinatown
Sri Mariamman Temple
At the end of Pagoda Street, at a T-junction, you’ll find the Sri Mariamman Temple. Established in 1827, it is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and has been designated as a national monument.
The six-tiered gopuram (entrance tower), built in the South Indian Dravidian style, is adorned with countless Hindu deities, making it a striking landmark in Chinatown.
Admission is free, but a separate fee applies for photography and videography.
Visitors must take off their shoes before entering the temple and leave them at the entrance.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Turning right at the corner of Sri Mariamman Temple and walking a short distance, you’ll come across a massive red pagoda. This is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a Chinese Buddhist temple built to house the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
The temple’s interior is adorned with intricate gold and red patterns, designed to resemble a mandala, a spiritual symbol used in Buddhism to represent the path to enlightenment.
The third floor houses the Buddhist Culture Museum, while the fourth floor contains the inner chamber, holding the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. The rooftop features a serene garden.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Must-Try Eats in Chinatown
Best Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre
Located opposite the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Food Centre is a bustling hawker centre with almost 100 stalls. Serving locals and tourists alike, it’s the heart of Chinatown’s culinary scene from morning until night.
At Maxwell, simply follow the longest queue, and you’ll find Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a popular stall hailed as the best chicken rice by local foodies.
The smooth chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, topped with a special sauce, is definitely a dish worth queuing for.
Beyond chicken rice, the food centre offers a wide range of affordable and delicious local foods, so be sure to explore and find your favourites.
Maxwell Food Centre
Jing Hua Xiao Chi: Dumplings & More
Jing Hua Xiao Chi, located along Neil Road, is a well-established Chinese restaurant popular among locals.
Their bite-sized signature dumplings, with their unique cylindrical shape and open ends, are irresistibly delicious, making it hard to stop at just one.
In addition to dumplings, they also serve xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and zha jiang mian (noodles with bean paste), all at very reasonable prices. It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner.
Jing Hua Xiao Chi
Tea Chapter: A Taste of Tradition
Tea Chapter, also located on Neil Road, is a Chinese teahouse that was once visited by Queen Elizabeth II.
The first floor is a shop offering a range of tea leaves and tea sets, while the second and third floors house a tea salon.
Here, visitors can enjoy Chinese tea while learning the art of the traditional tea ceremony.
Tea Chapter
Tong Heng: Legacy of Egg Tarts
For a post-meal treat, grab a bite at Tong Heng, a long-established shop renowned for its traditional Chinese pastries.
The display case presents a tempting array of delicacies, such as egg tarts, pies, buns, and mooncakes.
A top pick here is their diamond-shaped signature egg tart (S$2.4 each). It boasts a flaky, crisp crust, while the custard within is smooth and molten. Despite being about 1.5 times larger than the standard version, the tart’s subtle sweetness makes it easy to finish in one go.
Tong Heng
Mei Heong Yuen: Snow Ice Sensation
Nestled on Temple Street, just a stone’s throw from Pagoda Street, lies Mei Heong Yuen, a traditional Chinese dessert shop.
Their signature is Snow Ice, a unique shaved ice with an incredibly fine texture that melts effortlessly in your mouth. With over 20 flavours to choose from, the most popular is the Mango Snow Ice, which lets you enjoy the fresh, juicy taste of mango in every bite.
When Singapore’s heat becomes overwhelming, a serving of this chilled Snow Ice provides the perfect revitalisation.
Chinatown’s Best Cafes for a Coffee Break
Looking for a relaxing coffee break? Chinatown is home to plenty of stylish cafes.
Stop by Five Oars Coffee Roasters, just a 2-minute walk from Maxwell Food Centre, or visit the ever-popular Merci Marcel on Club Street.
Go-To Foot Massage Shop in Chinatown
When in Chinatown, a massage is something you must try. After walking around, Chinese foot reflexology, which provides great relief to your feet and calves, is exactly what you need.
Teochew Meng Reflexology
People’s Park Complex, located just outside Chinatown MRT station, is an old shopping centre brimming with local charm.
On the third floor, a hotspot for many massage shops, Teochew Meng Reflexology stands out as a firm favourite.
Offering a 45-minute foot massage at the low price of S$18, it’s a great deal. While the shop may appear a bit cluttered, the skills of the massage therapists are top-notch.
Teochew Meng Reflexology
Great Value Hotels Near Chinatown
Hotel Mono: Stylish Stays in Chinatown
Hotel Mono is a stylish hotel with a sleek monochrome design that flows from the exterior to the lobby and rooms.
With a great location just a 3-minute walk from Chinatown MRT station, it’s also within easy reach of a laundrette, making it ideal for extended stays.
For details about the hotel, check out the full review on the Hotel Mono.
Hotel Mono
★★★
Map 18 Mosque St, Singapore 059498
Location Chinatown（3min walk to Chinatown Stn）
Check Rooms & Rates
| Agoda | Expedia | Booking |
KINN Studio: A Relaxing Retreat in Keong Saik
Nestled near the entrance of Keong Saik Road, KINN Studio is a boutique hotel that opened its doors in 2023.
The hotel boasts a soothing, earthy colour palette throughout its rooms and lobby, creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere that is complemented by its friendly staff.
With Outram Park MRT station, served by three lines, just a 4-minute walk away, and Chinatown about a 7-minute stroll, it offers a superbly convenient location.
KINN Studios
★★★
Map 69 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089165
Location Chinatown（4min walk to Outram Park Stn）
Check Rooms & Rates
| Agoda | Expedia | Booking |
Chinatown is a treasure trove of affordable and delicious delights, making it the perfect destination for a food-filled adventure. Come with an empty stomach and embark on a food trail!
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