Chinatown, Singapore - An Evening Out in Chinatown

Nightlife in Singapore's Chinatown and Clarke Quay (Riverside area) are both lively, but the atmosphere between the two are distinctively different. Clarke Quay has a party-like atmosphere with its bars and clubs. On the other hand, Chinatown takes on a more family-like atmosphere.

When it comes to paying the bill, Clarke Quay can be outrageous while even the budget traveller can enjoy a night out in Chinatown. What is there to do in China Town at night? Dining would probably by the main answer and there are plenty of street foods and inexpensive restaurants. 

In front of the MRT Chinatown Station

Night shopping

Outdoor dining in the evening

Japanese restaurant in Chinatown

Chinatown, Singapore - Eating Out in Chinatown

Chinatown offers both dining at the restaurants and street food. Though a touristy part of Singapore, the restaurants here are reasonably priced and street food is cheap - probably because there are so many of them and competition prevents them from overcharging. A simple meal from the street stalls can cost as little as SGD5 (USD4) and with non-alcoholic drink, add an extra SGD2 (USD1.60).

Eating out here is more than just sampling the local foods (beware some are hot and spicy) but also to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere. Tourists searching for alternatives beyond the western restaurants and numerous American fast food joints, then Chinatown is the place to be. Head to the tables placed along the road in the evenings for the ultimate Singapore dining experience.

Outdoor dining in Chinatown

Street stalls

Enjoying a meal

More outdoor dining

Chinatown, Singapore - Narrow Roads of Chinatown

The roads in the heart of Chinatown are narrow with buildings facing close to one another. Where vehicle traffic is allowed to pass, the roads are jammed with cars and taxis moving at a snail's pace. Consider taking the commuter train to the MRT Chinatown Station instead of a car or taxi unless you prefer getting caught in traffic, especially in the evenings.

As evening approaches, the pedestrianised sections get crowded and noisier with tourists walking elbow to elbow exploring the street stalls for souvenirs. It is also a popular destination with both locals and tourists for the varieties of street food serving mainly Singaporean-style Chinese dishes. As evening approaches, dining tables and plastic chairs line the already narrow roads of Chinatown. 

Exiting from the Chinatown MRT Station

Backstreet in Chinatown

Taxis passing a narrow road

Eating out along the road

Chinatown, Singapore - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a temple and museum located at Southbridge Road, just outside the heart of Chinatown where the street market is situated. Built in 2007, the temple comprises of four floors and on the ground floor there is a statue of Meitreya Buddha (the future Buddha). The 4th floor of the temple claims to hold a tooth relic of Buddha, discovered in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Visitors are welcomed to visit the temple (9:00 am to 6:30 pm) but it was late when I arrived - better luck next time.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The temple's pagoda like roofs

Inside the temple

Devotees praying by Riction

Chinatown, Singapore - Souvenir Shopping

I never seen so many souvenirs sold in one location other than in Singapore's Chinatown. Even the tourist infested Bugis Street does not have as many souvenirs. Plenty of souvenirs here with the usual range of key chains, postcards, T-shirts, refrigerator magnets and a lot more. There are also the unusual items that I have yet to figure out what they are or called! Take your pick and buy three for SGD10, four for SGD10 or even five for SGD10. Like anywhere on this planet, the souvenirs here are probably made in China.

Shopping for souvenirs in Chinatown

More souvenirs

Stall selling souvenirs

Shop selling souvenirs

Chinatown, Singapore - Lively and Touristy

My description of Singapore's Chinatown touristy: it's sanitised, commercialised and souvenirs probably made in China. What the heck, it is a lively part of Singapore anyway! Though not as entertaining as the Riverside, Chinatown does have a Chinese character and atmosphere of its own. Though popular with foreign tourists, it is also popular with the locals (may be not for souvenirs) for the great variety of Chinese foods served here.

Chinatown

Souvenirs and trinkets in Chinatown

More souvenirs and trinkets

Pedicab

Chinatown, Singapore - The Heart of the Chinese Quarter

Singapore's Chinatown is the traditional Chinese quarter of this island nation. More than 20 years ago, I remember Chinatown being a dead area (not worth visiting) but things have changed and now a lively destination especially at night. As lively as it is, Chinatown seems very commercial (catering to foreign tourists) compared to other Chinatowns I've visited in other countries.

Chinatown here is unique since Singapore's Chinese community are mostly Hokkien but the community in Chinatown are Cantonese - correct me if I am wrong. To get here, take the MRT (commuter) train and there is the Chinatown Station right in the heart of the quarter. Best to visit the quarter in the evening when its cooler and the street market comes to life and food stalls along the street open up for business.

Chinatown MRT Station

Chinatown

Street market

Eating out in Chinatown