Singapore Ethnic Quarters Tour: Local Street Food & Cultural Experience
5.0
378 Ratings
Singapore
Embark on a Singapore Ethnic Quarters Tour and indulge in local street food while immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the city. Join a knowledgeable host for an adventure of discovery through vibrant streets, hawker markets, and diverse communities.
Duration:
5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Chinatown - The experience starts off with an exploration of Chinatown where you will get to soak in the sights of the Chinatown neighbourhood. Stories will be shared of it’s history capturing the struggles of early Chinese immigrants, their trials and tribulations of making ends meet in a rough neighbourhood filled with vices like opium, gambling, prostitution, and death. These buildings still stand today. Old images will be shown where you will see the quick transformation of Singapore’s development from the past to the present day.
We will also be visiting a hawker centre and get to sample locally popular Singapore Chinese street food cuisines, and at the same time experience the local way of life that has been around for the past decades. -
Little India - In Little India, you will be brought around the area where the vibrancy of colour from street stalls selling fresh fruit & vegetables, flower garland markets, traditional clothing stores, and incense shops will charm your senses. It is due to these trades and other opportunities that had inspired the early Indian community to move from the original Little India near the old seafront, up here where water buffalos used to roam the swampy area.
We will be visiting a hawker market here and get to sample a variety of Pakistani, North Indian & Indian Muslim street food cuisines, and experience the exciting vibrancy of the Indian community having their daily meals here. -
Kampong Glam - Over at the Malay Quarter of Kampong Glam, we will be exploring the quaint streets of old. You will learn more about its people and history, especially how this place came to be and that Malay royalty used to rule the island. Be enthralled by the grand Sultan Mosque that still continues to attract Muslims from all over especially during the fasting period of Ramadan where the grounds are transformed into vibrant street markets.
Over here, you will introduced to a dessert at an independently run shop, and at the same time marvel at the colourful graffiti walls that are adorned all over the neighbourhood shophouses.
What's Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Dinner
- Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Your guide is a warm-hearted 4th generation Singapore Chinese Peranakan who is deeply enthusiastic about sharing his personal experiences of living in Singapore since the 70’s.
His extensive familiarity with the various ethnic districts and food markets guarantees a journey of exploration – a vibrant showcase of local streets and street food currently managed by 2nd or 3rd generation family members, the populace, and diverse societies. You will be introduced to a broad range of street food that locals love and gain a deeper understanding of your guide and his homeland through his experiences and perspectives.
This entertaining and intriguing journey is aimed at those who wish to taste unique traditional street food in the UNESCO recognized hawker centres located in the ethnic districts of Chinatown & Little India. This unique culture has been deeply entrenched in Singapore’s lifestyle since the colonial era of the early 19th century to the present day.
- Not recommended for travellers with gluten intolerance
- Not recommended for travelers with dietary restrictions
- Not recommended for travelers who are vegetarians as experience will be compromised
- Not recommended for travelers with children in prams or strollers
- Not recommended for travelers with Personal Mobility Aids / Devices
Location
Chinatown
We will advise further on the location to meet upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(378 Ratings)
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Anonymous
May 26, 2024
Outstanding - By far one of the best food tours I've ever done. Not only outstanding food and diverse authentic settings but great company of a small group of well travelled intersting people.Gerry was an amazing person. So keen to share his own thoughts and experiences. Clearly interested in us too.
This isn't a tour its an experience. Travelling between the different cultural quarters via different modes of transport was helpful to orientate me to Singapore. Worth every cent 👌
Review provided by Viator
Jmkyle55
May 26, 2024
Highly recommend this mixture of history and food experience! - Gerry is an amazing tour guide. Very organized with tons of historical perspectives around the food, the historical background to Singapore. He shared photos of then and now which really helps to see how things have changed over time. He explained how we were supporting several families through the food we were sharing. Plus leftovers were gathered up to distribute to the needy.
He is very flexible and considerate of everyone in the group. Highly recommend asking to Gerry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_c
May 23, 2024
The BEST food tour with Gerry - We had an AMAZING time on our food tour with Gerry! We explored two hawker centers in Chinatown, one in Little India, and had dessert near Arab Street - and ate the most incredible food. We were glad to do this at the beginning of our Singapore trip, because we tried so many different foods that we wouldn't have ordered on our own. And we tried SO MANY dishes, all of which were excellent. Gerry also gave us a great understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these different neighborhoods and the food centers, which was really fascinating. Best of all, Gerry is a true local who loves the community and does what he can to support it. He was fun and entertaining, and very genuine. Highly highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Felix_r
May 22, 2024
Taste it all - and enjoy the guides knowledge - Nice tour with gerry, highly recommend it. You Support a smalltalk Operator instead of the big ones.
You will taste a lot of food from different backgrounds- umpossible to leave hungry. Leftovers go to a good cause which i value a lot.
Gerry is able to crack jokes and be sarcastic when je feels it fits to the Group. For me These Things are a lot about personality and he is dong great with guests.
Review provided by Viator
Davidth6247kc
May 21, 2024
Grass Roots Culture & Food Tour - If you want to eat like a King/Queen, then this tour is for you.
If you want authentic cuisine, then this tour is for you.
Gerry is an outstanding guide, knowledgeable and passionate. 11 out of 10 for an absolutely enjoyable experience.
Thanks mate!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabinatravel
May 20, 2024
5🌟 If you only do one thing in Singapore, make it this food & culture tour! - If you only do one thing in Singapore, make it this food & culture tour!
I often join a food tour when in a new country and this was one of the best. Gerry is knowledgeable on the history and culture of Singapore but also has a deep passion for remembering and preserving the history. He knows all the locals and takes you to places you wouldn’t find on your own with some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. From stalls and shops on the Michelin Guide to the best spots only a local would know, he takes you to it all and provides more food than you could ever eat. The untouched leftovers are even donated to willing locals in need. It’s a whole day out with walks and information on three key quarters in Singapore. Transport is all included. You won’t regret it 😉.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ceciliaa1093
May 15, 2024
Awesome Experience! - The Cultural & Food Experience of Chinese, Indian & Malay Quarters was amazing! I have nothing but praise for Gerry, our host, and the whole experience! The food was great and plentiful, as were the drinks. The people who joined us on this tour were also delightful so we had lots of fun chatting and laughing together! I highly recommend you take part in this tour when in Singapore, you’ll never forget it! Thanks Gerry!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tricia_b
May 15, 2024
Best food tour - I have done food tours all over the world, and this was, by far, the best! Gerry, our food guide fully immersed us into the culture of the three quarters. We visited and ate food that received Michelin stars, appeared on Netflix shows, and that Anthony Bourdain enjoyed. We met hardworking folks who are trying to keep their lifetime dreams and communities thriving. It wasn’t just food, we felt like we made lifetime connections.
Fantastic way to get to know the lay of the land and the great food on our first day in Singapore.
Review provided by Viator
Robzk2021
May 15, 2024
Superb Culinary Delights - Gerry went above and beyond to make this tour memorable. He makes this tour inclusive and personal. Despite a couple of American tourists inappropriately taking too much time to browse souvenirs at the stores, Gerry kept us entertained with Singapore history and culture. Food was abundant at each tasting and variety was excellent. You will learn how Singapore's national cuisine is tied in with its history of immigration and British rule. All in all, you will not regret embarking on this wonderful culinary journey with Gerry as your tour leader.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Russandlesley
May 14, 2024
Excellent Tour - We were returning visitors to Singapore and were really impressed with Gerry’s cultural and food experience tour. His communication was excellent and we were delighted to be collected from our hotel and taken to the first stop. Gerry was a very interesting gentleman and we learnt so much about Singapore and its history and culture from him. Nothing was too much bother! The food and drinks were plentiful and delicious. We moved around Singapore using public transport which was fun. All four of us enjoyed our day with Gerry and would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor