Singapore Ethnic Quarters Tour: Local Street Food & Cultural Experience
5.0
302 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
learn more
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
(302 Ratings)
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Robertpi6059rn
Apr 2, 2024
One of the best guided tours ever - My wife and I had one of the best days we’ve had in a long time. Gerry is very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Singapore. He also introduced us to the fantastic hawker foods from the various neighbourhoods. To top it off Gerry is also a just a great bloke to spend time chatting with over food and a beer or two, if that’s your go. If you don’t enjoy a few hours touring the streets of Singapore with Gerry you must be hard to please. 11 out of 10 from us🤩🥳🍻👏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_w
Mar 27, 2024
Great sample of Singapore - Wonderful tour hosted by Gerry. Go hungry to enjoy the many samples of Chinese and Indian cuisine. Also a great bit of information on the Singapore history. Very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Stephencr6895ke
Mar 26, 2024
Wish I could give six! - Firsthand cultural knowledge, hidden gems off the tourist track and unbelievable food and drinks! Gerry is himself a national treasure and showed us all aspects of the city and people we had never seen during our collective dozens of visits, with constant personalised attention.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rital215
Mar 26, 2024
Learn about local culture from a true local - Gerry is a very knowledgeable host and takes care of your every need and comfort. His dedication to the survival of the culture and the community is commendable and heart warming.
As you navigate the different districts you see the kindness he has towards so many and this adds volumes to the purpose of your presence and supports Gerry's credibility as an experienced guide to teach you about the city.
You get a solid exposure to little India, Malaysian and China town districts.
Highly recommend Gerry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meganl956
Mar 25, 2024
Simply the best! - This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Singapore. Gerry is a fantastic host and will share so much about Singapore culture and traditions, plus he’s happy to answer all your questions. We loved that this was a small group tour with only seven people, meaning you get an authentic and intimate experience. The food was incredible and we got to try things that we would’ve never known about if it weren’t for Gerry. Make sure you go with an empty stomach because you will be eating lots! But it’s not just about the food, you’ll learn how to use public transport and do lots of walking where you’ll get to see different areas of Singapore and all the beautiful sights. Can’t recommend this enough! I’ve already shared with family and friends. Thank you, Gerry!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megan_l
Mar 25, 2024
Simply the best! - This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Singapore. Gerry is a fantastic host and will share so much about Singapore culture and traditions, plus he’s happy to answer all your questions. We loved that this was a small group tour with only seven people, meaning you get an authentic and intimate experience. The food was incredible and we got to try things that we would’ve never known about if it weren’t for Gerry. Make sure you go with an empty stomach because you will be eating lots! But it’s not just about the food, you’ll learn how to use public transport and do lots of walking where you’ll get to see different areas of Singapore and all the beautiful sights. Can’t recommend this enough! I’ve already shared with family and friends. Thank you, Gerry!
Review provided by Viator
Nomad61590016500
Mar 25, 2024
Excellent tour with Gerry - Gerry is the best. He did an excellent job touring my husband and I on our last day in Singapore. He was very generous and provided us great and plentiful food and drinks of Chinese, Indian, and Malay while sharing the history and culture of Singapore. He has a warm personality and he engaged with us quickly because he speaks english very well. We are glad to have him on our last day in Singapore, which we will always remember forever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L7154qmcatherined
Mar 21, 2024
Excellent tour. - Excellent tour.
Great insights into local culture.
Very helpful and knowledgeable host who made the day fun and informative.
Great food and plenty of it. All local.
Easy pick up and drop off.
Well worth it.would absolutely do it again.
Jerry the guide is great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlesf_m
Mar 21, 2024
Delicious Food and Interesting History in one Wonderful Evening! - Great tour in Singapore to understand the various foods and cultural influences in this city! Gerry did a great job taking us and one other couple around the city as we visited Chinatown, Little India, and the Malay Quarters. Walking around the streets in the evening and admiring the various art and architecture was wonderful, but the spread of food we were provided was out of this world; thanks again Gerry for all the fantastic selections! Go hungry and enjoy it all!!
Review provided by Viator
Emily
Mar 21, 2024
SO MUCH FOOD!! - A tour guide can make or break a tour. Gerry is a phenomenal guide who teaches you about the history of area and places you're visiting as well as introducing you to a lot of different dishes. He takes care of you--there is a wide variety of food and a lot of it! You will be full. It was also a small tour which is really nice. You don't get lost in the shuffle. I highly recommend the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor