Backpackers' 4-Day, 3-Night Singapore Subway Adventure

 

The Little India Arcade (Little India Arcade) is packed with all kinds of shops, offering food, drinks, entertainment, and more. Since you're here, it's time to embrace your shopping instincts and indulge in some retail therapy. Must-buys in Little India include Indian patches, bangles, and saris. But there’s a golden rule when shopping here: don’t be too impulsive. Although prices are reasonable, there’s plenty of room for bargaining—even a slight hesitation can lead to an automatic price drop. So remember, don’t show too much interest in what you want to buy.

 

Transport: Take the MRT North East Line (NE) and alight at Little India Station (NE7) or Farrer Park Station (NE8).

Located in Little India, Tekka Market is just a short walk from the MRT exit and near a major bus station. The market offers a variety of snacks, while the traditional market section behind sells fresh produce, meats, seafood, and daily necessities. At the hawker center in Tekka Market, you can queue up with locals and try the popular Indian yellow turmeric rice. There are also many stalls selling small packets of drinks in plastic bags—that’s Indian yogurt, essentially unsweetened yoghurt. Though quite sour, it’s very healthy.

 

Transport: Take the MRT North East Line (NE) and alight at Little India Station (NE7) or Farrer Park Station (NE8).

The name “Chinatown” comes from the days when clean water could only be drawn from a well on Spring Street. People would use ox carts to transport the water home, hence the area became known as “牛车水,” which literally means “ox cart water.” Lined with rows of colorful shophouses, each with unique designs and decorations, the street scene is truly distinctive. Strolling through the area, you can explore herbal shops, bakeries, dried meats, and antiques, immersing yourself in nostalgic South Chinese vibes. Moreover, the surrounding Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic temples in Chinatown showcase the area’s rich cultural diversity—a must-see.

 

Transport: Take the MRT North East Line (NE) and alight at Chinatown Station (NE4).

Peranakan cuisine, which blends Malay and Chinese flavors, is characterized by its wide variety of spices. Each dish, often named in Malay, can be quite overwhelming to choose from—but rest assured, they’re all delicious. Traditional Peranakan dishes tend to be spicy and feature ingredients like coconut milk, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and old ginger. Restaurants specializing in Peranakan food often have vintage interiors decorated with early Chinese ornaments and calligraphy, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Blue Ginger is a highly authentic and traditional Peranakan restaurant. Though not very large, the entire venue is wood-paneled, simple and elegant. Its authentic flavors and charming decor have earned it coverage in various domestic and international media—it’s quite a famous spot.

 

Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Rd.

Transport: Take the MRT East West Line (EW) and alight at Paya Lebar Station (EW8).