They are vibrant, cost-effective, and full of freshness. Some of these markets are the heart of grocery shopping in Singapore and the perfect places to find quality, variety, and value for your money. If your supermarket bills are overshooting your monthly grocery budget, why not shop at these local markets this weekend? Alternatively, you could also order in some fresh produce as well. Get ready for some heartening and refreshing meals!
First on our lists are the famous wet markets of Singapore. Shopping here will not only get you more bang for your buck, but you will also have a refreshing experience that could be the highlight of your day. Plus, you can always bargain. Most wet markets open at the crack of dawn and close at around noon. So if you want to lay your hands on the freshest of fresh produce, go as early as you can. While Singapore has loads of wet markets, let’s check out the main ones:
1. Chinatown Wet Market
Located at the basement of the Chinatown Complex is this pulsating market packed with Chinese spices and ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables, and juicy meat. There is also a live seafood and exotic food counter (frogs, eels, and turtles!), for the adventurous taste buds. This market has everything you will require to prepare a fancy Asian meal for your family or friends.
Apart from the fresh produce, it is known for the massive variety of items that are for sale. We bet you will not even know the names of many displayed items here! So, all in all, it will be a fun learning experience. For authentic Chinese and Asian herbs, spices, and herbal tea, visit Chinatown Herbs (#B1-161). Some stalls are closed on Monday so check before you visit. Also, the famous Michelin star hawker stall Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle is situated in the same complex too.
Address: 335 Smith St, Chinatown Complex (U/C), Singapore 050335
2. Tekka Wet Market
This is probably the oldest, largest, and the most convenient wet market in Singapore. With its bustling vibe, this market is the perfect place to buy ingredients for Malay, Thai, Chinese, and Indian cooking. You will also get a chance to buy the fruits from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. What’s more? There is a variety of mutton available at this market in Little India. And the rates will surely amaze you.
This market is open until late afternoon unlike most of the others that close by noon. Psst…the early bird gets the worm here since most stall owners believe that the first customer brings luck and so will agree to your bargained rate! So, don’t forget to haggle. And while you are there, grab a delicious bite of your favourite Indian delicacies such as naan and biryani at Deen’s Nav Tandoor. Also worth buying here are authentic Indian costumes and accessories. The market is closed on most Mondays for cleaning, so check before you go.
Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, L1 Tekka Centre, Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 210665
3. Geylang Serai Wet Market
Housed in a traditional Malaysian set-up, this market is one of the many ways we celebrate the Malay culture. It received a facelift in 2009-2010, but the now cleaner market still oozes the Malay traditions and tastes that it’s known for. Head here to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, poultry, and seafood. It is known for its halal food options. You won’t find pork here. This market is known to sell fresh fish at some of the lowest prices in the whole of Singapore! Don’t miss savouring some yummy authentic Malaysian delights at Hajjah Mona Nasi Padang (#02-166).
Address: 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
Keep in mind a few general tips before you visit the wet markets:
- Since they are ‘wet’ markets, avoid wearing fancy shoes. Going the close toe way is the best.
- Don’t shy away. Ask for clarity on the items displayed if you are unsure about what they are.
- Smell, touch, and check the item if you can before buying to make sure it’s fresh.
- Don’t let the crowd and hustle-bustle intimidate you. This is what the wet market experience is about!
- Don’t hesitate from bargaining.
- Wear comfortable clothing as it can get hot and stuffy. Remember, you will miss your supermarket aircon while you are there.
- Do not carry strollers as most wet markets are cluttered.
- Try to reach as early as you can if you want to buy super fresh produce.
- It is better to prepare a list of items you need beforehand since the huge amount of variety there can be intimidating. Obviously, you can always buy additional items.
- Carry notes of lower denominations as the stalls accept cash and you don’t want to waste time (both yours and the stall-owner’s) looking for change.
- Once you become a regular at these wet markets, we are sure you will end up having favourite stalls and making friends with the sellers. This means you get a bulk of selecting tips, cooking tips, and sometimes, even discounts or freebies!
Wet markets are not all you can explore. Check out these other places to pick up some fresh produce or even order them within the comforts of your home:
4. Thai Supermarket @ Golden Mile Complex
If you want to take a grocery trip down to Bangkok sitting right here in Singapore, the Thai supermarket at Golden Mile Complex is THE place to go. This gem of a place has every Thai dipping sauce, instant noodles, herbs, fruits and vegetables, green tea and even soaps and beautiful tableware for sale. Most items are imported from Thailand and Vietnam and thus carry authentic flavours. From an amazing variety of fish sauces to a huge array of Thai veggies (Thai chilli!), this place has it all. Don’t forget to munch on some yummy banana fritters when you visit.
Address: 5001 Beach Rd, Singapore
5. Foodie Market Place
Think imported, juicy, quality beef with customisable thickness, cuts and packing! Now think over 50 varieties of cheese from across the world! Now think affordable. That is Foodie Market Place for you. The range of meat you find here will not be available at your regular supermarket.
Instead of hosting a fancy dinner at an expensive restaurant, why not buy baby back ribs from here, invest in some delicious sauces and herbs and prepare a mouthwatering restaurant-type meal at home. Not only will you save a fortune but will also be the talk of the evening. It is now also expanding and opening more outlets across the island country!
Do remember, it remains closed on Mondays.
Address: 225 Outram Rd, Singapore
6. Kühlbarra
If you want to save time as well as money, why not order fresh food items online? Singapore has various options from affordable shops to exotic ones. If you love your fish as much as a seal does, log on to Kuhlbarra, a fish farm with remarkable barramundi. Ditch the general long distribution chains that ruin the freshness of the fish you buy at the supermarkets and opt for Kühlbarra, which farms, processes, and delivers its barramundi in Singapore.
They accept online payments using Visa, MasterCard or PayPal. So here’s your chance to enjoy more rewards on your credit cards.
If you are a foodie, with your heart set on exotic spreads, then you might also want to check out Secrets Find Food, which sells fresh edible flowers from across the world. We also recommend looking up Open Taste, if organic food is what you lust. Fresh from the farms, they promise.
You will be amazed at how much you end up saving while getting better quality if you shop at these markets. It is time to ditch your swanky and sterile supermarket right now!
Most of these markets have active Facebook pages so you can view the updates there.
Also READ: Organic food stores in Singapore!
Do you have more recommendations on places to get fresh and affordable produce? Let us know in the comments!