Chinatown Wet Market
The Chinatown Wet Market is one of the largest wet markets in Singapore located at Chinatown Complex. Its popularity is due to its historical significance, the variety of goods it offers, and its role as a cultural hub for both locals and tourists. It offers a rich, sensory experience that draws many people who are seeking fresh ingredients, particularly for Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. Their offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and specialty items. It’s a must visit for anyone seeking authentic ingredients for Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Address: 335 Smith St, Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335
Hours: 7am-10pm daily
- There are 3 levels in Chinatown Complex. On level 2, you will be able to find the hawker food stalls offering a wide variety of local Singaporean dishes. On level 1, you will find small stalls that sells fashion wear ranging form adults to young children, shoes, mobile phone accessories, antiques, old stamps, old notes, wedding customary Guo Da Li stuff etc. Chinatown wet market is located on the basement. To access the Basement 1 where the wet market is located, simply enter the Chinatown Complex building, and take the escalators or stairs down to the lower level.
- The wet market stalls typically open early in the morning, around 6am and close by 3pm, though times can vary slightly depending on the vendor. It’s best to go early for the freshest produce and seafood.
- Some of the rare finds at Chinatown Wet Market include exotic fruits like durian and rambutan, specialty meats such as duck tongues and pig’s organs, live seafood like frogs and turtles, and dried herbs or medicinal ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine. This market provides a sensory rich experience with its lively atmosphere and wide variety of authentic and sometimes unusual items that make it stand out from regular markets in Singapore.
How to get to Chinatown Wet Market
To get to Chinatown Wet Market, you can take the Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19) on the North East Line or Downtown Line. The complex is directly above the MRT station. Alternatively, you can take buses to nearby stops, such as Chinatown MRT Station (Stop 04011). For those driving, the address is 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335, with nearby parking options. If walking from Chinatown, the complex is centrally located and easy to reach.
What Stalls at Chintown Wet Market
At Basement 1 Chinatown Wet Market, you can find a wide variety of stalls that offer fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other specialty food items on sale. Here’s a breakdown of the types of stalls you can typically expect:
1. Fruits and Vegetables:
These stalls offer a wide selection of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, including both local and exotic varieties. You’ll find tropical fruits like durians, mangoes, papayas, and rambutan, as well as vegetables like bok choy, napa cabbage, and other Asian greens.
2. Poultry and Red Meats:
These stalls sell fresh cuts of chicken, pork, beef, and mutton. You’ll also find specialty meats such as duck, quail, and goat, along with various offals (internal organs), which are popular in many traditional Chinese dishes.
3. Live and Fresh Seafood:
Fresh fish, prawns, crabs, clams, and oysters are available at these stalls, and many of them offer live seafood that’s often prepared on the spot. Specialty items like live frogs, turtles, and shellfish may also be found.
2. Poultry and Red Meat
These stalls sell fresh cuts of chicken, pork, beef, and mutton. You’ll also find specialty meats such as duck, quail, and goat, along with various offals (internal organs), which are popular in many traditional Chinese dishes.
3. Live and Fresh Seafood:
Fresh fish, prawns, crabs, clams, and oysters are available at these stalls, and many of them offer live seafood that’s often prepared on the spot. Specialty items like live frogs, turtles, and shellfish may also be found.
4. Dried Goods:
These stalls specialize in dried products such as dried fish, shrimp, seaweed, mushrooms, and Chinese herbs. They also carry dried fruits, noodles, and various other preserved food items used in Chinese cooking.
5. Herbs and Spices Stalls
Some stalls sell traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and dried ingredients used in herbal soups, teas, and tonics. These include ginseng, dried goji berries, and lotus seeds, among others.
These stalls offer a range of tofu products, such as silken tofu, firm tofu, and tofu skin, as well as other soy-based products like soy milk and bean curd.
7. Egg and Poultry Products
Stalls selling fresh eggs are a common sight, including duck eggs, quail eggs, and regular chicken eggs. Some stalls may also sell preserved or century eggs.
8. Traditional Foods and Snacks
Some stalls offer prepared Chinese snacks such as pickled vegetables, steamed buns (bao), and other traditional foods that are ready for immediate consumption.