Singapore: Chinese, Indian & Arabic Quarters, Culture & Food Tour

Singapore , Singapore

Singapore: Chinese, Indian & Arabic Quarters, Culture & Food Tour

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(758 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your host is a friendly 4th generation Singapore Chinese Peranakan with a strong passion to share real life experiences about growing up in Singapore since the 70's.

His in-depth experience of the different ethnic neighbourhoods and hawker markets promises an adventure of discovery the vibrancy of the local streets and street food now run by 2nd or 3rd generation family members, the people and the diverse communities. You will be introduced to a wide variety of locally popular street food favourites and get to know better your host and the country through his eyes and life's experiences.

This fun and engaging Mixed Group adventure is for those who want to experience unique traditional street food in the UNESCO inscribed hawker centres located in the ethnic neighbourhoods of Chinatown & Little India. This unique culture has been deeply embedded in the Singapore way of life since the colonial days of early 19th century until today.

Available options

Singapore: Chinese, Indian & Arabic Quarters, Culture & Food Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Snacks

Dinner

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

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.

Stop 3

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 not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

283 reviews

5★

278

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

475 reviews

5★

468

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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

Meeting point

We will advise further on the location to meet upon booking confirmation.

About Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.

Top Attractions

Gardens by the Bay

A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.

Nature 3-4 hours Moderate

Marina Bay Sands

A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.

Architecture 2-3 hours Expensive

Chinatown

A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore, budget for food and shopping

Singapore Zoo

One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.

Nature 4-5 hours Moderate to Expensive

Sentosa Island

A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.

Entertainment Full day Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.

Lunch/Dinner Contains chicken, gluten, and soy

Chili Crab

A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.

Dinner Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy

Laksa

A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut

Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).

Snack/Appetizer Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy

Popular Activities

Kayaking Hiking Ziplining Beach lounging Spa treatments Garden strolls Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April, and July to September

These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.

26-32°C 79-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.