The Only Muslim-Friendly Guide To Discover The Wonders Of Chinatown Singapore

Discover The Wonders Of Chinatown: A Vibrant Journey Through Singapore’s Cultural Heart

Hey there, fellow explorers! Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic heart of Singapore – Chinatown! Whether you're here for business or leisure, Chinatown promises an exciting mix of cultural richness, tantalising food, and historic landmarks. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the gems that make this area a must-visit!

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What to do in Chinatown Singapore

Ann Siang Road & Ann Siang Hill

Stroll through the charming Ann Siang Road and Ann Siang Hill, perfect for those Instagrammable shots with colourful shophouses and quaint alleys. By day, explore boutique shops and cosy cafes; by night, enjoy the lively nightlife with chic restaurants.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A crown jewel of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple houses a relic of the historical Buddha. Wander through its sacred halls, admire the intricate architecture, and visit the rooftop garden for a moment of tranquillity.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, is just a short walk away. Its vibrant gopuram adorned with colourful deities is stunning! Step inside to witness traditional Hindu rituals and soak in the spiritual ambience.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

One of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples, Thian Hock Keng is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. Marvel at the intricate carvings, vibrant tiles, and the serene courtyard of this architectural masterpiece.

Halal food in Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre

Chinatown is synonymous with amazing food, and you’ll find no shortage of hawker centres serving mouth-watering dishes. For a gastronomic adventure, head over to Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. With over 260 food stalls, you’ll find something even for the pickiest eater!

Maxwell Food Centre

A stone’s throw away is Maxwell Food Centre. Indulge in iconic dishes like chicken rice (Aspirasi Chicken Rice is halal-certified!) and savoury char kway teow. With its bustling atmosphere and diverse hawker stalls, Maxwell offers an authentic taste of Singaporean street food that’s sure to delight your taste buds!

Lau Pa Sat

Looking for a place to grab dinner? Make your way to Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres. Located in the heart of the financial district, it’s famed for its satay street that comes alive in the evening. Savour skewers of juicy meat grilled to perfection, and served with a rich, spicy peanut sauce. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploration!

Amoy Street & Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. This street is a foodie’s paradise, with the Amoy Street Food Centre serving up some of the best hawker fare in town. Imagine savouring a bowl of piping hot noodles, fragrant chicken rice, or a refreshing plate of rojak – all while soaking in the bustling atmosphere!

Where to shop in Chinatown Singapore

The Chinatown Street Market is the most bustling and vibrant part of the Chinatown neighbourhood! Consisting of pedestrianised streets like Pagoda St and Trengganu St, here’s where you can soak in the atmosphere of Chinatown.

The shophouses here are full of colour and if you’re visiting during festive seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival on your next trip, you can expect the area to be adorned with lanterns and other decor. Don’t miss out on a photo opportunity in the middle of the walking street!

Planning to bring back some Singapore-themed souvenirs from your next trip? The Chinatown Street Market is also an awesome spot to get affordable souvenirs which are usually sold in bulk. If you’re fascinated with Chinese culture, you can also get chopsticks, tea, tea sets, fans and more.

Where to stay in Chinatown Singapore

Check out the newest gem in Singapore – Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre! Nestled where historic Chinatown meets the vibrant Central Business District, this hotel blends affordable luxury with chic design. Start your day with delightful Muslim-friendly breakfasts, enjoy spa-like Hansgrohe bathroom accessories, and Nespresso machines in select rooms.

For rest and relaxation, dive into the hotel’s stunning 40m swimming pool, perfect for refreshing swims or, stay fit in the fully equipped gym, designed to meet all your workout needs. Need to unwind? Be sure to check out the complimentary yoga sessions at sunrise and sundown every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the serene wellness deck.

Hungry and don’t want to leave the hotel? The hotel’s Chara Brasserie offers Mediterranean and Asian buffets that will keep you full! The restaurant is pork and lard-free, so you can enjoy your meal without worry.

Plus, with easy access to cultural hotspots and MRT stations, exploring Singapore is a breeze when you stay at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre! Soon, you don’t have to go far to shop too as there’ll be an underground link with retail experiences directly linked to Chinatown and Telok Ayer MRT stations coming in the second half of 2024! The underground link mall will have direct access to Telok Ayer MRT station, followed by Chinatown in early 2025.

Make the most of your stay with Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre's exciting promotions:

  • Saver Rates: Book 7 days in advance and enjoy up to 15% off your stay, with an additional 5% off for Accor Life Limitless (ALL) members.
  • Advance Saver Rates: Book 14 days in advance and save up to 20% on your stay, plus an extra 5% off for ALL members.

So why wait? Dive into the world of affordable luxury at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, and let your stay be the highlight of your Singapore adventure. Book now and experience the true essence of lean luxury in the Lion City!

Where to pray in Chinatown Singapore

You can also find some of the oldest mosques in Singapore in Chinatown. Both the Jamae Chulia Mosque and Al-Abrar Mosque trace their histories back to the 1800s. They were both set up by the Chulias, a group of Tamil Muslims from South India. You can easily spot the Jamae Chulia Mosque by its pastel-green exterior while Al-Abrar Mosque has two tall minarets at its entrance.

If you’re planning to do your prayers at the mosques, do bring your own prayer mats and garments. Do note that you’ll also need to bring a plastic bag to store your footwear as you’ll need to keep it with you when you pray.

Chinatown is a tapestry of Singapore’s multicultural heritage, blending the old with the new, and tradition with modernity. Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a bit of both, Chinatown offers an unforgettable experience. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore this vibrant district. Happy exploring!

This article is brought to you by Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.

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