Are you looking for a place to experience the authentic Malay culture and cuisine in Singapore? If yes, then you should not miss Geylang Serai Market, one of the oldest and most popular wet markets and food centres in the city.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Geylang Serai Market, from its history and significance, to its specialties and delicacies, to its festive and colourful atmosphere during Ramadan. Whether you are a foodie, a culture lover, or a bargain hunter, you will find something to enjoy and explore at Geylang Serai Market.
History and Significance of Geylang Serai
Geylang Serai is a neighbourhood in the eastern part of Singapore, and it is one of the oldest Malay settlements in the country. The name Geylang Serai means “lemon grass market” in Malay, and it refers to the lemon grass that used to grow abundantly in the area. Lemon grass was an important ingredient in Malay cuisine, as well as a natural insect repellent.
Geylang Serai is also a place where the Malay heritage and identity are preserved and celebrated. You can find many landmarks and attractions that showcase the Malay culture and history, such as the Malay Heritage Centre, a museum that displays the artefacts and stories of the Malay community in Singapore, Wisma Geylang Serai, a civic and community centre that hosts various events and activities for the Malay residents, and the baju kurung shops, where you can buy the traditional Malay dress for women.
Geylang Serai Market: A Wet Market and Food Centre
Geylang Serai Market is the heart and soul of the neighbourhood, and it is a place where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and halal meat, as well as a plethora of food stalls that serve delicious Malay and Indian cuisine. The market is housed in a modern building that resembles the old Kampong houses, with pitched roofs and wooden panels. The market is divided into two levels: the lower level is where you can buy the groceries and ingredients, and the upper level is where you can enjoy the food and drinks.
Some of the specialties and delicacies that you should not miss at Geylang Serai Market are:
1. Kueh Talam Asli: A traditional two-layered dessert that consists of a green layer made from pandan (screwpine) leaves and a white layer made from coconut milk and rice flour. The dessert is soft, moist, and fragrant, and it is a perfect treat for a hot day.
2. Otak-Otak Kampung: A fish cake that is wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over charcoal. The fish cake is made from minced fish, coconut milk, eggs, and spices, and it has a spicy and smoky flavour. You can eat it on its own, or with bread or rice.
3. Alhambra Heritage & Original Satay Club: A stall that serves grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce, also known as satay. You can choose from chicken, beef, mutton, or prawn, and each skewer is tender, juicy, and well-marinated. The peanut sauce is thick, creamy, and spicy, and it complements the meat perfectly.
Geylang Serai during Ramadan: A Festive and Colourful Experience
If you happen to visit Geylang Serai during the Ramadan period, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, you will be amazed by the transformation of the neighbourhood into a bustling and vibrant bazaar. During this time, hundreds of stalls are set up along the streets, selling food, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. The bazaar is open from late afternoon until late night, and it attracts thousands of visitors every day.
The Ramadan bazaar is a feast for the senses, as you can see, hear, smell, and taste the diversity and richness of the Malay culture and community. You can find many traditional and modern food items, such as nasi briyani (rice cooked with meat and spices), ayam percik (chicken grilled with coconut sauce), vadai (deep-fried lentil fritters), ice kacang (shaved ice with syrup and toppings), and rainbow bagels.
You can also buy some fashionable and festive clothes, such as baju kurung, baju melayu (traditional Malay dress for men), and kebaya (a fitted blouse and skirt). You can also browse through the various accessories and souvenirs, such as batik (a dyed fabric with intricate patterns), songkok (a cap worn by Muslim men), and keris (a dagger with a wavy blade).
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to enjoy and explore the Ramadan bazaar:
The best time to visit the bazaar is in the evening, when the sun sets and the lights come on. The bazaar becomes more lively and colourful, and you can witness the breaking of the fast by the Muslim community, which is a sacred and communal ritual.
The best bargains can be found at the end of the bazaar, where the stalls are less crowded and the vendors are more willing to lower their prices. You can also haggle and negotiate with the sellers, but be polite and respectful.
The best photo spots are at the entrance of the bazaar, where you can see the giant arch that welcomes the visitors, and at the Malay Heritage Centre, where you can see the beautiful facade of the museum illuminated by the lights.
How to Reach Geylang Serai Market
Geylang Serai Market is easily accessible by public transportation, such as MRT, bus, or taxi. Here is a guide on how to get to the market:
By MRT: The nearest station is Paya Lebar, which is on the East-West Line and the Circle Line. From the station, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the market, or take a bus from the bus stop opposite the station.
By Bus: The nearest bus stop is Geylang Serai Market, which is served by bus numbers 2, 7, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30, 51, 67, 76, 154, and 155. You can alight at the bus stop and walk for a few minutes to the market.
By Car: The nearest car park is at Joo Chiat Complex, which is a shopping mall next to the market. The car park charges $1.20 per hour from Monday to Saturday, and $0.60 per hour on Sunday and public holidays.
The opening hours of Geylang Serai Market are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, and the contact number is +65 6748 7926.
Geylang Serai Market is a place where you can discover the Malay culture and cuisine in Singapore, and enjoy a variety of attractions and food options. Whether you visit the market during the day or during the night, during the normal days or during the Ramadan period, you will find something to satisfy your curiosity and appetite. Geylang Serai Market is a place that you should not miss when you are in Singapore.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, and that you have learned something new and useful about Geylang Serai Market.
