If you are looking for a place to experience the vibrant and diverse flavours of Singapore, look no further than Tekka Centre. Located in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre is a colourful and bustling hawker market that offers a variety of food, shopping, and culture options.
Whether you are craving for some spicy Indian curry, looking for some bargain deals on ethnic clothing, or curious about the rich heritage of the neighbourhood, Tekka Centre has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do, see, eat, and buy at Tekka Centre, and provide you with some tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit.
Food: A Feast for the Senses
One of the main attractions of Tekka Centre is the food. The hawker centre on the ground floor hosts more than 200 stalls that serve a wide range of cuisines, such as Indian, Malay, Chinese, and local dishes. You can find everything from biryani, prata, and curry, to chicken rice, laksa, and satay, to nasi lemak, mee goreng, and rojak. The food is delicious, authentic, and affordable, with most dishes costing less than $5. Some of the best stalls or dishes to try are:
Allauddin's Briyani (Stall 01-232): This stall is famous for its fragrant and flavourful briyani, a rice dish cooked with spices and meat. You can choose from chicken, mutton, or fish briyani, and enjoy it with a side of curry, achar, and papadum. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it one of the most popular stalls in Tekka Centre.
He Zhong Carrot Cake (Stall 01-14): This stall sells one of the best carrot cakes in Singapore, a savoury dish made with radish, eggs, and flour. You can opt for the white or black version, depending on your preference for sweetness. The carrot cake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and has a nice balance of flavours and textures.
Lao Zhong Zhong Fine Spice Stall (Stall 01-52): This stall is a must-try for spice lovers, as it offers a variety of fried snacks that are coated with a special blend of spices. You can choose from items such as chicken wings, ngoh hiang, fish balls, tofu, and more, and dip them in the sweet and spicy sauce. The snacks are crunchy, juicy, and addictive, and will leave you wanting more.
Zheng Xing Yong Tau Foo (Stall 01-113): This stall sells yong tau foo, a dish that consists of various ingredients such as tofu, fish balls, vegetables, and noodles, that are stuffed with fish paste and cooked in a soup or sauce. You can customize your own bowl by picking the ingredients you like, and choose from the soup, dry, or laksa options. The yong tau foo is fresh, tasty, and satisfying, and the soup or sauce is rich and flavourful.
The hawker centre is open from 6:30 am to 9 pm daily, but some stalls may close earlier or have different operating hours. The peak periods are usually during lunch and dinner times, when the place is crowded and noisy, and you may have to queue for a long time or share a table with strangers. However, this also adds to the lively and fun atmosphere of the place, and gives you a chance to interact with the locals and other travellers.
If you are feeling thirsty or craving for something sweet, you can also find a variety of drinks and desserts at Tekka Centre. You can quench your thirst with some fresh fruit juices, coconut water, or teh tarik, or indulge in some ice kacang, chendol, or goreng pisang. You can also visit the wet market on the ground floor, where you can find fresh produce such as meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, spices, etc. The wet market is a great place to see the local way of life, and to learn more about the ingredients and dishes of the different cuisines.
Shopping: A Treasure Trove of Bargains
Another attraction of Tekka Centre is the shopping. The shopping centre on the first floor offers a variety of products, such as Indian clothing, accessories, music, books, electronics, and more. You can find everything from sarees, kurtas, and bangles, to CDs, DVDs, and magazines, to phones, cameras, and laptops. The products are cheap, colourful, and diverse, and you can find some unique and interesting items that you may not find elsewhere.
The shopping centre is open from 9 am to 9 pm daily, but some shops may close earlier or have different operating hours. The peak periods are usually during weekends and public holidays, when the place is packed and chaotic, and you may have to navigate through the crowds and noise. However, this also adds to the excitement and thrill of the place, and gives you a chance to practice your bargaining and negotiation skills.
Bargaining is a common and expected practice at Tekka Centre, and you can often get a lower price than the initial offer. However, you should also be respectful and reasonable, and not offer too low or too high. You should also check the quality and condition of the products before buying, and make sure that they are working properly. You can pay by cash or card, depending on the shop and the amount.
Some of the tips or recommendations on how to shop at Tekka Centre are:
- Explore the different shops and compare the prices and quality of the products before making a decision.
- Negotiate with a smile and a friendly attitude, and be prepared to walk away if you are not satisfied with the offer.
- Avoid buying counterfeit or pirated goods, as they may be illegal or of poor quality.
- Bring your own shopping bags, as some shops may not provide them or charge extra for them.
Culture: A Melting Pot of Diversity
The third attraction of Tekka Centre is the culture. The place is a reflection of the history and heritage of Little India, a neighbourhood that was once home to many Indian immigrants and workers. Tekka Centre is a symbol of the diversity and harmony of the people and cultures, as you can see the influence of various languages, religions, customs, and traditions.
You can learn more about the culture of Tekka Centre by visiting the nearby attractions and landmarks, such as:
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple:
This is one of the oldest and most prominent Hindu temples in Singapore, dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is known for its intricate and colourful architecture, and its lively and festive atmosphere. You can witness the daily rituals and prayers, and join the celebrations of festivals such as Diwali, Thaipusam, and Pongal.
Indian Heritage Centre:
This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Indian community in Singapore, from the pre-colonial era to the present day. The museum features four permanent galleries that display various artefacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits. You can also participate in the guided tours, workshops, and events that are held regularly.
Mustafa Centre:
This is a 24-hour shopping mall that sells a wide range of products, such as electronics, jewellery, cosmetics, groceries, and more. The mall is popular among locals and tourists alike, as it offers low prices and a huge variety. You can also find some ethnic and halal food options at the mall, such as Indian, Turkish, and Arabic cuisines.
Tekka Centre is a food, shopping, and culture paradise in Little India, Singapore. It is a place where you can enjoy the delicious and diverse cuisines, find the cheap and colourful products, and explore the rich and vibrant heritage of the neighbourhood. It is a place that will delight your senses, satisfy your curiosity, and enrich your experience. If you are planning to visit Singapore, make sure to include Tekka Centre in your itinerary, and discover the wonders of this amazing place.
For more information or resources, you can visit the official website of Tekka Centre, or contact them at +65 6396 4694. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and promotions.
We hope you enjoyed this article, and found it useful and informative. If you have any thoughts, feedback, or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Or, if you have visited Tekka Centre yourself, please share your experience and tips with us. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your time and attention, and happy travelling!
