Lau Pa Sat

"Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is a historic building situated in Singapore's Downtown Core. Originally constructed in 1824 as a fish market on the waterfront, it was rebuilt in 1838 and later relocated to its current site in 1894. This iconic structure is recognized as one of the oldest Victorian buildings in Southeast Asia and one of the first prefabricated cast-iron constructions in Asia. The name "Lau Pa Sat" translates to "old market" in Hokkien, while "Telok Ayer" means "bay water" in Malay, reflecting its original location adjacent to Telok Ayer Bay. The market began as a wooden structure on stilts over the bay, designed to facilitate waste disposal and loading directly from boats. Despite facing numerous challenges, including structural weaknesses, it served as a crucial commercial hub for over four decades until it was deemed unsafe and demolished due to land reclamation efforts in the late 19th century. The current market, designed by Municipal Engineer James MacRitchie, retains the octagonal shape of the original structure and features elaborate cast-iron columns. It was officially opened on March 1, 1894, covering 55,000 square feet. Over the years, it underwent various transformations, including a conversion into a hawker center in the 1970s and later renovations that turned it into a modern food court catering to locals and tourists alike. Today, Lau Pa Sat is celebrated not only for its architectural significance but also for its vibrant food scene, offering a wide variety of local cuisine in a lively atmosphere. The market is particularly known for its evening street food offerings, which spill out into the surrounding area. In 2020, it saw the introduction of "Food Folks," a new food hall blending local food and retail, showcasing Lau Pa Sat's continued evolution as a culinary landmark in Singapore."

"Getting to Lau Pa Sat Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, is located in the downtown area of Singapore. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation. Lau Pa Sat Overview: Lau Pa Sat is a historic food centre known for its variety of local and international cuisines. It's a bustling hub where locals and visitors alike gather to indulge in a wide array of dishes. Dinner Options: As you explore Lau Pa Sat, you'll find numerous stalls offering a diverse range of dishes, from local favorites to international delights. Some popular options include: Satay: Lau Pa Sat is famous for its satay stalls, where you can savor skewers of marinated and grilled meats, accompanied by rich peanut sauce. Seafood: Enjoy seafood dishes such as chili crab, black pepper crab, and more. Freshly prepared seafood is a highlight of Singaporean cuisine. Local Hawker Fare: Explore stalls offering classic local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and more. International Cuisine: Lau Pa Sat also features stalls offering international cuisines, including Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Western options. Hawker Dining Experience: Lau Pa Sat provides an authentic hawker dining experience, where you can choose from a variety of stalls and dishes, creating your own unique feast. The vibrant atmosphere, bustling crowds, and aromatic scents make dining here a memorable experience. Dinner Timings: Lau Pa Sat typically operates from early evening until late at night, making it a great option for dinner. Exact operating hours may vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or local sources for the most accurate information."

"One of the best places to get local food in this vicinity. It has historic significance being Singapore's first wet market since 1824. And Lau Pa Sat means “old market” in the Hokkien dialect. Despite its commercialization, locals still visit and have lunch here. ~ SGD 10-30/per pax depending on what you order Dish reccos from the link below: - 1 - Satay. Grill meat skewers (I absolutely love this). Get the leave-wrapped rice as well, called Ketupat. - 3 - Bah Kut Teh. Herbal soup with pork (The Singapore ver. usually is a more peppery soup and the herbal ver. is more Malaysian) - 5 - Kwaytiao. Wok-fried noodle dish - 10 - Thunder tea rice. Vegetable-focused dish from the Hakka dialect. Even the soup is made from vegetables hence the green color. (I eat this for a healthier option) Satay Street opens at night (on Boon Tat St). Have satay for dinner for the traditional experience of street food vibes."