Telok Ayer Market
Dating back over 150 years, Lau Pa Sat was Singapore's first open food market. Today, the octagon-shaped market is a city landmark and the largest Victorian filigree cast-iron structure still standing in Southeast Asia. A delight for foodies, the market is now an epicurean experience, being home to a number of food stalls and restaurants, including Romanee's Kitchen and Bao Luo Wan Xiang Street, a 24-hour Hong Kong Dim Sum eatery.
The cuisine is diverse and all-encompassing, with Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Western, Shanghainese, Taiwanese and Japanese among those represented. Guests can try all the Singapore staples, including Ba Kut The, or meaty pork ribs stew with Chinese spices, and Satay, skewers of cumin-and-coriander-spiced meat. In fact, 10 food stalls in the market are dedicated exclusively to satay.
The market especially livens up at night, when often times stretches of road are closed off to traffic so more tables and chairs can be set out for visitors. With inexpensive, delicious food and great drinks, the market is a great place to spend a night mingling with locals.
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market has opportunities and spaces for private events. Eatery hours vary based on stall; the Satay stalls are open weekdays from 7 PM to 3 AM and weekends from 3 PM to 3 AM. For more information: +65 6220 2138
