Singapore: Chinese, Indian & Malay Quarters, Culture & Food Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Your host is a friendly 4th generation Singapore Chinese Peranakan with a strong passion to share real life experiences about growing up in Singapore since the 70's.
His in-depth experience of the different ethnic neighbourhoods and hawker markets promises an adventure of discovery the vibrancy of the local streets and street food now run by 2nd or 3rd generation family members, the people and the diverse communities. You will be introduced to a wide variety of locally popular street food favourites and get to know better your host and the country through his eyes and life's experiences.
This fun and engaging Mixed Group adventure is for those who want to experience unique traditional street food in the UNESCO inscribed hawker centres located in the ethnic neighbourhoods of Chinatown & Little India. This unique culture has been deeply embedded in the Singapore way of life since the colonial days of early 19th century until today.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travellers with gluten intolerance
Not recommended for travelers with dietary restrictions
Not recommended for travelers who are vegetarians as experience will be compromised
Not recommended for travelers with children in prams or strollers
Not recommended for travelers with Personal Mobility Aids / Devices
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Snacks
Dinner
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
What To Expect
Chinatown
The experience starts off with an exploration of Chinatown where you will get to soak in the sights of the Chinatown neighbourhood. Stories will be shared of it's history capturing the struggles of early Chinese immigrants, their trials and tribulations of making ends meet in a rough neighbourhood filled with vices like opium, gambling, prostitution, and death. These buildings still stand today. Old images will be shown where you will see the quick transformation of Singapore's development from the past to the present day. We will also be visiting a hawker centre and get to sample locally popular Singapore Chinese street food cuisines, and at the same time experience the local way of life that has been around for the past decades.
Little India
In Little India, you will be brought around the area where the vibrancy of colour from street stalls selling fresh fruit & vegetables, flower garland markets, traditional clothing stores, and incense shops will charm your senses. It is due to these trades and other opportunities that had inspired the early Indian community to move from the original Little India near the old seafront, up here where water buffalos used to roam the swampy area. We will be visiting a hawker market here and get to sample a variety of Pakistani, North Indian & Indian Muslim street food cuisines, and experience the exciting vibrancy of the Indian community having their daily meals here.
Options
Singapore: Chinese, Indian & Malay Quarters, Culture & Food Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
641 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding experience
Peter R,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Gerry was a wonderful host. He was kind and accommodating and immediately made the effort to learn everyone’s name and build rapport. Great “mini-lectures” on Singapore history and culture. You get an insiders tour of some amazing food hawker centers, and the food was phenomenal. Gerry made sure that my daughter, who is vegetarian, was taken care of with good food options. We did this on our first day in Singapore and cannot think of a better way to get acquainted with the different neighborhoods and local food scene.
So much good food!
Michelle D,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderful day experiencing the food, people and history of this beautiful city, thank you to Gerry!!
Well Done Gerry!!
shaunamiller,
May 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Gerry was a fantastic guide. He had so much local knowledge and presented a thorough background history on Singapore. I would definitely recommend his tour.
A must do in Singapore!
Fernando H,
May 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Cannot miss this tour! This is an amazing experience led by Gerry who is a native Singaporean so proud of its history and its people. Gerry not only takes you to a quick history journey but also makes sure you are stuffed even before noon… he makes sure you try every signature dish of the country and tries to make you feel as the most important guest during the tour. 5 stars is not enough for him… best guide and tour I have ever had… give it a try, you will not regret if food and some history is what interests you.
Lots of tasty food
Dan O,
May 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great group with Jerry as our fearless leader. Plenty of stories and even more food. We enjoyed the then and now photos of the areas.
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Operated by Livin' Da Local