Whether you’re a visitor to Singapore or a born and bred native, there are some local experiences that just can’t be missed: dining at a hawker centre, shopping on Orchard Road, spending a day at Sentosa, or – an old-time fave – experiencing the hustle and bustle of a wet market. Found in neighbourhoods across the island, wet markets may be daunting to some but venture forth and you’ll find plenty of amazing deals to be had – if you know how.

Singapore has its fair share of great wet markets and, if you live in the east, the one in Geylang Serai is well worth a gander. Geylang Serai gets its name from the location, which was formerly a lemongrass (serai) field. Situated in the Malay Heritage District near Paya Lebar MRT, the Geylang Serai market is best known amongst locals as a one-stop shop for wet and dry sundries, clothes, traditional medicine and, of course, tasty Malay cuisine.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re visiting Geylang Serai Wet Market for the first time, we recommend going during off-peak hours to familiarise yourself slowly, away from the bustling crowds. Mornings between 6am and 9.30am are especially busy, so avoid if possible. Heading there when it’s less crowded means you’ll have the undivided attention of the stall owners who’ll be more than happy to help you. An added bonus: you can also score great deals at the end of the trading day, when stall owners are ready to close up.

It’s Not Where You Go, It’s What You Wear

Wet markets are … wet; so don’t wear fancy shoes that you don’t want ruined. Go with simple, covered shoes to protect your toes from the occasional splashes and loose clothing, as it will inevitably be a hot and sweaty affair.

Ask And You Shall Receive

All stall operators at the market are more than willing to assist. And yes, they do speak English – although knowing some of the local lingo wouldn’t hurt. If there is something you can’t find or if you encounter an ingredient you’re not familiar with, just ask. We promise; they won’t bite! Strike up a conversation and you might pick up some great tips on different cuts of meat, how to identify unusual produce, or cooking with local herbs and vegetables.

The hustle and bustle is all part of the charm of going to a wet market. You may find yourself being jostled by other shoppers – just be patient and don’t be afraid to speak up when you need help. Wondering whether to haggle? Prices can be bargained (by a couple of cents) but stall owners occasionally offer bigger discounts or throw in a free item if you’re a repeat customer.

Experimenting Is The Key

If you are new to Asia, there will be a whole range of vegetables and dried goods alien to you, such as belacan (shrimp paste), galangal, and garam masala (ground spices). Be brave to experiment and buy something new that strikes your fancy. If you need some help, don’t be shy to ask the stall owner or other shoppers. Most people who go to the market are foodies, so they will be happy to share a recipe at the drop of the hat.

Stalls Worth Visiting

Apart from the usual suspects, such as fresh poultry, seafood, and vegetables, Geylang Serai Wet Market is a great place to score unique, local produce and tasty snacks. Pay a visit to BB Spices (# 01-166) to stock up on fragrant cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other exotic spices.

Feeling peckish after your shopping session? Head to the adjoining food centre for a variety of hawker delights. A crowd favourite is Hajjah Mona (#02-166), best known for its authentic and affordable Malay fare like nasi rawon (mixed rice set), rendang (stewed beef), and sayur lodeh (vegetable curry). And, of course, there’s no forgetting the classic goreng pisang (fried banana fritters): a tasty and affordable snack, which you can find at most stalls at just three for $1.