COMMUNITY HERITAGE SERIES II:

WET
MARKETS
Book 2 of National Heritage Board’s E-Books Collection
 contents
Foreword Page 01 Marine Terrace Market Page 20-21

An Introduction to Page 02-03 Holland Village Market

Page 22-23
Wet Markets and Food Centre

An Early History of Tiong Bahru Market Page 24-25

Page 04-07
Wet Markets
Challenges for
Page 26-27
Wet Markets in Wet Markets
Page 08-09
Post-War Singapore
Singapore’s Wet
Wet Markets and Their Markets: Meeting Page 28-29
Page 10-11
Unique Characteristics Needs and Building Copyright (c) 2013

Communities National Heritage Board

Kebun Baru Market Page 12-13 This is an e-book

commissioned by the
and Food Centre Thank You Page 30 National Heritage Board.

Geylang Serai Market Page 14-15

Chong Boon Market

Page 16-17
and Food Centre

Tekka Market Page 18-19

 WET MARKETS
01

WET foreword
MARKETS I am delighted that the National Heritage
Board (NHB) has embarked on a series of
imaginative projects to capture various
aspects of Singapore’s heartland heritage.
COMMUNITY HERITAGE SERIES II I am equally delighted that their second
project focuses on wet markets in
Singapore. In several ways, wet markets
are part and parcel of the Singaporean
way of life.

First, wet markets offer a wide range of

fresh meats and vegetables at affordable Ms Yeoh Chee Yan
and often “bargainable” prices. Shopping Permanent Secretary for
Ministry of Culture,
is a community experience - visitors know
Community and Youth
they can receive friendly and personalised
services from stallholders they patronise regularly – often over many years.

Second, wet markets offer a unique sensory experience. The early morning
hustle and bustle, scents of fish and raw meat intermingling with curry
powder and fresh flowers, and shouts of stall owners attempting to attract
more customers. These sights, sounds and smells are part of our shared
Singapore experience.

Third, wet markets serve as a microcosm of Singapore’s multi-cultural society.

It is at our wet markets where visitors can find a Malay stall selling mutton
next to a Chinese stall selling vegetables or fish, or an Indian stall selling
spices and condiments.

Finally, wet markets are common spaces where all Singaporeans, irrespective
of race, language or religion, can mingle while purchasing fresh produce and
other household necessities. In fact, it is a common sight to see friends and
WORDS: Alvin Tan neighbours visiting wet markets together.
RESEARCH: Singapore Heritage Society
PHOTOGRAPHS: National Heritage Board, It is for all the above reasons that I enjoy visiting the wet market on the
National Archives of Singapore and weekend. They also remind me of trips to the wet market with my parents
Lester Ledesma when I was growing up. I hope that you too will enjoy reading this e-book
LAYOUT & DESIGN: Langemacrea & Ong Chun Yeow and re-visiting your own memories, as you learn more about the history of
wet markets in Singapore.
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
02 03

The term “wet markets” is derived from During the early 1990s, the live slaughter
the markets’ wet floors which are caused of poultry at wet markets was phased out
by the melting of ice used to ensure the and relocated to centralised abattoirs.
freshness of seafood sold and by stall The Cold Chain System was introduced in
holders who routinely clean their stalls by 1999 and required meat to be kept chilled
spraying them with water. throughout the entire preparation process.

Wet markets are typically divided into a Wet markets meet the basic needs of
“wet” section where fresh produce, meat, Singaporeans and are a source of
fish and live animals are sold, and a “dry” livelihood for their stall holders. They
section where stalls selling goods such as have also become a common ground for
spices, rice, dried noodles, dried seafood Singapore’s ethnically diverse population
and beans are located. to interact and bond, and contribute to
Singapore’s vibrant community heritage.
The term “wet markets” came into
common usage in the early 1970s
when the Singapore government used
the term to distinguish these markets from
air-conditioned “supermarkets” that had
become popular with the opening of
Fitzpatrick’s supermarket in Orchard Road
in 1958.

The wet market

section at Chong The dried goods section at
Boon Market and Tiong Bahru Market (2011).

An Introduction
Food Centre (2011). Courtesy of National
Courtesy of National Heritage Board
Heritage Board

to Wet Markets
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
04 05

Wet Markets in the Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods

There is little documentation on what markets were like in the pre-colonial era
although evidence suggests that market places or bazaars emerged organically
wherever there was trading. In the 1800s, markets tended to comprise loose
clusters of vendors and peddlers with their wares laid out on the ground or in
baskets, either on open ground or under a shed.

In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles ordered the construction of a market near the north
end of Market Street which would become the predecessor of the former Telok Ayer
Market. Colonel Farquhar, the Resident of Singapore, subsequently recommended
that the market be relocated to a site at the south end of the street.

When Telok Ayer Market first opened in 1825, it extended over the sea and
allowed jetties to load and unload produce directly onto boats. The market
was replaced by a new market designed by Singapore’s first architect, George
Drumgoole Coleman, but it was demolished in 1841 when it was unable to meet
the marketing needs of the growing population in Chinatown.

Another market, now known as Lau Pa Sat, was completed in 1894. It featured a
distinctive octagonal structure with 8 entrances surmounted by fan shaped patterns.
This market was dismantled in 1986 and subsequently transformed into a food
centre. Today, Lau Pa Sat is a food haunt popular with tourists and the working

An Early
The interior of the population in the Central Business District.
Ellenborough
Market (1953).

History of
Courtesy of National
Archives of Singapore

Wet Markets
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
06 07

A photograph of the Orchard Road Market which

featured a six metre tall cast-iron fountain from Glasgow (1903).
Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

In addition to Telok Ayer Market, other markets were built in different parts of Singapore to During this period, the Municipal Council monitored the business practices and codes of
serve the different villages and enclaves that had sprung up. These markets included Lau conduct within the markets, and kept a record of the goods sold at these markets. While all
Pa Sat, Ellenborough Market, Clyde Terrace Market (Pasar Besi), Rochore Market (Pasar markets sold fish, beef, fowl and ducks, there were selected foodstuff that was available only
Rochore), Kandang Kerbau Market, Tanjong Pagar Market, and Orchard Road Market. at certain markets.
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
08 09

The development of wet markets can By the 1990s, it became increasingly

be attributed to the relocation of street common to find wet markets as part of a
hawkers and the development of public mall, such as Punggol Market situated at
housing in the 1950s and 1960s. After the basement of Punggol Plaza, or the wet
independence in 1965, street hawking market at Elias Mall which opened in March
became prevalent, and poor sanitation 2011 and is also incidentally the first
and hygiene concerns led the Singapore air-conditioned wet market in Singapore.
government to relocate street hawkers to
purpose-built facilities which are known Since the 1990s, over 100 markets cum
today as wet markets cum hawker centres. hawker centres had been built. To date,
Singapore has 107 wet markets and
One of the earliest wet markets to be hawker centres in total and they are
built was Tiong Bahru Market in 1950. located in different parts of Singapore,
This was followed by more wet markets making them accessible to all Singaporeans.
in Chinatown and Little India as well as
in newly-developed housing estates of
that period such as Queenstown and Toa
Payoh. From the 1950s to the 1990s, wet
markets were mostly standalone structures
although they may be integrated as part of A busy day at Chinatown Market (1962).
a neighbourhood centre. K F Wong Collection, courtesy of
National Archives of Singapore

A typical scene at the Tanjong

Pagar Market (1960).

Wet Markets
K F Wong Collection,
courtesy of National
Archives of Singapore

in Post-War
Singapore
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
10 11

Prices of Goods
Wet Markets
Nature of Transactions
Wet markets offer personalised services The prices of goods sold at wet markets tend

and Their Unique because many stall holders are familiar

with the preferences of their regular
customers. In fact, some stall holders
to fluctuate due to variations in demand
and supply. When supply is affected due
to droughts or monsoon rains, prices are

Characteristics may give a better deal to their regular

customers by rounding down the total
price or adding in free goods such as
similarly affected. In addition, there are also
seasonal price variations especially during
the festive periods.
an extra bunch of vegetables.
Due to the relatively short daytime operating
Till today, transactions in wet markets are hours of most wet markets (usually between
mostly verbal and bargaining is still widely 6am to 2pm), prices of fresh produce can
practiced. All transactions are in cash and also see variations within the course of a
once a price has been stated and accepted day. By late morning or mid-day, some stall
between the stall holder and his/her holders will reduce prices so as to cut their
customer, goods and money will exchange losses and maximise sales before they close
hands without the issuance of a receipt. for the day.

A vegetable stall at
Chinatown Market (1962).
K F Wong Collection,
courtesy of National
Archives of Singapore

A fruit stall at the Chinatown Market (1983).

Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection,
courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
12 13

Originally built in 1976, Kebun Baru In June 2009, the market and food centre
Market and Food Centre serves the underwent upgrading works. On Sunday,
marketing and dining needs of residents 28 March 2010, the Kebun Baru Market
living in the Kebun Baru area of Ang Mo and Food Centre officially re-opened
Kio. On 8 February 2000, a fire broke after a S$1.89 million face-lift. With the
out during the Chinese New Year period upgrading, the food centre saw a 30%
which caused extensive damage to the increase in seating capacity, the stalls were
market and resulted in great inconvenience made bigger, and the passageways were
for stall holders and residents. widened to facilitate increased
traffic flow.
However, the incident proved to be a
rallying point for the Kebun Baru Citizens’
Consultative Committee, stall-holders
and residents as they worked towards
setting up a temporary market while
repairs to the damaged market took
place. Within 6 months, the market A vegetable stall in the foreground and
was re-built and re-opened. a stall selling Chinese New Year
decorations in the background (2012).
Courtesy of Lester Ledesma

The façade of Kebun

Kebun Baru
Baru Market and
Food Centre (2012).
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma

market
– Block 226D, Ang Mo Kio, Avenue 1, Singapore 564226
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
14 15

The original Geylang Serai Market was With 63 cooked food stalls and 302
opened on 17 April 1975 by then Prime market stalls, the present Geylang Serai
Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The single storey Market is the third largest hawker centre
market proved to be very popular with in Singapore and one of the most popular,
locals and tourists. During the Hari Raya especially with the Malay community.
period, a makeshift market place would be
set up next to the market. The market was designed in close
consultation with grassroots groups and
However, over the next two decades, the stallholders, and the building contains
market became increasingly run down. In features of old Malay homes such as
February 2006, the Geylang Serai Market sloping roofs, intricate batik motifs as
underwent re-development works. After a well as decorative details like louvers
S$18.2 million upgrading, the market was and timbre panels.
officially re-opened in July 2009.
The new market also features bigger food
stalls, wider passageways, higher ceilings
and handicap-friendly facilities. Its ground
A stall selling headscarves at floor houses a wet market while its second
Geylang Serai Market (2012). floor comprises a food centre as well as
Courtesy of Lester Ledesma stalls selling household items and clothes.

The façade of
Geylang Serai
Market (2012).
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma
geylang serai
market
– 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
16 17

Chong Boon Market and Food Despite the recent upgrade at the market
Centre, built in 1979, is one of the older and food centre to enhance facilities and
market cum food centres in Ang Mo Kio. improve the hygiene level, hawkers and
It has 28 cooked food stalls and 184 stallholders lamented that there had not
market stalls. Since its opening, it has been any improvement in business.
been the preferred venue for walkabouts
conducted by Members of Parliament and This was because many customers,
Cabinet Ministers. who visited other markets and food
centres during the upgrade, had grown
The market has hosted anniversary accustomed to the other markets and
celebrations such as the Chong Boon food centres and had not returned to the
Market and Food Centre’s 30th upgraded Chong Boon Market and
anniversary celebrations on 24 April Food Centre.
2011 which was attended by Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Members A roast meat shop at Chong
of Parliament for the constituency. Boon Market (2012).
Courtesy of Townsville
Primary School

The façade of Chong

Boon Market and

chong boon
Food Centre (2012).
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma

market and
Food Centre
– Block 453A, Ang Mo Kio, Avenue 10, Singapore 561453
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
18 19

Tekka Market, located at Block 665, In 1982, the market was torn down and
Buffalo Road, started as the Kandang rebuilt at its current site. It was re-named
Kerbau (Malay term for “buffalo pens”) as Zhujiao Centre (竹脚中心) and built as
Market at the junction of Serangoon a multi-use complex which comprises a wet
Road and Rochor Road. Its former site is market, a food centre and shops. However,
currently occupied by Little India’s first air- it was difficult for the general public to
conditioned mall The Verge which was read and pronounce “Zhujiao”. “Zhujiao”
built in 2003. also did not bear any resemblance to
Tekka. Hence, in 2000, it was renamed
The Kandang Kerbau Market was built by Tekka Centre and the market in the centre
the Municipal Commission in 1915 at the came to be known as Tekka Market.
cost of S$107,690. Back then, it was one
of the more popular markets in Singapore Today, Tekka Market remains a landmark
because its stalls offered the best cuts in Little India where different ethnic
of beef and mutton due to the market’s communities congregate and interact
proximity to the cattle ranches in the area. while marketing or enjoying a meal at the
However, by the early 1950s, the market hawker centre.
became overcrowded and congested, and
there was a pressing need for the market
A stall selling spices at Tekka
to undergo upgrading works.
Market (2012).
Courtesy of Lester Ledesma

The façade of Tekka

Market (2012).

tekka market
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma

– Block 665, Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665

WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
20 21

Marine Terrace Market is located in library and additional public housing

Marine Parade, Singapore’s first residential were added. It was during this phase that
estate built entirely on reclaimed land. The Marine Terrace Market was constructed
land reclamation project at Marine Parade and it started operations in 1975.
began in 1966, cost S$613 million and
added 1,525 hectares of land to the Today, Marine Terrace Market has
coastline along the East Coast. 24 cooked food stalls and 87 market
stalls. It is strategically located next to the
By the end of 1973, when the first phase Marine Parade Town Council. As part
of development for Marine Parade was of the estate’s upgrading programme,
completed, shops, offices and 6,000 improvements to the market were made.
units of public housing in Marine Parade Although the cleanliness of the market has
were constructed. During the second improved, business has declined because
phase of development, more commercial many of the market’s regular customers
and community facilities including shops, have moved out of the estate.
schools, hawker centres, a post office, a

A stall selling fishcakes and fishballs

at Marine Terrace Market (2012).
Courtesy of Lester Ledesma

The façade of Marine

Terrace Market (2012).

Marine Terrace
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma

Market
– 50A Marine Terrace, Singapore 441050
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
22 23

From the 1930s to early 1940s, Holland and is popular for its affordable hawker
Village was a military village established fare. To cater to its diverse customers, the
by the colonial government in Singapore. market carries an extensive range of exotic
To meet the daily needs of its residents, foodstuff and organic produce which tend
the predecessor of today’s Holland Village to be found in premium supermarkets.
Market and Food Centre was constructed.
In recent times, the market has experienced
When Singapore became independent, a decline in business following an
Holland Village lost its British military upgrading of the centre in 2005 during
population. However, this did not affect which many stall holders gave up their
Holland Village adversely as they had stalls to retire and customers switched to
by then, in the 1970s, a sizeable local other wet markets in the vicinity.
population living in public housing within
the vicinity. The Holland and nearby To attract customers back to the market,
Tanglin areas had also become popular more than 20 hawkers petitioned in August
residential districts for Singapore’s 2011 to extend the food centre into part of
expatriate population. the wet market. The Holland Village Market
and Food Centre Hawkers’ Association
Today, Holland Village is the heart of believed that the food centre will draw a
the Holland Road community and the greater number of customers and thereby,
Holland Village Market and Food Centre improve the overall business for the wet
is situated right in the heart of Holland market.
Village. The market and food centre has
The façade of Holland
21 cooked food stalls and 48 market stalls

holland
Village Market and A wide variety of fresh flowers is available
Food Centre (2012). at this flower stall in the market (2012).
Courtesy of Lester Courtesy of Lester Ledesma

village
Ledesma

market and
Food Centre
– 1 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277700
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24 25

The original Tiong Bahru Market was capacity of 1440 seats and a roof-top
built in 1950 as a single-storey market. car park with 120 parking lots. Its high
Back then, it was also known as Seng Poh ceilings, alfresco dining facilities and wide
Market. The market was constructed by the variety of hawker stalls selling an array of
Singapore Improvement Trust following a delectable local cuisine, make it a favourite
petition by street hawkers in the area who food haunt for locals and tourists.
operated in fear of being chased away by
the authorities. Today, the Tiong Bahru estate retains its
close-knit kampung (Malay for “small
From 2004 to 2006, the market underwent village”) spirit and has the feel of a
extensive upgrading works at the cost of bustling and lively little town where
S$16.8 million. Despite its modern design everyone knows and looks out for each
and the addition of better facilities, the other – a spirit that is also evident in the
re-opened market blended well with its interactions between stall holders and
surroundings comprising mainly of two to residents at Tiong Bahru Market.
five storey apartments built in the Art Deco
architecture style.

With 83 hawker stalls and 250 wet market

and retail stalls, the new Tiong Bahru A traditional coffee powder stall
at Tiong Bahru Market (2012).
Market now has an expanded seating Courtesy of Lester Ledesma

The façade of Tiong

Bahru Market (2012).
Courtesy of Lester
Ledesma Tiong bahru
market and
Food Centre
– 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
26 27

Competition from Issues of Succession

Supermarkets and and Staff
Hypermarkets
The entry of supermarkets in the 1980s Most stalls in wet markets are operated as
and hypermarts in the 1990s to 2000s a family business and many of the elderly
provided stiff competition to wet markets stall holders may have to shut down their
as they offer a cleaner air-conditioned stalls in the near future as their children,
environment and a wider variety of who tend to be better educated, are not
products at cheaper prices. willing to take over these stalls.

With their longer operating hours, In addition, stall holders also find it difficult
supermarkets and hypermarts are also to hire reliable staff who are willing to bear
more attractive to working professionals with the physical labour and odd hours of
who find it more convenient to do their the job. As such, many stall holders choose
marketing in the evenings. Not surprisingly, to sell off or close down their stalls when
the daily earnings of wet market stall they find that they can no longer cope with
holders have been adversely affected — the daily operations of the business.
more so if they are located in the vicinity of
these supermarkets and hypermarts.
A colourful array of fresh
vegetables at this stall in
Holland Village Market A fresh selection of fish on sale at Tekka Market (2011).
and Food Centre (2011). Courtesy of National Heritage Board
Courtesy of National
Heritage Board
CHALLENGES FOR
WET MARKETS
WET MARKETS WET MARKETS
28 29

In October 2011, the government announced that it would be building an

additional 10 hawker centres with cooked food and wet market sections over the
next decade. This indicates that, at least for now, wet markets are here to stay.

Wet markets are important social spaces where residents of diverse backgrounds
can meet and interact while purchasing cheap and fresh produce as well as
household groceries. More specifically, wet markets provide a setting where
personal relationships and lasting friendships are forged, not just between residents
and stall holders, but also among the residents in the neighbourhoods.

Wet markets are also meaningful places to residents because of their familiarity
and the spontaneous social interactions that take place on a regular basis. They
also represent shared experiences, emotional attachments and nostalgic memories
for Singaporeans who associate wet markets with their growing up years and
daily lives.

Wet markets therefore contribute to the building of community ties and the
establishment of cohesive neighbourhood communities, especially in Singapore’s
modernised high-density HDB living.

Housewives from different

ethnic communities patronising
a market stall (1962).

Singapore’s
K F Wong Collection,
courtesy of National Archives
of Singapore

Wet Markets:
Meeting Needs and
Building Communities
WET MARKETS
30

thank you
The National Heritage Board would like to thank the following markets,
organisations and schools for participating in this e-book project:

• Chong Boon Market and Food Centre

• Geylang Serai Market
• Holland Village Market and Food Centre
• Kebun Baru Market and Food Centre
• Marine Terrace Market
• Tekka Market
• Tiong Bahru Market
• Haig Girls’ School
• Mayflower Primary School
• Stamford Primary School
• Teck Ghee Primary School
• Townsville Primary School
• Zhangde Primary School
• Ang Mo Kio-Yio Chu Kang Town Council
• Marine Parade Town Council
• Moulmein-Kallang Town Council
• Geylang Serai Community Centre
• National Environment Agency
• People’s Association
Copyright (c) 2013 National Heritage Board