Market · Bukit Merah
Tiong Bahru Plaza
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Tiong Bahru Plaza is a neighborhood shopping mall located in the heart of Bukit Merah, Singapore. While the mall itself offers a range of shops and services, its main draw is the adjacent Tiong Bahru Market, a bustling wet market and hawker center on the ground floor. Visitors can explore stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, as well as a variety of cooked food stalls serving local favorites like chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) and Hainanese chicken rice. The market is a vibrant slice of everyday Singaporean life, with vendors calling out their wares and the aroma of sizzling dishes filling the air. Upstairs, the plaza has a supermarket, pharmacy, and a few casual dining options, making it a convenient stop for residents and a cultural experience for tourists. The area around Tiong Bahru is known for its charming pre-war architecture and hip cafes, so a visit here pairs well with a stroll through the nearby Tiong Bahru estate.
Don't miss
- Browse the wet market for fresh local produce and seafood
- Sample hawker dishes like chwee kueh and carrot cake at the food center
- Explore the surrounding Tiong Bahru estate with its art deco buildings and indie cafes
- Visit the Tiong Bahru Community Centre for local events and activities
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Tiong Bahru Plaza
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Tiong Bahru Plaza with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inSingapore: Gardens by the Bay Admission E-Ticket4.2★ · 119 travelers~24 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →
Best full daySingapore Changi Airport Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 14.1★ · 752 travelers3–12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$44 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleSingapore PRIVATE TOUR: Highlights & Hidden Gems by CAR or Foot4.9★ · 230 travelers3–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$165 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- The wet market closes by early afternoon, so go in the morning for the full experience.
- Bring cash, as many market stalls do not accept cards.
- Try the famous Tiong Bahru Pau (steamed buns) from the stall near the market entrance.
- Photography is welcome, but be respectful of vendors and shoppers.
A bit of history
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore's oldest housing estates, developed in the 1930s by the Singapore Improvement Trust. The market has been a community hub for decades, serving the surrounding residential area with fresh provisions and cooked food. The plaza itself was built later as a modern retail complement to the traditional market.
Common questions
What are the opening hours of Tiong Bahru Market?
The wet market typically operates from early morning (around 6am) to about 1pm. The hawker center stays open later, often until 8pm or 9pm.
Is there parking at Tiong Bahru Plaza?
Yes, there is a car park with limited spaces. It can fill up quickly on weekends.
Can I find vegetarian food at the hawker center?
Yes, there are vegetarian stalls and many stalls offer vegetable-based dishes. Look for the 'vegetarian' sign or ask the hawker.
Is the market halal?
Some stalls are halal-certified, but not all. Check with individual vendors if you have dietary requirements.
What else is there to do near Tiong Bahru Plaza?
Explore the Tiong Bahru estate for its unique architecture, visit the Tiong Bahru Bakery, or browse the independent bookstores and boutiques in the area.
Is the market air-conditioned?
The wet market area is open-air and not air-conditioned. The mall upstairs is air-conditioned.
More attractions in Singapore
