Nifty Fifty is a curated series where the Time Out Singapore team spends $50 any way they want around town – and we share the experience. Whether it's a secret joint for a boozy night out, a budget (but ace) omakase place or an interesting item we've been eyeing at the shops, we let you in on the cool stores, eateries, places and activities you should be spending at.
We, Singaporeans, are no strangers to the inimitable Chatuchak market in buzzy Bangkok. With the return of large-scale events in 2023, the world's first Chatuchak Night Market outside of Thailand has found its way back onto Singaporean shores. Condensing the iconic ambience and offerings with about 180 vendors – approximately 100 of them hailing from Thailand – there will be much to eat, drink, and shop for. Though the elephant in the room remains – will the prices be worth your dime and time? Our Food and Drink writer, Dawson Tan, staked it out and shows what you can do with just $50.
Cha-Chak Thai Teh Tarik
Working with a budget and facing relentless crowds, we entered with the intention of getting our tummies properly filled. First order of business, a hand-pulled refreshment of Thai Milk Tea Tarik ($5) from Cha-Chak Thai Teh Tarik (pictured above) hailing from Satun Province. After a series of gravity-defying twists and turns, our earth-hued beverage was ready without overbearing sweetness.
Rad Na Yot Phak 40 Years
Next, we embarked on a hunt for the only Michelin Bib Gourmand vendor, Rad Na Yot Phak 40 Years (pictured above), where they serve up wok-kissed bowls of rice noodles ladened with velvety seafood gravy. At $12, the signature bowl might appear unassumingly ordinary but all it takes is one flavoursome spoonful to transport you to the streets of Bangkok. Rad Na loosely translates to pour in face, and that is exactly what we did so no gravy went to waste. Is it worth the wait? A resounding yes.
Pitchanan Fried Clams
There are plenty of snacks around but skip the artificially-coloured gut-busting gimmicks and make a beeline for Pitchanan Fried Clams. There you'll find a mouth-watering seafood omelette ($10) filled with succulent prawns and juicy mussels. Very much like the Singaporean fried oyster, the light batter shatters at first crunch with added textures of beansprouts. Across the street is Siam Taste where you can enjoy tender morsels of giant squid ($6) grilled a la minute and comes paired with a punchy Thai chilli mix.
Sawasdee Mango
In the mood for dessert? Check out Sawasdee Mango (pictured above) where the cheery owners serve up classic mango sticky rice ($6) and mango smoothies ($4). We went with the latter to combat the sweltering heat. Booze options are aplenty too with Chang Beer booths spread across the property but for a locally brewed pint, check out Drinking Dinosaurs. There you'll find craft pilsners ($9) brewed by a couple of lads decked in dinosaur suits that make for great pictures.
Khanom Bueang
Whatever you do, don't leave without the iconic street snack of Khanom Bueang ($5). These bite-sized morsels (pictured above) of sweet and salty crepes are simply irresistible – even for those without a sweet tooth.
Verdict: We spent a grand total of $51 and were absolutely stuffed. With noisy chatter, smoke-shrouded atmosphere, the clanking of woks, and sheer heat, the overall energy certainly reminds you of Chatuchak – despite the glaring difference in comparison to prices in Thai Baht. Well, when in Rome. Our favourite plates were definitely from Michelin Bib-Gourmand awarded Rad Na Yot Phak 40 Years and Pitchanan Fried Clams. If you're someone who enjoys soaking in the vibes, this evening getaway should be on your to-do list. Piece of advice, dress light and bring along some cash for when the power goes out.
Event Details From February 7 to April 2, the open-air market will occupy the spacious Grandstand South Carpark on Turf Club Road in Bukit Timah. With Mondays as rest days, operating hours are from Tuesdays to Sundays from 4pm to 10pm.
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