In Hokkien, this iconic food centre in the CBD is known as ‘old market’. But there’s nothing dated about Lau Pa Sat; beyond the usual hawker stores, the foodie paradise is also now home a new-generation food hall. Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat, which occupies a sprawling 7,000 square feet area, brings together heritage brands, mod-sin concepts, and locally produced retails items under one roof.
Come hungry, and savour creations from longstanding brands that include Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles, which has been around since 1986; Chef Kang’s Prawn Noodle House; and Bib Gourmand awardee Shi Hui Yuan. Beyond traditional finds, Food Folks is home to a handful of new, locally owned concepts as well: Runes, a coffee stand opened by Glyph Supply Co; gelateria Creme and Cone; and more.
Don’t forget to check out the retail section, which boasts products from more than 120 different brands, with some 70 percent coming from local companies. In particular, Food Folks hope to provide a platform for small local brands to reach a larger audience. It does so by waiving off initial listing fees, and providing marketing initiatives. To date, some five local brands are making their offline debut at Food Folks – from healthy convenient food maker WhatIF Foods to EDENS, which specialises in fruit and vegetable snacks.
Other highlights worth checking out include the lemongrass pale lager, brewed with The 1925 Brewing Co.; lychee dragon fruit dark chocolate, made with Fossa Chocolate; and an adorable chilli crab magnet designed with Artisan Bricks.