The famous Bangkok flea market is back in Singapore – here's what to expect from Chatuchak Night Market
If you've never experienced the famous night market in Bangkok, you will now. The Chatuchak Night Market Singapore is open for business at The Grandstand and will be sticking around until April 2. 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. Shop whimsical trinkets, vintage shirts, art for your walls, get an airbrush tattoo, plant terrariums, and try all sorts of Thai street food at the market. Just remember to bring cash – most of the stalls don't have cashless options or for when the power goes out. But before you brave the crowds at Chatuchak, here's what to expect (and what to eat).
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Settle down at the outdoor dining area with your loot – there's plenty of space for you to tuck into your snacks and food. It can get really hot on some days so make sure you choose a table in the shade or just bring your sunnies.
Start by snacking on the small things first before you you try out the more ambitious offerings at the market. There are about 100 Thai vendors so it'd be wise to mark out what you're craving and get to them quickly. Find Moo Ping (Thai grilled pork skewers) and other assorted meats, starting from $5.50 for 2 juicy sticks. Don't forget to slather on the spicy and sweet Thai chilli sauce for that much-needed kick. For something a little extra, try the grilled squid at Siam Taste for $6 a serving. Our favourite was a mouth-watering seafood omelette ($10) from Pitchanan.
Stalls to try: Siam Taste, WooNie Thai Food, Pitchanan Fried Clam
From spicy to rich, get your hearty bowl of noodles (starting from $6) from one of the many stalls in the market. Find a tangy glass noodle salad dish, beef or pork kway teow noodles in a rich herbal soup, spicy tom yum noodles, pad thai and more here. If you're not opposed to braving queues, check out Rad Na Yot Phak 40 Years, the only Michelin Bib Gourmand vendor, where they serve up wok-kissed bowls of rice noodles ($12) ladened with velvety seafood gravy.
Stalls to try: Pah Thai Banna Sukhothai, Kuey Teow Rod Fai, Tomyum Mama Noodle, Rad Na Yot Phak 40 Years.
Arm yourself with a cold one if you're planning to wait in line. There are Chang beer stands spread across the market with their unmissable green stands where you get to try the coffee-laced espresso lager ($8). Otherwise, 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.
After feasting on meat on skewers, Thai noodles and other food at the market, don't forget dessert. Indulge in a tall glass of iced Thai milk tea or bubble tea; or get adventurous and order yourself a serving of Thai desserts like sticky rice with mango or sweet roti – think roti prata but drenched with condensed milk. But if you're too stuffed, the tiny morsels of Khanom Bueang ($5) (sweet and salty crepes) are simply irresistible – even for those without a sweet tooth.
Stalls to try: Cha-Chak Thai Teh Tarik, Sawasdee Mango, Baan Khanom Thai
Feeling tired? Park yourself at Original Thai Massage for a quick traditional Thai massage. Choose either to pamper your feet, untie your shoulder knots or both. It is $15 for ten minutes but if you're looking to indulge, half an hour will set you back $35.
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.
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