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Top 5 Wet Markets in Singapore for the Freshest Finds and Best Deals
The first time I set foot in a wet market, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Compared to the neatly packed aisles of a supermarket, the stalls felt chaotic.
Vendors were shouting out their daily specials, there was this scent of fresh seafood in the air, and shoppers moved quickly to grab the best picks of the day.
But once I got the hang of it, I realized this was where the real treasures were.
With freshly caught fish and herbs you’d struggle to find in a regular grocery store, wet markets in Singapore have everything you need to stock up on quality ingredients at prices that don’t make you flinch.
And once you start chatting with the vendors, you’ll pick up tips on what’s freshest and how to make the most of what you buy.
If you haven’t made the switch yet, now’s the time. Whether you’re after the best produce, good cuts of meat, or just a deeper connection to your food, these markets are worth a visit.
1. Tekka Market
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Address: 665 Buffalo Road Zhujiao Center
Hours: Daily – 6:30PM to 5PM
Tekka Center will throw you right into Little India’s energy. Once you visit, you’ll be hit with the scent of spices, the sight of vendors expertly butchering meat, and the sound of Bollywood tunes playing in the background.
It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s one of the best places in Singapore to get your hands on fresh produce at prices that won’t make you hesitate.
As Singapore’s largest indoor wet market, Tekka has everything from live seafood and tropical fruit to freshly grated coconut and a dizzying selection of Indian spices. If you’re after ingredients for a proper masala, this is where you’ll find it.
And just to let you know, most of the produce comes in its original form—whole fish, uncut poultry, and meat with bones still intact. Unless you specify otherwise, you might end up with a whole chicken instead of neatly portioned cuts!
| Pro Tip: Remember to bring cash since stallholders don’t take cards. |
2. Geylang Serai Market
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Address: 1 Geylang Serai
Hours: Daily – 7AM to 2:45PM
Geylang Serai Wet Market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a cornerstone of Malay culture in Singapore. Walking through, you’ll see rows of vendors selling everything from seafood and halal meats to an impressive variety of spices used in traditional dishes.
If you’re looking to recreate an authentic Malay meal, this is the place to stock up on lemongrass and cardamom. Some spice stall owners are even happy to share tips on making the best curry if you strike up a conversation.
Other than groceries, the market has another point—the food. The second floor is packed with Malay and Indian-Muslim food stalls serving up some of the best local dishes around.
Think spicy asam pedas stingray, and comforting bowls of mee soto, best enjoyed fresh while soaking in the market’s lively spirit. This is where weekend crowds gather for a plate of nasi biryani before heading downstairs to shop for ingredients to cook at home.
With seafood priced lower than in most markets, it’s easy to stock up—just don’t be afraid to bargain for an even better deal.
| Pro Tip: For the freshest picks, head to the market early in the morning. |
3. Chinatown Wet Market
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Address: Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street
Hours: Daily – 8AM to 12PM
This wet market is a world of its own inside the Chinatown Complex. The scent of seafood lingers in the air, and stalls overflow with leafy greens, tropical fruits, and spices that you won’t always find in a supermarket.
It’s the kind of place where you might go in for a simple grocery run and leave with something unexpected—maybe a bundle of kaffir lime leaves or even a live eel.
Most of the fresh produce here comes from nearby farms in Malaysia or Kranji, so it’s as fresh as it gets. The seafood selection is just as impressive, with live lobsters, tiger prawns, and cockles stacked in crates, ready to be scooped up.
You’ll even spot stalls selling frogs and turtles, both common ingredients in certain traditional Chinese dishes.
The best part? Regulars who shop here often build relationships with the vendors, and it’s not uncommon to get an extra handful of vegetables just for being a familiar face.
| Pro Tip: If you work up an appetite while shopping, the Food Center is right upstairs—so you can grab a plate of porridge or char kway teow before heading home with your market haul. |
4. Tampines Round Market & Food Center
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Address: 137 Tampines St. 11
Hours: Daily – 6:30AM to 3PM
Tampines Round Market & Food Center has been a neighborhood favorite since the 1980s, long before the massive shopping malls in Tampines Central existed.
Early mornings here are filled with the chatter of residents picking up their daily groceries, from fresh seafood and halal meats to tropical fruits and greens. The market is well-organized, making it easy to find what you need without wandering aimlessly.
The wet market is known for its newly harvested and affordable produce, with sections neatly arranged for easy browsing. You’ll find tropical fruits like mangosteens and dragon fruit alongside crisp greens, including kangkong and chye sim.
Butchers offer a variety of chicken, pork cuts, and beef short ribs, often preparing orders exactly to your preference. And of course, the seafood section is one to check out, with fresh prawns, red snapper, and squid that arrive early in the morning and sell out fast.
Nearby, you’ll find a row of old-school shophouses that round out the area. They house bakeries, clinics, and other essentials, making it a convenient one-stop destination for daily needs.
| Pro Tip: Finding parking here during peak hours can be tricky, so take public transport or arrive early to snag a spot without the hassle. |
5. Tiong Bahru Market
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Website: https://tiongbahru.market/
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road
Hours: Daily – 6AM to 10PM
Tiong Bahru Wet Market is where old-school charm meets a more laid-back shopping scene.
Compared to some of Singapore’s bigger, more hectic markets, this one feels a little easier to navigate—fresh produce is neatly arranged, and some items are even pre-packaged like in a supermarket.
But don’t let that fool you—this place is packed with quality finds, like fresh seafood and organic vegetables, imported cheeses, and premium cuts of meat at prices that beat most grocery stores.
This market is especially popular among expats and those looking for a solid selection of Western produce. Australian and New Zealand beef, European cheeses, and even fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are common finds.
And if you wanna grab something for a loved one, there’s also a great selection of orchids near the entrance. Their prices are low enough to tempt you into taking home a few stems.
| Pro Tip: Bring your own reusable bags and containers to cut down on plastic waste and make it easier to carry fresh seafood, meats, and produce. Vendors appreciate it too! |
