Despite being a young nation, Singapore's culture is one of the most diverse in the world.
Defined by the different ethnicities that live here, the mix of various cultural influences creates a kaleidoscope of cultures. In this melting pot, there's a unique blend of food, customs and traditions that you won't find anywhere else!
As an expat who’s planting roots down into this little metropolis, are you thinking of how to peel the onion and dig deeper into Singapore’s unique culture? Read on to find out how to get under Singapore’s skin and appreciate its history!
Hawker Food
Of course this has to be at the top of the list! There’s good reason behind the Singaporean food obsession: local delights are ridiculously tasty, widely available and most importantly – cheap! There’s a lot to love about the Singapore hawker experience. Make sure to ‘chope’ (reserve) your table with a packet of tissue before going to check out the food stalls!
Catch a Lion Dance
Nothing screams Singapore quite like the loud and colourful Lion Dance. This fun event shouldn’t just be for Chinese New Year! You can catch a performance for free at Chinatown’s Pagoda Street every Saturday evening from 6:45 pm. It’s a great way to inspire interest in local culture, and perfect any time of the year too!
Nyonya Kueh Appreciation
Get a taste of the old-world Peranakan charm in this engaging workshop. Learn more about Peranakan history, culture and how to make the traditional Nine-layer Nonya Kueh with distinctive colours and the Ondeh Ondeh, a Peranakan twist on the traditional Chinese dessert, ‘Tangyuan’. Find out more here!
Visit Chinese Gardens
Head to the west of Singapore to check out the stunning oriental architecture and landscaping at Chinese Gardens and Jurong Lake Gardens. If you love running, there is plenty of space for you to work up a sweat here! Make sure you bring your phone along – you’re gonna want to snap lots of photos!
Hop on a Trishaw
For a ride to remember, head to Albert Mall Trishaw Park and let a trishaw uncle pedal you around areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and along the iconic Singapore River! Back when Singapore was still a fishing village, the trishaw was the main mode of transport, so it holds a distinctly Singaporean charm.
Visit Singapore’s Oldest Surviving Dragon Kiln
Nestled within the lush greenery of western Singapore sits the idyllic Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle, its rustic atmosphere a stark contrast from the modernistic buildings of downtown Singapore. Come learn about the history behind this family business and create a unique pottery piece of your own! Read more here.
Explore the Singapore White House
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore! Some of us might have walked past it in the Dhoby Ghaut area, with its stern watchful guards emitting an aura of ‘NO ENTRY!’ But you can actually visit the Istana, which is open to public five times a year during Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa, National Day and Deepavali. Visit their website for more information here!
Shop at Bugis Street
Did you know? Between the 1950s to early 1980s, the original Bugis Street was notorious for its nightly adult-themed shows, brothels, and neverending debauchery. It was a renowned destination for the sailors who docked at our harbour, until the 1980s where it was razed to make way for a train station and shopping malls. Today, Bugis Street is a three-storey shopping paradise, filled with bazaar stalls selling clothes, food, souvenirs and many more!
Attend a Tea Ceremony
In a lovely antique shop! Chinese Tea is a big part of Singaporean culture, and in this unique experience you will learn the history behind the Pu-Er Vintage Tea, as well as tips and techniques for brewing tea. Indulge a selection of carefully curated teas which have been aged for over 20 years, all part of a personal collection belonging to the owner! Find out more here.
Culturally is a social booking platform for cultural experiences in Asia. We want to help you understand and experience local traditions, not just as a spectator, but as a participant! Check out what we have to offer.
