By Johnny Chen
When it comes to claiming rights as the birthplace of sports in Singapore, several places come to mind. There is the Grand Dame of Kallang better known as the National Stadium that has hosted major sports events like the SEA Games, Malaysia Cup tournaments and even most of the National Day parades. And before the National Stadium, there was the Jalan Besar Stadium known to many as the holy grail of football in Singapore…
By Johnny Chen
The unmistaken whiff of freshly baked bread consumes you the moment you step into Sing Hon Loong (新丰隆面包厂). Also known as Ghee Leong, this old-style shop in Whampoa is one of the last traditional bakeries to remain in Singapore…
By Johnny Chen
One beautiful thing to note about old neighbourhoods such as Balestier is that there is always something special waiting to be discovered at every nook and cranny. Like the other neighbourhoods of Jalan Besar and Joo Chiat, the young and old have successfully intermingled. Old traditions like coffee bean roasting and baking continue to survive despite the modernisation of their industries while new-age coffee cafes set up shop in conserved Art Deco shophouses…
By Johnny Chen
A tranquil neigbourhood just outside the rigours of the city centre, Pek Kio’s slow rhythm of life echoes its swampland past. Yet beneath the serenity there is a rich history comprising of many events significant to Singapore.
By Johnny Chen
Situated on Little India’s main thoroughfare of Serangoon Road is the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The temple presents an imposing figure with its five-tier Gopuram, ornate and elaborate in carving detail. It is also a significant one to the Hindu community in Singapore, with its role as the start point for kavadi carriers during the Thaipusam Festival…
By Johnny Chen
Situated just a minute’s walk from Little India MRT Station is the Residence of Tan Teng Niah. While the choice of psychedelic colours on the exterior post-restoration is subject for debate, one cannot argue that this eight-room Chinese villa screams for attention in the vicinity of Kerbau Road…
By Johnny Chen
In seismic terminology, an epicenter is the point of focus on Earth’s surface directly above the point where the earthquake originates. Tekka Centre is situated atop the underground Little India MRT Station. It is an epicenter of Little India because it guarantees a multi-sensory explosion with the variety of goods and fresh foods available…
By Johnny Chen
Street names play a bigger role than just geographical identity. Other than functioning as signage that directs us to places, they also cue us on the area’s history and tell stories of what used to be in these places long before our time.
It does not require much to figure from Little India’s namesake that it is an Indian ethnic settlement…
By Catherine Soh
Located next to 24 Truro Road, it is a welcoming sight to behold. You can buy almost anything you need from the smiling proprietor, Mr Ishak. This shop has been functioning since the 1958 and football ‘kakis’ till today still patronise this mini market as a watering hole. Ishak attends to his customers from 7 to 11. This Indian migrant ‘s survival in Singapore’s harsh market, saw his shop extending to services like selling stamps, phone cards and car-park coupons. Both raw and take-away food can be bought here too. For his clients, Ishak even has a coin phone installed. Continue reading
By Catherine Soh
My parents shifted our family to this house in 1946. My three younger siblings were all born and raised in this house. Though it looked old then, it still remains standing bravely along Truro Road. Many of the old houses in this quiet area have made way for private apartments but this old house is still awaiting its fate… Continue reading
Moulmein Community & Arts Club 