Learn about the area’s fascinating history as a hub for gangs, cabarets, and brothels while indulging in delicious local food and drinks. From traditional street food to artisanal burger shops, there’s something for every taste.
Jalan Besar is a fascinating district in the heart of Singapore. Its history is filled with triumph and tragedy. It is also a culinary melting pot that sees a unique blend of cultures and spices over time to create truly unique dishes! And Jalan Besar at night brings all of this to the forefront!
From traditional Singaporean street food to modern interpretations of classic hawker dishes, we’ll be sampling a variety of delicious dishes and drinks as we explore the neighborhood.
As you chow down on some of the ugliest eats the neighborhood has to offer, we’ll take you on a wild ride through the fascinating history of this bustling district. From the notorious gangs that once ruled the streets, to the cabarets and clubs that kept the party going all night long, Jalan Besar has a past (and present) as colorful as the food on your plate.
But it’s not all gangsters and glamour – this neighborhood has also been home to some of Singapore’s biggest sporting events and historic landmarks. So come hungry, because we’re about to feast on some delicious history (and maybe a few spicy samosas).
Read more about this tour in this brilliantly written article by our friends from Conde Naste Traveller
This ‘ugly food tour’ of Singapore spotlights the gritty side of one of Asia’s shiniest cities | Condé Nast Traveller Middle East
See you on the tour!
What is the “Ugly Food” Tour?
In a city obsessed with Instagram-perfect cafes, we go the other way. This Jalan Besar food tour celebrates “Ugly Food”—traditional dishes that prioritize flavor over presentation. Think sloppy curry rice, dark herbal soups, and braised meats that look messy but taste like history. This is not a food waste tour; this is a soul food tour.
Are you bored of the same old fancy restaurants and food tours? Tired of having travelled many countries and not finding the “real” food around? Our Ugly Food Tour Series brings you an unapologetic and less-traveled perspective of Singapore’s diverse culinary scene. We focus on the micro stories that we find in our everyday lives, and how these make for more interesting experiences than the Michelin stars and the typical touristy highlights.
Hear the stories, taste the history. This small-group, small-bites tour will bring you to sample from some of the oldest food stores in Singapore.
Discover Singapore’s rich food heritage with us as we walk through the streets of Chinatown, and share with you stories of yesteryear and taste from generations past.
This 3 hour walk will showcase some of the oldest shops that have delighted and fed Singaporeans for more than 50 years. In between bites, we will share with you a bit more about the immigrant tale of Singapore, and how they contribute to the vibrant and diverse food culture we have.
This tour is vegetarian-friendly!
If you would like to go on this tour on your own date/time, head on to this page, or drop us an email, and we can customize this tour for you.
With narrow corridors and maze-y passageways, it is easy to get lost in the charming suburban district of Blair Plain. Join us for a walk through this tranquil district where we will bring you to our favourite chill out areas, some gorgeous Instagram spots and also an art gallery with hidden depths.
The Blair Plain Conservation area is one of our “hidden gems” in Singapore.
Comprising of Everton Park, Spottiswoode Park and Kampong Bahru Road, there is a lot of History and Culture, Chill and Style cramped into a relatively small area.
Join us for a 2.5 hour walk through this eclectic district where we will point out old school eats, gorgeous contemporary art and beautiful hole-in-the-wall cafes. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to get that perfect Instagram shot as well.
This Small-Bites Tour is Vegetarian-Friendly
For larger groups and/or corporations, we recommend engaging us for our private customized paid tours. That way you can customize what you would like to see as well as set a date/time that is suitable for your group.
Get a snapshot of Singapore’s development through this beautiful, charming and often-misunderstood “hipster” enclave.
The original hipster enclave in Singapore!
The distinctive architecture of the district houses old school patisseries beside french bakeries, old dressmakers alongside chic indie boutiques. There is also so much history in the area. Starting from the houses built during the colonial era, to the fires that used to ravage the area, to the gentrified neighbourhood it is today. We think that Tiong Bahru today contains snapshots of Singapore through our various phases of development.
If you would like to go on this tour on your own date/time, head on to this page, or drop us an email, and we can customize this tour for you.
We will be diving into the rich history and flavors of traditional kueh (or bite-sized desserts) from different culture influences of Singapore.
But the highlight of the tour is definitely the kueh and whisky pairing at the end. As a lovers of both food and spirits, we can attest to the incredible flavors that can be achieved when the two are combined. The complex, smoky notes of the whisky perfectly complement the sweet and delicate flavors of the kueh, creating a truly unique and indulgent experience.
This Experience is our love letter to all things Kueh!
Kueh is very much a part of common SouthEast Asian “culture vocabulary”. Most of us would have memories munching on the pretty and delicious treats. Some of us would have seen them offered up for prayers and rituals during festivals. The lucky few amongst us would remember sitting around a table with family members hand-shaping the intricate and delicate shapes together.
In this experience, we will introduce you to some of our favourite kuehs, and show you the evolution of these tasty treats over the years. We will also attempt the unusual pairing of kuehs with spirits from one of the independent bottlers in Singapore.
This experience is a jointly brought to you by Indie Singapore, Furama City Centre and Interco-MLE.
Experience the unforgettable nightlife of Geylang on our Hush! food tour. Uncover the secrets of this vibrant district and taste delicious local delicacies. Join us for a night you won’t forget.
Looking for an authentic **Geylang Food Tour** that goes beyond the tourist traps? The Hush Tour is an immersive dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of Singapore’s most misunderstood district.
Geylang is one of our most unusual districts, and it truly comes alive at night with some of the tastiest supper places in Singapore.
Join us on a tantalizing food tour through the vibrant and colorful red light district. Discover the hidden culinary gems of this misunderstood neighborhood, as we venture into the bustling beer gardens and hole-in-the-wall food stalls. Savour the mouth-watering delights of traditional Singaporean cuisine, and wash it all down with a refreshing local beer (or fresh coconut juice).
But that’s not all, dear foodies – this tour also uncovers the secrets and stories of Geylang’s intriguing history and culture. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. Book your spot now and let’s embark on this tasty adventure together.
Read about the experience from our friends at SBS Food
Beyond the brochure: tasting the real Singapore in Geylang | SBS Food