Singapore wet markets are no longer just touting Asian variations of cabbage and chye sim. In recent years, they have also turned into treasure troves filled with beautiful greens in the form of brussel sprouts and brocollini from Australia, Christmas tree-shaped Romanesco from Europe, and even Portobello mushrooms from Holland.
Keeping it fresh
Take for instance the small wet market hidden along Jalan Tua Kong. There are just three stalls here, but don’t let its size fool you – Khye Huat Vegetable Store, the market’s sole vendor for greens – is amply stocked with Australian butternut squashes, purple potatoes and vibrant pink radishes from Holland.
Owner Raymond Ho shares that his dad used to run a vegetable stall in the old Siglap Market. Father and son relocated here to hawk their wares when the market closed. While they used to sell just local vegetables, Ho began importing produce from overseas about five years ago to introduce to his customers.
Take for instance the small wet market hidden along Jalan Tua Kong. There are just three stalls here, but don’t let its size fool you – Khye Huat Vegetable Store, the market’s sole vendor for greens – is amply stocked with Australian butternut squashes, purple potatoes and vibrant pink radishes from Holland.
Owner Raymond Ho shares that his dad used to run a vegetable stall in the old Siglap Market. Father and son relocated here to hawk their wares when the market closed. While they used to sell just local vegetables, Ho began importing produce from overseas about five years ago to introduce to his customers.
Australian butternut squash and pink Dutch radishes from Khye Huat Vegetable Store. (Photo: Wong Weiliang)
“It’s not really because the people coming to shop here are the younger crowd,” shares Ho. “We still get an older crowd, mostly. But I thought of bringing in vegetables from overseas to give my regulars more variety.” Take the butternut squash from Australia. Besides boasting an attractive shade of orange, Ho shares that it is also sweeter and has a nicer texture compared to the ones from Malaysia.
Of course, a big draw to this lesser-known market is also its convenient location - just two doors down is the famous Springleaf Prata Place, known for putting a creative spin on its crispy prata. The murtaburger, for instance, is their take on popular Malay street food ramly burger. Here, prata is wrapped around minced chicken patty, a runny egg and melted cheese. The perfect breakfast reward for waking up early to do a spot of market-shopping.
Of course, a big draw to this lesser-known market is also its convenient location - just two doors down is the famous Springleaf Prata Place, known for putting a creative spin on its crispy prata. The murtaburger, for instance, is their take on popular Malay street food ramly burger. Here, prata is wrapped around minced chicken patty, a runny egg and melted cheese. The perfect breakfast reward for waking up early to do a spot of market-shopping.
Shopping for vegetables at Tekka Market
Brave the crowds
It might be easier to pop into a supermarket, bag your vegetables and swipe your credit card, but daring to brave the wet floors and mad crowds has its benefits.
Over at Tekka Market in Little India, owner of Chia’s Vegetable Supplies Victor Chia cuts a striking figure with his well-sized build and muscular arms. Besides heading to Tekka for a hot cup of masala chai, it's stall-owners like Chia who are also worth paying a visit to. After all, he might have valuable information to impart.
Says Chia: “We are all selling one thing only, so we know what we are selling very well. For example, the fish guy can tell you all about different fishes; I can tell you about the vegetables.” Ask nicely, and he will introduce you to different varieties of the Spanish tomatoes he brings in, or give you a peek at a gorgeous head of purple broccoli if it is in season.
“Just don’t be mean or rude to us,” jokes Chia. “And don’t ask too many questions when you can see it’s a mad house!”
It might be easier to pop into a supermarket, bag your vegetables and swipe your credit card, but daring to brave the wet floors and mad crowds has its benefits.
Over at Tekka Market in Little India, owner of Chia’s Vegetable Supplies Victor Chia cuts a striking figure with his well-sized build and muscular arms. Besides heading to Tekka for a hot cup of masala chai, it's stall-owners like Chia who are also worth paying a visit to. After all, he might have valuable information to impart.
Says Chia: “We are all selling one thing only, so we know what we are selling very well. For example, the fish guy can tell you all about different fishes; I can tell you about the vegetables.” Ask nicely, and he will introduce you to different varieties of the Spanish tomatoes he brings in, or give you a peek at a gorgeous head of purple broccoli if it is in season.
“Just don’t be mean or rude to us,” jokes Chia. “And don’t ask too many questions when you can see it’s a mad house!”
To market, to market
Check out what these four different wet markets in Singapore have to offer.
Chinatown Complex Market
335 Smith Street (Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown)
Look for: Borlotti beans, brussel sprouts from Australia, Portobello mushrooms from Holland, Japanese corn and sweet potatoes.
Jalan Tua Kong Wet Market
55 Jalan Tua Kong (Nearest MRT Station: Bedok)
Look for: Purple potatoes, beetroots and butternut squash from Australia, radishes from Holland, kale.
Whampoa Wet Market
91 Whampoa Drive (Nearest MRT Station: Boon Keng, or Bus 16, 124 and 175 from town center)
Look for: Lily bulbs from Hokkaido, and Australian asparagus and broccolini.
Tekka Market
Along Bukit Timah Road (Nearest MRT Station: Little India)
Look for: Purple broccoli, romanesco (when in season), kale, Belgian endives, Spanish tomatoes on the vine.
Check out what these four different wet markets in Singapore have to offer.
Chinatown Complex Market
335 Smith Street (Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown)
Look for: Borlotti beans, brussel sprouts from Australia, Portobello mushrooms from Holland, Japanese corn and sweet potatoes.
Jalan Tua Kong Wet Market
55 Jalan Tua Kong (Nearest MRT Station: Bedok)
Look for: Purple potatoes, beetroots and butternut squash from Australia, radishes from Holland, kale.
Whampoa Wet Market
91 Whampoa Drive (Nearest MRT Station: Boon Keng, or Bus 16, 124 and 175 from town center)
Look for: Lily bulbs from Hokkaido, and Australian asparagus and broccolini.
Tekka Market
Along Bukit Timah Road (Nearest MRT Station: Little India)
Look for: Purple broccoli, romanesco (when in season), kale, Belgian endives, Spanish tomatoes on the vine.
