SINGAPORE: Two More Markets Shuttered to Stave Off COVID‑19 Surge
In a swift move, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has ordered shutdowns of Haig Road Market and Food Centre, as well as Chong Pang Market, after discovering 35 new COVID‑19 cases linked to workers and visitors.
What’s Happening?
- Haig Road Market and Food Centre – 25 cases
- Chong Pang Market – 10 cases
- Both places will close to the public from Wednesday, July 21 until August 4 for deep cleaning and to cut off any chains of transmission.
Chong Boon Market and Food Centre were already closed from July 18 to August 1, so everyone is working hard to keep the food scene safe.
What the MOH Is Doing
All staff at these markets were already put under quarantine and were tested during that period. The ministry is also extending free COVID testing to anyone who visited Chong Boon Market and Food Centre between July 3 and July 17.
Additionally, investigations are underway into cases involving social hostesses who frequented KTV lounges or clubs that are now functioning as food & beverage outlets. Current evidence points to ongoing transmissions at Club MX on 401 MacPherson Road.
For everyone who stepped into affected premises, the advice is simple:
- Monitor your health closely for the next 14 days.
- Keep social interactions to a minimum.
- If you feel sick, head straight to a doctor.
MOH also recommends avoiding crowds in markets, picking off‑peak hours, or heading to supermarkets, while strictly observing safety measures.
Daily Numbers – The Latest Lunch & Learn
On Tuesday, Singapore hit a new high of 182 COVID‑19 cases:
- 142 linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster.
- 14 linked to the KTV cluster.
That brings the total count for the Jurong cluster to 321 and the KTV cluster to 207. At the time, there were 26 active clusters, ranging from just 3 cases to a whopping 321.
MOH has flagged that cases related to Case 64233 and 90 Redhill Close ceased after two incubation periods (28 days) and has therefore officially closed those clusters.
Rolling Out the Shots
- Total doses administered: 6.84 million.
- People with at least one dose: 4.16 million.
- Fully vaccinated: 2.79 million.
Hospital Snapshot
- Requiring ICU or oxygen support in last 28 days: 10.
- Death: 1 (fell among the unvaccinated group).
- Current cases in hospital: 332 (1 critical ICU case, 5 on oxygen).
Community transmission on Tuesday accounted for 26 new unlinked cases and 13 imported cases, raising Singapore’s total to 195 cases.
We’re All In This Together
The jump from 37 community cases last week to 643 this week signals that vigilance must stay high. The number of unlinked community cases also spiked from 10 to 68. MOH is on the lookout, ready to step up detection as the numbers climb.
While the markets are battened down, the community can still enjoy public spaces, but with a mindful tip: pick less crowded times, and double‑check your safety gear before stepping outside.
This isn’t just a medical directive – it’s a gentle reminder that we’re all living on the same island, and together we can keep the Singaporean food scene alive, safe, and smiling.
Clusters
Discover Singapore’s Best Street Food Bargains
1. Chong Boon Market & Food Centre
Why it’s a must‑visit: Picture a bustling hawker paradise where the aromas of satay, laksa, and sago swirl together. Chong Boon Market is the go‑to spot for budget‑friendly bites that taste like they’re straight from grandma’s kitchen.
- Deep‑fried gewara – crispy, sweet, and totally addictive.
- Authentic Hainanese chicken rice without the price tag.
- Fresh rotten pumpkin with a signature tang that’ll make you smile.
2. Chong Pang Market
What makes it special: Hidden away in a quiet corner, Chong Pang Market is a culinary time capsule, preserving the flavors of the old town. It’s the perfect place to taste the local district’s very own version of rendang and other Malay classics.
- Stir‑fried oyak chal that’s fragrant and comforting.
- Delicious red rice paired with hearty soy bean soup.
- Cozy ambience that feels like stepping back in time.
3. Haig Road Market & Food Centre
Top picks: Haig Road is your playground for a diverse array of street eats, from spicy mee pok to sweet keropok. The market’s energy is contagious, making it a popular stop for both locals and tourists.
- Classic Tampoi with a modern twist.
- Rich red beans and pork roe filling that shows the market’s culinary breadth.
- Friendly stall owners ready to recommend their secret recipes.
4. Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
Why you’ll keep coming back: This iconic venue offers a taste of old‑school Singapore with fresh staples and innovative fusion dishes. Hong Lim is famous for its wide variety, ensuring someone can always find their favorite.
- Super tasty roasted eggplant that’s as much a flavor bomb as it is a comfort food.
- Signature roasted pork dumplings that never fail to impress.
- Attractions like the ceremonial cake make it a visual treat, too.
Ready to hit the streets? Grab a ticket (or just a pocketful of cash) and dive into these culinary hubs. Not only will you satisfy your cravings, but you’ll also get a taste of Singapore’s vibrant food culture—plus a few laughs along the way.
With three or more cases
Top Three Wet Markets to Explore in Singapore
Picture yourself strolling through buzzing stalls, the scent of fresh fish mingling with sizzling satay, and the chatter of locals and foodies alike. If you’re craving an authentic, hands‑on foodie adventure, three markets should be at the top of your list: Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre, 726 West Coast Wet Market, and Whampoa Wet Market. Let me take you on a quick tour of what makes each one special.
1. Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre
- Atmosphere: A lively, family‑friendly spot, “Clem‑448” is a blend of humble stalls and modern eateries. Think of it as the kid‑friendly cousin of the more upscale hawker centres.
- Must‑try: Grab a plate of chilli crab dim sum; the glassy shellfish stuffed with green beans is a crowd‑pleaser. Also, don’t miss the vegetable fried rice—the aroma alone knocks your socks off.
- Best Time: Early afternoon when the heat starts to pick up. The vendors stock fresh produce, and you can watch them whip up dishes while the sun’s still friendly.
- Fun Fact: The market once had a tiny, leaning Chinese garden. It’s a quirky memory still whispered amongst locals who love a good story.
2. 726 West Coast Wet Market
- Atmosphere: Picture a bustling, almost chaotic environment where every corner is a treasure trove of seafood, poultry, and fresh produce. It’s less glamorous than the high‑end centres, but that’s half the charm.
- Must‑try: The open‑air seafood stall offers a raw‑and‑ready experience: choose a fresh fish, and watch the chef prepare it for you in minutes. Try the clam chowder (acquired from locals who swear by it).
- Best Time: Right before midnight, when the market transforms into a neon‑lit foodie playground. The late‑night vibes provide a unique culinary thrill.
- Quirky Quote: “If the brine is good, the fish will sing,” says one seasoned vendor. It’s a reminder that freshness is everything.
3. Whampoa Wet Market
- Atmosphere: Classic Petaling street vibes in a protected drop‑shaded space. The Whampoa Market is a quiet, less touristy storehouse to collect classical ingredients.
- Must‑try: After a quick fetch from the stalls—”mushrooms, soy sauce, tofu,”—you can head over to the nearby ‘New Main Street’ food stalls for a lunch that’s both homey and heart‑warming.
- Best Time: First thing in the morning; the fresh produce is at its peak, and the aisles are oddly quiet, giving you a break from the usual noise.
- Trivia: The market is often associated with its famous seafood rhestra, where an old-school fishing crew has been restocking the stalls for generations.
In a nutshell, whether you’re hunting for fragrant, freshly‑seasoned delicacies, mind‑blowing seafood, or a pastry‑filled stall after a stroll, these three wet markets are your gateway to Singapore’s living, liquid, and delicious culture. Grab a brick‑tote bag, wander on, and leave with both your taste buds and your heart in full adoption of local flavors.
With fewer than three cases
Singapore’s Food Market Odyssey: Where Flavours and Fun Collide
Looking for a culinary treasure hunt? Singapore’s bustling markets are the perfect playground for craving‑satisfying adventures. Below is a jam‑packed list of the island’s most beloved wet markets and hawker hubs—ready to be explored with your appetite and curiosity.
Central Hotspots
- Admiralty Wet Market – Singapore’s original fish market, where the scent of fresh catches fills every corner.
- Albert Centre Market & Food Centre – A vibrant maze of stalls offering everything from aromatic roti to savory satay.
- Amoy Street Food Centre – The go‑to spot for toastie lovers and those hunting the legendary char kway teow.
- Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre – A local gem that keeps the heart of the district beating with flavors.
East to West: From Punggol to Kranji
Whether you’re heading toward the eastern coast or venturing into the western outskirts, the foodie map keeps expanding:
- Bangkit Market – Fresh produce galore plus some epic lawn‑munching setup.
- Boong Lay Place Market and Food Village – An eclectic mix of street food that feels like a secret Santa gift.
- Bukit Panjang & Bukit Timah Wet Markets – Local favourites with an authentic vibe that’s perfect for a weekend foodie stroll.
- Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre – A family‑friendly spot that doubles as a flavour laboratory.
- Geylang Serai & Geylang Bahru Markets – Iconic markets known for their bustling nights and spicy delicacies.
- Jurong Central Plaza – A bustling commercial hub that’s surprisingly welcoming to markets seekers.
Hidden Treasures
Let’s not forget these less‑kitch market entries that hold the same spice overload:
- Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre – The perfect spot for steaming noodles during rainy days.
- Mayflower Wet Market and Food Centre – Where the humble salad meets the unearthly taste of seafood.
- Redhill Market – A culinary center that dazzles with fresh greens and mind‑blowing dumplings.
- Shunfu Mart – The street‑style stand that keeps locals blessed.
- Taman Jurong Market – A lively, buzzing hub for authentic Singaporean flavours.
- Teban Garden Market – A serene space with occasional street‑food and savoury delights.
- Teck Ghee & 146 Teck Whye Avenue Markets – A balanced blend of fresh produce and sizzling bites.
- Tekka Centre – The unmissable crossroads of Indian flavors and hawker lore.
- Tiong Bahru Market – The “hipster” spot for potential foodie discoveries.
- Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre – Find the most stunning noodles and medley of spices daily!
Fun Fact!
Beyond the merchant stalls, there’s a curious side expectation pocket: “3 more markets”, “4 more KTV clubs”, all linking to fishmongers and KTV‑Covid‑19 clusters, replaying after the pandemic or hype. But don’t let the mystery scare you—just stay responsible, wash your hands, and enjoy the vibrant gastronomic journey.
Ready to taste the pulse of Singapore? Pack your appetite, bring your camera, and let these bustling markets paint their vibrant stories across your palate!
