Lau Pa Sat (former Telok Ayer Market) is a famous market in Singapore. It has a long history and interesting architecture. It’s also a great place to take kids to discover the delicious Singapore food!
A turbulent history
The story of Lau Pa Sat starts way back in 1823. Back then, Telok Ayer Market was by the water. It was built in wood and had already an octagonal shape.
The market was demolished and the new one, designed by famous architect Coleman is rebuilt in 1833.
In 1879, the market was demolished again, due to the land reclamation project at Telok Ayer Basin. The design done by James MacRitchie used the original octagonal shape but in a Victorian style with cast-iron elements prefabricated in Europe.
With the development of the financial district, the market changed to a hawker centre in 1972 and one later became a National Monument.
To make way for the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit – Singapore subway), Telok Ayer Market was dismantled in 1986. After being carefully reassembled three years later, it was renamed Lau Pa Sat.
To learn more, read this website.
Why should you bring the kids to Lau Pa Sat?
Lau Pa Sat is in the middle of the financial so you can stop there to eat after visiting Chinatown, Sky Garden at CapitaSpring or even Marina Bay.
Hawkers Centre are kids-friendly because:
- Kids can walk freely.
- Kids can speak loud with disturbing anyone.
- Anyone in the family can choose a different cuisine style.
- Meals are not expensive.
- Kids can watch hawkers prepare dishes with impressive speed.
Family friendly food in Lau Pa Sat
Singapore’s diverse culture shines through its food! From Chinese stir-fries to fragrant Malay curries and flavourful Indian dishes, Lau Pa Sat offers lots of different options for the family.
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
This Michelin-starred stall offers melt-in-your-mouth chicken and fragrant rice, a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang
Nasi Lemak, a Malaysian rice dish, is a great option for kids. It starts with fluffy coconut rice, and on the side, you get a fried egg, crispy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and little dried fish. Kids can pick what they like and make their own perfect plate.
- Swatow Bai Le Teochew Braised Duck
The tender duck meat with a rich and flavourful sauce is a delicious introduction to Teochew cuisine.
- Lixin Teochew Fishball Noodle
Fishball Noodle is a delightful Singaporean dish perfect for introducing children to new flavors and textures. Noodles accompanied by fishballs, in a in a flavorful broth or sauce (prefer the light and ask on the side if you are not sure you kids will like it).
- AS Indian Classic Cuisine
Indian food is too spicy for most kids but they will love the Prata.
- Satay Street
In the evening, the street alongside Lau Pa Sat is closed and more than 10 satays stalls cook delicious skewers.
Others kids-friendly food : Xiao Long Bao (the dumplings)
Try some fresh juice: Soursop, Longan, Dragon Fruit, Coconut…
And for dessert, enjoyIce Kacang.