Heard of pasar malam? It’s an Indonesian and Malay expression (“pasar” is directly related to the word “bazaar”). A pasar malam, then, is an evening street market that you might find in Indonesia, Malaysia … and yes there are even night markets in Singapore!
Night markets have been around for ages – they’re like an old-school version of a pop-up fair. They tend to be neighbourhood-focused; so, you might find them in the likes of Punggol, Woodlands, Ang Mo Kio and Clementi. Often their main attraction is food stalls (Ramly burgers are a big thing at pasar malams!), but you’ll also find retail offerings and fun games and rides for kids.
Unfortunately, pandemic restrictions weren’t kind to these night markets, and they disappeared for a couple of years. Since April 2022, however, they’ve been back in business.
Keen to check out a pasar malam for yourself? Here are just a few night markets that are operating in different corners of the island around August to October 2022.
Night Markets in Singapore to Explore
Aljunied
When: 20 August to 4 September
Where: Aljunied Avenue 2
Tampines
When: 1 August to 30 August
Where: Next to Tampines Mall and Tampines MRT station
Changi Business Park
When: 1 August to 30 October
Where: The area outside Changi City Point Mall
Gardens by the Bay
When: 26 August to 11 September
Where: Public spaces at Gardens by the Bay
Chinatown
When: 26 August to 10 September
Where: Along the former Chinatown Food Street
Clementi
When: 29 August to 18 September
Where: 353 Clementi Avenue 2, and 449 Clementi Avenue 3
Ang Mo Kio
When: 15 August to 11 September
Where: Outside AMK Hub
Waterloo Street
When: 27 August to 2 October
Where: Along Waterloo Street, near Bras Basah MRT
This article first appeared in the August 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
Want to know about more restaurants in Singapore – read on.
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