This place is rather unique, as it houses 3 different "attractions" over 3 levels within the same building ie a huge Food Centre, a No Frills shops area & a Wet market.
1. Huge Food Centre at 2nd floor. Here one can find an amazing range & types of good, authentic local food- and at cheap prices too! Menu & prices are displayed, you just point to what you want if unsure how to order. You can sit anywhere as it is free seating concept.
These individual food stalls are usually owned & cooked by the owners themselves. Many of them has been in this biz for a very long time. And one can find really authentic good local hawker food in many of the stalls here.
Long queues do give an indication of the popularity but taste is subjective. So just try as many types possible & be guided by what you think looks good. Many tourists do come here to experience good local food at cheap prices. There are also Thai, Japanese & HongKong food too. See photos for some of our recommended favourites.
Note that since stalls are usually owner-owned, they do close once a week for rest. Mainly on Mondays/Tuesdays.
2. Shops on 1st floor ( ground level). There are many small interesting shops here selling various clothings, shoes, accessories, jewelleries, etc. Nothing fanciful but prices are generally low. Can get good bargains here.
3. Wet Market on Basement floor. Many tourists 'missed' this interesting market as it is not prominently visible. Here one can find all sorts of fresh & live seafood (eg live frogs), various meats, vegetables, sundries & fruits.
Being a wet market, do expect the floors to be quite wet & the "fishy smell" of fresh seafood & meats lingers on the air. Explore & try the various tropical & imported fruits too.
The prices here are very cheap compared to supermarkets.
Have seen tourist groups trying out tropical fruits.
Chinatown Complex is located on Smith Street (within the street markets area) & is on the same street just few metres away from Chinatown Food Street ( 'tourists' food centre). Exit at Pagoda Street from Chinatown MRT station. Smith Street is 2 streets away from here.