The centre of Middle Eastern culture in Singapore has lots of shopping and food options to offer, along with the biggest mosque in the city.
A trade centre since the 19th century, the district is home to the island's Arabic community. Traditional products and delicious food are available, and there are a number of prominent sites central to the areas heritage, including the Sultan Mosque.
Stroll through the market area and enjoy the ambience among the busy vendors and customers – maybe even pick up some souvenirs! There is a wide choice of carpets, decorous clothing, lamps, perfume (alcohol-free, due to Muslim beliefs) and much more.
The enormous and visually imposing Sultan Mosque is very popular – it can hold 5,000 people when full and is the centre of Islamic worship in the city. Istana Kampong Glam, a former Malay palace, offers an insight into the lives of the historical elite of that community here.
In the evening time, the Arab Street District is a very popular choice with food lovers. Savour delectable Middle Eastern cuisine, from Lebanese to Moroccan to Turkish. As with most places in the city, Malay and Indian food is also available. And as you go for an after-dinner stroll, keep an eye – and a nose – out for men smoking aromatic, flavoured tobacco from hooka pipes on the street.
Haji Lane sits parallel to Arab Street, but in many other respects, it is a world away. This chic street is lined with sophisticated bars filled with the cosmopolitan and stylish in-crowd.
The Arab Street District is close to the city centre, and easily reachable on foot from there. Otherwise, you can take the East-West MRT line or the bus, and there is also a limited amount of on-street parking available.
