See beautiful shophouses which are an important building type in Singapore’s architectural heritage
Understanding Malay Culture by visiting Istana Kampong Glam which also known as Malay Heritage Centre
Taste the Malay Food or Padang Food and observe how the Malay people enjoying their food
Sight-seeing: walk around exploring the area
Shopping for knick-knack or art piece
THE SHOPHOUSES:
I saw colorful & beautiful shophouses here!
These shophouses which built around eighteen centuries come in similar basic design with shophouses in other areas in Singapore built at the same period of time.
Basically it has narrow frontage with typical width of four to six meters and length of at least two or three times of the width.
And, the intricate design of the building façade seems reflect the culture of their owners.
Most of the shophouses at Kampong Glam are used as restaurant, café, or office.
MALAY/PADANG FOOD EATING EXPERIENCE:
The food at Kampong Glam is my reason to go there again and again.
Influenced by the history, the food served here is varying. You may eat Indian food which has a taste of Malay or Malay food with additional spices from Middle Eastern. Or, Malay food which has original taste of Padang Food (Padang is one of tribe in Sumatra, Indonesia).
Most of the above food is called "NASI PADANG".
Basically you can find yummy Nasi Padang at Kandahar Street.
My favorite places are Warung Nasi Pariaman, Minangkabau Restaurant, and Sabar Menanti Nasi Padang.
Nasi Padang basically is rice served with few types of dishes such as "beef rendang", "fried chicken", "spicy grill fish", "coconut tapioca leaves", etc.
You can go to the food counter to order the food, choose the dishes you like, and the waiter will serve the dishes in a small plates.
I always amazed by the skill of the waiters in carrying the small plates. They can put five to seven plates in their arm. It’s very efficient, isn’t it?
And, if you observe the Malay people eating their Nasi Padang, you’ll know the best way to eat it is to use your hand – No spoon or fork.
SIGHTSEEING:
Kampong Glam is offering many good spots for sight-seeing.
Beside of the beautiful shopshouse, you’ll see the famous Sultan Mosque, Gedung Kuning or Yellow Building, and the Alsagoff Arab School.
Sultan Mosque:
Sultan Mosque which fondly called as "National Mosque" of Singapore is A Symbol of Unity and Solidarity of the Muslim Community.
In the past, Malay, Javanese, Bugis, Arabs, Tamils and Northern Indian Muslims were living in the Kampong Glam area in which the Sultan Mosque became a meeting point and brought unity to the communities.
Today, the mosque is still visited by them. It is also a place for Muslim people to break fast together during the fasting month.
Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion)
Yellow Mansion or
Gedung Kuning
in Malay language located at No.73 Sultan Gate – outside the Istana Kampong Glam stood strong since early nineties when it’s built till now.
Designed in Palladian-style architecture, the building is now known as "Tepak Sireh" restaurant serving authentic Malay food.
Alsagoff Arab School:
Beside of Malay, the influence of Arab migrants is evitable in Kampong Glam.
For example, you’ll find street names like Arab Street, Muscat, Baghdad, Bussorah Street, etc.
Some of the Arab migrants did business here and the wealthiest one like the Alsagoff family had contributed to the Muslim communities by funding the maintenance of Mosque and building the Religious School.
The Alsagoff Arab School at Jalan Sultan which was built in 1912 is the witness of their presence and contribution.
SHOPPING:
Bussorah street and Kandahar Street are the best shopping place to buy "Baju Kurung" (a traditional Malay outfit) and other goods needed to welcoming the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
If you are looking for knick-knacks and oil-paintings or other art pieces, you'll see them at Sultan Gate.
KAMPONG GLAM VIDEO:
HOW TO GET THERE?
Take the MRT and alight at Bugis Station (EW12). Walk along Victoria Street toward the Arab Street and you'll see the Kandahar Street & Sultan Gate.
