CHINATOWN
One of Singapore’s earliest historic districts, Chinatown has long been a centre of commerce and community for the Chinese diaspora. Many heritage businesses here trace their origins to decades ago, preserving traditional trades, culinary practices, and retail traditions that reflect the district’s rich cultural and entrepreneurial legacy.
Chop Wah On
A Chinatown mainstay since 1916, Chop Wah On is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its signature medicated oils and balms. Each display a handshake insignia, which has come to symbolise decades of relationships forged between the shop and its customers.
Actively engaged in talks, heritage programs, and family-run production, it stands out for its cultural contributions and award-winning commitment to quality. The business continues to evolve while giving back to Singaporeans through donations, events, and university collaborations while also developing new products.
𖡡 34 Upper Cross St, S058340
chopwahon.com
KELE
It’s hard to miss KELE’s bright yellow storefront and larger-than-life pineapple, when walking along Chinatown. Famed for its pineapple tarts, this bakery started out in Jurong West before moving to Chinatown and becoming a community fixture.
𖡡 2 Smith St, S058917
kele.sg
Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee
A long-standing presence in Chinatown since 1954, Koo Kee Yong Tow Foo Mee is a handmade yong tau fu stall that has served generations of local customers with its time-honoured Hakka recipe and unchanged menu.
Once a humble hawker stall, it has since expanded into multiple outlets across the island and earned various accolades and features
𖡡 32 New Market Rd, People’s Park Food Centre, #01-1114, S050032
gaojifood.com
Lim Chee Guan Pte. Ltd
Once a year leading up to the Chinese New Year season, a long queue forms outside of Lim Chee Guan’s store onto the streets of Chinatown. Customers queue for several hours to secure the store’s bak kwa, which is based off a traditional recipe that has been inherited across generations.
The brand's dedication to preserving its traditional methods is balanced with the business’ eye for innovation, which includes adopting more modern production methods.
𖡡 203 New Bridge Rd, S059429
limcheeguan.com
Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
A mainstay in Chinatown’s traditional pastry scene, Mei Heong Yuen Dessert is a family-run business that is celebrated for its handmade Cantonese dumplings and festive rice balls. Founded by the daughters of one of Singapore's most iconic old-school snacks, Farmer Brand peanuts, their signature "Peanut Paste" dessert is widely renowned for its exceptional fragrance and flavour.
Recognised by both local and international media, Mei Heong Yuen Dessert has earned numerous awards and maintains close ties with community groups and cultural events.
𖡡 63–67 Temple St, S058611
meiheongyuendessert.com.sg
On Cheong Jewellery
Founded in 1936, On Cheong Jewellery is known for their unique jewellery designs and craftsmanship. Now in its second generation, the business proudly carries its legacy forward through heritage programs, and design workshops.
Each jewellery collection is inspired by, or spotlights different aspects of Singapore's history and culture. And through its business, On Cheong Jewellery champions both heritage and community through arts sponsorships and sustainability initiatives.
𖡡 251 South Bridge Rd, S058800
oncheong.com
Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd
This century-old tea house in Chinatown is recognised for its dedication to traditional Chinese tea culture - from its team of workers hand-packing tea leaves in its store, to its locally-crafted blends, which can be enjoyed on their own or used in local food recipes like bak kut teh.
Pek Sin Choon was recognised as a Steward of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024 for its efforts in sharing traditional tea culture, which include organising tea competitions, school visits and tourist visits.
𖡡 36 Mosque St, S059514
peksinchoon.com
Red Star Restaurant Pte Ltd
Red Star Restaurant is an iconic Chinese dining establishment, known for its continued use of traditional dim sum trolleys and for being one of the pioneers of the modern yusheng, a staple of Singapore Chinese New year celebratory gatherings.
The restaurant also serves as a cornerstone of the community through regular donations, fund raising for charities, and hosting wedding dinners, through which it boasts unique and traditional offerings including pre-war era Cantonese dishes.
𖡡 54 Chin Swee Rd, #07-23, S160054
red-star.com.sg
Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop
Say Tian Hng specialises in the crafting and repair of Taoist and Buddhist statues and boasts a 125 year-old legacy sustained by seven generations of craftsmen. It serves customers of various faiths, both within and outside of Singapore.
Over its century-old history, the business has gone above and beyond the realm of heritage into art, culture and design: partnering students, heritage museums, and contemporary designers in its efforts to preserve the craft of effigy making and repair.
Image credit: Poh Shu Min
𖡡 35 Neil Rd, S088821
saytianhng.com
Spring Court Restaurant Pte Ltd
One of Singapore’s oldest surviving Chinese restaurants, Spring Court Restaurant has gathered generations of Singaporean families and businesses since its establishment in 1929 – from serving lunches and dinners, to hosting weddings and seasonal gatherings.
Evidence of the business’ legacy can be gleaned from its interior display of photographs and artefacts, which seemingly transport its customers to older times. At the same time, the business is dedicated to evolving with the times – deploying robot waiters, and introducing facilities like karaoke rooms.
𖡡 52–56 Upper Cross Street, S058348
springcourt.com.sg
Tai Chong Kok 大中国
Tai Chong Kok - a historic bakery with over 90 years of history and one of Singapore's first - has cultivated a strong intergenerational following for its traditional Chinese pastries. The business retains original recipes and methods when preparing pastries such as mooncakes and nian gao.
While stepping into its premises feels like stepping into a time capsule, this heritage business is also highly focused on sustained growth. From its original outlet at Sago Street, it has since expanded to the heartlands, whilst maintaining its time-honoured traditions.
𖡡 38 Sago St, S059028
taichongkok.com
Tea Chapter
One of the largest teahouses in Singapore, Tea Chapter offers a peaceful and tranquil environment to enjoy and appreciate tea. Visitors can enjoy tea within the privacy of small booths, or be treated to a tea session hosted by one of the tea house’s friendly staff.
Established in 1989, the teahouse has hosted special dignitaries, such as the late Queen Elizabeth II--a testament to its commitment to its traditional practices.
𖡡 9A Neil Rd, S088808
teachapter.com
Teck Soon Medical Hall Pte Ltd
Established in 1925, Teck Soon Medical Hall can lay claim to being one of the oldest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shops in Singapore. In addition to offering ready-made herbal packs and medicinal products, customers can also seek the services of an in-house physician, trained in traditional Chinese medicine.
The business has earned extensive recognition, being featured in the book "Heritage Shops of Singapore" by Steve Golden, and media publications such as Lianhe Zaobao for its community impact.
𖡡 281 South Bridge Rd, S058830
tecksoonsg.com
Thye Shan Medical Hall Pte Ltd
Established in 1955, Thye Shan Medical Hall is recognised for its preservation and promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine through various means, including documentation, workshops and media features. Currently in its third generation, the business has also undertaken efforts to transform and innovate through by repackaging and developing new products.
Thye Shan Medical Hall is also committed to the community, giving back through health talks and regular donations to a local hospital and cultural organisations.
𖡡 201 New Bridge Rd, S059428
thyeshan.com
Tong Heng
Tong Heng Delicacies, now in its fourth generation, is a a cornerstone of Chinatown. Its offerings include its famous diamond-shaped egg tarts, based on an age-old family recipe, as well as contemporary renderings of traditional pastries.
Housed within a newly revamped store, the business is committed to honouring its legacies whilst reaching out to a new generation of Singaporeans. It regularly participates in cultural and heritage festivals, and engages in charitable and educational efforts.
𖡡 285 South Bridge Rd, S058833
tongheng.sg
Yixing Xuan Teahouse
Yixing Xuan Teahouse is a popular go-to spot for tea enthusiasts, actively preserving the art of tea appreciation and cultivating the interest of future generations. Run by a father-daughter duo, its deep commitment to heritage is demonstrated through its mastery of traditional tea ceremonies, sharing extensive knowledge on tea history and preparation.
The business is committed ensuring tea appreciation remains accessible to all--offering a wide range of workshops that caters to students, tourists, and locals alike.
𖡡 78 Tanjong Pagar Rd, S088499
yixingxuan-teahouse.com