KAMPONG GELAM

Historically, the seat of Malay royalty and home to diverse Muslim communities, the district developed around landmarks such as Sultan Mosque and Istana Kampong Gelam. Heritage businesses in the precinct reflect its longstanding role as a centre of trade and culture, with traditional enterprises ranging from textile merchants and perfumers to crafts and food establishments serving the community.

Halijah Travels Pte Ltd

Started by the late Madam Halijah Binte Mohamed in 1975, Halijah Travels specialises in pilgrimage tours for the Muslim community. Located in Kampong Gelam, the travel agency harkens to the district’s history, when it was once the epicentre for pilgrimage services for Muslims from around the region.

Over the years, Halijah Travels has fostered a strong community following and has supplemented its offerings with workshops and community support, even offering subsidised tours for the underserved.

𖡡 22 Kandahar St, S198886
halijah.com.sg

Nasi Padang Sabar Menanti

Renowned for its rich heritage and award-winning Nasi Padang, Sabar Menanti - which also translates to "wait patiently" - is a culinary treasure nestled in Kampong Gelam. With a legacy highlighted by media features, student tours, and even a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain, it continues to honour Malay traditions while inspiring the next generation through heritage showcases, cultural events, and cross-border collaborations.

Sabar Menanti also actively gives back to the community by hosting heritage tours for students, participating in events, and making annual donations to local mosques and charitable organisations.

𖡡 719 North Bridge Rd, S198687
sabarmenanti.sg

Rumah Makan Minang

Rumah Makan Minang celebrates the richness of traditional Padang cuisine, especially through offerings like its signature rendang and sambal. Now in its third generation, the business has expanded from Kampong Gelam to the heartlands, as well as to the skies – having once been served by Singapore Airlines.

Rumah Makan Minang continually does its part through regular donation drives and outreach for the community, while also supporting frontline workers during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

𖡡 18 & 18A Kandahar St, S198884
minang.sg

Toko Aljunied

Founded in the 1930s, Toko Aljunied is a fixture of the Kampong Gelam community. It is known for its batik and sarong kebaya offerings, contributing to Kampong Gelam’s reputation as the go-to place for traditional textiles and fabrics.

The business is also deeply involved with the community. Its second-generation owner, Mr Syed Abdullah Aljunied was appointed life-president in recognition of his contributions while serving as the Association's president, while its current third-generation owner, Ms Zahra Aljunied, participated in the campaign to nominate Kebaya to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

𖡡 91 Arab St, S199787
@tokoaljunied_sg

VSS Varusai Mohamed & Sons

V S S Varusai Mohamed & Sons, a pillar of the Kampong Gelam community since 1924, is one of the last remaining providers of traditional pilgrimage services and goods. It is known for being the first local business to patent hajj belt – a money belt used by Muslim pilgrims on their arduous pilgrimage to Mecca.

Over and above its religious offerings, the business also contributes to the vibrancy of Kampong Gelam as a historic district by regularly participating in culture and heritage programs including art trails and school visits.

𖡡 721 North Bridge Rd, S198689

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