SINGAPORE

Tucked in the heart of Little India, Tekka Centre is a burst of sights, sounds and smells – a real local treasure, unlike the polished malls on Orchard Road or Marina Bay. 

The market sits near an area once known as “Kandang Kerbau”, which means “buffalo shed” in Malay. In the past, bullock carts were used here to deliver water to homes before plumbing was common. This bit of history still lingers in the area’s name and adds a layer of charm to the modern-day bustle.

If you visit in the morning, you will see older men in singlets chopping fresh seafood, while nearby stalls overflow with bright turmeric-stained ginger, deep green curry leaves and chillies in every shade of red. The air is thick with the scents of pandan, coriander and incense from a nearby temple.

Upstairs, the market turns into a burst of colour – stalls filled with sarees (traditional Indian dresses made from long pieces of fabric) and Punjabi suits (a popular outfit made of a tunic, trousers and scarf), many decorated with glittering sequins and delicate hand embroidery. These bright, flowing fabrics hang like waterfalls of colour, drawing your eyes and camera in. Many sellers come from families who have been here for generations and are happy to share stories about their craft. It is a great chance to take close-up shots and portraits.

Tekka is not made for tourists – it is raw, noisy and full of life. That is what makes it special. For anyone who wants to see the real Singapore beyond the usual shiny places, Tekka Centre is a firework of colour, flavour and community spirit.

(All images credit to: Singapore Tourism Board)