Lau Pa Sat

Overview

Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market) is a stunning octagonal Victorian cast-iron hawker centre in the heart of the Financial District — originally an 1894 wet market, now serving satay and hawker food beneath ornate ironwork imported from Glasgow.

Highlights

• Cast-Iron Architecture: Designed by James MacRitchie using prefabricated ironwork shipped from P&W Maclellan of Glasgow.
• Satay Street: Boon Tat Street closes nightly for outdoor satay stalls grilling over charcoal.
• 24/7 Operation: Parts of the hawker centre operate around the clock.

History

The original market (1824) was the first municipal market in Singapore. The current cast-iron structure was built in 1894, dismantled and rebuilt during MRT construction in 1986, and gazetted as a National Monument.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Satay: Satay Street opens from 7 PM nightly — arrive early for seats.
• Architecture: Look up to appreciate the Victorian ironwork ceiling and clock tower.
• Duration: 1 hour.