Lau Pa Sat: Victorian Architecture Meets Hawker Food
A national monument since 1973
Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market) is a stunning Victorian-era cast iron structure that houses one of Singapore's most famous hawker centres.
Architectural Marvel
Lau Pa Sat, officially known as Telok Ayer Market, is a Victorian-era market building designed by James MacRitchie in 1894. The octagonal structure features ornate cast iron columns shipped from Glasgow, Scotland. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1973, making it one of the few hawker centres with heritage protection. The name "Lau Pa Sat" means "old market" in Hokkien.
Satay Street
Every evening, Boon Tat Street adjacent to Lau Pa Sat transforms into the famous Satay Street. Rows of satay stalls set up their charcoal grills along the closed road, filling the CBD air with the smoky aroma of grilled meat. This nightly tradition is a must-experience for visitors and a beloved ritual for office workers.
Modern Revival
After a major renovation in 2014, Lau Pa Sat reopened with a mix of traditional hawker stalls and newer dining concepts. While some purists miss the old-school feel, the renovation preserved the building's architectural integrity while improving facilities. Today it serves as a cultural bridge between Singapore's colonial past and its modern food scene.