On the Trail of the Golden Oldies

Take a walk down memory lane to Singapore 1960s to uncover the mystery at the Singapore Food Trail

Being a good detective requires a keen eye for details, patience, and be able to piece together clues to form the story. Sherlock Holmes, I may not be but at the newly opened Singapore Food Trail, you do not have to be a detective to enjoy the gastronomic delights available right here. Singapore’s first 1960s themed food street, Singapore Food Trail is the latest in a line of must-visit food destination for both foodies and tourists alike.

To recreate the nostalgic setting of authentic 60s atmosphere and décor, no expenses were spared in scouring Singapore and neighboring countries for1960s curios and props such as tables, chairs, street signs, TV sets, doors, signboards and even cutlery. Remember to check out the original 1960s jukebox, costing nearly S$10,000 that still works. Characterized by old-fashioned wooden pushcarts and makeshift stalls lining the tarmac road, this 16,000 sq ft dining premises boasts a strong mix of heritage hawkers who represents Singapore’s original and most famous hawker foods. Showcasing Singapore’s proud hawker legacy, this exciting dining attraction brings together a mouth-watering selection of some of Singapore’s best hawker fare such as High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle, Boon Tat Street Barbeque Seafood, Sin Ming Road Rong Chen Bak Kut The, Alhambra Satay Club and old-time favourites like Chinatown Ann Chin Popiah, ice balls, and Kachang Puteh.

Even when immersed in this showcase of Singapore’s proud hawker legacy set, it still doesn’t take a sleuth to conclude that the 17 heritage hawkers featured here are the crown jewels in this Singapore Food Trail. Featuring stalls run by original owners or second and third-generation hawkers who carry on the family business, one of the oldest stall at the Singapore Food Trail is High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle which started in 1939 along the Singapore River. Retaining the authentic Teochew flavor through a combination of their special chili sauce and vinegar concoction, the noodles boasts of a chewy texture that is sadly lacking in other imitators. When you add the naturally sweet tasting double boiled pork broth into the equation, there’s no other substitute that tastes as good.

For those old enough to remember the original Satay Club along Beach Road, the Alhambra Satay Club Satay has survived more than 40 years in business and numerous relocations to remain a firm favourite in the hearts of their die-hard fans. Based on the double-quick rate at which we emptied the bowl of Satay sauce barely a few minutes after it was placed on the table, I can safely say that the key to their longevity has got to be their viscous peanut Satay sauce.

Continuing my trail of sinful food, I sunk my teeth into the deliciously-fried omelette filled with small juicy oysters next. Founded in 1976, Katong Keah Kee Fried Oysters has a long illustrious history of being the only cure for the cravings of local “Orh Lua” (as it is commonly known in Singapore) lovers. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it is definitely one of the must-try dishes at the Singapore Food Trail. Next in line to face my taste buds that at this time were hungry for more, up came a bowl of inconspicuous fishball noodles served in a traditional 60s bowl (I had no idea they still sold them!) My lack of respect for this simple but integral part of Singapore food heritage came back to haunt me the moment I had one of the not-so-round fishball in my mouth. The handmade fishball was juicy to the touch, with air holes inside that only served to add to its chewiness and freshness.

Other notable mentions include the Sin Ming Road Rong Chen Bak Kut Tech that differentiates itself from its competition by the use of 7-inch long rib loins and flavorful pork broth and the Chinatown Ann Chin Popiah featuring ingredients mixed with their signature sweet sauce wrapped with their unique handmade Popiah skin. Just like an intriguing mystery hidden within a good detective novel, the mystery of the Singapore Food Trail at the Singapore Flyer is waiting for all you food sleuths to discover. (Editor’s Note: For drivers, rejoice in the free lunch-time parking at Singapore Flyer during 12pm – 2pm, daily. And for those too lazy to drive, hop onto their shuttle bus from Raffles Link, Millenia Tower, Millenia Walk, Centennial Tower or opposite Suntec City on weekdays from 11.45am – 2.30pm to enjoy a nostalgic lunch at the Singapore Food Trail) Singapore Food Trail Singapore Flyer 30 Raffles Avenue #01-09/12 Singapore 039803 Operating Hours 10.30am – 10.30pm (Sun – Thurs), 10.30am – 11.30pm (Fri – Sat) Other hawker delights around Singapore Check out these must-try local faves!