Fresh Guide to Wet markets in Singapore to shop for Seafood, Vegetables, and Fruits

Fresh Guide to Wet markets in Singapore to shop for Seafood, Vegetables, and Fruits

Have you ever been in a place that is new and unfamiliar to you? Or are you visiting a country or a site for a vacation? Well, it is always a need for travelers to be prepared and plan ahead of time to maximize and enjoy the destination. If you’re visiting Singapore, you should not miss out on the “local” experience by visiting the most famous landmarks and indulging in a more cultural Singapore experience by visiting wet markets. 


Almost every wet market will have everything you may want, including fresh produce, seafood, meat, and spices. Wet markets have remained relevant despite the prevalence of supermarkets in today's society because they ensure the freshness of their products and foster personal relationships between regular consumers and stall vendors.


Here is a guide and some tips to remember when visiting Singapore Wet markets to get you started in your plan. 


The morning is the most convenient time to go.


Going to the market first thing in the morning is the ideal time to go if you are hoping to obtain the most incredible selection of the things in the market since produce and meat products are slotted in during the small hours of the morning. Morning is the best time to eat fruits and vegetables since they are crisper.


The sooner you arrive, the more options you have to pick from but keep in mind that the mothers will quickly grab the most tender chunks of meat or the batches that look the prettiest for themselves. You risk missing out on seafood and meat cuts superior to those available in the evening or afternoon.


You will have a higher chance of getting a better deal if you go to the market before 7:30 in the morning since you will be able to discuss with the vendors and ask them questions about cooking methods.


Keep things simple and to the point.


Understanding how to learn the skill of compressing sentences is essential to communicating effectively in Singapore. This is in addition to learning when to use the "lah or, leh" punctuation marks. When you're not in the familiar surroundings of your own home, it's essential to keep your queries and directions brief when you're in a busy and loud environment like the marketplace.


Rather than asking, "How much does this cost? " You may try asking "How much?" or simply "Discount?" rather than "Can I get a discount?".


The golden rule of giveaways


The market is not a location where you can get anything for free. Still, if you have bought a significant number of greens or have been a frequent client, you may be able to convince the stall proprietor to give you some free chilies, green onions, lime, or parsley as a thank-you gift.


Be familiar with your grams.


Using this ability most effectively requires going to the stand that sells dry products with bags of onions, potatoes, dried mushrooms, and other canned food items. In contrast to grocery stores, where everything is neatly packaged, you will be asked to provide the weight of the components you are interested in purchasing.


As an example, "500 grams of chili." You could hear tourists or travelers requesting items as a fee, for example, "Please give me two dollars' worth of onions." It is only recommended once you have become acquainted with the price structure.


Try to blend in with the crowds as much as possible.


There will always be dishonest sellers looking to take advantage of naive customers. These vendors might be boastful of fish that savvy regulars would never purchase or slip a bunch of goods into your shopping bag and demand payment before you can inspect the produce.  Follow everyone else's example regarding how they present themselves and behave when shopping at the wet market. Dressing in a manner that is relaxed and comfortable will not only make your time spent shopping more pleasurable, but it will also allow you to fit in better with the regulars that frequent the market.


You should have the self-assurance and the knowledge that you are entitled to receive what you are paying for, much like the aunties at the market who would never accept goods of lower quality. Always remember that as a paying client, you have certain rights, and you should never be hesitant to examine the goods anytime you can.


Don't act like such a snobbish.


Always maintain a level of humility sufficient to speak to the suppliers and listen to their advice since they are often more educated than you. Bear in mind, on the other hand, that something has never been attempted in the past does not always imply that it would be unsuccessful. Additionally, have an open mind when it comes to unusual components. They may be rather tasty, even though they seem strange or terrifying. One of the pleasures of going to the market is the opportunity to purchase the less popular parts of an animal or unusual produce that may not seem appetizing at first glance but turn out to be delicious when prepared.



Prepare yourself


  • Because credit cards are not accepted, you must ensure that you have a sufficient amount of cash on you at all times, mainly coins and notes of a lower value.

  • Tissue, both dry and wet: one of the best parts of going to a wet market is having the opportunity to handpick the shellfish and vegetables, and these tissues will most certainly come in helpful when you do so.

  • Even though it is not required, we strongly recommend bringing a grocery cart.

  • Put on a pair of sandals or slippers that do not slide around while wet!


Sources:

  1. Your guide to the Wet Markets in Singapore - Singapore Travel (singapore-travel.com)
  2. Singapore's wet market survival guide - Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences
  3. Tips For A Wet Market Novice (wonderwall.sg)
  4. Locals educate Singapore wet market newbie on the best time to go to the market, how to buy, and other tips - Alvinology


Back to blog