At the fish stall
My wife has been shopping at the same fish stall for almost 20 years at the Tiong Bahru Market. I have been fortunate to be introduced to this market about 10 years ago, and have witnessed the development from its small and cramped past in this exact same location, to the temporary market for 2 years and this 'new' market location the last 4 years. As a testimony to it selling only the freshest foodstuffs, many die-hard supporters ranging from the elderly in wheelchairs, in walking sticks, to the middle aged in their SUVs and compact cars, to the wealthy in their Audis, Benzes, Porsches and BMWs to the young adults in their latest BMW 3 series, they come from far and wide to buy from this 'branded' of all brand wet markets.
The elderly are most visible, and the foodstalls are properly spaced and with ample air ventilation between stalls. Lately, in the past 2 - 3 years, I have noticed many expatriate families ranging from the Japanese (they have been coming here for more than 10 years in fact), Koreans, Americans, Australians, the British, German, French and Middle Eastern families (much less as the food sold is not halal) coming here to buy their fresh meat and fish.
Our fish stall lady, whom my wife never got to know her full name has recently decided to retire at close to 70. She is an inspiration for all older generation workers, and I believe she is very well off selling easily, more than $20,000 worth of fish per weekend. I should know, we spend, around S$ 250 per visit, and multiply that with almost 100 customers all buying fish with revenue receipts of $50 upwards, it is not difficult to calculate her gross takings. She must be happily enjoying her retirement in some landed estate, and tending to her grand-kids. Hawkers who are successful in Singapore make BIG MONEY. Make no mistake.
Above the wetmarket, is the food court which has stalls selling everything from Nasi Lemak, to Lor Mee (chinese noodles in black sauce), fishball noodles,Wan Tan noodles, char kuey teow, chai tau kuey, cantonese porridge, duck, chicken rice, rice dumplings, all the paus literally 30+ diffrerent kinds of chinese hawker food. Truly a food lover's paradise.
I can go on and on about the allure of Tiong Bahru, but I am not a fan, to be honest. The place is especially crowded on weekends, getting a parking spot is difficult and there is a handicapped singer who belts out chinese tunes ad nauseum in too loud a voice. I oftentimes do give my spare change out of sympathy but it hardly lessens my misery listening to him,
The food at the foodcout or hawker center is mediocre and although there is alot of variety, only a few stalls do serve truly tasty fare.
It is one of a kind place. Many true blue Singaporeans still make a beeline for it every weekend and if anything were to typify Singapore life, a visit to Tiong Bahru wet market would fit the bill.
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