What to Expect?
Before the crowds stream in and the clatter of lunchtime begins, Chinatown Complex is already alive with the quiet rhythm of hawkers preparing to feed the neighbourhood. Step into the heart of one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres and. Follow the scent of frying vadai, the clinking of cleavers, and the murmur of morning trade as we take you behind the scenes of wet market stalls and beloved hawker gems that keep Chinatown energised.
Watch the masters at work; the tofu uncle arranging trays of silky bean curd; and the vegetable aunties sorting greens still dewy from the morning haul. Smell the unmistakable fragrance of freshly steamed bak chang, savour a warm bite of traditional dim sum just as it leaves the bamboo steamer, and peek into the colourful displays of a time-honoured sweet shop keeping old-school treats alive. You’ll see just how much precision, hustle, and heart go into the simplest plate of food.
And it’s not just about ingredients—it’s about people. From the cheerful vadai seller who’s been frying golden, spiced snacks since the '80s to the fruit stall aunty who can tell a good melon by sound alone, you’ll meet the real faces behind your favourite bites. With every stop, you’ll uncover the unglamorous but deeply inspiring routines that power Singapore’s food culture—one tofu block, one bak chang, one steamer basket at a time.
About After Hours @ My Community
Singapore is a city which never sleeps. A plethora of activities continue deep into the night, even as most of us head to bed. Follow us on an unforgettable adventure in our neighbourhoods and meet the unsung heroes keeping the island’s essential services running after dark.
You might be fast asleep or up late on Netflix. As you rest or unwind, a whole workforce of graveyard shift workers disperses across the country to ensure the island’s essential services operate seamlessly.
Our neighbourhoods thrive because of the dedication and unwavering commitment of these hardworking individuals. Make a trip to our neighbourhoods during MCF2025 and express our gratitude to the heartland heroes!
About My Community
My Community is a non-profit organisation dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the hidden stories of Singapore's everyday spaces and communities. Through immersive tours, workshops, exhibitions, and community documentation projects, My Community brings people closer to the places they live, work, and play in—fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
Since 2010, My Community has worked alongside residents, volunteers, and heritage lovers to archive oral histories, spotlight overlooked traditions, and open doors to places rarely seen by the public—from HDB flats and industrial estates to places of worship and hawker stalls. Its flagship initiative, My Community Festival, invites Singaporeans to experience the city through the eyes of those who shape it.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate in this exciting tour!
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 3.0 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English
- Meeting Point: Next to POSB ATM, Chinatown Complex (335 Smith St, Singapore 050335)
- Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
What to bring?
- Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes with good soles grip.
- Participants may need to walk on wet floor during the tour.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella, hand sanitisers, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Parking is available at Chinatown Complex. Alternative parking is available at Chinatown Point and Maxwell Food Centre.
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
For updates:
- Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
- Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
- Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates
