Singapore: Kampong Glam

Today is the first anniversary of my stay in Singapore and I thought that it would be appropriate to start a series of blog entries on Singapore. Frankly it does not feel like I have been here for all that long. I may have learnt a few Singlish slangs but I don't think I have changed much at all (I hope!). I still prefer spending a day off out in a park rather than in a mall and I would choose spaghetti over chicken rice on any day. There may still be a lot of places in Singapore yet to be discovered but here is one of my favourite spots on the island.

Singapore is known for its multiculturalism and Kampong Glam is one of the different ethnic quarters. This Malay-Muslim district is made up of several narrow streets that are lined with shophouses painted in vibrant colours. I like visiting Haji Lane for the independent designer and vintage boutiques. There are many middle eastern restaurants in the area serving Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, Moroccan cuisine as well as Shishah. Shishah is just as bad, if not worse, for your body as cigarette smoking but I would certainly recommend the food here. A number of eateries have their upper levels decorated into a cosy floor-seating area. Customers are invited to take their shoes off, let their hair down and relax on their cushions and couch, making it a nice place to chill out and catch up with a friend.

The quirky Haji Lane: