Tipped to be one of Singapore’s most quirkiest cultural hubs Arab Street is the undisputed heartland for the country’s Arabic and Islamic communities. Named after Syed Ali bin Mohamed Al Junied the famed thoroughfare is believed to have housed a kampong in which Islamists of Malay, Boyanese, Bugis, Arab, Indian and Javanese resided long ago. Having also been occupied by numerous businesses and storefronts since time memorial this bustling trading Mecca remains a top shopper’s paradise to this day with many tourists flocking to this quarter of Singapore to experience the splendor of ethnic Arabic culture and its multifaceted attributes.
Littered with cultural points of interest the must-see highlights of a tour of Arab Street’s cultural heritage include a stopover at Istana Kampong Glam or the Kampong Glam Palace. Serving as the palatial residence of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor and his royal descendants this place complex built in 1820 is now an engaging Malay heritage hub dealing with the rich history of Singapore’s Malay communities. The largest mosque in all of Singapore is also located down Arab Street by no mere coincidence as this monumental structure is also a focal point of the famed Singapore Heritage Tour. Built as far back as 1928 this iconic religious edifice is an architectural marvel and a popular landmark in the area.
Those who wish to sample Malay and Arabic cuisine will also be in luck when touring Arab Street as the culinary offerings sold by street side vendors and restaurants are nothing short of divine. Middle Eastern fare is of course a staple with Yemeni desserts, Arabica coffee houses and kebab stalls scattered all around the venue while Indian cuisine hub Zam Zam serves as Arab Street’s best Indian diner.
Shoppers will find luxurious Persian carpets and other carpets of Oriental decent at locales such as the Tawakal Oriental Carpet Store while everything from Indian sari to Thai and Chinese silks and organzas are found in the multitude of fabric shops down Arab Street. Home ware items and furniture made of Rattan and wicker are also abundantly found here in addition to traditional Islamic apparel and non-alcoholic perfumes.
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