What's About This Place?
How could one not visit this culturally rich place? This is the famous Balestier market; the one that was built in the 1920s to cater to farmers nearby who needed a place to sell their produce. Another name for this was Or Kio market, which was what the locals used to call it. This name Or Kio originated from the block bridge along Whampoa River that connected Ah Hood road (off Balestier Road) to Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. In fact, the popularity of the word ‘Or Kio’ can be seen when several shops in balestier area are named after Or Kio. The market was actually given a make-over in 1999, however, it closed its doors after dwindling business due to competition from the bigger Whampoa Market, i.e. the Tua Pah Sat.
How could one not visit this culturally rich place? This is the famous Balestier market; the one that was built in the 1920s to cater to farmers nearby who needed a place to sell their produce. Another name for this was Or Kio market, which was what the locals used to call it. This name Or Kio originated from the block bridge along Whampoa River that connected Ah Hood road (off Balestier Road) to Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. In fact, the popularity of the word ‘Or Kio’ can be seen when several shops in balestier area are named after Or Kio. The market was actually given a make-over in 1999, however, it closed its doors after dwindling business due to competition from the bigger Whampoa Market, i.e. the Tua Pah Sat.
Admittedly, when we got to this market, we got a shock. Market? What market? At first glance, it looks like a coffeehouse, there are stalls selling local delicacies (hokkien mee, barbecued chicken wings… YUM!), but not a single stall selling vegetables, frozen meat, which is what a normal market sells. In fact, the interior doesn’t even resemble a market (Imagine wet, dirty floors, with metal huts and the stench from the frozen meat). Upon asking around, our confusions were cleared. The market was actually closed in 2004 and in place of the market, a coffeehouse has been built.
Author's Thoughts
Just a personal thought, we feel that it would be interesting if one could visit the old Balestier market, even before it got renovated in 1999. Because one would get to absorb the essence of the old market and get a feel of how people in the past actually shopped for groceries, which is a pretty interesting way to relive the past. Nonetheless, you should still visit this ‘market’, step on the land where the real market used to be and breathe in its essence. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get a whiff of the market in the 1920s. Or best yet stop by and have your lunch and a rest before continuing on your journey. We guarantee that you won’t regret making this pit-stop (but even if you do, the food will make up for any grievances you have. =P)
Just a personal thought, we feel that it would be interesting if one could visit the old Balestier market, even before it got renovated in 1999. Because one would get to absorb the essence of the old market and get a feel of how people in the past actually shopped for groceries, which is a pretty interesting way to relive the past. Nonetheless, you should still visit this ‘market’, step on the land where the real market used to be and breathe in its essence. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get a whiff of the market in the 1920s. Or best yet stop by and have your lunch and a rest before continuing on your journey. We guarantee that you won’t regret making this pit-stop (but even if you do, the food will make up for any grievances you have. =P)
Some pictures acting as landmarks, just in case you lose your way. And you can attempt to re-enact the silly pose we displayed in front of the sign. Have fun!
Zheng Han acting crazy. LOL
Zheng Han acting crazy part 2
Group shot
Makan time!
Makan time!
