Singapore Chinatown revisited

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For a nation with Chinese, a 75% majority, it is an irony that Singapore should have a Chinatown on its map. Singapore was a nation of Malays and was part of the Johore state from which Raffles assumed control and sovereignty for Great Britain in 1819. So there was a time that the Chinese was a minority. So Singapore's Chinatown must have been born at that time in its history. There are Chinatowns in many countries and cities where the Chinese is a minority, namely Thailand, Japan,South Vietnam, San Francisco, New York City etc. I have had the opportunity to visit a few Chinatowns and wherever they are, they sell everything Chinese including food, music CDs, DVDs, clothings etc.

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Photos

Singapore Chinatown - 1
This is still an outstanding building in Chinatown, one of the most photographed in the area. It was in much worse condition before its restoration and refurbishment.

Singapore Chinatown - 2
Fatty Weng (the Chef's name) has arrived at "cow cart water", Chinatown's Chinese name. Its menu includes chilli crab, roast duck, as shown in the photo.

Singapore Chinatown - 3
Opening soon - Grand Court Vegetarian Restaurant in a typical pre-war building which has undergone restoration and refurbishment.

Singapore Chinatown - 4
Pedestrian mall with shops selling souvenirs, artwork, antiques, herbal medicine etc.

Singapore Chinatown - 5
Another classic icon in Chinatown. The name plate says "Chinese Street".

Singapore Chinatown - 6
Another part of the pedestrian mall. Chinatown is not Chinatown without those red lanterns. "Raise the red lanterns"

Singapore Chinatown - 7
One very nice hotel (probably the best) in Chinatown.

Singapore Chinatown - 8
A quiet part of bustling Chinatown.

Singapore Chinatown - 9
Enjoying dinner at a popular Teochew restaurant in Amoy Street, Chinatown. Steamed pomfret is just one of many favourite Teochew dishes.

Singapore Chinatown - 10
A small group of eager and hopeful domestic servants, mainly from Central Java, Indonesia, awaiting needy families to contract their services in this Chinatown Shopping Centre maids agency. More than a hundred thousands of these girls from Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka etc work in Singapore as domestic servants.