There are two major eating places in in the new and improved HDB neighbourhood of Margaret Drive. One is the Margaret Drive Hawker Centre (Block 38A), a typical HDB food centre, and the other is the more upmarket and gentrified Margaret Drive Marketplace (Block 38). On this occasion, we decided to eat in the air-conditioned comfort of the latter.
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| Now you know why it was called "Coffin Market". |
Previously known as Margaret Market, Block 38 was originally the Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market, built in 1956 by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT). Sometimes nicknamed the "Coffin Market" because of its unusual shape with a high parabolic roof and ceiling, it is the only architectural remnant of this kind from Singapore's pre-independence history.
Later, a refurbished version of this building house a number of popular eating places, including Sin Kee Chicken Rice, Chui Xiang Garden Restaurant, several food courts and even a Western restaurant. There was even a furniture shop on the second level. We had many enjoyable meals there about fifteen years ago before it underwent major renovation to become the spiffy new food centre it is today.
Prices have gone northwards, but if one looks hard enough, there are still places for good food. As we found out soon enough.
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| Hua Jie's dumplings and noodles are far more delicious than they look. |
MARGARET DRIVE MARKETPLACE
Block 38 Margaret Drive
Singapore 141038
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| Margaret Drive was named after Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II's glamourous but scandalous younger sister. |
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