The iconic hawker centre Lau Pa Sat turns 130 this year and celebrates the milestone with collaborations with renowned Singaporean artists Yip Yew Chong and Ah Guo. View and collect specially commissioned artworks that showcase Lau Pa Sat’s rich history and its evolution as a cherished monument in Singapore over the years.
History of Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat was established in 1894, it used to be a fish market by the sea known as Telok Ayer market.
From a shed, it became an orange octagonal building in 1820s which was then demolished due to land reclamation.
In 1890, It was then rebuilt with the same octagonal shape on the reclaimed Telok Ayer Basin with cast iron imported from Scotland.
It was gazetted as a national monument on 28 June 1973.
Its name – reminiscent of its former glory as a market – is what we all know it as now. It has since become a popular hawker centre and a showcase for local businesses and the local arts community.
Yip Yew Chong’s Heritage Mural at Lau Pa Sat
Visitors to Lau Pa Sat should check out artist Yip Yew Chong’s heritage mural which is 10 meters long.
Yip takes viewers on a visual journey through time, depicting Lau Pa Sat’s past and present.
The left of the mural pays tribute to the 19th century Lau Pa Sat which was by the sea and primarily used for selling fish caught by the fishermen. One can also see the details of the street hawkers, the fishing boats and the tantalising hawker dishes.
The middle of the mural showcases the current Lau Pa Sat with seafood vendors and even the Satay Street with the towering skyscrapers right behind. Look for the little details such as the runaway crab, the children fishing for chicken wings and the grumpy cat that has gotten hold of a satay stick.
Yip’s memories of Lau Pa Sat included his days when he worked as a n accountant. His office building was just next to the hawker centre. His mural showcases the huge transformation the iconic building has seen from a local offering to an international selection of dishes.
Ah Guo’s Watercolour Illustrations on Exclusive Merchandise
If you are a fan of Ah Guo’s illustrations, you can take home a piece of his artwork in the form of limited edition collectibles including a twin postcard collection and an EZ-link card collection These merchandise are available only at Food Folks.
In collaboration with Ah Guo, the merchandise retailed is a three-part art series showing Lau Pa Sat in different eras. The first that has been launched showcases a bustling scene as a market by the sea with fishermen fishing and selling their catch of the day. Purchase files, pouches, and notebooks starting from $2.
From 1 May to 31 July 2024, collect one stamp with every $10 spent at Lau Pa Sat’s stores and Food Folks. Ah Guo merchandise can be collected with every few stamps collected.
Other Activities for Lau Pa Sat’s 130th Anniversary
Lau Pa Sat has also launched a new 130th anniversary logo paying homage to its rich history in Singapore’s hawker scene. See the imagery of hawker culture, the Victorian cast iron columns, ornate leaves and octagonal layout in its logo.
Customers can also go on a free Augmented Reality Heritage Trail, take a tour through the times and immerse in the heritage of Lau Pa Sat.
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