When I was a young boy, shopping for groceries at the wet market with my mum was a rather dreaded affair and I dislike the weird fishy and meaty smell at the wet market. Now, with supermarkets and hypermarkets springing up like nobody’s business, the wet market is slowly becoming extinct and groceries shopping at the supermarkets/hypermarkets has become somewhat a robotic and systematic process that there’s hardly any form of enjoyment.
I have to say this, though I dislike the wet market, I do miss those times that I spent with my mum at the wet market just looking, touching, and smelling, the vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits. The produce at the wet market are definitely the freshest and honestly, you don’t really know how fresh the produce at the supermarkets/hypermarkets are because for all you know, they might have been on the shelves for days and moreover, those with cheap price tags are usually the ones that are near the expiration date.
Well, if you share similar sentiments, here’s some good news.
Just last week, Jacqueline took some time off with her family to visit PasarBella, the first multi-sensory grocery shopping destination in Singapore and it sure looks exciting after seeing the more than 300+ photos that she took.
With over 30,000 square feet of market space housing more than 30 unique stalls from around the world, PasarBella is the embodiment of its namesake, which is derived from the local term for ‘market’, and the Italian term ‘beautiful’.
PasarBella was conceived by the founders’ dreams to provide a one-stop food and lifestyle experience, all under the same roof and it was inspired by the sights, scents, and vibes of other global markets that the founders sought to offer a similar experience here in Singapore.
Housed within a warm community-based environment, PasarBella encompasses a seafood market, meat, dairy, fresh produce, wines and craft beers, global cuisines and personal services.
Because there are more than 30 over unique stalls at PasarBella, we are only going to introduce 10 stores that you absolutely must visit when you’re there.
1). Oceans of Seafood
Oceans of Seafood pride themselves in providing seafood of the highest quality at affordable prices and it is especially evident from the photos that Jacqueline took.
Fresh Seafood from Oceans of Seafood
Yummy Fresh Oysters!
A Gigantic Fish Head Selling at Oceans of Seafood
Oceans of Seafood has two restaurants at PasarBella and they serve Japanese and Western cuisine. From fresh sashimi to boiled lobster in butter sauce, Oceans of Seafood is no doubt the best place for high quality and value-for-money seafood. For more information about Oceans of Seafood, do check out their Facebook Page.
2). Charly T’s
Famous for their “Best in the City” signature rotisserie chicken and wallet-friendly prices, Charly T’s serves comfort food from around the world that are prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
The secret behind their rotisserie chicken, which is crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside – lies in the freshness of the ingredients used, along with a signature preparation method. You might be surprised to know that all Charly T’s chickens are marinated for 13 hours, before being slow-cooked rotisserie-style. Seriously, their rotisserie chicken is a MUST TRY!
For more information and updates about Charly T’s, do check out their Facebook Page.
3). The Cheese Ark
What is so special about The Cheese Ark is that they gather rare cheese from cheesemakers who belong to the Slow Food Presidia that protects unique regions and ecosystems, and recovers traditional methods that are at risk of disappearing.
I know this sounds cheesy but these are more than just artisanal cheese, these are cheese that are about to be extinct.
If you’re a cheese-lover and you’re passionate about cheese, head down to The Cheese Ark and have a taste of the rare authentic cheese they offer. For more information and updates about The Cheese Ark, do check out their Facebook Page.
4). Bella Bakery
Get away from the stress of urban living and step into a little space of your own where you can enjoy a comforting and simple meal with an authentic European ambience with Bella Bakery.
Along with the rustic and laidback stall ambience, Bella Bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked loaves, muffins and croissants in the traditional European style. Unfortunately, we don’t have much information about Bella Bakery but if there’s anything you must try, it has got to be their croissants!
5). The Great Beer Experiment
The Great Beer Experiment is not just another craft beer venue but it is also a playground which promises to “Tickle, Test and Tempt” all palates and preferences.
At The Great Beer Experiment, you can tickle and tempt your palate with new and limited-edition craft beers from around the world or partake in the Food & Beer Pairing Trails which takes you across the market.
Check out the different kinds of beers The Great Beer Experiment has!
Personally, I really like The Great Beer Experiment because it’s a really nice place for chilling out and furthermore, an assortment of beers from all over the world is available here. I’m pretty sure beer lovers would love this place as much as I do. For more information and updates about The Great Beer Experiment, do check out their Facebook Page!
6). Little Provence
Little Provence specializes in importing, distributing, and retailing Singapore gourmet products and wines from Provence, a place well known for its quality of life, savoury food, and wine. In case you’re wondering where Provence is, it is located in southeastern France and with Little Provence at PasarBella, you don’t have to buy a ticket and fly 14 hours to France just to have a slice of Provence!
The food product range from Little Provence encompasses a wide choice of tapenades, olive oils, vinegars, truffles, artisanal jams, chocolates, and lavender products.
To taste, experience, understand, and enjoy the wonderful products and the spirit of the Provence way of life, head down to Little Provence at PasarBella! For more information about what Little Provence has to offer, do check out their website.
7). Tangy Tangerines
Tangy Tangerines combines the highest quality fresh fruits with personalised service that has always been offered by their family grocers of yesteryear. At Tangy Tangerines, you can get the widest range of hand-picked fruits that are reasonably priced. Whether it is tropical fruits or seasonal fruits, you definitely can find it at Tangy Tangerines.
For more information and updates about Tangy Tangerines, do check out their Facebook Page.
8). The Organic Grocer
The Organic Grocer has a wide variety of organic and natural products ranging from fresh organic produce and meats, wild caught seafood, to dairy products and cooking essentials. For all things organic, The Organic Grocer is the place!
They even have organic cotton bodysuit for babies!
With over 1000 products to offer, pick up a basket and start shopping at The Organic Grocer!
For more information, do check out The Organic Grocer’s Website for more details.
9). The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. was started with the original intention of elevating tea beyond a standard beverage to a special gift item meant for loved ones. They have an interesting selection of gift teas and tea accessories that will definitely delight your tea-loving friends.
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. also has a “Tea Indulgence Corner” where you can sample and experience the flavours and freshness of The 1872 Clipper Teas.
If you’re a tea-lover or you’re planning to get gifts for a tea-loving friend, you might want to check out The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. at PasarBella. For more information, you can check out The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. Website for more details.
10). Bonheur Patisserie
Bonheur [bo-nur; Fr. baw-nœr] in French means Happiness and Patisserie [puh-tis-uh-ree; Fr. pah-teesuh-ree] in French means a Confectionery. At PasarBella, Bonheur Patisserie presents 30 different macaron flavours ranging from Classical, Asian and Fusion flavours.
Here are some really tempting-licious cakes by Bonheur Patisserie
What is interesting to note is that Bonheur Patisserie has a pastry cafe at 70 Duxton Road and they also specialise in customized orders for special occasions such as weddings, engagement parties, birthdays, or anniversaries.
For more information, do check out Bonheur Patisserie’s Website.
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So, there you go! We have shortlisted 10 unique stores at PasarBella for you to check out and if you’re wondering how you can get there and what are the operating hours, do read on!
Operating Hours:
Rain or shine, PasarBella’s doors are open for business seven days a week, every week except on selected public holidays. Although some stalls will stay open till 10pm, it is better to call and check because the stalls have the autonomy to set their own operating hours.
With that being said, 9:30am to 7:00pm would be the general operating hours.
How to Get There:
PasarBella is located at The Grandstand (formerly Turf City), which sits right in the heart of Bukit Timah. Easily accessible by car or public transport, there is also the added convenience of FREE PARKING on-site.
If you’re travelling by Bus:
You can take the following bus services number: 66, 67, 74, 151, 154, 157, 170, 171 and 174. You will then alight at the bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre or the bus stop after Swiss Club Road.
If you’re travelling by MRT:
The nearest MRT stations are Farrer Road, Holland Village and Botanic Gardens.
If you’re planning to take the shuttle bus:
You can take the FREE shuttle bus services that are available daily at designated bus stops such as Newton MRT (B40181), Botanic Gardens MRT (B41021), and Toa Payoh MRT (B52189).
If you’re travelling by car, key the following address into your GPS System:
200 Turf Club Road Singapore 287994
If you have any questions pertaining to PasarBella, you can contact their general hotline number at +65 6887 0077
Groceries shopping has never been so fun and entertaining, so bring your family members and friends down to PasarBella for a happy and fun time of groceries shopping! Cheers!
