Food Quests & Time-Travel Streets in Aljunied

Yesterday, I shared about my dinner adventure in Aljunied, and today I realized I should probably tell you how that night actually began. Because before I ended up with a plate of Bali Nasi Lemak in front of me, I was doing what I love most: wandering with no strict plan, letting a neighborhood reveal itself one corner at a time.

If you’ve never walked around Aljunied before, here’s the best way I can describe it: it feels like a mini quest. And the main “boss battle” you’ll keep bumping into? Durian stalls. Seriously, Aljunied (and the nearby Geylang stretch) is probably the place to go whenever you’re craving durian. Every few steps, you’ll spot another stall stacked high with spiky mountains, bright price signs, and that unmistakable durian energy in the air. Even if you’re not buying, it’s honestly entertaining to see how lively it gets, especially as evening rolls in.

But durian isn’t the only reason I find this area so interesting. What really pulls me in is the character of the streets. The classic shophouses here are like a living museum, rows of old façades lined up like they’ve been watching the city change for decades. At night, when the road quiets down just a little and the lights glow against the walls, the whole scene feels cinematic. I took a photo of a row of shophouses facing the street, with the sky already deep and dark above them, there’s something about that contrast that makes the details pop. The windows, the ornate trims, the slightly weathered paint… it’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t try too hard, but still holds your attention.

At one point, I found myself standing in front of a corner building with colorful artwork and traditional motifs across the walls, like the building decided to dress up and show off. I love moments like that, when you’re reminded that heritage isn’t just “old,” it can be playful too. A few streets later, the vibe shifted again, and suddenly I was looking up at a temple-like building with bold red pillars and layered rooftops. That’s what I mean when I say Aljunied feels like time travel, one turn can bring you to something modern and busy, and the next can feel like a quiet nod to the past.

I won’t lie though: the vibe here can feel intimidating for first-time visitors. It’s busy, it’s loud in some pockets, and the area has a strong personality. But from my experience, it’s okay, especially if you’re coming with a curious mindset. It’s also considerably walkable, which makes the whole exploring process feel easy. You can just keep going, follow the lights, follow the smells, and eventually you’ll stumble into something worth remembering.

And that’s exactly how I discovered Bali Nasi Lemak. No dramatic plan, just walking, noticing, pausing, and letting the neighborhood guide me. Aljunied is the kind of place where food isn’t just a “meal,” it’s part of the landscape. You don’t really come here to rush. You come here to wander, to look up at the old buildings, to laugh at how many durian stalls exist in one stretch, and to reward yourself with something delicious at the end.

I’m sharing a bunch of photos from this walk too, because honestly, Aljunied has so many angles that deserve to be captured. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that feels raw, flavorful, historic, and alive (all at once), this is definitely worth a visit.

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