Geylang Serai

Named for the fragrant herbs that flavour many a local dish, Geylang Serai (lemongrass or citronella), was a small settlement on the banks of the Geylang River that dated back to the 19th Century. Some suggest that 'Geylang' comes from the Malay word kilang and the area was in fact named for the lemongrass factory that was located east of the Kallang River.

After the unfortunate failure of the lemongrass industry in the early 1900s, the Malay and Chinese farmers there switched to growing coconuts and rubber, and rearing poultry. Parts of the neighbourhood became known as Kampong Ubi during the Japanese Occupation when people started planting tapioca. But in 1965, the Geylang Serai Housing Scheme redevelopment programme was introduced to construct three blocks of flats, and by the 1980s, light industry and shopping complexes had moved in. The government also wanted to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the area, and set up the Malay Village - spanning one hectare in size - to hold a replica of a kampong and promote handicraft and other traditional Malay activities. During the Hari Raya season, the village also hosts the annual Ramadan Bazaar, so if you're planning a trip down in the next month or so, do bring an empty stomach with you.