Queenstown, Singapore – The historic roots of Queenstown, one of Singapore’s most nostalgic and oldest neighborhoods, have received a modern, culinary uplift with the opening of Margaret Market. Housed within the conserved 1956 structure of the former Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market & Food Centre, the facility reopened in 2023 as a chic, air-conditioned community hub, blending heritage architecture with international food hall concepts. While Bencoolen may claim the title of Singapore’s “coolest” district for 2025, Margaret Market anchors Queenstown’s appeal, offering residents and visitors a diverse selection of homegrown retail and dining experiences.
A New Chapter for a Historical Landmark
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) gazetted the former market for conservation in 2013, ensuring the preservation of its distinctive parabolic vaulted roof. This architectural feature, now complemented by modern lighting fixtures, defines the space’s soaring interior, creating an ambiance reminiscent of upscale food halls found overseas.
The two-story complex dedicates its ground floor to approximately 12 culinary vendors and a communal dining space, promoting local brands. The upper level focuses on wellness, housing health clinics and a 24-hour gymnasium, cementing Margaret Market’s role as a holistic neighborhood centre. The appeal lies in its curated diversity, but a recent visit sought to determine if the substance matches the style.
Culinary Highlights and Misses
Initial reviews suggest a mixed bag of culinary experiences, despite the attractive setting.
Fernando’s Pizza (5/5): A clear standout, this vendor delivers authentic New York-style slices. Their pizzas, made with Caputo 00 flour and a 48-hour fermentation process resulting in a satisfying chew, are available in 21 variations. The tagliata di manzo is highly recommended, featuring grilled ribeye, truffle cream, and fresh figs, often paired with the stall’s signature hot honey drizzle.
Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee (4/5): This familiar homegrown brand provides a reliable dessert option. Operating its first kiosk concept at Margaret Market since last August, Creamier offers beloved flavors like sea salt gula melaka and Hokey Pokey. The convenience of a quality ice cream spot in the vicinity is a definite plus.
OMG! Decadent Donuts and Brash Boys Coffee (3/5): Catering to various dietary restrictions, OMG! offers vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free doughnuts in unique flavors like beetroot ginger and kopi. While the texture is soft, the sweetness level may be intense for the Singaporean palate, and the products are noted as relatively expensive given their size. However, the accompanying Brash Boys Coffee receives strong marks for excellent brews, including trendy options like strawberry matcha.
Kumi Taiwanese Eatery (3/5): Serving a mix of Taiwanese fare, sushi, and bubble tea, Kumi offers a lu rou fan (minced pork rice) praised for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly. Although the portion is generous, the rice bowls are considered slightly pricey for the area. The sushi rolls, featuring combinations from sister concept Rollie Ollie, were found to be hampered by clumpy rice.
Kou Kou Xiang (2/5): This stall, specializing in chicken rice soup, caters to specific tastes, perhaps ideal for restorative comfort food. The signature agarious mushrooms chicken soup with traditional Chinese herbs is noted for its clean, mild flavor profile. Customizing the broth with counter condiments is highly recommended for an enhanced experience.
Beyond the Bites
Margaret Market also features other noteworthy establishments, including Daebak Korean Restaurant, Bowen’s Café (serving Western classics), and Hua Jie Dumpling. Margie The Market Bar is positioned as a relaxed social spot, hosting live music from Thursday through Saturday evenings.
While Margaret Market offers a distinguished, aesthetically pleasing dining environment that elevates the food court experience, some visitors felt there were too many culinary “misses.” For those seeking traditional, affordable local fare, the neighboring Margaret Drive Hawker Centre remains a strong contender with established popular stalls like Tong Kee Chicken Rice.
Margaret Market is open daily at 38 Margaret Drive, offering a compelling blend of nostalgia and modern convenience. Visitors are encouraged to help maintain the communal space by utilizing the designated tray return points at each stall. The market ultimately provides an attractive, if sometimes inconsistent, destination that successfully preserves a piece of Queenstown’s past while catering to contemporary lifestyle needs.