Thailand has always been a top travel destination for Singaporeans with its yummy food, gorgeous beaches and rich cultural heritage. Though it’s not been added to Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lane yet, you can still get an authentic taste of Thailand at Golden Mile Complex.
For those missing the tropical Land of Smiles, check out 10 things you can do in Singapore’s Little Thailand – from feasting to shopping, and even a dose of the supernatural:
For other noteworthy malls to explore in Singapore, check out:
Thai food doesn’t only consist of mookata and green curry. There are other noteworthy dishes that have garnered Thai expats’ stamps of approval and are absolutely worth a try.
Not a Noodle Queen for nothing, no trip to Flying Pig would be complete without trying their noodle dishes – one of which includes their Yum Woonsen Talay ($15). This dish is essentially a bowl of glass noodles tossed with fresh seafood and a well-balanced dressing. With every bite, you’ll get hit with sweet and savoury notes combined with just the right amount of acidity.
It’s the perfect dish if you’re looking for something light and refreshing to eat. Not to mention, at least you also now know that Thai noodle dishes don’t just consist of pad thai or pad see ew – a stir-fried noodle dish similar to our char kway teow.
Image credit: Eatbook
Those who’ve salivated over the crab omelette rice featured on Netflix’s Street Food series may lament that they can’t try the real deal in the streets of Bangkok just yet, but you can get a taste of Flying Pig’s rendition here at Golden Mile Complex.
Though not as well known, the prawn version of the popular crab dish – the Prawn Omelette Rice ($10), is just as tasty.
Generously portioned, this less premium prawn alternative does not disappoint with its large chunks of prawn meat atop a fluffy omelette. Needless to say, it has proven a huge hit with makan enthusiasts since its arrival in Singapore.
Location: #01-39
Opening hours: 12PM-9.30PM, Daily
Diandin Leluk is about as legit as it gets when it comes to grub from the Land of Smiles. Run by native Thai chefs, this popular restaurant has been putting smiles on the faces of homesick Thais and Singaporeans alike since 1985.
Image credit: @sunshinemokusan
Here, you can expect to find food that’ll taste as good as the ones you’ve tried in Bangkok. The best part is that they’re all sold at affordable prices, so you can feast on a variety of exotic dishes without bleeding your pockets dry.
Location: #01-67/68/69
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Ask anyone for cheap delicious snack recommendations at Golden Mile Complex and chances are they’ll say “sweet potato balls” or “banana fritters”.
Located right outside the Thai supermarket at Level 2, Golden Banana sells a delectable selection of fried goodies. Their minimalistic menu offers just Kluay Kaek ($3 for six pieces) – a.k.a. Thai fried banana fritters, Fried Yam ($3 for five pieces), Fried Sweet Potato ($3 for six pieces) and Sweet Potato Balls ($3 for twelve pieces).
If you’re a sucker for variety, you’ll be stoked to hear that you can get a mixed bag of all four treats for $4.
Location: Second floor, in front of the Thai Supermarket (#02-64)
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10.30AM-8.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Ninja Cheese Mookata Buffet offers all-you-can-eat meals at $37.90++ per pax, jazzed up with unlimited decadent mozzarella and nacho cheese dips.
Image credit: NINJA Cheese Mookata Buffet
You’ll get to grill your own meats and enjoy a variety of fresh seafood including live crabs, prawns and baby lobsters. Should you require any assistance deshelling prawns or crabs, simply flag down a restaurant staff member and they’ll be happy to help.
As it’s open till the wee hours of the morning every day, you’ll be able to satisfy those late night cravings and jio your friends or family down for a hearty mookata supper, even on weeknights.
Location: #B1-64
Opening hours: 3PM-5AM, Daily
Aside from getting your grocery fix, you’ll also find once Thailand-exclusive snacks like Lays Potato Chips ($2.90) in rare KFC and Pizza Hut flavours on sale at the Thai Supermarket. Those who used to vacation in Thailand would fondly remember stocking up on these tidbits and bringing them back as souvenirs.
A great alternative if you’re bored of the usual BBQ and Sour Cream & Onion flavoured chips, these uniquely flavoured snacks are the closest thing we’re gonna get to snacking in Thailand for now.
There’s good news for those who have a more daring palate as well. Similar to what you’ll find along street-side stalls in Bangkok, the Thai Supermarket offers deep-fried silkworms and crickets ($2.30) if you’re adventurous enough to try them.
The only difference is that they’re packaged like potato chips as opposed to being sold in pushcarts wheeled around Bangkok’s night markets. They’re also seasoned with Tom Yam and BBQ flavourings to make them a little more palatable to our unseasoned stomachs.
Location: #02-64
Opening hours: 9.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
One thing you’ll notice as you walk around the second floor of Golden Mile Complex is the display of clothes that are seemingly random, flashy and a lil bit risqué at times.
Shop amongst the insanely high heels, fun wigs and glittery tops on sale here to your heart’s content. Alternatively, as Halloween is just around the corner, you could also hunt for a prop or costume to spruce up your look.
Location: Second floor
Between K-beauty products being all the rage now and most malls only stocking Western or East Asian brands when it comes to makeup, it’s extremely rare to find Thai beauty items in Singapore.
Fortunately, if you swear by Thai beauty products, Golden Mile Complex is home to a one-stop Thai beauty haven. As Singapore’s biggest distributor and retailer of famous Thai Beauty brands, you can fulfil all your makeup and skin care needs at the plainly named Face And Body Beauty Store.
Image credit: Face And Body
This shop carries numerous skincare products that are highly lauded both in Thailand and abroad, such as the famous Madame Heng Original Herbal Bar Soap ($4) which has been well-loved by Thais for over 50 years.
Image credit: @askanae2
Image credit: Face And Body
And with tropical Singapore’s year-round mozzie season, you’ll be relieved to find Thailand’s best-selling Phoyok Thai Green Herbal Balm ($5) here as well. The product is formulated to help soothe your mosquito bites fast and effectively, so you won’t be itching up a storm and scratching till scars form.
FYI, this balm is also popular with older Thai folks because it helps to remedy muscle stiffness.
Location: #01-66H, #02-43
Opening hours: 10.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
The third floor of Golden Mile Complex houses a number of religious goods and occult stores. It’ll be easy to spot these stores as most of them have joss sticks and mini altars at their entrances, and they sell a range of items which supposedly bring good fortune.
Good thing the Seventh Month is over, otherwise you might be scared off by the dim corridor lighting and go bolting back where you came from.
Image credit: Siam.Ink The Thai.Amulet Shop
If you’re keen on getting a good luck charm that’s more permanent and impossible to misplace, there are also a few stores that provide Sak Yant – traditional Thai tattoos.
These tattoos are etched onto your skin as prayers are chanted, offering lifelong affirmations and protection to its bearer. Something to consider if you think you can withstand the pain!
Location: Third floor
Vintage retail store by day and multipurpose studio by night, Room 0416 is perfect if you’re in need of a large studio rehearsal or event space.
It has 3,500 square feet of customisable room and is ready-furnished with full length mirrors, arcade game machines and sofas to keep everyone comfy and entertained. To give you an idea of what occasions this space is suitable for, it has been booked out for dance rehearsals, company gatherings and even flea markets before.
Keep this cool place in mind for your end-of-year parties. Hopefully, restrictions will have eased up by then for you to celebrate in style.
Location: #04-16
Whether you’re a Millennial or Gen Z, we can’t deny the necessity of getting some good Instagram pics if the opportunity arises.
In this case, opportunity comes knocking in the form of Golden Mile Complex’s futuristic photo spots.
Image adapted from (L-R): @_5fivegraphy , @sbu.trippin
The building’s top floor has a rooftop terrace decked out with tall pillars, high ceilings and an abandoned tennis court for the ideal photoshoot.
Pro tip: Swing by around late noon or early evening to seize the golden hour sunlight.
Even within the mall, there are rows of vintage-looking letterboxes nestled in the corner of Golden Mile Complex. Experiment with your poses, get creative and capture those trippy shots.
Location: Ninth floor
More than just its stereotype of dodgy KTVs and shady massage parlours, Golden Mile Complex is a gem many of us have not fully explored. Don’t judge it as an ancient and forgotten relic by its vintage exterior.
Rather, pay this place a visit in person and you’ll find yourself rewarded with some of the tastiest food and coolest sights. It might even evoke those nostalgic travel memories, till we can fly to Thailand once more.
Golden Mile Complex
Address: 5001 Beach Road, Singapore 199588
Opening hours: 24 Hours, Daily
Getting there
By car: Golden Mile Complex has a carpark. Though, do note that parking charges vary depending on day and timing.
By MRT: The closest station is Nicoll Highway Station (via Circle Line). Once you exit Nicoll Highway station, turn right onto Beach Road and Golden Mile Complex will be on your right.
By bus: Accessible via bus 100, 961 and 980. All of these buses will stop right in front of Golden Mile Complex.
If you’ve got the travel bug, check out these other places in Singapore that have overseas vibes:
Cover images adapted from (L-R): @darth_bagel_eats , @enn.u.i , @jxnr
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