There's a big difference between a Time Out Market versus a hawker market like Maxwell Food Centre…read morein Singapore or the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo. Jamie W and I have been to the smaller Time Out Markets in NYC (Union Square and DUMBO), but we could never find our footing in these places. This one has the distinction of being the original Time Out Market, so it's had over a dozen years since its opening in 2014 to develop its cred with dilettante foodies and insufferable vloggers.
At the same time, the rigid conformity of the food vendors to the Time Out brand makes this place feel far removed from the family-run businesses where you can get a more authentic ambiance and for the most part, cheaper prices. Paying the equivalent of $8 for an overdecorated donut may produce momentary Instagram gratification but little else (Photo 8). That's not to say the layout here isn't well organized, but basically you're relegated to long communal tables where your movements are restricted.
Being elbows-to-elbow with famished, arm-waving tourists is not ideal. We were even here during off-peak hours, so I'm presuming it becomes more chaotic and cacophonous during lunch and dinner rushes, especially with the reverberations created from the high ceilings (Photo 9). With dozens upon dozens of food choices, this place is ideal for large groups who have no interest in exploring their own dining options, the ones who are perfectly satisfied with hanging out in food courts in shopping malls.
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