Streets Made For Talking

Join four intrepid hosts - illustrators, a radio DJ, a historian and a playwright - as they take us on very different tours of the eclectic Bras Basah and Bugis precinct as you've never experienced before. Their goal? To be surprised by history, and the obscure stories from the past that lie hidden along the nooks of these streets. Were the early editions of precious Malay relics really printed in shophouses of B(E)RAS BASAH? Whatever happened to the dish called Chicken Sh*t Rattan, once sold in the Hainanese enclave? Who were the rideshare drivers of yesteryear, and how did Middle Road become the go-to place for all things transport? And how did a building, made by the same hands that constructed the Istana, become the site of a violent riot? Our hosts take us on their journeys as they learn about this colourful, heritage district and come to see it in a refreshing new light.

In the second season of Streets Made For Talking, we're hitting the iconic, historical district of Telok Ayer. The place where everyone and their grandfathers probably passed through, since this was the original bayfront and arrival point of anyone arriving in Singapore. Our team of plucky shots - a visual artist, two theatre performers and a musician - are led by their curiosity and take us on a journey of discovery, through clues hidden within these streets. How did a workaholic government official inspire the creation of the popiah? Is Telok Ayer just a Chinese district and what's with the new wave of Korean restaurants? And why does Club Street have no clubs - or so we think?

Ep 1 Flavours Of Telok Ayer’s Past
47 mins

What are the forgotten food stories of Telok Ayer? Visual artist Dawn follows her eyes and stomach to eat her way through the district's food history, from the early immigrant wave to the Korean wave.

Ep 1 Flavours Of Telok Ayer’s Past

What are the forgotten food stories of Telok Ayer? Visual artist Dawn follows her eyes and stomach to eat her way through the district's food history, from the early immigrant wave to the Korean wave.

Ep 2 From Temples To Trading Floors
46 mins

What are the invisible threads that connect businesses and buildings in Telok Ayer? Theatre performer Rizman and Playwright Nabilah discover design and trivia that have shaped the identity of these streets.

Ep 2 From Temples To Trading Floors

What are the invisible threads that connect businesses and buildings in Telok Ayer? Theatre performer Rizman and Playwright Nabilah discover design and trivia that have shaped the identity of these streets.

Ep 3 Beyond The 9 To 5
47 mins

Is Telok Ayer all work and no play? Musician and lawyer Sam Padbidri works in the district and is on a quest to uncover what people enjoyed beyond the 9 to 5 in decades past.

Ep 3 Beyond The 9 To 5

Is Telok Ayer all work and no play? Musician and lawyer Sam Padbidri works in the district and is on a quest to uncover what people enjoyed beyond the 9 to 5 in decades past.

Additional Information

Premiered2023
Genrescurrent affairs
Seasons2
Suitable For All Ages