Traditions and customs in Singapore

1. Hawker centre culture

UNESCO-listed. Chope your table with a packet of tissues, order from separate stalls, return your tray.

2. Chinese New Year in Chinatown

Street markets, lion dances and the annual river hongbao festival.

• Best time: January or February

3. Deepavali in Little India

Serangoon Road lit end to end, with a bazaar running for weeks.

• Best time: October or November

4. Peranakan heritage

Straits Chinese culture in the shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong — beadwork, tiles and food.

5. Kopitiam ordering

Kopi-o, kopi-c, kopi siew dai — a genuine dialect of coffee orders worth learning before you queue.

• Cost: SGD 1.40–2.50