The best way to explore any country is through its food, and Gourmaze will take you through Singapore’s local cuisine with true hidden gems.
Who knew playing tourist in our own city could be so delicious? A snack hunt, mystery game, and walking tour all rolled into one, Gourmaze is a Covid baby turned million-dollar venture. Created in the UK, it saw great success when it launched in London and has now hit our shores. As a foodie always on the lookout for fun things to do in Singapore, I nabbed a spot to find out what the fuss is all about. Grabbing a few friends with me, we set off on a sunny weekend to rediscover Singapore through food.
Gourmaze: Details at a glance
Best for: First-time visitors to Singapore, locals looking for unique experiences, anyone who loves escape rooms, and families with adventurous kids
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm; closed on Tuesdays
How much: Tickets start from $65 per pax
Address: Gourmaze walking tour, start at Old Nanyang Coffee; book via Fever
Before your Gourmaze tour
- Book your spot and check the details in your confirmation email
- Fill in the safety form
- Ensure you have mobile data and a working phone with WhatsApp for the tour
- Start at Old Nanyang Coffee and activate the WhatsApp bot
- Save the Gourmaze team’s WhatsApp number in case you run into issues
Our first stop of the day
For now, Gourmaze only offers one route dedicated to the hip ‘hood of Chinatown. As someone who has explored the area often, I came in confident that I could guess most places we were going to (spoiler: I struggled a little).
After meeting outside Nanyang Old Coffee, we got our seats and started the tour. A smart feature I appreciated is the option to have multiple people join the chat, which allowed us to view the hints and instructions on our phones rather than crowding around one device.
Our first treat was the typical Singaporean breakfast – kaya toast! Coupled with our choice of coffee, tea, or Milo, we were introduced to our guide, Madam Sampan. As we munched on toast (which was a little skimpy on the filling, but we didn’t mind), we got familiar with the instructions and what to expect, then set off with our kopi bings in hand.
P.S. I won’t get into the tour’s nitty-gritty details to avoid spoiling it, so you can experience it for yourself! Just honest thoughts and good vibes ahead.
Seven stops filled with treats and fun facts
Despite taking a detour and getting lost halfway through our journey, the entire process was smooth like butter. All the vendors were aware of the tour and knew exactly what to do with little back and forth from us. However, it’s important to note that no reservations are made for your main meals. We didn’t have to wait for tables, but keep in mind that Chinatown can get crowded.
Madam Sampan offered many nuggets of information that we found intriguing, and it kept up our curiosity as we toured Chinatown. Each riddle hints at landmarks or noticeable features within the area, like street art and signage. While it was blazing hot during our walk, we were rewarded with little treats to melt any frustration away.
Every stop was steeped in local heritage. Despite being Singaporean, I learnt a lot of interesting things along the way. Plus, Gourmaze delivers hyper-local flavours. Each snack we tried was a familiar treat that awakened my inner child with a cheer of, “Oh, I’ve had this!”. I felt great pleasure playing tourist in my home for a day. While I may not have discovered new foods, the familiar flavours were still a delight to experience.
The most memorable stop: Meeting the king of fruits
“Do you think we’ll have durian?” my friend asked before the tour began. I figured, of course! What true-blue Singaporean food tour wouldn’t include it? To our great surprise (and my absolute excitement), we ended up at one of my favourite dessert cafes in Singapore. The perpetual line out the door is a testament to its popularity, and our visit was no different. But thanks to Gourmaze, we jumped the queue and got our sweet treats before anyone else.
For any newcomers who might find durian intimidating, the beauty of this cafe is its desserts. It transforms the fruit into sweet treats without compromising on the iconic flavour. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed by its powerful aroma!
We tucked into chilled desserts that rounded off our tour on the sweetest note while refreshing us from the long trek. “This is worth all the walking,” my friends said, and I agreed wholeheartedly.
If you’re not a fan of the flavour, fret not. There’s a non-durian dessert option on the tour that’s just as delicious. Outdoor seats are available and aren’t too close to the durian prep area, so you don’t have to worry about the smell. Tip: Make sure you get a table before ordering!
Both newcomers and locals should give this a go
As someone who thought she knew Chinatown pretty well, I was quickly put in my place in the best way possible. I was thrilled to meet new brands I would’ve otherwise passed by without a second thought, and discovered new stories, murals, and people along the way.
The clues were challenging, which was fantastic for my competitive crew as they stayed engaged throughout the walk. Luckily, our Saturday was rain-free, but it was sweltering. So pack a portable fan to stay cool throughout the day. Pro tip: come a little hungry because all the little bites can be filling. The big eaters in my group were stuffed and satisfied before we finished our tour!
I’d say Gourmaze is the perfect activity if you have friends coming to Singapore who want to try as many local flavours as possible. You won’t worry about wasting food since treats are offered in small snacking portions with a wide variety of flavours. Find something you love? Gourmaze offers some vendor discounts exclusively during the tour.
For locals, it’s a chance to see a familiar locale through a new lens. Think of it as rediscovering Singapore, one bite at a time. The tour will take you through back alleys and storefronts, with stories that have never been highlighted as brightly.
Overall, it was the tastiest adventure I’ve ever been on, and I’d be thrilled to give Gourmaze a go when it opens more routes for exploration. Even though food is meant to be the major focus, it’s also a chance to slow down and notice what’s around. You’ll be amazed at how some familiar places can still surprise you.
Tips to prep before your experience
What to wear: Dress comfortably as you’ll be out and about for at least 1.5 hours. Wear shorts and comfortable shoes. We walked a lot – at least 6,000 steps!
Try not to eat (too much) before the tour: You might get a little grouchy before making it to your main meal, but my advice is to go hungry. The snacks you get along the trail can be surprisingly filling, and even the big eaters in my group were stuffed before we made it to the last two stops.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather: Having an umbrella is a good idea as most of the trail is unsheltered and Singapore’s weather can be erratic.
Start the tour early: I started around 12pm and made it to the main meal by 2pm after getting a little lost. I’d recommend starting early so you can have the main meal by lunchtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Unfortunately, for this tour I experienced, it does not. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who’s vegetarian, vegan, Muslim, or requires gluten-free food. However, it’s possible Gourmaze may curate special tours to accommodate this, so keep an eye out!
How accessible is this tour? Can I do the tour in a wheelchair?
Although most of Singapore’s roads are flat and wheelchair-friendly, this tour isn’t fully accessible. Some parts require you to climb stairs and navigate tight alleyways, which might be challenging for wheelchair users.
Do I need a map for this tour?
You won’t need a map as the directions are quite detailed. But if you’re directionally challenged (like me), it’d be good to have a map handy so you can find the exact location in case the riddles are too confusing.
Can I join the tour alone, or should I do it with a group?
You’re welcome to do the tour alone, but doing it in a group adds to the thrill! I recommend going in groups no bigger than 4, as the locations can’t accommodate huge gatherings. If you have more than 4 people, you can split up and stagger your start times.
Do I need to download any apps?
You don’t need to download any additional apps! All you need is WhatsApp and mobile data to go on this tour. I’d recommend packing a portable charger to ensure you have enough juice to last you through the day.
Will I choose what I eat at each stop?
Because each stop features a certain specialty, choices can be limited. However, if you’re not comfortable eating something, you can always skip it.
Can children go on this tour?
Children are more than welcome to participate! As there’s a lot of walking involved, adults accompanying them should be prepared to take more frequent breaks.
