![Stark contrast of old and new buildings, side-by-side Stark contrast of old and new buildings, side-by-side](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/4093584572_10cf704d7b_o.jpg)
Balestier is a city-fringe residential area, characterised by the stark contrast of old and new buildings, poor and rich living side-by-side.
One lazy Sunday, Rachel and I decided to eat and shop at this quirky heartland area instead of heading to the usual dime-a-dozen air-con shopping malls.
![Me strolling Me strolling](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/4093584676_86d59ba0e2_o.jpg)
![Spiral staircase landing Spiral staircase landing](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/4092820151_74a299d112_o.jpg)
![7-11 7-11](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4093584190_e15e43d78d_o.jpg)
There’s lots of great food in the area. Many of the famous hawkers can be found in the Whampoa Market. I especially enjoy the satay bee hoon there and will order it without fail, each time I visit.
This time, Rachel and I ordered a plate of satay bee hoon and some barbecued chicken wings to share.
![Great food at the Whampoa market Great food at the Whampoa market](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4093584964_b042331846_o.jpg)
![Charcoal barbecued chicken wings Charcoal barbecued chicken wings](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/4093584332_97b6314b90_o.jpg)
![My favourite satay bee hoon stall My favourite satay bee hoon stall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/4093584254_df7338b0fa_o.jpg)
Singapore’s last surviving traditional bakery supplier is also located in Balestier, walking distance from the Whampoa market. You can’t miss the bakery when you walk pass. The aroma of freshly baked bread will stop you in your track.
Rachel and I bought a few fresh loaves and headed to the nearby supermarket to stock up on some supplies to make sandwiches for dinner.
![The last traditional bread factory in Singapore The last traditional bread factory in Singapore](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4092819109_216542db27_o.jpg)
![We bought a few fresh loaves for dinner We bought a few fresh loaves for dinner](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4093584506_171b5b0c61_o.jpg)
![Rows and rows of freshly baked bread, left to cool outside the shop Rows and rows of freshly baked bread, left to cool outside the shop](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/4092819453_861f694ecf_o.jpg)
![Rachel hiding between the breads Rachel hiding between the breads](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4093584848_e06aacd886_o.jpg)
![Rachel cooking some bacons and eggs to go with the bread Rachel cooking some bacons and eggs to go with the bread](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4093584778_969f4c79d7_o.jpg)
![Our dinner Our dinner](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/4092819043_957a5f3698_o.jpg)
The dinner at home essentially sums up our little heartland outing that Sunday. The experience was great. We reckon we should do this more frequently. 🙂
Technorati Tags: balestier road, balestier hangout, whampoa market, satay bee hoon, whampoa market satay bee hoon, barbecued chicken wing, whampoa market barbecued chicken wing, singapore traditional bakery supplier, kim keat lane bakery, singapore last tradition bakery, singapore fresh bread, whampoa bakery, balestier bakery