When it comes to exploring Singapore, there are a couple of non-negotiables. Although world-renowned attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands are cool in their own right, you can’t say you’ve been to the Little Red Dot if you’ve not explored its storied neighbourhoods and taste-tested the various kinds of cuisine on offer.
Well, a fun opportunity to do both at the same time presents itself in the form of the Gourmaze: The Tasty Treasure Hunt in Chinatown food maze. It’s a food trail that’ll have participants roaming around Chinatown to learn all about its history, with pit stops at traditional eateries to fuel up on yummy bites. Here’s all you need to know before you embark on this scavenger hunt that’s equal parts sumptuous and eye-opening.
Gourmaze: The Tasty Treasure Hunt is a self-guided and food-centric scavenger hunt experience set within a particular precinct, where participants will be given riddles sent to their phones that’ll lead them to several eateries along the way. It originally hails from the UK, and has tasked countless Londoners scouring the capital of England for the tastiest eats around.
Image credit: Gourmaze
It didn’t take them long at all to bring the mouth-watering fun to Singapore, as they began conducting their food mazes in the heart of Chinatown in May 2025. You can book your tickets to the experience via Fever, and they’re going for $65/pax. You’ll visit a total of 7 eateries in total and receive 2 take-home souvenirs, and the experience will take about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Do note that you’ll need to bring along a mobile device with an Internet connection as the clues and riddles given out will be sent via WhatsApp. The Gourmaze: The Tasty Treasure Hunt in Chinatown experience is also not suitable for halal, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets.
Image credit: Chinatown Singapore
Once you’ve gathered your crew of foodies, head on over to the first stop of the experience: Nanyang Old Coffee. It’s a quaint coffee joint that’s reminiscent of the ones you’d find back in the days of yore, where you’ll receive some backstory that makes this culinary journey feel as immersive as possible.
You’re tasked by Madam Sampan, a fictional fortune teller from the 1900s, to follow her cryptic riddles that’ll guide you throughout the bustling streets of Chinatown. You’ll make a total of 7 stops at different heritage locations in the neighbourhood to not only taste local delicacies, but also to collect enough pieces of her Wheel of Fortune to complete it.
Don’t forget to indulge in the quintessential Singaporean breakfast while you’re at Nanyang Old Coffee, which consists of Kaya toast, a piping hot cup of coffee or tea, and soft-boiled eggs.
Image credit: @nanyangoldcoffee via Instagram
By the way, the entire experience is timed, but don’t worry, the timer is paused when you’re having your meals so there’s no need to shove food down your throat. But for the most competitive among us, the Gourmaze website features a monthly and all-time leaderboard that displays the fastest individuals who’ve completed the entire experience in record time.
Image credit: Gourmaze
And off you go on the tastiest scavenger hunt ever, and we’ll leave it to you to solve Madam Sampan’s riddles sent to your phone to know where to head next. We’re sure you won’t have any issues decoding them – after all, food’s the best motivator out there – but if you need a helping hand, the Gourmaze staff is always contactable via WhatsApp.=
The riddles will also bring participants to various spots of interest within Chinatown, from iconic temples like the Sri Mariamman Temple to IG-worthy murals hidden in the neighbourhood’s alleys. For a bonus activity, book the experience’s 10am slot, and you’ll get to try your hand at barbequing your own bak kwa.
Image credit: Gourmaze
Whether you’re a local on the prowl for your next favourite makan spot or a tourist looking for an authentic taste of Singapore, the Gourmaze: The Tasty Treasure Hunt in Chinatown experience is something to look out for. Just come prepared with a fully-charged phone, a portable fan, and an empty belly, and you’re good to go.
For more things to do in some of Singapore’s most historic neighbourhoods:
Cover image adapted from: Gourmaze
Book your flights and get ready to jam.
These Christmas exclusive events have magical snowfall shows.
Play Merry-Poly too.
Technically, this is the second time Singapore has qualified for the Asian Cup.
This is your call to get up earlier for work.
As if we need another reason to visit the mall.