In Hokkien, it was called the ma cho keng au (rear of the Ma Cho Temple), in Cantonese, the  (behind the Kun Yam temple). In both dialects, it referred to Thian Hock Keng  located on Telok Ayer Street where both goddesses were worshipped.
Amoy Street was noted for its opium smoking dens. The street was given many names by the local Chinese based on the landmarks located there.