Joo Chiat Road | Colorful Shophouses, Culinary Wonders, & Cultural Fusion

The vibrant neighborhood of Katong, with its rich Peranakan cultural heritage, is a must-visit in Singapore. Originally inhabited by Malays, this area saw an influx of affluent Chinese businessmen in the 18th and 19th centuries, which resulted in blended families and a new culture called the Peranakan culture. This influx and cultural fusion contributed to Katong’s growth, evident in its colorful shophouses, as well as its unique cuisine and fascinating history. In this post you will discover the picturesque streetscapes of Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road, learn about the Peranakan culture, and some of best restaurants, cafés, and food stalls of this surprising foodie destination and hipster hangout.

Joo Chiat Road

Joo Chiat Road is the most well-known road in the Katong neighborhood, so you often hear this area referred to as Joo Chiat. This is the historical heart of Katong, with many old, ornate mansions, now filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and a full range of tempting Peranakan and international foods.

Boutique Shops On Joo Chiat Road

Some fun, boutique shops on Joo Chiat include the following:

• A Vintage Tale features vibrant, fun clothing and jewelry options.
• La Tienda sells curated clothing and gifts with a Mediterranean twist.
• Teong Theng Co is a charming historic cane and rattan furniture store.
• SOAJO is a home goods store.

Eateries On Joo Chiat Road

The list of tasty restaurants and cafés on Joo Chiat is much longer. This short list of some of its highest rated eateries tells you about the importance to food here. They include a wide range of cuisine from Peranakan to flavors from around the world:

• For some traditional Peranakan food, try Guan Hoe Soon, the oldest Peranakan Restaurant in Singapore, or Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen.
• Hjh Miamunah Restaurant & Catering is a very popular Halal and Michelin accredited restaurant known for its authentic Malay and Indonesian cuisine.
• 808 Eating House is also very popular with a fusion of Asian flavors.
• Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe is a Muslim friendly restaurant which claims a quintessential Vietnamese Banh Mi with a Singaporean twist.
• Da Dong Prawn Noodles is a well-loved noodle place that usually has a queue.
• The Cheese Shop offers a variety of international cheese, wines, and fine foods.
• Blue Smoke is a fusion of Western smoking and Asian BBQ.
• La Bottega Enoteca, owned by the son of Italian immigrants, serves Italian food in an intimate atmosphere.
• Brasiero Singapore is a very popular French steakhouse.
• Bored Tacos is a small, Muslim owned taco shop.
• Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh is known for its signature clay pot dish and more.
• PS Cafe is a local favorite, best known for its famous truffle shoestring fries.
• Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) which offers a variety of vibrant brunch, happy hour, and all day dishes…as well as coffee.

Joo Chiat is also where you’ll find the Singapore Peranakan Museum (see more in this below), some street art, and other quirky, fun shops. It’s definitely worth it to spend a hour or so exploring all this street has to offer.

Koon Seng Road

Koon Seng Road is said to be Singapore’s prettiest street with its rows of colorful 1920s terraced homes. Especially near the intersection of Koon Seng and Joo Chiat Road. Condé Nast Traveler even noted it as one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

I was so impressed by the vibrant colors and meticulous detail of the shophouses here. Especially the pink one in the center as they even had a pink car to coordinate! For a moment, you might even find yourself wanting to live here (I know I did), but these charming houses are incredibly expensive.

My photos really don’t do them justice as it was a rainy day, but this really is a must-visit street in Singapore.

Remember to be respectful and quiet when taking photos, just as you would want others to do outside of your home.

Intan Peranakan Home Museum

Intan Peranakan Home Museum, a well preserved shophouse, has one of Singapore’s most impressive collections of Peranakan culture. There are several museums here, but this one is the most popular, so if you only have time for one, make it this one. Tickets are available for tea or dinner, but must be booked in advance. Use the link above for more details and tickets.

The Intan Peranakan Home Museum is located on Joo Chiat Terrace Road, which is a few blocks northwest of Joo Chiat Road (near the Geylang Serai Market).

Singapore Peranakan Museum

The Singapore Peranakan Museum is a well-preserved Peranakan Mansion by Straits Enclave. This private museum offers cultural talks, guided tours, and workshops. It’s conveniently located on the second floor of a shophouse on the corner of Joo Chiat and Koon Seng Roads. It’s also best to buy tickets for this museum in advance.

Katong Antique House

Step into the past on a guided tour of the century-old Peranakan home-turned museum, Katong Antique House. Learn Peranakan history and see items like beaded shoes, colorful clothing, intricately carved furniture, artifacts, and art. Also book this in advance.

The Katong Antique House is located on Beach Road, which is one of the roads that crosses Joo Chiat, a few blocks southeast of Koon Seng Road.

Geylang Serai Food Centre

The Gaylang Serai Market and Food Center, at the northwestern end of Joo Chiat Road, has a hawker center on the 2nd floor. A good percentage of its food stalls offer Malay and Peranakan food, making it different than the other hawker centers in Singapore. Here are a few noteworthy foods to try.

• Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang, which had the longest queue when I was here, is known for its tradtional Kapau-style nasi pudding. It’s made with steamed rice, meat, fish, vegetables, and spicy sambals.
• Nasi Ayam Sambal is known for its Nasi sambal goreng, a very flavorful fried rice in Malay and Indonesian cuisine.
• Rojak & Mee Siam by A.H. Food Corner, known for its Indian rojak, is another very popular stall.
• Azizah Briyani offers mutton, masala chicken, and fried chicken briyani. It’s more expensive than other briyanis, but still highly recommended.
• For dessert, visit Kueh Talam Asli. They serve Kueh Talam, which is a popular 2-layer Malaysian dessert.

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Other Great Food in Katong

In addition to the eateries mentioned on Joo Chiat Road and at the Geylang Serai Market, there are two Michelin Guide accredited recommendations:

• Laksa is one of the most popular Peranakan dishes is Singapore and Katong Laksa is famous locally with its thick noodles and plump prawns. 328 Katong Laksa, at the 51 East Coast Road Hawker stall, is Michelin Guide recommended. It’s so popular there are celebrity photos lining its walls.
• The Michelin Guide also recommends the Birds Of Paradise gelato shop. I ate at the one located in the Arab Quarter and loved it. You can try unique flavors like white chrysanthemum, raspberry lychee, and a variety of others.

Where To Stay Near Joo Chiat

Want to stay in Joo Chiat? Try one of these two highly rated, but affordable recommendations near Joo Chiat Road.

• Betel Box Backpackers Hostel offers very affordable dorm rooms in a restored shophouse close to Joo Chiat Road.
• The boutique Santa Grand Hotel East Coast offers affordable rooms close to Joo Chiat Road, some with a balcony. There is also a rooftop swimming pool.

For a full list of the best places to stay, at a variety of price points, see my post on The Best Places To Stay in Singapore | The Ultimate Guide. This includes staying in glitzy Marina Bay, Chinatown, The Arab Quarter (Kampon Glam), the Civic District, and even luxurious resorts on Sentosa Island.

How To Get To Joo Chiat Road

The closest MRT Station to Joo Chiat Road is Eunos Station. At the exit, follow your GPS to your destination on Joo Chiat, or take a taxi. It’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk. Paya Lebar is another nearby MRT station. 

Want To See More Of Singapore?

For all my favorite places in Singapore, see the following posts.

• Experience The Best Of Marina Bay | Must-See Waterfront Experiences
• Hidden Treasures & Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore
• The Charming Arab Quarter of Singapore
• 7 Must-See Sites in Little India Singapore
• Is It Worth Visiting Sentosa Island?

Safe Travels!

Julie