Explore Singapore’s hidden cultural gems in Joo Chiat
The Joo Chiat neighbourhood, located on the Eastern side of the island is known for being one of the first heritage towns in Singapore. A quick chat with the locals would reveal that the neighbourhood has always been synonymous with the Peranakan (Straits-born people with Chinese and Malay or Indonesian heritage) culture.
The Joo Chiat of today is a mix of old and new. From traditional heritage shophouses to hipster bars and shops, this is definitely an area not to be missed when you are visiting Singapore. Also, keep reading till the end for a special promo code for Singapore activities!
Explore its rich history and modern influences all just with a stroll down the street. Here is the ultimate walking guide for you to uncover the best gems hidden in this neighbourhood.
Klook’s Guide to Joo Chiat
If you want to cover the best spots in the area, this mini-map we’ve prepared will cover all grounds!
1. Shop in Joo Chiat Complex, your not so typical mall
One of the things you definitely would have noticed when you roam around the island is that Singapore is home to plenty of shopping malls.
#Klook Fun Fact:
according to the Singapore Business Review, there were 103 malls in 2015!
An old-school shopping mall, the
Joo Chiat Complex
separates itself from the rest by offering a plethora of fabrics and textiles, Malay traditional clothing, food and jewelry. Located at the very tip of Joo Chiat Road, this mall is perfect to kick-start your introduction to this neighbourhood.
Klook Tip:
Catch the locals in action during the Hari Raya season (mid-May to mid-June) as they prepare to celebrate the festival of Eid! This is definitely a good opportunity to soak up the festivity and get some colourful pictures in for that gram.
Address:
1 Joo Chiat Road Joo Chiat Complex, Singapore 420001, Singapore
Opening hours:
9.30am – 6.30pm (on average) daily
2. Fill your bellies with breakfast for champions
A quick 7-minute walk away and tucked in a cosy Chinese coffee shop is
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Prata
. The couple serves freshly made roti prata; a type of crispy flatbread that was first introduced over to Singapore by Indian immigrants. This has since become a staple breakfast dish for many locals. Sometimes referred to as roti canai in other parts of Asia, the dough is hand-tossed and pan-fried over Ghee (clarified butter) and served with curry or sugar.
There were several things we noticed from the get go: Mr Mohgan flips the prata himself, which is a good indicator that the dish would be good as shops usually hire workers to flip the prata instead. While the size of the prata is smaller than usual, they definitely live up to their super crispy name!
Klook Tip:
We suggest ordering a plain prata for a true authentic taste test. If you are craving for something “extra” crispy, we recommend getting the coin prata! This smaller and thinner prata would definitely deliver the crunch you are looking for.
The plain pratas are soft and fluffy on the inside, while extremely crispy on the outside. You can even hear the crisp of the dough as you tear into it! The onion prata gives off an extremely fragrant scent (similar to a Chinese scallion pancake), while the cheese prata makes your taste buds go wild with its saltiness. An egg prata is also a classic that you must order!
Upon receiving your prata, Mrs Mohgan would serve you with curry – boy do their curries stand out! With three different curry bases to choose from (fish, mutton and dahl), take your pick and see which combination of prata and curry you like best. The dahl curry is the mildest of the lot, and is perfect for those who can’t take much heat from the spice. The fish and mutton curry on the other hand, is slightly spicier, but nothing crazy. Both are equally flavourful, with the fish curry being on the tangy side.
They also provide sambal, which is not typically served in prata shops. For those who are not able to take the spice, fret not as you can opt for sugar instead.
Address:
7 Crane Road, Singapore 429356
Opening hours:
6.30am – 1pm
3. Receive blessings from the gods at the Joo Chiat temple
The
Kuan Im Tng Temple
is a Buddhist temple situated amongst private estates along the quieter side of Joo Chiat. The serene surroundings, coupled with the temple’s majestic architecture is definitely a sight to see. Founded in 1919, the temple is a unique combination of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism teachings. The “Xian Tian Sect” is a consolidation of these three religions. There are three religious beliefs that they go by:
- To cultivate the mind and body through Taoist philosophies;
- To accumulate merits and good karma through recitations of Buddhist mantras; and
- To apply Confucian etiquette in everyday lives
Despite visiting the temple on a Thursday afternoon, there were many devotees seen paying their respects. According to them, the temple has a large following as it shares the same founder as the famous Kuan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street.
If you are interested in paying your respects, do approach any of the friendly devotees. They would be more than willing to help you out!
Address:
62 Tembeling Rd, Singapore 423586
Opening hours:
5am – 6.15pm
4. Perfect your OOTD shot with an Insta-worthy background
One of, if not the most representative icons of Joo Chiat would be these colourful Peranakan shophouses along
Koon Seng Road.
Built in the 1920s, these two to three storey residential houses are distinct due to their pastel hues and nicely designed exterior. Upon inspection, you would realise that there are recurring uses of flowers patterns, tiles and intricate detailing on its facade.
As an integral part of Joo Chiat history, these pre-war shophouses were gazetted for conservation in 1991 by the Urban Development Authority of Singapore. This act saved the shophouses from demolition and kept the heritage alive.
This place definitely adds a charm to the typical Singapore skyscraper skyline. Prep your OOTDs and get your insta boyfriend ready for this is a photo opportunity that cannot be missed!
Address:
Koon Seng Road (in between the junction of Pennefather Road and Joo Chiat Road and the junction of Lorong J Telok Kurau and Still Road)
5. Get inspired by local creatives
Opened in October 2017, the
MOX at Katong Point
fills up three out of four storeys of the entire building. MOX is a co-making space for creatives in Singapore. You can find experimental retail shops on Level 1, workshops and studios on Level 2 and a co-working space on Level 3.
Shop an array of interesting and aesthetically pleasing products from local designer clothing at David’s Daughter. Customize your laptop covers at Snupped, or taste local flavoured cakes at Cakerholic.
Definitely try out Cakerholic’s best selling number – the Ondeh Ondeh sponge cake! Pandan is an ingredient commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine for its aromatic flavour and distinctive green colour. The pandan sponge infused with brown sugar and filled with coconut – this is an accurate representation of our sunny island indeed.
At the same time, take a look at how the local creatives work as you peek into their workspace. Alternatively, get up close and personal when you try your hand at one of the many workshops that MOX offers.
Workshops include art jamming, vinyl DJ-ing and upcycled wood working. You can also make your own two-piece bifold wallet, bake a bunny hand painted cake or craft your own STAR WARS lightsaber. The range of workshops offer something for everyone!
Your trip in Singapore becomes so much more rewarding with just a visit at Mox. Be inspired and keep those creative juices flowing!
Address:
451 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427664
Opening hours:
9am – 11pm
6. Collect local knick-knacks at an indie store
Hop across the street for
Cat Socrates,
an independent retail store which sells fun and quirky items with a Singaporean twist. You can find yourself laughing at the most random books about cats, pick up a durian plushie or start your air plant collection.
Founded in 2008, this store has been providing its customers with goodies for their daily needs. This would be a perfect place to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs for your family and friends back home.
Besides housing cat-related knick-knacks, the store also sources many goods from local designers. This gives the designers a platform and opportunity to present their works to a wider audience.
Klook Tip:
Needless to say, the store’s resident furball is too cute to resist. We would totally recommend coming down just for her! However, no photography is allowed in the shop, so do take note of that when you are whipping out your phones for that picture!
Address:
448 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427661
Opening hours:
12.30pm – 9.30pm, closed on Mondays
7. Try out the Gordon Ramsay approved Katong Laksa
Laksa is one of the national dishes of Singapore. Consisting of rice noodles served in a spicy soup flavoured with coconut milk, shrimps, fishcake and prawns, the
328 Katong Laksa
is the most famous of them all.
Did you know that Gordon Ramsay was here in Singapore for a hawker cook-off back in 2013? Despite facing one of the world’s most decorated Michelin star chef, 328 Katong Laksa emerged as the crowd favourite from the competition!
In our opinion (and Ramsay’s), the fragrant soup takes the slice of the pie. The spicy broth is balanced with the use of coconut milk, making the soup extremely flavourful without numbing the tongue. Do not be alarmed if you’re not given a pair of chopsticks because the dish is meant to be eaten with only a spoon. Noodles are cut into small strands so that one can consume it together with the broth, all in one mouthful.
The laksa is best accompanied with an otah – ground fish meat mixed with spices and wrapped in banana leaves grilled over charcoal. Do not worry about it being overly fishy as it is not the case at all. The fragrance of the banana leaves takes that smell away. The otah’s texture is not overly chewy nor overly charred playing the perfect symphony in your mouth!
Address:
216 East Coast Road, Singapore 428914 or 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Opening hours:
10am – 10pm
8. Grab an old school fix for your tea break
Located just three stores down is
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery,
a charming traditional coffee shop (or kopitiam as the locals call it) which serves old-fashioned breakfast delights.
We arrived at 2.30pm on a weekday afternoon, and it was still packed with people. From office workers having their coffee after lunch to elderly residents catching up with their friends – the shop was filled with the aromatic scent of coffee, freshly baked bread and lively chatter.
Ask any local around and you would know that kaya toast with eggs and coffee or tea is an iconic Singaporean breakfast dish. Kaya, a jam made of coconut milk, eggs and sugar is a hot favourite as the owners make their own specialty jam. You can also purchase a jar of Kaya to take home to recreate this breakfast dish on your own.
At Chin Mee Chin, the signature would definitely be the kaya butter buns. Toasted buns served with a thick slab of butter and generously piled on with kaya jam, this is definitely a must try! Coupled with the interior of marble tables and green floor tiles, this gives the place an old-school feel, bringing a wave of nostalgia to the locals.
The shop also offers a range of muffins and tarts, which you can pick up from the side before queueing up to place your order at the counter.
Klook Tip:
Do expect items to sell out 1-2 hours before closing as they are extremely popular! To try an array of goodies, do make sure to arrive earlier before the lunch crowd sets in.
Address:
204 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428903
Opening hours:
8.30am – 4pm, closed on Mondays
9. Learn all about the treasures of Peranakan culture
Rumah Kim Choo
is a Peranakan boutique shop and museum gallery all in one. Delve into the cultural products and get a better understanding of this beautiful culture.
Take a walk around the shop and be amazed by the beaded shoes (yes, it is all handmade!) and fascinating designs on tableware. You’ll be surprised to know how much work goes into hand sewing the individual beads onto each shoe! Head up to the second level where you can walk around the museum, giving you a peek into the lives and homes of a typical Peranakan house.
The gallery also provides workshops teaching beading techniques to others, spreading the Peranakan culture far and wide. Mr Raymond Wong, a fashion designer and third generation Peranakan, helms the class.
#Klook Fun Fact
: You know the quality of the outfits here are on point when people from the like of Michelle Obama and the wife of Singapore President Mr Tony Tan are have donned on shawls and kebayas hand designed by him.
Address:
109/, 111 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428801
Opening hours:
9am – 9pm
10. Munch on authentic peranakan flavours
Founded by the same owner in the connecting boutique shop, you would find
Kim Choo Kueh Chang.
Named after Madam Lee Kim Choo, a first generation Peranakan, the store is renowned for her famous Nyonya Chang (glutinous rice dumplings with meat filling).
You can also get a taste of tradition as the shop also sells a selection of mouth-watering Nyonya kuehs (bite-sized pastries or snacks) and cookies.
Some examples of kuehs include ondeh ondeh (chewy pandan rice balls filled with molten palm sugar and tossed in desiccated coconut), kueh lapis (colourful layered snack made with rice flour – a favourite amongst children!) and wo ko kueh (colourful steamed rice cake served with orange sugar on the side).
You can also purchase pineapple tarts, chili prawn rolls and almond sugee cookies which are packed in a container, making them the perfect souvenir to take home.
Klook Tip:
The shop does not offer dine-in options. We recommend purchasing your items and head to the nearby I12 Katong Mall to consume your snacks!
Address:
111 East Coast Road, Singapore 428801
Opening hours:
9am – 9pm
11. Indulge in gelato with a tropical twist
As you stroll along the streets, if you were attracted by the aromatic scent of thyme,
Birds of Paradise
is where you should be headed to next! Serving botanical gelato flavours (think herbs, flowers and spices), there is something for everyone.
The smell of thyme can be attributed to the waffle cone which are handmade on the spot and infused with the aromatic herb. This makes your typical gelato experience more exquisite than usual. You can also choose to have your gelato in an environmentally friendly cup, made from sugarcane pulp!
The must-try flavour would definitely be the lychee-raspberry! Lychee is a popular sweet fruit in the country that has been widely cultivated in the region.
#Klook Fun Fact
: Small lychee trees can be found scattered around the Singapore Botanical Gardens. in fact, the National Parks Board has conserved a particular lychee tree (which is located along Mt. Rosie road) under the Heritage Trees Scheme!
The gelato is thick and creamy, bursting with flavour yet not cloyed (or in singlish, we call it “jelak”). Spend some time in this lovely pastel shop and enjoy the refreshing gelato while you take a break from the humid and sunny Singapore weather!
Address:
63 East Coast Rd, #01-05, Singapore 428776
Opening hours:
12pm – 10pm (Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday), 12pm – 10.30pm (Friday and Saturday), closed on Mondays
12. Live like a modern nyonya princess
To enjoy the Joo Chiat neighbourhood in its fullest capacity, we recommend staying at one of the most popular places in Singapore,
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong.
Newly opened in 2016, this Peranakan themed boutique hotel is located just across the road from the gelato shop.
Source:
Source:
This hotel successfully balances the traditional Peranakan culture with modernity through its interior design. The rooms are beautifully decorated with Peranakan patterns and tiles and bombarded with washes of colour. The nyonyas would definitely be proud.
The attention to detail and use of tradition motifs like the use of a sewing machine as a vanity table and a bathroom basin are just some examples!
P.S the dragon embossed bathtub is something we would love to have in our own bathrooms!
Source:
The swimming pool is the hallmark of any good hotel. Hotel Indigo provides a rooftop infinity pool with an amazing view of the neighbourhood. Now you can get your gram’worthy shot without squeezing into the crowded rooftop pools in the city.
Address:
86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
13. Visit a historic religious site
The history of the
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
dates all the way back to the late 1800s. It is a significant religious institution for the Hindu community in Singapore. Over the last century, the temple has met several obstacles which required the reconstruction of the building at least five times.
This temple is particularly special as many non-Hindus have contributed to its rebuilding and is well-patronised by other ethnic communities in Singapore. The temple also hosts a large multi-purpose hall which people can book for their weddings, events, seminars or presentations.
Klook Tip:
As you are entering a place of worship, the temple has a few guidelines regarding attire. Most notably, remove any form of caps or hats, shoes and socks before entering the temple. Remember to give your feet a quick wash too!
Address:
19 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429613
Opening Hours:
6am – 12pm, 6.30pm – 9pm
How to get to Joo Chiat Road
While Singapore is generally extremely accessible by public transportation, Joo Chiat does not have its own MRT station. The nearest MRT station to Joo Chiat would be
Eunos
(EW7) on the East-West line (or green line). Look out for
Exit B
after exiting the station. You should turn right after tapping your card on the reader.
The bus interchange is located at Exit B. You should be looking out for the bus bay area, which is simply found by walking all the way straight!
Your first stop on the map would be Joo Chiat Complex which is located at the beginning of Joo Chiat Road. Take buses
154
or
76
for two stops, you should alight at the stop called
Joo Chiat Cplx.
Ta-da! You should be alighting at this bus stop – it is extremely easy to spot as there will be many people getting off and on. Look out for the
7-Eleven
or the
Geylang Serai Market
across the road.
The entire journey should take not more than 10 minutes (including waiting time), all thanks to the efficient public transportation service in Singapore!
Klook yourselves a
so that you could post all your amazing photos fresh out of the oven!
If you are coming over from the city, consider coming over in style in your very own
as well! This will greatly reduce the time travelling from point to point, giving you the best experience in Singapore!
All that is left now is for you to go forth and uncover these awesome gems in
!
Discover more of Singapore!
Whether you’re a history buff, an explorer, always-hungry foodie or adventurer, there’s something for everyone. With plenty of Singapore activities available on Klook, you’re spoiled for choice! Klook your next Singapore adventure and get
RM30 off
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”. Applicable to all Singapore activities, it’s time to show our neighbour some love!
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