Everything You Need to Know About Katong in Singapore
Katong is my East-Side reset button. I simply love its pastel shophouses, laksa, and the whiff of sea breeze I get with every stroll. It’s compact enough to do on foot, but layered enough to do detours down Joo Chiat.
For some reason, I always go there hungry and leave with both a takeaway kueh box and serious tile envy. So if you like colourful history with unique snacks, this neighbourhood tells them in Peranakan tiles and spicy bowls!
Where is Katong?
Katong sits on Singapore’s East Coast, centred on East Coast Road between Mountbatten and Joo Chiat. It’s part of the Marine Parade area, a short hop from East Coast Park, and around 15 minutes away from the city.
What is the main street in Katong?
East Coast Road is Katong’s main street. Joo Chiat Road runs parallel to it, and is the other key spine for heritage shophouses and eats.
How to Get to Katong
Closest MRT: Take the Thomson-East Coast Line to Marine Parade (TE26), the closest stop. Use Exit 3 toward Joo Chiat Road, and walk about 5 to 10 minutes to the East Coast Road/Joo Chiat stretch.
Alternatively, alight at Tanjong Katong (TE25) for the western end of Katong, and walk 10 to 15 minutes to East Coast Road.
Closest bus stop: Alight at East Coast Rd – Roxy Sq (92119), which is around a 3-minute walk to the Katong stretch served by buses 10/10e, 12, 14/14e, 32, and 40.
For the Joo Chiat side, use Opp 112 Katong (92189) for bus 16/16M, which stops right by the Katong V mall.
What to See and Do in Katong
Marvel at the photogenic Peranakan shophouses
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Location: Along Koon Seng Road
Expect your camera to go on overdrive on Koon Seng Road, with pastel Pernakan houses lined up like they’re posing for you. The intricate tiles and carved wooden doors make you slow down and notice every little detail.
I like to walk the stretch twice; once for the wider shots, then again for close-ups of floral tiles and shutter patterns. I can only wish my walls at home looked half as charming!
Do a street-art hunt
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Locations: Rumah Bebe, Kim Choo, 208 East Coast Road back alley
I like starting my street art hunt at 321 Joo Chiat Road, where the bold “Phoenix” mural bursts with Peranakan-inspired colours. From there, I wander into side alleys and find smaller, hidden gems (some playful, some interactive) like dancing Pernakan ladies.
– Media from josephinethama
Location: 152 East Coast Road
I found the “Turtle Cape” mural on East Coast Road, with its giant turtle swimming across the wall like it owned the street. It’s a nod to Tanjong Katong’s old name, which makes me see the neighbourhood in a different light.
Do note that murals here change from time to time, so part of the thrill is discovering something new.
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Location: Alley tucked along 111 East Coast Road
I once made an accidental turn into the narrow lane beside Kim Choo Kueh Chang, and there it was: MedleyAlley’s Peranakan-tile wings spread wide for photos. The colours pop out so they’re hard to miss.
It’s a quick stop with a great pay-off, especially as it’s the very definition of a hidden gem!
Detour to Katong Park for some greenery
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Location: 59 Fort Road
Hours: Open 24 hours
You can make Katong Park your go-to breather between stuffing yourself with laksa and catching the sea breeze. Go beyond the calm lawns, and you’ll spot a slice of Victorian-era history hidden in plain sight.
Plus, it’s never crowded, so you can hear leaves rustling and get a brief, peaceful pause before diving back into the buzz of East Coast Road.
Where to Eat and Drink in Katong
328 Katong Laksa
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Address: 216 E Coast Rd
Contact: 659732 8163
Hours: Daily, 9.30 AM–10 PM
Price: $
328 Katong Laksa is my default stop when the laksa craving hits. After all, it’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick for a reason!
The short-cut noodles make it a pure “spoon only” affair that’s ideal for fuss-free slurping. The broth is rich, coconutty, and layered with spice for that satisfying laksa fix.
Janggut Laksa
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Address: 50 E Coast Rd, #01-64 Roxy Square
Contact: +65 9658 6133
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM–4.30 PM
Price: $
It’s really at Janggut Laksa where the original Katong-style laksa began. The “snipped-noodles, eat-with-a-spoon” idea started here, so know that you’re eating at a place responsible for a piece of local food history.
The coconut gravy is lighter but still fragrant, with just the right amount of spice. The place closes before dinner, though, so make sure to visit by lunchtime.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
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Address: 204 E Coast Rd
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM – 4 PM
Price: $
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is a time machine to old-school Singapore mornings. Its kaya buns, served with a cup of hot kopi, are the kind of simple pleasures you can’t rush.
It’s also housed in a beautifully restored shophouse, so it’s as photogenic as it’s delicious!
Ponggol Nasi Lemak
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Address: 238 Tanjong Katong Rd
Contact: +6562870020
Hours: Daily (except Thursday), 4.30–11.30 PM
Price: $$
For a late-night hunger lifesaver, try Ponggol Nasi Lemak. The coconut rice is fragrant, and the spread of crispy fried chicken, sambal, and sides makes it hard to choose just one plate.
The fact that it stays open late is just the icing on the cake.
Little Farms Bistro
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Address: Floor 1, Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-04
Contact: +6531637958
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 8 AM–9 PM
Friday, 8 AM–9.30 PM
Saturday, 7.30 AM–9.30 PM
Sunday, 7.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
For slow mornings and easy brunches, I like going to Little Farms Bistro. It offers fresh bakes and all-day plates that are great for either a late lunch or a casual dinner.
I like grabbing a table by the window to watch the Joo Kiat/Katong street life go by, as I sit in a bright, relaxed ambience.
Where to Shop in Katong
Alimentari Gourmet Store
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Address: 2 Fowlie Rd, #01-08
Contact: +6580141038
Hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM–2 PM, 3–7 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
For a little slice of Italy in Singapore, head to Alimentari Gourmet, with its shelves stacked with cheeses, cured meats, wines, and pantry treats you won’t find in ordinary supermarkets.
Cat Socrates
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Address: 448 Joo Chiat Rd
Contact: +6563480863
Hours:
Monday, 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM–7 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–8 PM
Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
Price: $$
Cat Socrates in Joo Chiat is my happy place for quirky finds and local art. The shelves are a mix of indie books, prints, and whimsical cat-themed goodies.
It’s housed in a charming shophouse, so it’s as much fun to browse there as it is to shop (also, watch out for the adorable shop felines!).
A Vintage Tale
– Media from avintagetale
Address: 277 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01
Contact: +6591870410
Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday, 11.30 AM–6.30 PM
Friday to Saturday, 11.30 AM–7.30 PM
Sunday, 11.30 AM–6 PM
Price: $$
If you want a piece of wardrobe with history, check out A Vintage Tale on Joo Chiat. Its racks are filled with curated clothing and accessories from the 50s to the 90s, each with its one colourful story.