4 Things to Do in Joo Chiat, Singapore
Known as the first heritage town in Singapore, you could say that Joo Chiat is a melting pot of culture. In fact, this place is considered to be a hidden gem in the eastern part of Singapore.
At the same time, this town consists of Peranakan, Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities, creating a multi-ethnic tourist destination.
So if you’re planning to visit the local restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops at Joo Chiat, we’ll you’re in luck. We laid out the best things to do in this historic town for you!
Indulge in Delicious Food and Drinks
If you’re a big fan of Asian fusion cuisine, Joo Chiat is the best place to be. Get ready to choose from a variety of menu options like the ones below:
328 Katong Laksa
Katong Laksa is a top restaurant in the East Coast that even celebrity chef Gorden Ramsey personally visited. Their laksa is famously known for its flavorful Katong-style gravy, as well as its affordable price of $5.35 to $7.50 only.
Location: 51 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428770
Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
If you want a homey and nostalgic taste of SG, Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata is the place for you. This small stall is considered the best place to get super fluffy and crispy prata kosongs that will make you come back for more.
Location: 304 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427555
Visit Several Souvenir and Indie Shops
Every visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at a souvenir shop. Here at Joo Chiat, you’ll find lots of dainty stores and gifts to bring back home.
Cat Socrates
Cat Socrates is a local favourite featuring unique souvenirs, home decor, trinkets, and books. Tourists and locals alike love this place for its quirkiness, as well as its resident cat shopkeeper named Zoo Zoo.
Location: 448 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427661
Retro Crates
For music lovers, Retro Crates is the ideal place to unwind and listen to vinyl records. The shop also releases new vinyl from time to time, as well as pre-loved items and limited edition records too.
Location: 450a Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427663
Explore the Town’s Eclectic Tourist Spots
Joo Chiat is a heritage-rich destination that gives tourists a lot of places to visit. You’ll get a good grasp of the town’s culture by exploring some of these eclectic spots:
Colourful Shophouses
Taking the first spot, the colourful two and three-storey shophouses found along the Koon Seng Road are the crowning jewels of Joo Chiat.
Exhibiting an eye-catching facade, these shophouses radiate Peranakan motifs, tiles, and pastel hues—perfect for Instagram photoshoots too!
Location: Koon Seng Rd, Singapore 427002
Heritage and Art Trail @ Katong Joo Chiat
If you want to enjoy a leisure run or walk, you can simply do that at the Heritage and Art Trail within the Peranakan enclave. This trail is easily accessible and has a self-guided route, starting from the East Coast Road to the Joo Chiat Terrace.
Location: 150 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428837
Have a Cosy Night’s Sleep at Local Hotels
A day is not enough to explore all of the attractions in Joo Chiat. Hence, it’s advisable to stay for a night for the full experience. Simply check-in in one of the local hotels in town like the ones below:
Rabbit Carrot Gun
The Rabbit Carrot Gun is a 1925 traditional shophouse converted into a bed and breakfast (B&B). This B&B features a local cafe and artsy-themed suites which are all sound-proofed, making your stay much more relaxing than ever.
Location: 47 – 49 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428768
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
For the ultimate Peranakan staycation, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong can give that to you. This boutique hotel even has an enamel wash bin where you can soak your feet in (just like old matriarchs), as well as an in-house restaurant that offers authentic local cuisine.
Location: 86 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428788