Joo Chiat/Katong, one of Singapore’s liveliest districts, is a dizzying mix of old and contemporary. Cool cafés and chic stores coexist with family enterprises and picturesque shophouses. Take a trip through this lovely neighbourhood to see how tradition and modernity have collided.
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Cat Socrates
Something is likely to grab your attention when you walk into this small shopping wonderland. Cat Socrates is a veritable treasure mine of baubles, terrariums, books, homeware, and other items. This store carries the works of Singapore’s developing creative community, with a preference for local artists and designers. Furthermore, you may come across Zoozoo, the shop’s resident kitty, while browsing the diverse assortment.
Address: 448 Joo Chiat road, Singapore 427661
Opening Hours: Mon (11am to 6pm) | Tue to Sat (11am – 8pm) | Sun & P.H. (11am – 7pm)
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Rumah Bebe
With its golden gates, turquoise shop, and meticulously crafted Peranakan tiles, Rumah Bebe is hard to miss. Here you will find an extensive collection of kebayas (traditional blouse-dresses with Malay and Chinese designs), beaded shoes, and other Peranakan items.
The company also provides a variety of activities that are sure to inspire and teach you about Peranakan workmanship. One of the numerous techniques taught here is beading, a vital custom that entails stringing clothing with hundreds of small, multi-coloured beads to create beautiful designs.
Address: 113 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428803
Opening Hours: Thu to Sun (11.30am – 6pm) | Closed from Mon to Wed
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Katong Laksa
While the Katong neighbourhood is indelibly tied to laksa (spicy noodle soup), the exact site of the first stall is still a point of contention among foodies. However, the fact that this diner in Roxy Square continues to be a bastion of the popular Singapore cuisine in the area is undeniable.
Fried rempah (spice paste), a prawn stock infusion, and coconut milk are the main elements in each substantial dish. And because the noodles have been simply clipped short, the experience may be completed with just a spoon!
Address: 50 East Coast Road, #01-64 Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 05:30pm daily
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Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Joo Chiat/Katong is a Peranakan enclave that also houses other threads of Singapore’s unique cultural fabric. The Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, Singapore’s second-oldest Hindu temple, is just down the road from Rabbit Carrot Gun.
The temple, which dates back to the 19th century, was renovated in 2003 and given a new lease of life. Priscilla Chow, a Chinese architect, designed the current edifice, which is a testimony to Singapore’s unique ethnic setting.
The Sir Senpaga Vinayagar Music & Dance Academy offers culture enthusiasts a fresh way to exhibit their inspired natures. The school, which is located next to the temple, teaches the basic of Bharatanatyam dance as well as different traditional Indian instruments.
Address: 19 Ceylon Rd, Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, Singapore 429613
Opening Hours: 6.30am – 12pm, 6.30pm – 9pm daily
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Retro Vinyl Shopping @ RetroCrates
So, you’re a vinyl aficionado? RetroCrates has a comprehensive variety of used and new records covering many genres such as pop, rock, and jazz. That’s not all, though. If you’re looking for speakers, turntables, or amplifiers, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be able to locate them right here in Joo Chiat!
Address: 448A Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427661
Opening Hours: Tue to Fri (12pm – 6pm) | Sat (11am – 6pm) | Sun (12pm – 5pm)
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BONUS: Staycation @ Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Stay at this boutique hotel for a staycation with a Peranakan twist. It’s brightly coloured, with plenty of Peranakan accents, such as floor tiles that imitate the mosaic pattern prevalent in Peranakan homes.
Singer brand sewing machine legs serve as the basis of in-room vanity counters, and elaborate display cabinets that double as minibars at this hotel. Did we mention the enamel washbasin, where you may bathe your feet like the matriarchs of the past? If that isn’t enough, there’s also a rooftop lap pool, a 24-hour gym, a lobby lounge/business centre filled with local books, and an in-house restaurant that serves Nyonya cuisine.
Address: 86 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428788
Another advantage of exploring the Katong is that it is significantly calmer than some of the city’s other neighbourhoods. The nicest part is that it’s well connected to the rest of the city by bus and MRT, so you can go sightseeing during the day or night.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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