Guide to Joo Chiat Singapore. What to do & top things to do in Joo Chiat

There is a nostalgic and colorful Singapore in Joo Chiat Road. Don’t hesitate to add this place to your check-in list on your upcoming trip. In this article we will suggest you top things to do in Joo Chiat, what to do in Joo Chiat in Joo Chiat Singapore as well as how to get to Joo Chiat, how to go to Joo Chiat by Klook below!

Located on the East side of the island, Joo Chiat is not only a crowded and bustling residential area, but also one of the first heritage areas in Singapore. Joo Chiat is not only famous for its laksa, it also has old cafes, luxurious restaurants and historical architecture with colorful, picture-perfect shops.

Eat Your Way Through Katong and Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat is imbued with Peranakan culture – descendants of Chinese immigrants to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia from the 15th to 17th centuries. This heritage-rich neighborhood blends tradition and modernity, and is definitely an area not to be missed when coming to Singapore! Please refer to the following article by Klook and save it as a check-in tip when coming to Joo Chiat Street in Singapore!

Where is Joo Chiat?

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Joo Chiat is an area in the eastern part of Singapore known for its rich multicultural heritage. It was once home to coconut plantations and a weekend retreat for wealthy city dwellers; hence the name, as several streets in the area were named after the Chinese plantation owner and philanthropist, Mr Chew Joo Chiat.

Introduction to Joo Chiat Street in Singapore

Peranakan Culture & Heritage Walking Guided Tour in Singapore

In the early 20th century, a large number of Peranakans (Straits Chinese) and Eurasians moved to Joo Chiat, joining the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities, forming a residential suburb. A growing British-educated middle class also flocked to the area.

Today, Joo Chiat’s multi-ethnic influence is most evident in its architecture and dining options. The shophouses are two-storeys high and brightly coloured, and the colonial bungalows are lined up side by side, with ornate facades, intricate patterns, and ceramic tiles.

You’ll also find quirky cafes alongside stalls selling Katong’s famous laksa, kueh chang, and other Nonya delicacies. Joo Chiat is often combined with nearby Katong to form a fascinating heritage resort. A 2001 book on Joo Chiat notes that, for many, the terms Joo Chiat and Katong are almost interchangeable.

Getting to Joo Chiat in Singapore

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Joo Chiat is a great place to explore Peranakan culture in Singapore. You can go to there by MRT or bus. If you are travelling by MRT, get off at Eunos Station (EW7) on the East West Line, then walk for about 10-15 minutes or take bus 2, 7, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30, 51, 76, 154 or 155. If you want to travel more conveniently, you can rent a car with a driver, allowing you to explore the city on your own itinerary.

In addition to Joo Chiat Complex, you can also visit other places such as Katong, East Coast Park, or Old Airport Road Food Centre to fully experience Singapore’s culture and cuisine.

Suggested Dining in Joo Chiat Area in Singapore (#top things to do in Joo Chiat)

Singapore Car Rental with Driver to Universal Studios Singapore/Marina Bay Sands by Zenith

Joo Chiat is an extremely great area for those who want to explore Peranakan cuisine and culture in Singapore. With its colourful streets, quaint houses and a plethora of mouth-watering eateries, Joo Chiat promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience.

Micro Bakery & Kitchen (#top things to do in Joo Chiat)

• Address: 63 E Coast Rd, #01-06, Singapore 428776
• Hours: 8:30 AM–4 PM/Mondays, Tuesdays: Closed

Micro is a small bakery that is always full of fresh breads baked daily. You will feel right at home sitting in Micro’s cozy space. Order a cup of coffee and dishes such as green butter tartine or mushroom toast for a perfect and energizing snack. In addition, the bakery is located inside the iconic red building, one of the best preserved heritage buildings in Singapore, so it is worth a visit.

Little Farms (#What to do in Joo Chiat)

• Address: 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427664
• Hours: 7:30 AM–9:30 PM

Little Farms is a one-stop shop for all-natural and organic produce, meat, seafood, dairy and groceries of the highest quality and freshness. The Café and Bistro next door offers delicious and healthy food and drinks; you can enjoy some of the best coffee and tea in Singapore. Try the imported Australian avocados, with their soft and creamy filling that tastes great on toast, you will be surprised at how fresh they are!

Blue Smoke

• Address: 261 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427515
• Hours: 4–9:15 PM/Monday: Closed

Singapore Sidecars Heritage Tours

This eatery used to be called The 1925 Brewing Co, known for its traditional Teochew menu with Teochew seafood cocktails and fish porridge, but they have since changed their name to Blue Smoke. Now it’s an Asian smokehouse from the folks behind The 1925 Brewery. One of the new additions is the “Sai Ua” grilled sausage, a grilled pork sausage inspired by the flavors of Northern Thailand. Both are available in limited quantities each day, so you’ll need to get there early before they sell out.

328 Katong Laksa

• Address: 51 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428770
• Hours: 9:30 AM–9:30 PM

Laksa is one of Singapore’s most popular national dishes, especially since it has its own local variation: Katong laksa. Developed by the Peranakan community living in the East of Singapore, Katong laksa has become world-famous, largely because 328 Katong Laksa took on chef Gordon Ramsay in a competition and their recipe won! The dish stands out for a few things: the orange, rich coconut milk, the toppings ranging from prawns to cockles, and most notably, Katong laksa is eaten with a spoon instead of chopsticks. The noodles are thinly sliced, so you can scoop them up like you would with rice.

Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice

• Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428977

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Our signature dish starts with fresh kampung chicken, slow-cooked to preserve the pure flavour, resulting in fragrant, tender and succulent meat. This chicken dish is served with savoury rice and a house-made sauce. Head to Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice and enjoy authentic, hearty and nutritious food that has been perfected over decades. Of the three outlets islandwide, the one at East Coast Road will satisfy all your chicken rice cravings in Joo Chiat Singapore.

Shopping Tips When Visiting Joo Chiat Singapore

Joo Chiat is not only famous for its rich Peranakan cuisine but also a shopping paradise with unique and culturally-inspired items. Here are some shopping places you should visit when in Joo Chiat:

Onlewo

• Address: 17 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427747

Onlewo is built on inspiration from its Singaporean roots to create designs with stories. Evoking Singaporean and Asian heritage, places and cultures, it is expressed through homewares, fashion and lifestyle, hoping to connect people and memories, new conversations and passions. Onlewo is the place to go for all things beautifully designed. From wallpaper to home decor, bags and even notebooks, you’ll find a ton of great stuff here.

A Vintage Tale

• Address: 277 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427531
• Hours: Monday: Closed/11:30 AM–6:30 PM/Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM

Singapore Peranakan Chinese Culture and Heritage Private Museum

This little vintage shop is a must-visit if you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe. A Vintage Tale pops up like a splash of colour in the middle of Joo Chiat, housing a collection of clothing and accessories from major international fashion brands from the 50s to the 90s. You will find unique pieces from iconic designers such as Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Versace… Along with that, there is a wide range of precious vintage jewellery from long-standing brands such as Trifari, Fendi, Prada…

Cat Socrates

• Address: 448 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427661
• Hours: 10 AM–6 PM

Cat Socrates is an impressively stylish store, offering a wide range of beautifully designed products for your daily needs, including books and stationery, home decor, kitchenware and furniture, potted plants, handbags and fashion accessories, and cute souvenirs. You will also find convenient jewellery – local designs inspired by Singapore, making great souvenirs.

Crane Living

• Address: 280 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427534
• Hours: 11 AM–6 PM

My Heart Beads for Peranakan: A Joo Chiat Experience

Crane Living, a unique homewares store, is part of the Crane work club of the same name. The Joo Chiat branch is housed in a stylish three-storey townhouse, showcasing minimalist furniture, wabi sabi accessories and unique items for your home. Collaborations with independent designers have created a fun and meaningful shopping space at Crane Living. The brand is committed to recycling and sustainability, creating a comfortable and meaningful shopping experience.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang

• Address: 60 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427784
• Hours: 9 AM–9 PM

The shop is a Peranakan treasure that has been around since 1945. The third-generation custodians of Mrs Kim Choo Kueh Chang have dedicated themselves to preserving her recipes and the beloved art of wrapping triangular rice dumplings to this day. Kim Choo Kueh Chang’s mission is to share Peranakan culture and its rich culinary heritage with all who are willing. You should come here to find local delicacies to bring home as souvenirs.

Joo Chiat Highlight attractions (#What to do in Joo Chiat)

Joo Chiat, a quaint neighbourhood in Singapore, is the ideal destination for those who want to explore the unique Peranakan culture. Famous for its brightly coloured houses, ancient temples and traditional shophouses, Joo Chiat will bring you a unique cultural experience.

Katong Antique House

• Address: 208 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428907

Story of Singapore

Katong Antique House is a pure living memory. This Peranakan house is perfectly preserved as it was in the past, filled with family heirlooms, including traditional Peranakan crockery, jewellery, costumes, accessories, furniture and photos of Singapore’s previous generations of Babas and Bibiks.

This vast collection was made possible by the 40-year effort of Mr Peter Wee, a fourth-generation Peranakan who inherited the house from his grandfather in 1966. Although he has passed away, his legacy, along with Peranakan culture and heritage, continues to live on in this irreplaceable museum.

The Intan

• Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
• Hours: 7 AM–10 PM

The Intan Museum offers visitors a sense of old-world Peranakan charm. It is a treasure trove of Peranakan furniture, costumes, trinkets and even old black and white photographs – all owned by collector Alvin Yapp, who is also of Peranakan descent.

The Intan Peranakan House Museum

Join Alvin as he wanders around the commercial housing estate and learn about the rich history, culture and even embroidery of the Peranakans. The one-hour tour includes tea, while the two-hour tour includes lunch or dinner of authentic Nonya dishes prepared by his mother.

Eurasian Heritage Gallery

• Address: 139 Ceylon Rd, The Eurasian Association, Singapore 429744
• Hours: Monday: Closed/10 AM–6 PM

Eurasian Heritage Gallery is a Eurasian Heritage Gallery that offers an insight into the lives of Singapore’s Eurasian community. Located in the heart of Katong, the gallery showcases the community’s most prominent personalities, the history of Eurasians in Singapore and their culture, including weddings, traditional costumes and cuisine, among other interesting things.

Colourful Peranakan Houses

The main star of Joo Chiat Singapore and Katong is undoubtedly the charming two- and three-storey shophouses, rich in heritage and culture. Take a stroll along Koon Seng Road or Joo Chiat Road, where you will find the popular eye-catching decorations decorated with ceramic Peranakan motifs, geometric tiles, pastel colours and even Chinese couplets that are believed to bring good luck.

Inside the Singaporean Chinese

You will come across the Rumah Bebe house with its eye-catching blue exterior and bright Peranakan tiles. Then take a stroll down to Lotus, a row of 18 white-washed shophouses with intricately carved green windows and doors.

Feet Haven Reflexology

Singapore Iconic Landmarks Tour

A rest stop after exploring the Joo Chiat area is more relaxing than you think, and Feet Haven Reflexology is the place to be. This is no ordinary spa, with a cosy space enhanced by hanging lamps, floor lamps and quirky furniture to make you feel more at ease. Under the hands of experienced masseuses, the popular 60-minute foot massage will have your feet feeling like new again.

Good Hotels in Joo Chiat – Singapore

Hotels in Joo Chiat range in style and price, from budget hotels to luxury boutique hotels. You can easily find a place to stay that suits your needs and budget.

Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality

• Address: 25 Marine Parade Singapore 449536
• Reference price: from $171.10/night

An exciting experience awaits you at Village Hotel Katong! Located in the heart of Katong district, this hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. The first thing you notice here is how the brightly colored interiors elegantly reflect the intricate Peranakan architecture. From the hotel, you can walk to explore the unique local culture with delicious street food, and light entertainment activities. (agoda, booking)

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

• Address: 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
• Reference price: $265.81/night

Located on the site of the former Joo Chiat Police Station, the boutique Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is an interesting mix of modern architecture and old houses (the former Joo Chiat Police Station), featuring a unique design inspired by Peranakan culture, with everything from artistic murals to tiles in the 131 guest rooms paying homage to the surrounding area. Get ready to explore the rich cultural heritage of Joo Chiat and Kating, home to many conservation buildings and local food paradise. (agoda, booking)

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy

• Address: 50 East Coast Road, Marine Parade Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
• Reference price: $148.42/night

The Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy is located in the heart of Katong and is just a 15-minute drive from Changi Airport. The hotel offers almost everything that visitors require for an authentic Singapore travel experience. You can also enjoy cuisine at Wave Café, Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant and Feast Roxy. A short walk away is the East Coast Park and the new Coastal PlayGrove – an ideal place for families. (agoda, booking)

Champion Hotel

• Address: 60 Joo Chiat Road #01-06, Singapore 427726
• Reference price: $85.27/night

Champion Hotel is a trendy and cozy boutique hotel, nestled charmingly along Joo Chiat Road, famous for its multicultural heritage and vibrancy. The newly renovated and refurbished rooms are housed in a 4-storey historic building, with spacious design and warm décor, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay. Besides, you can choose from a wide range of nearby eateries to satisfy your culinary cravings day and night, and don’t forget the interesting tourist attractions around. (agoda, booking)

ibis budget Singapore Joo Chiat

• Address: 219 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427485
• Reference price: 1,615,000 VND / night

ibis budget Singapore Joo Chiat is located in the suburb of Joo Chiat, a 15-minute drive from Changi International Airport. This cozy hotel offers affordable accommodation with free on-site parking. The air-conditioned rooms at ibis budget Singapore Joo Chiat are equipped with cable TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has a private bathroom with shower facilities. The hotel also provides laundry services for you. In addition, it can help you arrange guided tours. (agoda, booking)

With these suggestions, Klook hopes that you will be able to explore Katong and Joo Chiat, awaken your senses, and learn more about the history of the Peranakan land. Don’t forget to prepare a 4G SIM card to easily contact your loved ones as well as post check-in photos on Instagram and Facebook as quickly as possible. Everyone is sure to love it and give lots of hearts to your lovely photos!

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Singapore travel blog — The fullest Singapore travel guide blog for a budget trip to Singapore for the first-timers.