100378 Sitting adjacent to the Geylang district is the Joo Chiat/Katong enclave, which traditionally has been the preserve of the Peranakans, middle class locals and the wealthy merchant class.
100379 The Peranakans are descendants of 17th century Chinese and Indian immigrants who married non-Muslim natives from the Malay Archipelago.
100380 They settled in several parts throughout Singapore, but their legacy is best showcased in the colourful shophouses and homes in the Joo Chiat district which sport sculpted facades of animal reliefs and hand-crafted ceramic tiles.
100381 In fact, the area is named after a wealthy Peranakan landowner, Chew Joo Chiat, who built most of the shophouses and residential units in the area.
100382 Take a walk down Joo Chiat Road and drink in the colourful scenery of Joo Chiat's buildings.
100383 The junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road can be suitably described as the heart of Katong.
100384 Here you’ll find coffeshops selling local delicacies like tau kwa pau (minced pork in fried tofu), ba chang (rice dumplings) and the famous Katong Laksa, which are white rice noodles in a spicy coconut milk broth.
100385 Katong is a culinary wonderland with its main road (East Coast Road) dotted with a healthy variety of excellent local and international cuisine.
100386 The olden day opulence and charm of the place remains intact with traditionally Peranakan houses like Katong Antique House and Rumah Bebe.
100387 Both are great places to pick up a Peranakan outfit, snacks and homeware, and are must-visit establishments that help you learn more about Peranakan culture.
100388 For accommodation around the area, visit Le Peranankan, a boutique hotel housed in a row of conserved shophouses.
100389 Located at 400 East Coast Road, it features authentic Peranakan design, with rooms crafted in Nyonya and Baba styles.
100390 Katong also has numerous cafés and old-world coffeeshops like Chin Mee Chin and excellent culinary fixtures such as Sin Hoi Sai coffeeshop and Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice, all within a short walking distance of one another.