Joanna James
Portal into Singapore’s most Insta-worthy heritage quarter and prepare to be swept away by pastel-hued shophouses, hip cafes, and artisan boutiques. Here’s how to savour Katong-Joo Chiat’s richly diverse offerings.
Whether you’re a luxury brand connoisseur headed for Singapore’s swanky shopping boulevards or a budget traveller seeking authentic experiences in culture-rich enclaves, Singapore’s most iconic old-school Peranakan neighbourhood is well worth a gander. With so many stimulating scenes vying for your attention, it’s best to prepare yourself with an itinerary detailing every aspect of your adventure, including your non-negotiable attractions. The Straits Enclave is a great place to start if you’re looking for a theatrical old-world backdrop for an atmospheric photoshoot during your history-riddled tour. Here, you can steep in the vibrant grandeur of oriental heirlooms and heritage motifs, join a traditional beading workshop, or taste an assortment of Peranakan delicacies. The Intan, with its exquisite ethnic décor, from ornate tableware and hand-painted tiffin carriers to intricately carved furnishings and embroidered fabrics, is another must-visit for aesthetes.
From the Bollywood-worthy setting of Little India and the colourfully quaint labyrinths of Chinatown to the old-meets-new glamour of Geylang and the eclectic enclaves of Kampong Gelam and Bugis, all of Singapore’s vibey heritage quarters are within walking distance of each other. However, Joo Chiat’s gorgeous lineup of heterogeneous heritage shophouses truly feels like walking into a living mural, especially if you like a harmonious clash of architectural styles and design motifs, from Malay-European to Chinese Baroque. Walking into these expressive edifices and discovering adorable cafes, indie boutiques, and mini museums is part of the charm. If you’re photo-obsessed, consider a detour to Geylang’s Victorian-style Hip Xiong Photo Studio for a timeless tinplate photograph.
Whether you fancy exquisite kebayas tailored with a modern twist, dainty beadwork slippers, hand-painted Peranakan crockery, or pre-loved designer threads, Joo Chiat is the ideal retail rendezvous for adventurous aesthetes. From rummaging through 1950s high-fashion wardrobe staples at A Vintage Tale and dropping into Rumah Bebe for intricately detailed traditional attire to browsing through quirky knickknacks, trendy totes, and attention-grabbing stationery at Cat Socrates, you can curate a thoughtful souvenir collection for everyone back home.
After a whirlwind day of exploring art-splattered enclaves, heirloom-decked shophouse museums, and scintillating speciality stores, refuel with a visit to one of the district’s retro eateries. Whether it’s trying out local snacks like dumplings and rainbow-hued Nyonya kueh at Kim Choo Kueh, which also happens to be a shoppable antique showroom, sampling Eurasian-style Pineapple Prawn Curry, or slurping some of the iconic Katong Laksa praised by Chef Gordon Ramsey, Joo Chiat caters to every calibre of gastronome! If you’re looking for contemporary Singapore boutique hotels that offer premier access to its nostalgic neighbourhoods, venture no further than the likes of Venue Hotel.
While this dazzling dreamscape has no shortage of unique old-meets-new experiences to savour, from immersive culture-inspired craft workshops to the deliciously innovative vegan desserts at The Olsen Bakehouse, amp the exhilaration up a notch or two with a vintage Vespa sidecar tour.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
