Joo Chiat/Katong
Located on the far east of the island are Joo Chiat and Katong which, together, make up Singapore’s first “Heritage Town.” While the neighborhood is generally a foodie’s dream, it’s the place in town for Peranakan cuisine — we’d recommend you start at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen or the family-run Guan Hoe Soon, both of which boast menus with recipes that’ve been passed down through generations. In general, though, the area is basically a foodie’s dream, home to venues like Kim Choo Kueh Chang who are famous for their huge selection of homemade bak chang (glutinous rice dumplings), the hipster Alibabar The Hawker Bar, and the famous East Coast branch of 328 Katong Laksa.
Spend the day strolling through the colorful rows of heritage houses and popping into the array of chic independent shops, including the stylish Rumah Bebe and The AC, which exclusively stocks a regular rotation of Singaporean brands.
History buffs will enjoy checking out the various Peranakan museums in the neighborhood, such as the Katong Antique House and The Intan, which house Peranakan cultural artifacts including jewelry, costumes, and photographs.
Alternatively, for outdoor enthusiasts, East Coast Park is located just 25 minutes away from Joo Chiat. Visitors can cycle or even rollerblade through the park and its adjacent 15-kilometer beach, as well as cable ski, skate in the world-class Xtreme SkatePark, or just relax and have a picnic or dine out at the several restaurants, bars, cafes along the beach.
Tiong Bahru
Another neighborhood where heritage seamlessly blends with modernity, Tiong Bahru provides visitors with a window into Singapore’s past while still boasting a plethora of modern restaurants, shops, and art murals — and this eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary has resulted in it unofficially being dubbed the island’s hippest neighborhood. Leave the high street behind and browse through the indie boutiques and bookstores where your money will go directly to local artisans who have been honing their crafts and running these businesses for decades.
But you can’t visit Tiong Bahru without popping into the iconic Tiong Bahru Bakery, which is famous for its freshly-baked bread and pastries, including their flaky Kouign Amann. Other noteworthy bakeries in the area include Tiann’s Bakery, which offers gluten-free and paleo-friendly options, and Starter Lab, who produces some of the best American-style sourdough in town.
Book lovers will have a field day browsing through the quaint bookstores that carry a mix of popular and lesser-known titles. The French Bookshop has both the latest bestselling titles and pre-loved French-language books in all genres. Coming with the young ones (or shopping for one)? Woods in the Books is a hidden gem that specializes in picture books.
And a trip to Tiong Bahru wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its art galleries. Degiosart Gallery and Art Blue Studio both showcase an eclectic mix of vintage artworks and antiques and modern artistic styles, while Grey Projects is an art space where creatives come to swap ideas and generally be inspired.
Little India and Jalan Besar
At the north of Singapore is the colorful hive of culture that is Little India. The labyrinthian mishmash of streets and alleyways are always buzzing with local flower vendors, spice shops, age-old temples, and an array of sumptuous eateries ranging from Hong Kong-style dim sum to traditional mom-and-pop Indian restaurants — and combined, truly make for an explosive sensory journey. Check out Swee Choon Dim Sum, who have been serving homemade dim sum since 1962, or The Malayan Council whose blend of Malay-Asian and Western fusion flavors means unique signature dishes like Asam Pedas Seafood Aglio Olio and Barramundi Truffle Porcini.
Culture vultures can also embark on the marked Little India Heritage Trail which highlights over 40 heritage sites that have played pivotal roles in the area’s rich past.
Other historical sites worth visiting include: Tan Teng Niah House, believed to be the last remaining Chinese villa in Little India; Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which was built in 1855 and is one of the country’s oldest religious sites; and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, which houses a 15-foot seated Buddha surrounded by lightbulbs that have also lent it its alternative name, Temple of Thousand Lights.
Of course, we can’t mention Little India without pointing you towards the famed Mustafa Centre, the gigantic 24-hour mall that sells everything you need (as well as the items you don’t). But you’ll generally be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking up local souvenirs such as beautiful silk saris and tapestries. We’d particularly recommend Jothi Store and Flower Shop, a packed and colorful establishment that in addition to flowers for religious occasions, sells a range of Indian knick-knacks and cosmetics.
Chinatown/Telok Ayer
As is the case with any reputable Chinatown, this one is booming with some of the island’s best hawker stalls. But that’s not all — this Chinatown also happens to be home to several Michelin-starred venues, so whether you want a casual streetside meal or splurge on fine dining, this neighborhood is a gourmand’s dream. Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House. For something more experimental and trendy, check out the Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning stalls at Chinatown Complex Food Center and Amoy Street Food Center.
But delicious food isn’t all that Chinatown has to offer. The district is also home to No Sleep Club and Sago House, both of which were featured on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. If you’re in the mood for more low-key vibes, Drinks & Co is a chill bottle shop and cafe combination that offers a vast variety of wine, champagne, and spirits. And if kicking back with a cold beer while savoring hawker classics like chicken rice is more your style, grab a craft beer at Smith Street Taps at the Chinatown Complex.
Located a stone’s throw away is the famous Keong Saik Road, which is home to some of the country’s hippest bars and eateries. Kafé Utu offers diverse African dishes from across the continent, while the multi-concept Potato Head houses a speakeasy, a tropical rooftop bar, and a trendy dining hall all under one roof.
Another happening neighborhood within walking distance from Chinatown is Duxton Hill, whose restaurant scene ranges from the Maxwell Food Centre with its plethora of hawker stalls to the Mexican taqueria Lucha Loco to the draft beer options at SG Taps. For shopping, Retrophonic Records is a vinyl lover’s haven, and Littered with Books is one of the island’s best independent bookstores.
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