Joo Chiat is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Singapore. Stretching out from Marine Parade Road, past Katong and East Coast Road, and onwards to Geylang, Joo Chiat Road is lined with historic shophouses that house eateries that have made Joo Chiat food known, as well as quaint shops and some sought-after sights.
It is a historic neighbourhood in Singapore that is steeped in Peranakan culture and heritage, deserving of its renown with vibrant shophouses, tantalising food, and captivating attractions.
Joo Chiat Guide: Exploring the Historic & Trendy Neighbourhood
As you wander through the enchanting streets of Joo Chiat, you can marvel at the colourful shophouses adorned with intricate Peranakan floral motifs, geometric tiles, and Chinese couplets.
When it comes to shopping, Joo Chiat offers a treasure trove of indie retail stores. Discover unique and eclectic products at establishments.
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Joo Chiat Road is well worth taking a walk down. The entirety of Joo Chiat Road from East Coast Road to Geylang Road is only 1.4 km one way. That makes it an easy stroll even with kids in tow.
Joo Chiat Food: 6 Spots to Check Out
You will find no shortage of food along Joo Chiat Road and the adjacent neighbourhood of Katong.
Old-time restaurants sit side-by-side with hip new eateries and cafes. While we can’t cover all the food places in Joo Chiat, here are some establishments that you can look out for.
PRAIRIE by Craftsman
Located close to East Coast Road, PRAIRIE by Craftsman has a modern and artsy vibe. You can enjoy hearty brunch options here like the housemade sourdough with ham, eggs and salad, or go with something even heartier here like the Big Breakfast. Other items on the menu include mains like fish and chips as well as seared steak.
Where: 462 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427674
Website: PRAIRIE by Craftsman
Choice Cuts Pizza & Records
A New York slice in Joo Chiat? That’s what Choice Cuts serves. The shop offers New York-style pizza by the slice or as an entire pie and also sells records. It is an interesting combination that is music to our ears!
Read about the New York-style pizza at Choice Cuts Pizza & Records.
Where: 446 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427659
Website: Choice Cuts Pizza & Records
Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh
For a dose of old school, duck into Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh. With food menus on the wall, it is almost as if time has reversed backwards by several decades. The bak kut teh here is the herbal sort and you can order other dishes like sesame chicken too. Expect a queue if you visit during peak times.
Where: 439 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427652
Hello Arigato
Get your sandos made with Japanese shokupan bread and coffee here at Hello Arigato. If you are looking for a cafe along Joo Chiat for a break, pop in and order a beverage and chill.
Where: 314 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427565
Website: Hello Arigato
Dunman Food Centre
Just off Joo Chiat Road, along Koon Seng Road, is Dunman Food Centre. The two-storey food centre offers honest hawker fare. Amongst the stores that are worth trying are the popiah, kway chap and wonton noodles. Our go-to here is the tau kwa pau or stuffed beancurd. Head to the lower level where you can order this delicious snack to go or to eat there.
Where: 271 Onan Rd, Singapore 424768
Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe
If you like banh mi, give Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe a try. The baguette is crispy and the ingredients are fresh. You must also try the Vietnamese drip coffee. For a variation, try the Salted Iced Coffee!
Where: 263 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427517
Website: Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe
If you enjoy Vietnamese food, you may also wish to check out this Vietnamese cafe.
Joo Chiat Shops: 6 Highlights
Joo Chiat Road is home to many quaint shops. If you enjoy browsing and uncovering little discoveries from independent proprietors, make your way down to explore the shophouses along Joo Chiat Road.
Here are five shops, among the many, along Joo Chiat Road.
Cat Socrates
This is not a pet shop but it does have a resident cat. Inside, you will find so many interesting and local items that make it a browsing paradise. It is a cosy little spot that will have you lingering around looking at the books, souvenirs, homewares and more.
Where: 448 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427661
Website: Cat Socrates
Singapore Trading Post
Love hunting for something unique for the home? Pop into Singapore Trading Post and shop from its cool collection of home decor items and ornaments. You may just be able to find that hidden gem that you have been looking for.
Where: 426 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427644
Website: Singapore Trading Post
Teong Theng
It is getting harder to find shops like Teong Theng, a shop that sells old-school rattan furniture along with bamboo and other wooden furniture items. It has been around since 1945 and it is worth have a look.
Where: 321 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427572
A Vintage Tale
Shop for clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the 1990s at A Vintage Tale. The colourful shop has such a vibe and is great for doing a spot of shopping. You may well discover some great finds in this charming boutique shop that fits in perfectly with the overall atmosphere of Joo Chiat.
Where: 277 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427531
Website: A Vintage Tale
The Cheese Shop
Right next to Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe is The Cheese Shop. If you are a cheese lover or enthusiast, pay a visit and you may just leave with some interesting cheeses. They have a wide selection of hard and soft cheeses, plus a selection of wines to go with them as well.
Where: 267 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427521
Website: The Cheese Shop
Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah
One of our childhood memories was heading to Joo Chiat to buy freshly made popiah skin. You can still purchase these handmade popiah skins at Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah, a shop that has been around since 1938. Visit in the mornings on weekends to watch the popiah skin makers in action.
Where: 95 Joo Chiat Road #01-01 Singapore 427389
Website: Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah
Sights in Joo Chiat
Joo Chiat Road is fun to explore because you discover swanky and hip new places next door to old businesses that have been around for generations. That in itself is one of the charms of Joo Chiat. But there is more to keep a look out for as you walk down Joo Chiat.
Joo Chiat Murals
There are several murals adorning the buildings along Joo Chiat Road. These Joo Chiat murals are painted on the buildings on both sides of the road. These include buildings such as the Joo Chiat Community Club.
Two of our favourite Joo Chiat Murals can be found facing each other at the J0017 Joo Chiat Road Car Park.
A History of Healing by Tell Your Children is a tribute to the building’s past when it was the Joo Chiat Maternal and Child Health Clinic, and also reflects on the themes of life and healing.
Opposite from it is a mural featuring cats called Jalan Jalan by Didier Jaba Mathieu.
Koon Seng Road Colourful Houses
Another spot that draws visitors is the colourful houses along Koon Seng Road, just off Joo Chiat. It is a popular photo spot.
We also enjoy admiring the Peranakan tiles found on the houses opposite the Koon Seng Road Colourful Houses.
Koon Seng Park
If you need to take a break from all the shophouses along Joo Chiat Road, there is Koon Seng Park, a little green space with a small playground that is just a stone’s throw away from the Koon Seng Colourful Houses. Dog owners may also be interested to know that there is a dog run at Koon Seng Park. Find out more about Koon Seng Park.
The Intan
Off Joo Chiat Road and along Joo Chiat Terrace, you will find The Intan. This is a home museum where you can be introduced to Peranakan culture. Find out more about The Intan.
Where: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231 (by appointment only)
Website: The Intan
Eurasian Heritage Gallery
Learn more about the Eurasian community in Singapore, prominent Eurasian Singaporeans and their various achievements at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery at Ceylon Road, a short distance away from Joo Chiat Road. Find out more about the Eurasian Heritage Gallery.
Where: 139 Ceylon Rd, The Eurasian Association, Singapore 429744
Website: Eurasian Heritage Gallery
Exploring Joo Chiat
There are so many other businesses, shops and eateries that we did not mention in this story. We are sure that if you head down, you will discover your own favourite little gems along this historic yet trendy neighbourhood. So what are you waiting for, pay a visit and re-discover Joo Chiat all over again.
