Lesser-known things to do in Katong & Joo Chiat

When one thinks of Joo Chiat and Katong, their thoughts will often default to singing praises about the vivid shophouses and sinful bowls of laksa – all courtesy of the Peranakans of yesteryear. The ethnic group once called the neighbourhood their home in the early 20th century, and their influence on the area’s food, architecture, and traditions still echoes loudly to this day.

While some might argue that good ol’ gentrification has moulded the area beyond recognition, we beg to differ. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find a few spots that still retain that eclectic mash of cultures. You needn’t look too hard either – we’re pointing you in the direction of these lesser-known things to do in Katong, once only privy to its residents.

1. Get your caffeine fix at a literal hole-in-the-wall coffee bar

The coffee bar is tucked away in an alleyway right next to the colourful shophouses along Koon Seng Road.
Image credit: @singasecrets via Instagram

We won’t fault you for missing out on Kōhī Coffee Bar on your recent visits to the neighbourhood. It’s a literal hole-in-the-wall joint; the folks here will hand you your drinks across an unassuming, yellow bordered window and you’ll be on your merry way.

The chain originates from Bangkok, and has been dishing out cups of caffeinated goodness from their nondescript pit stop since December 2021. For an early morning pick-me-up, order their signature Kohito ($7.50), which perks the soul with a hit of mint, iced long black, and milk.

Image credit: Crane

If you’re not in a rush, you can head upstairs to have a seat as you sip on your takeaway cup of coffee. Kōhī Coffee Bar shares the building with a co-working space called Crane, and you’re more than welcome to pair your drinks with an afternoon lounging around their premises.

Address: 283 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427535
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Contact: Kōhī Coffee Bar Facebook

2. Snag vintage goods at a monthly flea market

Image credit: Vintage Flea Market by The Retro Factory via Facebook

Those constantly on the prowl for steals at thrift stores and bargain bins can swing by the monthly vintage flea markets by The Retro Factory. They set up shop right in front of Katong Square on the first Friday and weekend of each month, so do plan your shopping dates accordingly. 

Image adapted from: Vintage Flea Market by The Retro Factory & Gary Tan via Facebook

Their roving vendors rotate regularly, so repeat visits will never be boring. We’ve spotted cool knick knacks like secondhand digital cameras, vintage watches and jewellery, clothes, and various antiques. Don’t forget to head on inside Katong Square, as the entire L1 will also be repurposed as a bustling bazaar containing even more booths to ogle at.

Address: Katong Square, 88 East Coast Road, Singapore 423371
Opening hours: Fri-Sat 1pm-10pm | Sun 11am-8pm
Contact: Vintage Flea Market by The Retro Factory Facebook

3. Dig into a piping hot bowl of original Katong laksa

Image credit: Flo Yeow via Google Maps

Tanjong Katong and laksa are inextricably linked to one another; you can’t really say you’re a laksa devotee without having tasted – nay, heard of the famous 328 Katong Laksa. However, there lies a lesser-known stall within the nearby Roxy Square which gives it a good run for its money.

Image credit: @janggut_laksa via Instagram

Dubbed the original Katong laksa, Janggut Laksa has been around since the 1950s, and critics are in perpetual debate over which is the tastier of the two. To decide where your allegiance lies, dig into a bowl of Janggut Laksa (from $6.90) for yourself.

It consists of a rich, creamy broth laced with coconut milk for a pop of sweetness, poured over short vermicelli noodles and topped with prawns and sambal chilli. Do head over to the stall early, as long queues are known to form during lunchtime despite its lack of publicity.

Address: 50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-4.30pm | Sat-Sun 9am-4.30pm
Contact: 9622 1045

4. Embark on a private guided tour on Peranakan culture

Image credit: Pelago

While The Intan is the more well-known Peranakan museum in the area, for an authentic stroll down memory lane, pay a visit to Katong Antique House. The 2-storey shophouse has been converted into a private museum which hosts guided tours (from $15), showcasing artefacts steeped in 100 years of Peranakan heritage.

Image credit: Pelago

Its halls are plastered with archaic portraits of babas and nyonyas of the past, putting into perspective the many generations of Peranakans who resided in the area. Feast your eyes on hallmark trinkets from their era including masterfully crafted beaded shoes, enamel tiffin containers, and intricate porcelain wares.

The guides will even provide traditional costumes such as kebayas upon request for you to don, should you want to doll yourself up for the experience. After posing for shots to update the ‘Gram, you’ll get to munch on classic Peranakan snacks like pineapple tarts and sweets to round off the 45-minute tour. 

Address: 208 East Coast Road, Singapore 428907
Opening hours: 11am-4.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6345 8544

5. Peruse vintage vinyls & official band merch

As far as vintage vinyls go, fervent record collectors can hit up Retrocrates to try their luck. The shop is a haven for those who seek comfort in the warmth of analog sound, as it sells old-school records (from $29) from the likes of 2pac, Aerosmith, and ABBA. 

There are also turntables, speakers, and amplifiers up for sale; some of them come bundled together so even beginners can have a go at picking up the hobby effortlessly.

It seems like band tees are here to stay even in 2024, so head a couple of shops down the street to Good Vibes by Retocrates. Here they’ve got a plethora of merch (from $38) to rep your favourite artists at their upcoming concerts in Singapore. From oldies like Guns N’ Roses to contemporaries like Blackpink, their clothing range is as diverse as it gets.

Address: 450a Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427663
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm-6pm | Sat 11am-6pm | Sun 12pm-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 8718 7370 | Retrocrates website

Authentic neighbourhood experiences with IHG Hotel & Resorts

The IG-famous shophouses swathed in pastel shades along Koon Seng Road.

Even locals will find the rustic charm of Joo Chiat and Katong to be magnetic, from the decadent delicacies to the locale’s unique Peranakan heritage. This rings especially true if you’re a traveller looking to explore the culture-rich neighbourhood.

Thankfully, IHG Hotels & Resorts has got you covered, should you wish to make Katong your temporary home for a night or two.

Image credit: Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is just a stone’s throw away from the above-mentioned locations, and takes heavy inspiration from the quaint locale when it comes to designing their rooms. Have a gander at their elaborate tiles, murals, and furnishings – all reminiscent of ones that you’ll find in a Peranakan household.

There’s even an on-site boxing ring at the hotel in Phuket if you’re raring to go for a few rounds of Muay Thai sparring.
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

This integration with local neighbourhoods extends to their other hotels around the world as well. Phuket is one of the hottest destinations Singaporeans just love to jet to during extended weekends, and Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong is nestled near attractions like Doi Thep Nimit Temple and Karon Beach.

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park overlooks Merdeka 118 – the 2nd tallest building in the world.
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

For an abode more close to home, look no further than Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park. A stay here will ensure convenient travel to aerial views atop the Petronas Twin Towers, as well as delicious yet authentic roadside grub along Jalan Alor.

Beach view guestrooms at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach.
Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is even looking to further bolster its range of hotels in Indonesia in the coming months. Heading into 2024, tourists to the Lagoi Beach and Dago Pakar neighbourhoods will be able to rely on Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach and Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar respectively, to be their homely respites for their trips. 

Find out more about Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Cover image adapted from: Vintage Flea Market by The Retro Factory via Facebook, @singasecrets via Instagram