Carissa NgKatong is a vibrant and charming neighbourhood in Singapore, and well-known as one of the country’s BEST foodie destinations! The legacy of Peranakans is best seen in Katong through the pre-war architecture – shophouses and terrace houses with intricate motifs and ceramic tiles that have been delicately preserved.
Peranakans are descendants of Chinese and Indian immigrants who married indigenous Malay women in the 15th century. Get the unique chance to learn about Peranakan culture when you stroll past beautiful heritage shophouses, quaint stores, and eateries with a long cultural history.
Image credit: Martin Kaftan on Flickr
Amidst modern high-rise buildings in urban Singapore, Katong is a breath of fresh air with its lively atmosphere and distinct street art that makes it so attractive. You’re definitely in for a treat when you visit the Katong neighbourhood!
Prepare your stomachs for a feast as we’ve specially collated 6 iconic food eateries with local flavours you MUST visit in the area.
Rumah Bebe
Image credit: Rumah Bebe
Rumah Bebe is a quaint little Peranakan heritage boutique that will amaze you with its colourful displays of beadwork, embroidery, batik, jewellery, silverware and porcelain, that are so intricate and beautifully exquisite. Hidden within the boutique is Nyonya Nosh, the in-house bake-cook shop which is a gem in providing tantalising homemade Peranakan dishes.
Image credit: Rumah Bebe
Using only the freshest and finest ingredients available, Bebe the founder, painstakingly handcrafts all her signature dishes, tarts, pastries, dumplings, cakes, spices and sauces to provide quality Peranakan cuisine. The characteristic Nyonya cuisine blends the best of both worlds – Malay and Chinese cuisine, and features Indonesian influences as well with the use of spices and coconut milk. Enjoy local favourites like Kueh Pie Tee, Ngoh Hiang and Ayam Buah Keluak served with quintessential Peranakan porcelain cutlery.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Image credit: TheBestSingapore
Chin Mee Chin is an old school coffee shop that has been serving locals with great coffee, Half-Boiled Eggs and Kaya Toast for generations. They also sell Egg Tarts, Cupcakes, and Cream Puffs. The food is cheap and real good, and you get to enjoy a simple yet hearty breakfast in an authentic, traditional setting.
328 Katong Laksa
Image credit: YourSingapore
You can’t visit Katong neighbourhood without slurping up a delicious, spicy bowl of Katong Laksa! Let your tastebuds be delighted with the thick laksa gravy that is so addictive. Famously known as the stall that competed against British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay in 2013 and won with its signature dish, the gravy is prepared with shrimp paste, coconut milk and cockles for that winning fragrance and piquant flavour that everybody loves.
Beach Road Prawn Mee Eating House
Image credit: Jonathan Lin
LOOKS SO DELICIOUS! This is one of the most popular places for Prawn Mee in Singapore, and people from all over the island just to have a satisfying meal. Housed in a no-frills coffee shop, this is where you can enjoy bowls of jumbo prawns in a rich flavourful broth and chewy yellow noodles, topped with fried lard bits and fried shallots. You can also enjoy fried Ngoh Hiang or Pork Rib Noodles along with your prawn noodles.
Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice
Image credit: Five Star Chicken Rice
You definitely can’t leave Singapore without tasting our local favourite: Chicken Rice! Visit Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice for your fix and sample many other dishes as well, such as Sambal Kang Kong, Claypot Tofu, Salted Egg Sotong and more! Their signature dish is cooked using kampung chicken that is cooked in the traditional Hainanese style, tender and succulent, and served with house-made chilli and ginger sauces that will leave your mouth watering for more.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak
Image credit: Punggol Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is one of the must-try local foods in Singapore, and Punggol Nasi Lemak in Tanjong Katong is one of the top few vendors that sell the best Nasi Lemak available on our little island. The amalgamation of flavourful coconut rice, crispy chicken wings, and spicy sambal sauce will leave you feeling extremely satisfied and happy.
Also Read: 16 Local Foods You Must Try in Singapore
Where to stay?
One day is not going to be enough to finish exploring the whole Katong neighbourhood, so we recommend that you stay nearby or in Katong itself so you’ll have daily doses of yummy goodies.
Our top choice is Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong which is located in the heart of this cultural district.
Image credit: Hotel Indigo
The guestrooms feature elegant, contemporary Peranakan-inspired designs with a colourful twist – perfect for those who seek a unique local hotel experience. Furthermore, get to enjoy traditional Peranakan cuisine with a contemporary twist in the hotel at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery. Sample popular dishes like Ayam Buah Keluak, a famous Peranakan chicken stew dish, and Foie Gras Tau Kwa Pau, consisting of fried beancurd stuffed with various ingredients. A hotel with a local flavour – what’s not to love? Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong also houses an infinity pool that promises picturesque panoramic views for you.
Head down to the Katong neighbourhood and explore it on your next visit to Singapore!
