Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Katong in Singapore
- Where is Katong?
- What is Katong’s main street?
- How to Get to Katong
- What to See and Do
- Visit the Katong Antique House
- Admire the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
- Learn about Peranakan Culture at the Eurasian Heritage Centre
- Stroll in East Coast Park
- Where to Eat and Drink in Katong
- Awfully Chocolate
- Guan Hoe Soon
- 328 Katong Laksa
- Baba Chews
- Where to Shop in Katong
- The Intan
- Rumah Babe
- Joo Chiat Complex
- La Tienda
- FAQs
Today, I’ll be your neighbourhood guide to Katong, Singapore’s East Coast heritage hub that was once a seaside escape for the rich. It’s a standout for its Peranakan roots, colourful shophouses, and food traditions you won’t find in the CBD.
We’ll run through the essentials, such as heritage landmarks, photogenic pastel facades, must-try eats, and more. Think of it as a local’s take on exploring the area without missing its best corners!
Where is Katong?
Katong is tucked into Marine Parade on Singapore’s East Coast. It’s centred on the East Coast and Joo Chiat Roads. From the city, the neighbourhood is just around 20 minutes away.
What is Katong’s main street?
Katong’s main street is East Coast Road, and Joo Chiat Road serves as a parallel path to old-world charm and dining.
How to Get to Katong
By MRT: The easiest way to get to Katong is to take the Thomson-East Coast Line and alight at Marine Parade (TE26). From Exit 3, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Katong stretch along East Coast Road near Roxy Square.
By bus: Several bus routes run along East Coast Road and Marine Parade Road. Simply alight at Roxy Square (stops 92119/92111) right in the heart of the neighbourhood.
What to See and Do
Visit the Katong Antique House
Image from kaministoryteller
Address: 208 E Coast Rd
Contact: +6563458544
Hours: By appointment via [email protected]
Price: $
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To get the feeling of being in someone’s Peranakan living room, I highly recommend visiting the Katong Antique House. It’s run by Mr Peter Wee, and is packed floor-to-ceiling with heirlooms, furniture, and family treasures that keep history alive.
Visits are strictly by appointment, so you’ll want to call or email ahead before showing up.
Admire the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Image from whatsusiesaw
Address: 19 Ceylon Rd
Contact: +6563458176
Hours: Daily, 6.30 AM–noon, 6.30–9 PM
Price: Free entry
Website
As one of Katong’s oldest landmarks, Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple’s interiors look and feel like being embraced by a serene pocket of history. The intricate carvings stand out against the otherwise quiet residential stretch.
Admission is free, but it’s good to observe temple etiquette. Remove your shoes and keep your voice low.
Learn about Peranakan Culture at the Eurasian Heritage Centre
Image from qua.sg
Address: 139 Ceylon Rd, The Eurasian Association
Contact: +6564471578
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM
Price: $
Website
The Eurasian Heritage Centre is a place I like to point out to friends when they want to dig into culture beyond the usual Katong food trail. The galleries trace the roots of Singapore’s Eurasian community, weaving in its stories, photos, and traditions.
It doesn’t take too long to go through, but it adds depth to understanding why this neighbourhood has such a rich, layered identity.
Stroll in East Coast Park
Address: East Coast Park Service Road
Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry
Website
For a nature reset after wandering around Katong’s busy streets, take a stroll in East Coast Park. A short walk takes you straight to the waterfront, where I like to catch the sea breeze or cycle along the shaded paths.
Sunsets there never disappoint, and the area becomes more magical during nightfall.
Where to Eat and Drink in Katong
Awfully Chocolate
Image from fivestonesg
Address: 131 E Coast Rd
Contact: +6563452190
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM–10 PM
- Friday, 11 AM–11 PM
- Saturday, 10 AM–11 PM
Price: $$
Website
Awfully Chocolate on East Coast Road surprised me with more than just sweets. I had the beef mille-feuille, with its crisp and airy puff pastry, and tender, well-portioned meat inside.
What sealed the deal for me was the chocolate sauce, which I didn’t expect to work but managed to tie the dish together nicely!
Guan Hoe Soon
Image from guanhoesoon
Address: 200 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01
Contact: +6563442761
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–3 PM, 5.30–9.30 PM
Price: $$
Website
Being in Guan Hoe Soon feels like stepping back into old Katong. It’s one of Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurants, and its decor matches the heritage vibe.
The owner suggested we try the roast pork, usually a pre-order dish, and it was worth it for its succulence!
328 Katong Laksa
Image from annie.k.to
Address: 216 East Coast Road
Contact: 659732 8163
Hours: Daily, 9.30 AM–10 PM
Price: $
Website
328 Katong Laksa is a must-stop for me when I’m in the area. The laksa carries more heat than it looks, and its broth is rich and creamy from the coconut milk.
Don’t worry about messy fork or chopstick slurps here, as the noodles are cut short and springy, so they’re easy to eat with just a spoon.
Baba Chews
Image from babachews
Address: 86 E Coast Rd, Katong Square
Contact: +6567232025
Hours: Daily, 6.30 AM–10.30 PM
Price: $$
Website
Baba Chews is one of those Katong Spots worth coming back to, especially for its steak-frites. The Asian spice sauce gives the skewered beef an unexpected kick that makes it memorable.
Even the rice dishes stand out, cooked perfectly to balance the richness of its meat dishes.
Where to Shop in Katong
The Intan
Image from photophactorysg
Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace
Contact: +6564401148
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–10 PM (advanced booking preferred)
Price: $$$
Website
The Intan may look like just another Katong terraced house from the street, but inside, it’s a treasure trove of Peranakan life. Every corner is filled with antiques, beadwork, and furniture that make the culture feel lived-in rather than from a distant past.
I like that you can also bring a piece of its charm home; there’s a small collection of merchandise for sale, from beaded accessories to Peranakan-style homeware.
Rumah Babe
Image from rumahbebe
Address: 113 E Coast Rd
Contact: +6562478781
Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM
- Sunday, 11.30 AM–6.30 PM
Price: $$
Website
Rumah Babe feels less like a shop and more like stepping into a Nyonya’s home. The place is filled with history, from the tiled facade to the charming space where you can sit down for high tea or lunch.
You can also browse and bring home part of the culture with Peranakan-style crockery, clothing, and accessories for sale.
Joo Chiat Complex
Image from lord_vj
Address: 1 Joo Chiat Rd
Contact: +6567469965
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Website
For a slice of Katong that feels lived-in rather than polished, head over to Joo Chiat Complex. The corridors there twist and turn, with old tiles and layouts that make it feel more like a community hub than a mall.
Shopping there has a slower, friendlier rhythm, be it for gold jewellery or household goods, and you’ll find plenty of merchandise that speaks to the Malay-Muslim community.
La Tienda
Image from latienda_sg
Address: 370 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01
Contact: +6597740688
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM–6.30 PM
Price: $$
Website
La Tienda has the atmosphere of a curated little world that’s part Little India, part Mediterranean. The space is cosy and full of character, with every corner showing off the owner’s eye for unique pieces.
It’s a pleasure to browse through, but I couldn’t resist picking up garments, small gifts, and home decor I wouldn’t find in a regular shop.
