Joo Chiat/Katong Heritage & Food Tour
Joined 2023
Get up close with the sights and flavours of Joo Chiat, one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Singapore, and learn about the area's heritage and culture through the buildings, wall murals and yummy eats. Once filled with coconut plantations and used as a weekend retreat by wealthy city dwellers, Joo Chiat is known for its beautifully conserved shophouses, quaint stores and as a foodie's paradise.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Preferred Location (Hotel, Airport Arrival Hall, Cruise Centre ...)
- Welcome and introduction of tour itinerary and driver.
Katong/Joo Chiat
Start the day with freshly brewed local coffee and learn the local Coffee Lingo at a Kopitiam (Coffee Shop) that has been in the area since the 1950s.
Conserved Terrace Houses
These single-storey terrace houses with an eclectic mix of local architecture style infused with western influence stand beside a former sea wall where the beach used to be. See an interesting wall mural that makes reference to the name of the area.
Shop Selling Local Snacks
Taste delicious Teochew snacks and hear about the different cooking methods of Chinese dialect groups.
Food Court
A trip to Katong is incomplete without trying a bowl of Laksa (thick vermicelli cooked in a coconut broth infused with spices). Be enthralled with the stories of the "Laksa War" between the numerous sellers there that claimed to be the original Laksa.
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Admire the architecture of this Hindu Temple that has been here since the mid 19th century and learn about some of the religious practices of the Hindus.
Kim Choo Kueh Chang
This shop was started by an enterprising illiterate Chinese lady who started selling dumplings under a Banyan tree to feed her family of young children. Learn why dumplings are eaten during Dragon Boat Festival (one of the many festivals celebrated by the Chinese) and find out who the Peranakans are. Sample the many array of Peranakan kuehs (Malay for snacks/cakes).
Open-air Carpark
Capture insta-moments with two colourful wall murals found in this area while hunting for other interesting eats.
Local Coffeeshop (optional)
The Roti Prata (a popular Indian food normally taken during breakfast among the locals) served here is flipped to perfection to give the right amount of crispiness on the edges and a fairly fluffy interior. Can be eaten on its own or with the free curry gravy provided. By now, you'll probably appreciate a cold drink to beat the heat.
Early 20th century Conserved Peranakan Houses
The beautiful street lined with colourful houses provides the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot. You may wish to get your coffee fix or a refreshing kombucha at the close by cafe.
Dunman Road Food Centre
This Food Centre houses 30 stalls that serve delicious local food at affordable prices. Must tries are the Tau Kwa Pok (fried bean curd stuffed with chopped ingredients such as braised eggs, cucumber and taro); Vadai (an Indian savoury fried snack) and Rojak (local salad of mixed vegetables and fruits tossed in a sweet and sour sauce).
Dunman Food Centre
Pick up for transfer to Hotel
Ending Point
Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide Fee
Transportation for pick-up and drop-off
Morning Coffee at Kopitiam
Food/Snacks & Drinks
Estimated expenses for food S$35 per pax
Entrance fees, if any.
Tour Important Information
• Transportation is provided for pick-up and drop-off only.
• This tour involves walking so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• If you wish to enter the temple, please ensure clothing is appropriate.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Tricia L.
Known among her friends as an Energiser Bunny (cue the Duracell Battery advertisement) for her boundless energy and playful personality, Tricia has always been the “Chief Officer of Fun” and unofficial Tourist Guide for her expatriate colleagues while working with a global hotel group. Many weekends have been spent taking friends for long walks or cycling trips to every nook and cranny in Singapore to uncover its – many – hidden gems.
Tricia is extremely passionate about sharing stories of this Little Red Dot of a country she calls home. Her interests encompass food, culture, heritage and street art. Instead of doing run-of-the-mill tours, she will try and find out the interests of her guests before deciding where to take them, and her sunny, friendly disposition puts people at ease.
She is extremely proud of the great work that the Urban Redevelopment Authority is doing and volunteers at the Singapore City Gallery managed by them.
$380/ per group
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