Ultimate Guide to Joo Chiat: An Epic Neighbourhood To Explore In Singapore

BEST BAKERIES TO VISIT IN JOO CHIAT: Unique Bakeries And Cafes In Singapore

Whether you want a coffee to sip on, a delicious pastry, or a yummy breakfast, the following bakeries are not to be missed by foodies looking for a fix in Joo Chiat.

* Petit Pain Bakery (Joo Chiat Bakery With Amazing Croissants)

It’s a hidden gem known to locals and tourists who have done their research. You’ll find delicious flaky croissants, unique pastries, crusty bread loaves, and other sweet delights. The small-batch bakery is run by Mark and Regina, who value the act of creating clean food free from artificial flavoring and preservatives.

Petit Pain Bakery, 315 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, www.petitpain.com.sg

• Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe (Joo Chiat Bakery For Breakfast And Chocolate Treats)

More than just a bakery, this spot is famous for its large breakfast menu. You’ll have an array of comforting brekky food to choose from, as well as classic pastries and freshly made chocolate to nibble on. They also do lunch and dinners, so you can pop by at a time that suits you. Reserve a table online here to make sure you get a seat.

Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe, 131 East Coast Road, Joo Chiat, Singapore, marketing@awfullychocolate.com, www.acbakerycafe.com

• Baker’s Well (Joo Chiat Coffee And More)

If you love your coffee, this is another gem to try out. With a specialty coffee and hot drink menu, you’ll enjoy your mornings at Baker’s Well before heading out for the shops. They have organic pandan cakes, muffins, mini sandwich platters, and much more to take away or enjoy in-house. We love their motto: "to always produce lovingly made products that everyone can genuinely enjoy.”

Baker’s Well, 35 East Coast Road, Joo Chiat, Singapore, +65 6348 6864, hello@bakerswell.com, www.bakerswell.com

• Olsen Bakehouse (Family-Run Joo Chiat Bakery In Singapore)

This popular family-run bakehouse has moved to Joo Chiat to join the other top-notch bakeries in the area. They are well-known for their epic cakes, which you can sample slices of in-store or order an entire cake for your celebrations. It’s not just cake, though; be sure to try their other delicious desserts and pastries.

Olsen Bakehouse, 301 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, +65 8891 5819, hello@olsenbakehouse.com, www.olsenbakehouse.com

BEST RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN JOO CHIAT:

For a sit-down meal and late-night drinks (or early-night cocktails if you have little ones to get home to), we recommend the following bar and restaurants in Joo Chiat.

• The 1925 Brewing Co “Blue Smoke”

For lovers of mindfully crafted brews, visit the 1925 Brewing Co restaurant in Joo Chiat called “Blue Smoke”. You’ll find a menu of craft beers with Teochew dishes like garlic fried rice with wagyu fat and the Smoked Laksa Poussin. The founders are all part of the Yeo family and have kept the brewery and restaurant steeped in the rich tradition of their Singaporean Tewochew heritage and culture.

The 1925 Brewing Co “Blue Smoke,” 261 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, +65 8923 1425, hello@the1925.com.sg, www.the1925.com.sg/bluesmoke

• Alibabar The Hawker Bar (Joo Chiat Bar In Singapore)

The Hawker Bar is a food and drinks spot for crafter beer lovers and foodies alike. You’ll find French, Filipino, Japanese, Singaporean, and Western food on the menu. It’s a small spot that shifts in its energy from day to evening, so you can visit at any time that’s convenient.

Alibabar The Hawker Bar, 125 East Coast Road, Singapore, +65 8883 8183, cupparoma@hotmail.com, Facebook Page

• The Cider Pit (Joo Chiat Bar With Craft Beer In Singapore)

The Cider Pit is a quaint watering hold for cider and craft beer lovers, with an affordable price tag. It can get busy on weekend evenings, and it’s not a big place. This one is for people happy with a classic pub atmosphere, including huge meals and a large selection of bottled and draft ciders. You might swing by on a night when some live music is playing, too.

The Cider Pit, 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-03, Singapore, +65 6344 5759, Facebook Page

• Cheeers Bistro & Bar (Joo Chiat Bar In Singapore)

This bar and food spot is great for a range of meals and drinks, not just beers. If you fancy a special cocktail, Cheeers is a top pick. The bar feels cozy and comfortable and can still fit quite a few people, so it’s also a good option if you’re visiting with a group of family or friends. According to customer reviews, the Devil Chicken and the Mutton Masala are must-try dishes!

Cheeers Bistro & Bar, 456 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, +65 9678 3737, sam@barconcepts.net, Facebook Page

BEST RESTAURANTS FOR LOCAL FOOD IN JOO CHIAT: Authentic Food In Singapore

With its rich history of being home to Peranakans and Eurasians, making this former coconut plantation their home, Joo Chiat remains steeped in a colorful heritage. The more local food spots are definitely worth trying. While there are too many to name, the following local restaurants are great places to start.

• Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Famous for its range of bak chang (rice dumplings), Kim Choo Kueh Chang is a top choice for more local flavors in Joo Chiat. These pyramid-shaped dumplings are filled with seasoned prawns, chicken, pork, and more. This is one of the oldest food spots you’ll find in Joo Chiat, with the creator, Lee Kim Choo first opening a store in the 1940s. Now, the Peranakan heritage lives on in her legacy restaurant.

Kim Choo Kueh Chang, 60 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore, +65 6741 2125, customerservice@kimchoo.com, www.kimchoo.com

• Kway Guan Huat

Kway Guan Huat, founded in 1938, is one of the last of its kind. This battered store sells handmade poh piah (spring roll) skin and pie tie shells, which are essential components for tasty local radish-filled snacks. Watch the poh piah dough being deftly pressed onto a pan in paper-thin rounds. Dine-in on weekends or takeaway during the week!

Kway Guan Huat Original Popiah & Kueh Pie Tie, 95 Joo Chiat Road, +65 6344 2875, www.joochiatpopiah.com

• Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant

Founded in 1953, this Authentic Peranakan restaurant is still going strong. This 60-year-old veteran of Peranakan food serves mouth-watering Chinese classics, including spicy sambal kangkung, tangy ayam buah keluak and scorching ikan bawal assam nanas pedas. When things get too hot, cool down with an iced coconut palm sugar chendol.

Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant, 200 Joo Chiat Road #01-01, Singapore, +65 63442761, sales@guanhoesoon.com, www.guanhoesoon.com

• Hjh Maimunah

The nasi padang of Hjh Maimunah got this resturant on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. They source their ingredients mindfully from local suppliers and infuse their meals with a sense of “rustic” charm. Some of the must-try dishes (stated by their website) are the Lemal Siput and the Sundanese Grilled Chicken. Of course, they also have mouth-watering desserts on the menu, too.

Hjh Maimunah, 200 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, +65 6348 5457, hjh.maimunah@gmail.com, www.hjmaimunah.com/en_SG

THINGS TO DO IN JOO CHIAT: Museums And Heritage Activities In Singapore

While you’re visiting Joo Chiat, why not explore some of the historical sites and take part in other interesting activities with your friends and family.

• Eurasian Heritage Centre

People of European-Asian heritage were one of Singapore's earliest residents. Learn about the culture, history, and lifestyle of this fascinating community at the Eurasian Heritage Centre. Special galleries trace the genealogy of prominent Eurasian families and recount the community's experience during the Japanese Occupation in WWII. They have regular in-house events to take part in, too. Check the calendar of events here. https://www.eurasians.sg/events

Eurasian Heritage Centre, Eurasian Association, 139 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429744, +65 6447 1578, www.eurasians.sg

• The Intan

Alvin Yapp spent 20+ years transforming his colonial shophouse home into a private museum devoted to all things Peranakan. Admire The Intan's artifacts, including a century-old bridal bed and over 100 embroidered slippers. Alvin conducts tours that end with an authentic Straits Chinese tea or dinner inspired by his mom's cooking.

The Intan, 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, +65 6440 1148, contactus@the-intan.com, www.the-intan.com (visits by appointment only)

• Katong Antique House

Housed in one of the gorgeous bright historical preserved shophouses in the Katong region of Joo Chiat, this private antique house is worth a visit. It’s another one to book ahead of time, as it is only open for guided tours upon appointment. You’ll get in-depth stories behind the intriguing Peranakan artifacts at Katong Antique House.

Katong Antique House, 208 East Coast Road, Singapore, katongantiquehouse@gmail.com, Facebook Page

BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN JOO CHIAT: Places To Stay On The East Coast

Whether you’re from out of town or looking for a place to stay in Joo Chait to visit friends or relatives, here are some options to stay central in Joo Chiat.

• Village Hotel Katong (Higher budget)

You’ll get a taste of the local culture with the Village Hotel Katong’s Peranakan decor inspired by the colorful streets of Joo Chiat. Even the smaller room choices are still very spacious at 29 square meters. You can choose between a range of suites, some more extravagant than others. We liked the look of the Peranakan Club Room with its luxurious open bathtub.

Village Hotel Katong, 25 Marine Parade, Singapore, +65 6344 2200, info.vhk@fareast.com.sg, www.fareasthospitality.com/en/hotels/village-hotel-katong 

• Santa Grand Hotel East Coast (Mid-range budget)

This hotel has large rooms and includes a business center, which is helpful for those travelers who still need to keep up with their duties. They have a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi and a beautiful view of the streets below. The balcony room is nice for those who like a view.

Santa Grand Hotel East Coast, 171 East Coast Road, Singapore, +65 6344 6866, reservation@santa.com.sg, www.santagrand.sg/santa-grand-hotel-east-coast

• Venue Hotel (Low-mid budget)

This accommodation has a modern boutique hotel concept. You’ll have all of the amenities you need at the Venue Hotel for a lower price range than some of the other high-end hotels. You still get great value with the nice rooms, and the hotel even has a business center. The rooms are modest in size but nicely designed with colorful decor.

Venue Hotel, 305 Joo Chiat Road Venue Hotel, Singapore, +65 6346 3131, contact@venuehotel.sg, www.venuehotel.sg/venuehotel