Hidden from Singapore’s busy city center, Joo Chiat is a colourful and trendy neighbourhood. Located in Katong district, Joo Chiat is famous for its beautiful Peranakan houses. But the neighborhood has much more to offer and is now a chic spot for coffee and shopping in Singapore. So let me show you everything it has to offer and why you definitely need to visit Joo Chiat in Singapore !

Traditional and Cultural Neighborhood

I can’t talk about Katong and Joo Chiat Road without mentioning the main attraction: the Peranakan houses. Located on Koon Seng Road, these houses are part of UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. They beautifully illustrate Peranakan architecture with a colorful pre-war terrace style.

As you walk along the street, take your time to look closely at each house and spot every little detail. Some feature unique ceramic tiles imported from France and Belgium, while others have walls decorated with mythical figures.

Unfortunately, you can’t visit them, but there is a small museum nearby to learn more about Peranakan culture. The road can be quite busy with cars and people trying to find the perfect Instagram spot. So, I recommend exploring adjacent streets to get a different perspective (just like I did with the green house !).

This is not mentioned often enough, but many houses along Joo Chiat Road itself are built in a similar style. They may not be as brightly colored or as well maintained, but if you lift your head, you’ll spot them !

Vietnamese Food and Cozy Cafés

Now let’s talk about the main reason why Joo Chiat Road has become so popular: food and cafés. Along Joo Chiat Road, you’ll find plenty of options if you’re looking for your next favourite café. Some of the most popular ones are Big Short Coffee and Café Wasabi, but there are many smaller cafés if you prefer a quieter spot.

Vietnamese restaurants are also a big highlight in the area and have become popular places to meet and enjoy great food. Joo Chiat Banh Mi Ca Phe may look simple from the outside, but it’s well known for its delicious banh mi and authentic flavors. Definitely worth a stop !

Trendy Shops 

Before visiting Joo Chiat Road, I looked online to see what to expect, and many articles mentioned design furniture stores. I was a bit skeptical at first, but after walking around, I was genuinely impressed. Grafunkt is the most famous one, and once you step inside, you’ll understand why. The shop spans three floors filled with beautifully designed furniture and home décor.

For Pet Lovers

One thing that surprised me the most while walking around Joo Chiat Road was the number of dogs I saw. Since arriving in Singapore, I had seen some, but never as many as in this neighborhood. It didn’t take long to understand why. The area is full of pet-related stores. From toys and food to grooming salons and pet hotels where you can leave your furry friend while traveling, you’ll find everything you need if you’re a pet owner.

Now that you know everything you need to see in Joo Chiat, you can check out other places to visit in Singapore here!

Now that you know everything you need to visit in Joo-Chiat Road, you can have a look at other places you can visit in Singapore here !