Cover Old or new, the Katong neighbouring has never been more vibrant with the abundant choice for food and drinks (Photo: The Studio by Juice)
Old or new, the Katong neighbouring has never been more vibrant with the abundant choice for food and drinks (Photo: The Studio by Juice)
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This colourful neighbourhood of Katong is also home to an equally vibrant selection of delicious grub
East side, best side. Whether or not you agree with it, this popular local belief is bolstered by the fact that Katong is filled with plenty to see, shop, and of course: eat. The charming area used to be known as a popular coastal town, drawing in crowds with its beachside retreats and views of glittering vistas. And if you didn’t already know, Katong refers to the rippling effect of a sea mirage.
Today, the neighbourhood has never been more loved, with people flocking to the east for its quaint vibes and charming architecture. From hip cafes to gourmet restaurants, delicious eats are sure to be found within the district. Keep your eyes peeled and come hungry when making a stop at this iconic location.
Don't miss: Hop on the TEL for 12 food spots to check off your eat list along East Coast Road
1. Province
One of the more exciting culinary prospects that birthed in 2023 is Province, a trendy hole-in-a-wall diner dreamt up by young chef Law Jia Jun. Every evening, the eight-seater diner plates up an imaginative tasting menu that draws influence from Law’s travels throughout Southeast Asia and its diverse culinary cultures. Ingredients featured can be highly seasonal, from using Japanese purple sweet potatoes from Chiang Rai and mahlesa, a wild spice from the mountains of Northern Thailand to chocolatey buah keluak puree. Law is an alumnus of the cult favourite Magic Square (now-defunct incubator restaurant in Portsdown Road) and hails from a tutelage stint at three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, making him a one to watch and his food, certainly worthy of making the trek to Joo Chiat.
Province
Address: 153 Joo Chiat Road, S(427431)
2. La Bottega Enoteca
These days, chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo needs no introduction. His rustic abode, La Bottega Enoteca, is notoriously difficult to book as they are making the best pizza in town right now. Back in 2023, the restaurant located in Joo Chiat even clinched the 19th spot in the 50 Top Pizza Awards in the Asia Pacific region, making it the undisputed best pizza in Singapore today. His “Newpolitan” pizzas are made from a 72-hour slow-fermented dough to deliver a beautifully fragrant crust. The selection keeps it simple but it’s the tomato-based pizzas that punch above their weight, made as they are with San Marzano DOP tomatoes. The Marinara, for instance, delivers a powerful kick with the addition of garlic, anchovies, olives, oregano, and organic extra virgin olive oil.
La Bottega Enoteca
Address: 346 Joo Chiat Road, S(427596)
In case you missed it: The best new pizzerias in Singapore for a pizza party
3. 174bingo
Scandinavian wooden furnishings and exposed brick tables make this Joo Chiat café the next great hotspot for a coffee and bake run. And of course, the cosy living room vibe yearns for a quick photoshoot but be quick as the spot is currently open only for takeaway. The owners of this café love their bakes, which is why you’ll see gems such as chicken pies and cardamom buns. Those who love their pastries, go for the “Memory of østerbrogade”, which sees flaky layers of pastry topped with vanilla cream and stuffed with raspberry jam. For added decadence, indulge in the Iranian pistachio tart, which uses the key ingredient liberally, from its firm praline to its frangipane and cream.
174bingo
Address: 174 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, S(427445)
4. Beastly Girls Sandwich Bar
Delicate appetites need not apply. These colossal creations are an ode to excess, daring you to conquer their towering heights with each ravenous bite. The pièce de résistance, the Beastly Girl herself, is a carnivore's dream. Torched beef tongue, oozing with beefy umami, mingles with melted emmental, punchy dijon mustard mayo, and a perfectly oozy fried egg, all sandwiched between crusty sourdough slices. The cheesy caramelised onion toastie albeit simple is deceivingly tasty. And if you’re an early bird, the joint fires up the breakfast grill, serving up chunky sausages on big breakfasts to hearty vegetarian-friendly Turkish eggs. Always arrive hungry.
Beastly Girls Sandwich Bar
Address: 11 East Coast Road, #01-18, S(428722)
5. The Studio by Juice
Above The Studio by Juice brings a design-led wine studio that offers a tight but well-curated range of wines
The Studio by Juice brings a design-led wine studio that offers a tight but well-curated range of wines
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Finally, a sexy wine bar with proper curation of wines in Katong. It’s been a long time coming. The Studio by Juice brings a design-led wine studio that offers a tight but well-curated range of wines—upwards of 200 vintages and still expanding. The dimly lit second-floor shophouse is rather amorous, perfect for dates or wine enthusiasts looking to unwind. The young but knowledgeable crew are more than capable of picking out a bottle that suits you, based on your simple prompts, which detracts from the typical stressful wine-ordering experience. And if you’re up for learning more about what goes into your glass, chat up the crew about the producers. The space also opens its doors to collaborative initiatives with local creatives. Expect crocheting workshops hosted by Tanchen Studio; get to meet the winemakers hosted by The Smallest Wine Fair; and pizza party pop-ups with cult pizzeria Chooby Pizza in the near future.
The Studio by Juice
Address: 39A East Coast Road, S(428756)
Read more: The 12 best gourmet wine bars in Singapore
6. Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Once known for opening exclusively on weekdays, this cult-favourite prata shop is worthy of a trek to Katong for many Singaporeans. Today, it has extended its operation hours to cater to the weekenders, and with the new Marine Parade station up and running, these crispy dough stacks have never been more accessible. Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, every prata kosong plays the perfect vessel for the light yet flavourful fish curry—or white sugar, if that’s your poison. Pro tip: order the coin prata, if you’re one to enjoy the crunchier bits. Expect to wait in line though, because even the likes of Spanish rockstar chef David Muñoz had to wait in line, so do you.
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Address: 300 Joo Chiat Road, Tin Yeang Restaurant, S(427551)
7. Neptune
Above Scrambled eggs with chilli crab and chorizo (Photo: Neptune)
Scrambled eggs with chilli crab and chorizo (Photo: Neptune)
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Much like its popular siblings, Neptune is an equally charming spot to grab brunch and coffee. The space, which occupies where Firebake once stood, is opened by the same people behind Apollo Coffee Bar, Atlas Coffeehouse, and Columbus Coffee Co. Here, the interior comes awash with sleek mid-century modern influences; glass window panes let in plenty of light, while clean, wooden furnishings are enlivened with splashes of olive to lend a breezy touch. The menu, too, reflects that same contemporary approach. Classic brunch plates are updated with global flavours—from scrambled eggs with chilli crab and chorizo, to buttery scones served alongside dill-scented salmon and shrimp.
Neptune
Address: 237 East Coast Road, S(428930)
8. Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat
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Tucked within a corner shophouse unit is the third outpost of Common Man Coffee Roasters. Besides the regular brews, the outlet here also comes fitted with an espresso bar that stocks up on experimental blends. Then, pair each aromatic sip with some hearty brunch creations. Creamy avocado toast gets an umami update with sautéed mushrooms, and sourdough pancakes undergo a 30-hour ferment to yield soft, fluffy flaps.
Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat
Address: 185 Joo Chiat Road, S(427456)
9. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Above Kuih Pie Tee (Photo: Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant)
Kuih Pie Tee (Photo: Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant)
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Katong is quite the Peranakan paradise, with rows of pre-war shophouses (a popular Instagram spot) and many eateries serving up time-honoured Nonya delicacies. One of which is Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant, with red-draped tables and a wooden door frame that hearkens back to the yesteryears. Adding to that atmosphere is a traditional feast; ayam buah keluak, babi ponteh, chap chye, and more classic eats can all be within the pages of the menu.
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Address: 11 Joo Chiat Place, #01-03, S(427744)
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