The best things to do in Katong and Joo Chiat in 2026 are photographing the pastel Peranakan terrace houses on Koon Seng Road, browsing Peranakan beadwork and kebaya at Rumah Bebe, watching rice dumplings being made at Kim Choo Kueh Chang, visiting the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, eating Katong laksa, and cycling East Coast Park.
Katong and Joo Chiat, in Singapore's east, are the heartland of Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture, with ornate pastel shophouses, heritage food shops and some of the island's best local food. It's a relaxed half-day out: wander the streets around Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Road, eat laksa and kueh, then walk or cycle to East Coast Park. For where to eat, see our Katong restaurants guide.
Singapore's most photographed row of Peranakan houses.
The pastel-coloured terrace houses on Koon Seng Road, with ornate tiles, plasterwork and carved doors, are the best-known example of Peranakan architecture in Singapore.
They are private homes, so admire them from the street.
Good to know: Morning light is best; please be respectful of residents.
Koon Seng Rd, Singapore 427000
A Peranakan shop for beaded slippers, kebaya and heritage goods.
Rumah Bebe, in a restored 1920s shophouse on East Coast Road, sells Peranakan beadwork, beaded slippers, kebaya and heritage items, and runs beading and cooking classes.
It is a beautiful introduction to Peranakan craft.
Good to know: Ask about its beading workshops.
113 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428806
Nonya rice dumplings and Peranakan crafts since 1945.
Kim Choo Kueh Chang has been making nonya rice dumplings (bak chang) since 1945, and its Joo Chiat shophouse also sells kueh and Peranakan crafts, with a small gallery upstairs.
Buy a dumpling to eat on the spot.
Good to know: Try the signature nonya dumpling.
60 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427785
A private Peranakan museum in a family shophouse.
Katong Antique House is a small private museum of Peranakan antiques and heirlooms, housed in a traditional shophouse on East Coast Road.
Visits are usually by appointment, so call ahead.
Good to know: Call ahead to arrange a visit.
208 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428907
A beautifully carved Hindu temple founded by the Ceylonese Tamil community.
The Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, dedicated to Ganesha, was founded by the Ceylonese Tamil community and is known for its intricate sculpture and its tall rajagopuram.
Visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Good to know: Remove your shoes and dress modestly.
19 Ceylon Rd, Singapore 429613
Try the neighbourhood's famous laksa where it began.
Katong gave its name to a style of laksa: a rich, spicy coconut noodle soup with cut noodles eaten with just a spoon. Several famous stalls compete along East Coast Road.
See our laksa guide for where to go.
Good to know: Order with cockles for the classic version.
East Coast Rd, Singapore 428770
A long seaside park for cycling, beaches and seafood.
East Coast Park stretches 15km along Singapore's south-east coast, with cycling and skating paths, beaches, barbecue pits and the seafood restaurants of East Coast Seafood Centre.
Rent bikes at the park's rental kiosks.
Good to know: Go in the late afternoon for sunset and seafood.
East Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore 449876
On Koon Seng Road in Joo Chiat, where a row of pastel terrace houses with ornate tiles and carvings is one of Singapore's most photographed sights.
The Peranakans are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in the Malay archipelago and married locally, creating a distinct culture known for its cuisine, beadwork, kebaya and architecture.
Katong laksa, Peranakan kueh (sweet cakes), nonya rice dumplings and Peranakan dishes; see our Katong restaurants guide.
Take the Thomson-East Coast Line to Marine Parade or Katong Park MRT, or a bus from the city.
Yes. East Coast Park runs along the coast just south of Katong, with cycling paths, beaches and seafood restaurants.