Eat, explore, sleep, repeat.
Do you have friends who are flying into Singapore for transit and have no idea where to go or what to do during their limited time (24 hours or lesser) here? Where can you recommend them to go that will maximize their time and allow them to experience Singapore as what she truly is?
Instead of a whirlwind trip where they rush to see the infinity pool at MBS or the Merlion or Gardens by the Bay, a good alternative we can recommend is Katong – a place where they can soak in our culture and experience our way of life.
Besides being situated near the airport, Katong is also steeped in culture and heritage. Since the 1950s, it is well known for its unique Peranakan culture and cuisine. It is also a neighbourhood that hosts a plethora of good food – both traditional and modern. Your 24-hour tourist will definitely not go hungry here, and might even end up having at least six meals a day. Eat, explore, sleep, repeat. Let’s go!
STAY
Hotel Indigo
Situated in the heart of Katong is this newest establishment by the IHG Group. Hotel Indigo boasts a gorgeous infinity pool which overlooks the beautiful conservation shophouses at Katong, and a beautiful Peranakan themed décor both in the guest rooms and the common areas. Your visitor will be able to fully immerse in the Peranakan culture and history of Singapore throughout his/ her stay here.
Hotel Indigo Katong
Address: 86 East Coast Road, Singapore 428788
Contact: +65 6723 7001
Email: info.sinki@ihg.com
Website
EAT
Breakfast At Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
Start the day early and show your visitor what traditional Singapore breakfasts are made of – kaya toasts, soft boiled eggs, kopi, and teh. These are our local staples before expensive egg benedicts and café brunch invaded the breakfast scene.
Adding on to the experience is the fact that Chin Mee Chin has been around since the 1950s, and its décor has not changed since then. The retro mosaic floor tiles and marble round tables simply evoke old-skool nostalgia. They also serve delightful pastries and egg tarts here!
Address: 204 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428903
Tel: (65) 6345 0419
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8am to 4:30pm. Close on Mondays.
Lunch At Katong Laksa
For lunch, head down to the famed 328 Katong Laksa. A simple explanation of what laksa is to non-Singaporeans: rice noodles in a thick spicy coconut, seafood broth. What makes Katong Laksa different from the rest is that its chilli can be added in separately, so level of spiciness in the broth can be adjusted according to your personal preferences.
Another unique aspect of Katong Laksa is that their rice noodles are cut shorter so that their customers can eat it with spoons to savour the broth together with the noodles. Suggest to your visitor to pair their laksa with a refreshing glass of lime juice, or Tiger beer for the alcohol lovers. Add an otah too to complete the meal.
Address: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Contact No: (65) 9732 8163
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am to 10:00pm
Grab Some Snacks At Kim Choo
Recommend your visitor to snack on some traditional Nonya kueh, which are bite-size pastries and cakes typically made of rice, glutinous rice, and coconut, to fuel the tummy while exploring the neighbourhood.
Kim Choo Kueh Chang was founded by Mdm Lee Kim Choo in 1945. It has a rich history of making kuehs and traditional nonya rice dumplings, all delivering a solid “oomph” to the tastebuds. Visitors can also find out more about the Peranakan history when they explore the mini museum inside, and can even tailor make a traditional sarong kebaya and batik to bring home!
Address: 109 East Coast Road, Singapore 428800
Contact No: (65) 6741 2125
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00am to 10:00pm
Dinner At Boon Tong Kee Chicken Rice
One cannot say they have been to Singapore if they had not tried Chicken Rice. Across the road from Chin Mee Chin, Boon Tong Kee serves one of the best chicken rice in Singapore. Their rice is absolutely fragrant, and the steamed chicken is delicious, soft, and tender. The chilli has enough garlic and spice to give that extra kick, only if you want to, because the rice is already heavenly on its own. They also serve tze char (Chinese home-cooked dishes) which are equally delectable as well.
Address: 199 East Coast Road, Singapore 428902
Contact No.: (65) 6478 1462
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:00 – 14:45, 17:15 – 22:00 / Sat, Sun, PH: 11:00. 15:00, 15:30 – 22:00
Local Desserts At Sinpopo Durian Pengat Or Gula Melaka
If you would like to give your visitor a taste of how Singapore desserts are like back in the early days before the introduction of Western desserts, Sinpopo would be your best bet.
Sinpopo excels in sprucing up traditional favourites (chendol, pandan, gula melaka jelly) and making them relevant with their renditions of Chilled Pandan Souffle, Sinpopo Chendol Parfait, and Gula Melaka Cake. And if your visitor has yet to try durian, they can also have their first experience here with their signature Durian Pengat.
Address: 458 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427671
Contact No.: (65) 6345 5034
Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays: 12:00pm – 10:00pm; Fridays – Saturdays: 12:00pm – 12:00am; Sundays: 12:00pm – 10:00pm. Closed on Mondays
Supper At Sin Heng Clay Pot Bah Ku Teh
Make the last meal of the day a good bowl of Bah Kut Teh. Translated to Pork Ribs Soup, it is made from simmering pork ribs in either a peppery or herbal broth. Sin Heng serves a good peppery bowl AND herbal bowl, with meat so tender they drop at the bone. They have other tze char dishes you can order to complement the soup too. They are open till 4am from Tuesdays to Sundays so your visitor never has to worry when hunger pangs strike in the middle of the night!
Address: 439 Joo Chiat Road
Tel: (65) 6345 8754
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:00-4:00; Closed Monday
Experience The Local Culture
Katong is also a good place for tourist to experience some art and culture in Singapore too. Between bites, they can admire the intricate beauty of the conservation shop houses along East Coast Road, or wander into the alley ways to see the furnished landed properties. There is also an Indian temple just beside Katong Laksa if they wish to find out more about the Hindu culture and Singapore as a multi-racial society.
For the adventurous, they can consider heading further up north on Joo Chiat Road, past the cross junction, to have a look at “seedy” Joo Chiat, one of the oldest red light districts in Singapore. It looks ordinary in the day, but when night falls, there are still a number of activities going around, albeit much toned down now.
If they do not mind a walk, they can also head to East Coast Park for a walk or cycle by the sea to experience the nature and scenic side of the tiny island. End the walk with a local dinner of satays, sambal string ray, carrot cake, char kway teow, and more at Laguna Hawker Center.
And that, should leave your 24-hour tourist a little more enamoured with Singapore, and also a happy and satisfied tummy to bring them to their next destination.
