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Katong
Neighbouring Katong is a quiet residential area formerly dominated by wealthy Straits Chinese families or the Peranakans. Many of the older Peranakan homes, now standing back from the sea, were once seaside villas. Parkway Parade is the place to find shopping bargains, but Katong is best known for its wonderful eating houses specialising in Peranakan cuisine. For Chinese seafood, the shophouses along East Coast Road offer a tasty treat.
Getting There: Take SBS bus 14 or 16 from Orchard Road. The distinctive charm of Katong can be traced back to its Peranakan roots. A quiet residential area formerly dominated by wealthy Straits Chinese families or the Peranakans, many of the older Peranakan homes in Katong, once seaside villas, still stand tall and picturesque. Katong is the place to go for colourful Nonya kebayas (traditional dress of female Peranakans), exquisite beaded slippers and handbags, and of course home-made Peranakan cuisine like ayam buah keluak.
Along East Coast Road, you will find three retail-cum-cultural establishments showcasing the many facets of Peranakan culture - Rumah Bebe, Kim Choo Kueh Chang and Saint Francis Enterprise.
Set in an elaborately-designed Peranakan 'house', Rumah Bebe not only sells Nonya kebayas and accessories, it also offers classes in Peranakan cuisine, beadwork and traditional embroidery. Visit the upper floor to view a display of a Peranakan bridal chamber and learn more about the life of a typical young Peranakan lady.
Founded over 40 years ago, Kim Choo Kueh Chang is where patrons can savour its famous sweet rice dumplings as well as learn the art of wrapping Nonya dumplings at organised demonstrations and live classes throughout the day.
Saint Francis Enterprise is a retail-cum-food establishment where customers can view and purchase the owner's antique collection of Peranakan jewellery while getting their take-away of traditional Nonya kueh. For a better sampling of their culinary offerings, check out the True Blue restaurant on the upper floor, which offers authentic Peranakan fine dining.
The Eurasians are another ethnic group whose roots are in Katong. The Eurasian Heritage Centre, located at the community house, offers fascinating insight into the Eurasian culture, from music, local celebrities and even language. Visitors can also sample delicious Eurasian fare at the Association's very own Eurasian restaurant - Eddie's Place.
In the same vicinity is the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, with stunning architecture and murals ¨C definitely well worth a visit. For something more modern, Parkway Parade is the shopping mall of the east. But ultimately, Katong is best known for SingaporeansĄŻ favourite pastime ¨C food!
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