Katong: One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Singapore

Katong: A Hidden Gem in Singapore's Cultural Mosaic

Nestled in the eastern part of Singapore, Katong is not just a neighbourhood; it's a vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine, and charm. Often overshadowed by the more famous tourist spots of the city, Katong is a locale where the heart and soul of Singapore's diverse heritage are palpably felt in every corner. Here's why I believe Katong stands out as one of Singapore's best neighbourhoods.

1. Mr and Mrs Moghan's Prata Delight

Straight in at number one! Our journey begins with the legendary Mr and Mrs Moghan's, renowned for their delectable pratas – a must-try for any food enthusiast. It's places like this that give Katong its reputation for authentic, home-cooked goodness. The waft of buttery, flaky pratas being flipped on a hot griddle is enough to draw you in. Must order the banana prata for the kids, and for the adults, fish + mutton curry with their classic prata or coin prata.

2. The Charm of Peranakan Houses

Strolling through the streets of Katong, you're transported back in time with the beautifully preserved Peranakan houses. These architectural marvels are a photographer’s dream, though admittedly, you might have to navigate through tourists capturing their perfect Instagram shot. Yet, this is a small price to pay to witness such historical beauty. You can also find the Peranakan Museum in this area, where you can purchase unique Peranakan tiles and thoughtful gifts to take back home.

3. Unique Shops Galore

Katong is a treasure trove of unique shops. Whether it's artisanal crafts or bespoke boutiques, the shopping experience here is unlike any other. It's this uniqueness that adds to the allure of Katong, making it a delightful escapade for those who venture beyond the usual shopping malls. I highly recommend:

• R Y E - boutique clothing shop from a Singaporean designer. I purchased nearly everything in the store that day I visited.

• SOJAO - A home-ware shop that specializes in bedding and ceramics from different designers. I also found HAY home-wares here too. I bought bedding (which I thought to be great value and quality) for back home, and the loungewear is some of the comfiest we’ve ever worn.

• Crane Living - home-ware store with lots of lovely ceramics and a cute Japanese cafe next door

• Luna Patisserie - OMG cake, eclairs, beautiful patisserie. Need I say more?

• Petit Pain - ALWAYS has huge queues for this little bakery. It’s got limited stock so people queue down the road in the blistering heat for this. It’s worth it, but I also have great croissants and baked goods in London and Paris, but my son was happy to wait for it.

4. Little Farms for Home Comforts

For those who appreciate the finer things, Little Farms is a haven. Here, I indulge in home comforts like artisanal cheeses, fine wines, and organic produce - essentials for any culinary aficionado. Yes, it might be a tad expensive, but the quality is unmatched, perfect for preparing a special meal or enjoying a quiet, luxurious evening at home.

5. Coffee Lover's Paradise

Katong takes its coffee seriously, and King's Cart Coffee stands testament to this. Their Gula Melaka Latte is not just a drink; it's a craft, balancing the richness of coffee with the sweetness of palm sugar – a true Singaporean twist on the classic latte. Either this or their pandan cold brew is a delicious, different drink to try.

If you want more of a traditional cappuccino or flat white - I recommend Common Man Coffee Project - they roast their own coffee like Kings Cart and have a wonderful lunch menu that has a great vegetarian offering too.

6. 5B PTE Ltd Kitchen Shops: A Chef's Wonderland

For a chef or restaurant owner like myself, 5B Kitchen Shops are a dream. From unique utensils to exotic equipment like woks in every size, everything needed to create culinary magic is found here. It's these resources that fuel my passion for cooking.

7. Geylang Serai: The Spice Emporium

No culinary exploration in Katong is complete without a visit to Geylang Serai. This bustling market is a treasure trove for spices, offering an array of flavors to elevate any dish. The vibrant atmosphere and aromatic scents make it a foodie's paradise. I don’t recommend carrying or bringing a lot here, the stalls are closely packed together, and on a busy day like the weekend, it will be busy! So expect to barge past to get to see everything. Upstairs you’ll find a great selection of muslim, halal food offerings. You must try a biriyani or lontong here.

8. Eurasian Delights at Quentin's

Katong is also the heart of Singapore's Eurasian community, and Quentin's Restaurant epitomizes this blend of cultures. Their Eurasian offerings, especially the Devil's Curry and Buak Keluak dish, are sublime. Plus, it’s like dining in someone’s home, there’s a little playroom for kids that allows parents to savor their meal in peace – a thoughtful touch that enhances the dining experience.

9. Location

It’s away from the main bustle and hustle of the CBD but close enough that a taxi or bus ride away from getting anywhere. Old Airport Road Hawker is just a few stops away via the bus, which will only set you back cents.

10. Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice

It’s also home to one of the best boneless chicken rice in town. If you love garlic, you have to come try this location. Check out my latest YouTube video on my reasons why.