The Peranakans of Joo Chiat

Back in the 1950’s, Katong’s coconut plantations had transformed into seaside retreats for Singapore’s wealthy elite and this lively East Coast enclave became a melting pot of Peranakan Chinese, Eurasian, Malay, and Indian culture. Our walking tour explores the fascinating Peranakan culture, sharing stories about landmark shops like the Red House Bakery and Tay Buan Guan, one of Singapore’s first supermarkets.

We’ll pop into Kim Choo Kueh Chang for their famous rice dumplings, then wander past shophouse architecture around Joo Chiat. The real highlight is those iconic, ornately decorated terrace rows on Koon Seng Road, plus beautiful murals depicting local life.

At the Peranakan Mansion, we’ll step back in time surrounded by exquisite antiques while learning about Nonya dishes, traditional fashion, and wedding customs.

The tour wraps at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen, where our guide explains proper Peranakan cuisine, including the intriguing Ayam Buah Keluak – chicken with gravy made from poisonous nut seeds.

Exertion: High. Substantial walking/exertion required in the heat

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