23 Joo Chiat and Katong food places
The East side of Singapore has always been known as a food lover’s paradise. Joo Chiat, in particular, has been a food haven for me since my childhood. The eclectic mix of old-world coffee shops and modern gastronomic concepts gives Joo Chiat an alluring vibe that sets it apart from other districts. Here are 23 of our favourite Joo Chiat and Katong food places which we think the rest of Singapore should know about too!
1. Yong Huat
Image credit: @noodlelog
Unlike the typical char kway teow and Hokkien mee, it is way more difficult to find wok-fried mee sua in Singapore. Located in a hip hawker bar, Yong Huat is the main reason why I keep coming back to the East. The subtly charred, lard-coated, silky Mee Sua (from $7) will instantly win you over with its nostalgic sinfulness. The portions are generous, with an abundance of vegetables, prawns, pork belly, and a heap of glorious, crispy lard.
Address: 125 East Coast Road, Singapore 428810
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 9pm
Tel: 9816 9066
Yong Huat is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Penny University
Image credit: @pennyuniversity
Penny University is a cosy coffeehouse that serves simple but good food and coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, get a taste of their French Toast ($15+). Each plate is filled with a ton of sweet delights, such as brioche, spiced apples, vanilla, cinnamon, and berries compote, offset with a savoury dill cream cheese.
Address: 402 East Coast Road, Singapore 428997
Opening Hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Tel: 6345 9055
Website
Penny University is a halal-certified eatery.
3. Sandwich Saigon
Image credit: @sandwich_saigon
Vietnamese joints in Singapore are popping up faster than I can say ‘pho’, but Sandwich Saigon has my loyalty for its banh mi. Their Saigon Special ($8) comes with succulent pork belly, ham, and homemade pickled carrots and cucumbers sandwiched between crusty, chewy baguette. Their secret weapon lies in their baguette: the dough is lovingly made and baked every morning at 5am. They also make a homely bowl of Beef Pho ($12.90), which I personally prefer to many other pho chains.
Address: 93 East Coast Road, Singapore 428792
Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm
Tel: 6345 3849
Website
Sandwich Saigon is not a halal-certified eatery.
4. Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice
Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice has made a name for itself as one of the best chicken rice stalls in our small island city. Their Chicken Rice (from $6.70) comes with a generous portion of rice and tender, succulent chicken. The rice is extremely flavourful, and it’s cooked in yellow ginger, which explains its pretty yellow hue. If you choose to dine-in, the stall offers free-flow cabbage soup, achar, and deep-fried garlic bits that are sprinkled over the chicken.
Address: 865 Mountbatten Road, #B1-85/87, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 7pm
Tel: 9826 5197
Website
Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Zaffron Kitchen
Image credit: @quilpopeye
Gone are the days of sweating it out over Indian food at the local coffee shops. Zaffron Kitchen brings us wholesome Indian cuisine in a comfortable, classy setting. My tried-and-tested favourites would be their Butter Chicken ($19++) and Tandori Chicken ($17++ for half chicken). Despite the swanky interior, Zaffron Kitchen still manages to retain the hearty and authentic nature of their dishes.
Address: 137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428822
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 6440 6786
Website
Zaffron Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. Sinpopo Brand
Image credit: @sinpopobrand
I wasn’t impressed with Sinpopo Brand when they first started out, but after undergoing a major revamp, it’s now one of my favourite Katong food places.
They have an innovative spin on traditional dishes, such as their Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23++). The play on textures is a unique change from the usual hor fun you get from the hawker stores, and the buttery cod is just irresistible.
Address: 458 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6345 5034
Website
Sinpopo Brand is not a halal-certified eatery
7. Smokey’s BBQ
Image credit: @misslovesdoof
If you’re a fan of smoky, char-grilled American pub grub, Smokey’s BBQ is the real deal. The best part is their prices aren’t outrageous, and portion sizes remain reasonable. Their meats are barbecued with hickory wood chips, giving it a distinct smokiness and tenderness. The signature Baby Back Pork Ribs ($35.31) is a must-have.
Address: 73 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427790
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30pm to 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 6345 6914
Website
Smokey’s BBQ is not a halal-certified eatery
8. Guan Hoe Soon
Image credit: @thienjames
Guan Hoe Soon, a family-run Peranakan eatery, is one of the time-honoured Katong food places in Singapore. Their decor is simple, classic and frills-free, much like the food that they serve. Specialties include Ngoh Hiang (from $15.80+), Nonya Chap Chye (from $14.80+), and of course, the Ayam Buah Keluak (from $18.80+).
Address: 200 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427471
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
Tel: 6344 2761
Website
Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Stirling Steaks
Image credit: @stirlingsteaks
Stirling Steaks is a modern steak restaurant at Katong with a chill setting for tasty food. All their steaks are charcoal-grilled, and the quality of their steaks are not compromised. Their 250g of Striploin ($31.50++) is one of the more popular items on the menu. Each slice of beef is succulent, with a hint of smokiness. If you’re pressed for cash, their Hanger Steak ($9.90++) is an affordable option. It features tender beef that’s cut from the shoulder of the cow, and it’s drizzled with a herbaceous salsa verde sauce.
Check out these 7 Flat Iron Steak Places for more affordable flat iron steaks.
Address: 115 East Coast Road, Singapore 428764
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 8940 4245
Website
Stirling Steaks is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. 328 Katong Laksa
Image credit: @_mikeymoo
Besides the other culinary delights on this stretch, East Coast Road is also home to the famous 328 Katong Laksa. They have a limited menu, only serving dim sum and of course, their famous Laksa (from $6.30), which is simple yet delicious. Each bowl is filled with thick rice vermicelli noodles, plump shrimps, smooth fish cakes, and fresh cockles, all simmered in a warm bed of their flavourful, coconut-prominent gravy. Many Singaporeans have raved about how they serve up the best laksa in Singapore, so why not come down to try one of the best Katong food places!
Address: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am to 9:30pm
Website
328 Katong Laksa is not a halal-certified eatery.
11. Rakuya
Many have heard of the phrase “You pay for what you get”, and Rakuya has certainly challenged that notion. Their $118++ omakase certainly exudes quality and finesse, with an exciting range of high-quality sashimi and various hot dishes.
Check out our full review of Rakuya!
Rakuya Review: New Omakase Restaurant With Eight-Courses From $48++ At Katong
Address: 89 East Coast Road, Singapore 428790
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 9189 6459
Website
Rakuya is not a halal-certified eatery.
12. Tea Villa Cafe
Image credit: @teavillacafesingapore
Not your typical cafe, Tea Villa Cafe dishes up delectable vegetarian plates in a cosy setting. With a wide array of Lebanese, Mexican, Indian food, and even pizza, you will be spoilt for choice. Try their Mac and Cheese Pizza ($20++), which features crispy pizza topped with four types of cheese, fiery jalapeno and comforting macaroni. They also have a broad selection of teas, with over 100 different flavours to choose from.
Address: 97 East Coast Road, Singapore 428794
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 9:30pm
Tel: 8518 4250
Website
Tea Villa Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. ENG’s Char Siew Wantan Mee
Image credit: @idesire
ENG’s Char Siew Wantan Mee is an uber famous wonton noodle stall, and it’s currently run by the children of the late owner, Mr Ng Ba Eng. With their father’s famed recipe, they desire to serve up delicious bowls of wanton mee to the masses. Each bowl of their Wantan Mee Dry ($5) is toothsome, and features tasty wontons and tender char siew, all atop a bed of springy noodles. Alternatively, the crispy and flavourful Fried Wantans ($4) are a good treat. It would be hard to resist popping all of them into your mouth.
Address: 248/250 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437036
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 8798 6088
Website
ENG’s Char Siew Wantan Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.
14. Forty Hands
Image credit: @40handscoffee
Serving a wide selection of brunch foods with a playful twist, Forty Hands has caught the eye of many Singaporeans and brunch-lovers, with the two commonly going hand in hand. Their Stinky Har Cheong Gai Waffle ($20+) is one of my favourite food items in Katong. Shatteringly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, the har cheong gai chicken was definitely tasty. Along with the buttery waffle and piquant sambal maple syrup, they made for a mouth-watering all-day breakfast dish. Their Coachella Crab Fries ($14+) is another crowd puller. The sinful side features tender yet spicy crab claw, fiery-tasting aioli, and crispy hot fries.
Address: 226 East Coast Road, Singapore 428923
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am to 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am to 6pm
Tel: 6877 4860
Website
Forty Hands is not a halal-certified eatery.
15. Brawn & Brains Coffee
Image credit: @j_essfood
Brawn & Brains Coffee is another brunch-food haven along East Coast Road. Try their Fiery Meatball Spaghetti ($18.90+), which consists of meaty beef meatballs and spaghetti that is coated in a rich tomato-based sauce. Their Flat White ($5.50+) is an example of a solid brew. It’s well-balanced in terms of acidity and flavour profile, and does not have an overpowering bitter taste.
Address: 218 East Coast Road, Singapore 428916
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am to 5:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am to 6pm
Website
Brawn & Brains Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.
16. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is another delicious food stall around the Joo Chiat and Katong area. They only serve kampung chickens, which are supposedly more flavourful, and have a lower fat content. Their chicken rice plates start from $6.50, and come with tasty rice and juicy strips of chicken. In addition, their chilli is solid, and goes really well with the tender chicken. It tasted garlicky, and possessed an intense kick of spiciness.
Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 2am
Tel: 6344 5911
Website
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.
17. Al Forno
Image credit: @xingafood
Situated in East Coast Road for more than 20 years, Al Forno is a posh Italian restaurant that dishes out tasty Italian favourites. With king prawn, fish fillet, and a dash of chilli in light pink sauce, it’s no surprise that the Spaghetti Al Forno ($28++) is a favourite among many customers. Meat lovers would relish the Costolette D’Agnello Alla Griglia ($36++), which features a juicy grilled rack of lamb, served with creamy mashed potatoes and refreshing mixed vegetables.
Address: 400 East Coast Road, Singapore 428996
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6348 8781
Website
Al Forno is not a halal-certified eatery.
18. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
Image credit: @minegishiakira
Open until 3am, Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is a popular supper spot in the East. If you and your buddies have a ravenous appetite, do get their Chilli Crab ($91), which can feed three to four people. The crab is filled with luscious and juicy crab meat. When paired with the aromatic sweet and spicy sauce, they form a tasty dynamic duo. If you’re feeling the hunger pangs late at night, grab your supper buddies and head down!
Address: 187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893
Opening Hours: Daily 3pm to 3am
Tel: 6440 6956
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not a halal-certified eatery.
19. Forma
A collaboration between The Cicheti Group and Ben Fatto 95, Forma spotlights pasta found in lesser-known regions of Italy. The Tortellini in Brodo ($34++), for example, hails from the Emilia-Romagna region, and sees handmade tortellini parcels served in a clear, slow-cooked chicken broth. The Linguine al Limone ($29++) is another popular option to order. The Southern Italian classic features a bright lemon sauce prepared with Amalfi lemons and DOP provolone. Bronze-cut linguine is then perfectly coated with the zesty sauce, to serve.
Check out our full review of Forma!
Address: 128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638
Opening hours: Tue-Sat, 6pm to late (10pm last order for food)
Tel: 6513 2286
Website
Forma is not a halal-certified eatery
Forma Review: Popular Private Diner Ben Fatto 95 And Cicheti Group Open Joo Chiat Restaurant
20. Joo Chiat Caphe
Joo Chiat Caphe specialises in affordable banh mi. Their Mackerel Otah ($6.50) is said to be the only store in Singapore selling otah banh mi, so give that a shot if you only have room for one. Other great picks include the tender and flavourful Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thigh ($6.50) and the fragrant Grilled Lemongrass Beef Patty with Hoisin Sauce ($7).
Check out our full review of Joo Chiat Caphe!
Address: 263 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427517
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 5:45pm
Tel: 6988 1900
Website
Joo Chiat Caphe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Joo Chiat Caphe Review: Muslim-Friendly Banh Mi With Otah And Fish Fillet Fillings
21. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant
Image credit: @memantos
Famed for their particularly piquant sambal belacan, Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is a favourite among fans of the cuisine. Dishes such as Ayam Buah Kuluak (from $16.80+) and Curry Assam Ikan (from $15.80+) are fantastic picks for your Peranakan feast, as they are said to pack a spicy punch, and are delicious to boot.
Address: 11 Joo Chiat Place, #01-03, Singapore 427744
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6275 1002
Website
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
10 Peranakan Food Places In Singapore To Enjoy Nyonya Cuisine, Including Restaurants And Kueh Stalls
22. Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre
Image credit: @macadish
Ponggol Nasi Lemak’s various outlets seem to perpetually draw queues, and their Tanjong Katong branch is no exception. Get Set Meal 2 ($6.90) for a good representation of what the brand has to offer—two fried chicken wings, a sunny-side-up egg, and anchovies with peanuts join the wonderfully aromatic coconut rice.
Address: 238 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437026
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 4:30pm to 11:30pm
Tel: 6287 0020
Website
Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre is not a halal-certified eatery.
23. Joo Heng Restaurant
Image credit: @smoque.sg
If you’re looking for a zi char feast along Joo Chiat road, then you can’t go wrong with Joo Heng Restaurant. While they have a range of classic dishes on offer, the one item you must-try is the Bittergourd Pork Ribs ($16), which is filled with bittergourd’s distinctive taste and rich black bean sauce.
Address: 360 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427605
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 2pm, 5pm to 9pm
Tel: 6345 1503
Joo Heng Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Joo Chiat and Katong is a food-lover’s paradise
With the myriad of delectable food stalls, cafes, and casual restaurants, you and your fambam would be spoilt for choice. There’s always something for everyone, so grab your loved ones and bring them for a feast at the Joo Chiat and Katong area! For more area-specific food in Singapore, check out our Bedok Food Guide and Raffles Place Food Guide.
Raffles Place Food Guide: 18 Food Spots That Are Great For Weekday Lunch On Any Budget
This article has been updated in 2022 by Enze Kay.
Featured image adapted from @40handscoffee and @macadish
The post 23 Joo Chiat And Katong Food Places For Catch-Up Sessions With Har Cheong Gai Waffles, Mac & Cheese Pizza And More appeared first on EatBook.sg – Singapore Food Guide And Review Site.
