Dining Guide to Katong and Joo Chiat: Best Restaurants, Cafes & Eateries in the ‘Hood
PUBLISHED December 22nd, 2021 05:00 am | UPDATED January 5th, 2022 12:08 pm
The Singaporean debate between whether east or west is better has been raging for decades – and this guide might sway you heavily towards voting for the East. Katong and Joo Chiat are renowned for their fabulous food heritage, and plenty of modern concepts have joined the party in recent years. Here’s your roadmap to eating your way through Katong and Joo Chiat, from restaurants to cafes and bakeries.
Drunken Farmer Joo Chiat
Drunken Farmer’s new outlet at Joo Chiat is the right amount of cosy for a quiet evening soiree. Think sourdough pizzas, wild wines, and fermented snacks, all made from hand-sourced ingredients, fermented to perfection – the wine bar is dedicated to showing you why all good things come from the earth. Sip a glass of wine from their fine selection of organic, biodynamic and natural wines, paired with cheese and homemade dips and sauces. It’s a slice of funky heaven.
Drunken Farmer is located at 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456, p. +65 6877 4884. Open Tues-Sat 6pm–10.30pm.
Little Farms Bistro (Katong Point)
Little Farms Grocery was around way before the farm-to-table dining concept became all the rage. At their relatively new outlet at Katong Point, you can see the gourmet grocer thoughtfully incorporated into the establishment’s eat-in concept, Little Farms Bistro. Expect an extensive food menu across breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours, with stellar fresh meat options and organic greens. Complete your meal with a dessert item from their selection of cakes and cookies and a glass of wine from their extensive list. Speaking of wine, happy hour is from 4pm-8pm daily – you’re welcome.
Little Farms Bistro (Katong Point) is located at #01-04, Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427664, p. +65 6797 8771. Open Mon-Tues 8.30am-5.30pm, Wed-Fri 8.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-10pm.
The 1925 Brewing Co
The rundown-industrial decor at The 1925 Brewing Co is reminiscent of beerhalls you would see in New York. The taproom has a carefully curated selection of craft beers. There are a couple of staples that you simply cannot miss out on – Yellow Van pale ale, Liang Teh lager, The General fruit beer, Manuka Stout and God’s Gift tea ale. But also keep an eye out for those innovative concoctions brewed exclusively once a year. Pair your beers with a plate of handmade pasta incorporating barley beans or customer favourites like the Smoked Duck Paddle (S$24).
The 1925 Brewing Co is located at 261 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427515, p. +65 6797 8771. The taproom is open Tues-Sun 12pm-10.15pm; the restaurant is open Tues-Sun 12pm-9pm.
La Bottega Enoteca
Run by the Italian-born chef behind popular private dining concept Casa Nostra, La Bottega Enoteca does Italian like no other. Splurge on the set menu of five courses (S$139++) and leave yourself in the good hands of Antonio Miscellaneo, then add on your own indulgence from his a la carte menu. Think salumi and cheese from The Chopping Board (S$38), and Pluma e Capperi (S$42) or charcoal-grilled Iberico pork loin. Before you continue reading, we suggest getting on their mailing list as soon as possible – securing a reservation here is next to impossible.
La Bottega Enoteca is located at 346 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427596. Open Tues-Sat 6pm-10.30pm; Sun 11.30am-3.30pm. Closed Mon.
Zaffron Kitchen (East Coast)
Zaffron Kitchen at East Coast has been a staple in the area’s dining scene for some time now. And rightfully so. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu of traditional, authentic North Indian food. Tandoori chicken, biryani, naan, butter chicken, palak paneer – you name it, they’ve got it. But what’s impressive about this establishment is the way they’ve kept up with current food trends. You can now enjoy plant-based alternatives to your favourite meat dishes with innovations like Zaffron Meatless Chicken Biryani (S$16++) and Zaffron Meatless Mutton Biryani (S$17++).
Zaffron Kitchen (East Coast) is located at 135/137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820, p. +65 6440 6786. Open Mon-Thurs 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm; Sat-Sun 11.30am-10.30pm.
Kinnari Thai Cuisine
Another family-owned restaurant, Kinnari is dedicated to showcasing Thai classics. Named after a mythological character known for her beauty and wisdom, the food certainly evokes that same vibe. Helmed by a chef who previously worked at a Thai resort, the restaurant has hospitality to match. Dishes that are a must to order include Green Curry Chicken, Mango Sticky Rice, and Pandan Leaf Chicken. But do save space for their seafood dishes, cooked with the freshest of ingredients, and of course, their curries as well.
La Bonne Table
Run by a husband-and-wife team hailing from the south of France, this cosy restaurant serves up French cuisine with an Italian twist and a homely, intimate dining experience. The food at La Bonne Table is simple and rustic but delicious. Try the popular Confit de Canard Maison ($26), a duck confit, but a medium-rare Filet de Boeuf ($48
la bonne table is located at 214 East Coast Road, Singapore 428913, p. +65 9652 6825. Open Wed-Thu 6pm-10pm; Fri-Mon, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm.
Cafes & Bakeries
The Brewing Ground
The Brewing Ground could easily become your favourite go-to for a hearty brunch and sweet treats, and we’ll tell you why. The breakfast menu boasts a variety with the Avocado & Ricotta Tartine (S$17) and The Brewers Breakfast (S$26) leading the way. They also have a fair selection of burgers for brunch. (Pst! Their Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger (S$25) and Crabmeat Tagliatelle (S$26) is to die for.) Those with a sweet tooth won’t be able to resist the Dark Chocolate Lava Cake (S$14), but if you want something lighter, the Buttermilk Waffle & Ice Cream (S$11) will hit the sweet spot.
The Brewing Ground is located at #01-24, The Yards, 406 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 428084, p. +65 8313 6092. Open daily 7.30am-5pm.
Kamome Bakery
Nestled within Joo Chiat is a slice of Japan: Kamome Bakery. Customers often find themselves returning for the milk cream buns at this Japanese bakery. The Kyoto-inspired Red Bean Butter Bun (S$3) and Kamome Toast (S$3.70) are fan-favourites. Don’t miss out on their French-style loaves, chewy croquettes and meat-stuffed sandwiches as well. The bakery also surprises with innovations like the mala-based Mentaiko ($2.40) baguette.
Kamome Bakery is located at 193 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427464. Open Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm.
Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat
We love a cafe that offers an all-day breakfast menu. And the breakfast menu by CMCR Joo Chiat is extensive, to say the least. From staples like the Housemade Crunchy Granola (S$18) to classics like the Savoury Stack (S$24) of buttermilk pancakes and veggie feasts like Common Man Veggie Wonderland (S$29) – they’ve got it all. The lunch menu is no less exciting with showstoppers like the Chilli Chicken (S$30) and Crab Salad (S$26). The drinks menu doesn’t disappoint either, with its selection of coffees, smoothies, wines, and juices.
Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat is located at 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456, p. +65 6877 4863. Open daily 7.30am-5pm.
Birds of Paradise
This gelato boutique specialises in botanical flavours, so you’re not likely to find replicas at any ice cream joint in Singapore. Birds of Paradise takes you on a botanical adventure with each scoop, using herbs, flowers, fruits and spices in their ice cream, creating unique flavours like White Chrysanthemum, Lemongrass Ginger and Spiced Pear. Get a single scoop (S$4.70) though we reckon you won’t regret a double scoop (S$7.70) and may even end up forking out an extra dollar for the thyme cone – it’s worth it, we promise.
Birds of Paradise is located at #01-05, 63 East Coast Road, Singapore 428776, p. +65 9678 6092. Open Tues–Sun 12pm–10pm. Closed Mon.
Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee
Retail store, cafe and bar – Choice Cuts is a jack of all trades brought to you by the DJs from Matteblacc. You’ll find all-day brekkie served up here, as well as craft beer and specialty coffee made with their house blend Braziliana. Stay for the music and good vibes, because what makes Choice Cuts extra special is their selection of vinyl records and lifestyle products that skew hip-hop. The new space sees more of a takeaway concept, so bring your own reusable cups and lunch boxes!
Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee is located at 446 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427664, p. +65 8112 9004 and +65 9748 1775. Open Tues-Sun 9am–6pm. Closed Mon.
Dona Manis Cake Shop
Your parents probably love Dona Manis Cake Shop – maybe even your grandparents, too. This old-school bakery has been around for over three decades, helmed by an adorable couple now in their 70s. You’ll find them if you follow the beautiful, buttery smell wafting through the basement of Katong Shopping Centre. Their claim to fame is their Banana Pie ($2.50/slice, $25/pie) that is packed with caramelised banana slices and nuts, but all of their baked goods are made fresh and from scratch including their Chocolate Tarts ($4.50) and Cream Puffs ($3.50).
Dona Manis Cake Shop is located at #B1-93, Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Road, Singapore 437844, p. +65 6440 7688. Open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sun-Mon.
Local Delights
328 Katong Laksa
It’s impossible to live in Singapore and not be familiar with Katong Laksa. Might we add, it is so famous that it even has its own Wikipedia page. Part of its fame can be attributed to the fact that the owner of 328 Katong Laksa, Lucy, out-laksa-ed Gordon Ramsay himself, but this establishment has been around for over two decades and has drawn celebrities and travellers alike to its now multiple locations. With its hot and spicy laksa broth, thick white vermicelli noodles, it has proven why it is a mainstay of East-side food culture, so don’t miss it.
328 Katong Laksa is located at 216 East Coast Road, Singapore 428914. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen
Now we’ve come to the good stuff. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen does not believe in compromising quality. Hand sourced ingredients, free-range chicken, chilli and sauces made in-house, need we say more? And that’s just the chicken from their famous Hainanese Kampung Chicken Rice– we haven’t even started on their pork and fish dishes. Grab your loved ones and make your way down to this family-friendly restaurant for a nostalgic, authentic Singaporean dining experience.
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice & Kitchen is located at 191 East Coast Road,
Singapore 428897, p. +65 6344 5911. Open daily 10am-2am.
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Be prepared for long waits on the weekend at this hawker stall. Run by a duo – Mr Mohgan who cooks, and Mrs Mohgan who takes orders – long waiting times and snaking queues are just part and parcel of the Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata experience. But if you love prata, this will be worth every bit. It is not only their cripsy, yet soft prata, that they have perfected over the years. With a powerful supporting cast – their signature Assam Fish Curry and Mutton Curry – it is hard to pinpoint the real superstar.
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata is located at 300 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427551. Open Thurs-Tues 6.30am–1pm. Closed Wed.
Top image: Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat
