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 25 of our favourite Joo Chiat and Katong food places that we think the rest of Singapore should know about too!
Table of Contents
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 11am to 10pm
Tel: 9816 9066
Yong Huat Hokkien Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.
It’s possible to dine well without breaking the bank, especially with Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe’s dinner set that costs just $28++ per person. Available daily from 6pm to 9pm, the value-for-money set comes with a starter—we recommend the Smoky Cacao Braised Angus Mille-Feuille—and a main dish of your choice.
Highlights also include the Angus Ribeye Steak, flame-grilled to the doneness of your choice, Pan-Roasted Chicken, and Lemon Cacao Butter Sea Bass.
What they’re known for recently is the Amazing Weekend Brunch Buffet, available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. For $38++, you will find treats such as savoury tarts, brunch bakery, a yoghurt bar, and even a chocolate raclette wheel! You will even get to pick one brunch special during your buffet time. Do remember to reserve a table in advance as the weekend buffet is very popular.
Address: 131 East Coast Road, Singapore 428816
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am to 10pm, Fri 11am to 11pm, Sat 10am to 11pm, Sun 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6345 2190
Website
Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Home to what is considered the OG Katong laksa, Janggut Laksa serves up only one dish: Laksa (from $6). Their laksa here has some of the strongest flavours around, with a fragrant aroma of dried shrimp and spices, and a good amount of prawns and cockles. It is also not too thick while still being creamy, meaning that it doesn’t get too jelak as you finish the bowl. It’s no wonder this is the favourite bowl of laksa for many locals!
Address: 50 East Coast Rd, Roxy Square, #01-64, Singapore 428769
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 4:30am
Website
Janggut Laksa is not a halal-certified eatery.
Taking over what once was Cafe Natsu, Wabi Sabi is another chic cafe that is located right next to the famed, picturesque Peranakan houses. Similar to its previous occupant, you’ll find Japanese brunch items here, such as the Pork Katsu Medama Sando (20.90++), Kinoko Beef Steak Sando ($23.90++), and the Salmon Mentai Don ($25.90++). They also brew up IG-worthy drinks, such as the Iced Blue Lagoon ($8.50++), a coffee with blue pea cream, and the Blossom Blueberry Brew ($8.50++), featuring roasted oolong with blueberries and elderflower.
Address: 283 Joo Chiat Road, #01-00, Singapore 427537
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30am to 9pm, Fri-Sun 8:30am to 9pm
Website
Wabi Sabi is not a halal-certified eatery.
Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice has made a name for itself as one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore. Their Chicken Rice (from $7.70) 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 10:45am to 7:15pm, Wed-Sun 11am to 7pm
Tel: 9789 6073
Website
Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.
Located along Tanjong Katong Road, Seng House is a family-run cafe that serves up modern takes on familiar Singaporean and Hainanese dishes. Their Claypot Chicken Rice ($19.80++) is both a familiar yet unique dish, with chicken served on a bed of garlicky rice that is smoky and charred thanks to the claypot vessel. The Hainanese Pork Chop ($23.80++) is a thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin marinated in a traditional house-made sauce, and served alongside a Hainanese-inspired sauce made using 10 different ingredients. This cafe is great for those who enjoy a nostalgic yet chic vibe.
Address: 214 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437007
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10:30pm
Website
Seng House is not a halal-certified eatery.
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 them a distinct smokiness and tenderness. The signature Baby Back Pork Ribs (from $33++) is a must-have.
Address: 73 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427790
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 3pm to 11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm to 12am, Sun 12pm to 11pm
Tel: 6345 6914
Website
Smokey’s BBQ is not a halal-certified eatery
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 $16.80+), Nonya Chap Chye (from $15.80+), 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, Mon-Fri 5:30pm to 9pm, Sat-Sun 5pm to 9pm
Tel: 6344 2761
Website
Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
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. They offer a value-for-money steak buffet, great if you’re a huge meat lover! Visit for lunch from 12pm to 3pm to enjoy unlimited servings of steak for just $40++ per person. If you’re here for dinner, come by between 6pm to 9pm to enjoy the buffet at $45++. Do note that there’s a one-hour dining limit, though you can top up $5++ to extend it for 30 minutes, or $8++ to dine for the whole three hours of the buffet!
Read our Stirling Steaks feature.
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.
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 their famous Laksa (from $7.30), which is simple yet delicious. Each bowl is filled with thick rice vermicelli noodles, shrimps, smooth fish cakes, and fresh cockles, all simmered in a warm bed of their flavourful, coconut-prominent gravy. This spot is popular amongst tourists, so if you’d like to join them in discovering what is thought to be the iconic, original Singaporean laksa, this is the place to go to!
Read our 328 Katong Laksa hotpot feature if you’re craving steamboat with laksa soup!
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.
If you love scones as much as we do, make sure to drop by Li’l Chef, an under-the-radar bakery hidden at Parkway Parade‘s CS Fresh. Here you’ll find a fab assortment of freshly baked scones in six sweet and six savoury flavours. Expect innovative flavours such as Maple Walnut, Orange White Chocolate, Truffle, and French Shallot. These scones are priced at $9 for six pieces, which works out to just $1.50 each!
Besides scones, the bakery also offers a small range of pastries including Pain Au Chocolate ($4.50) and Kouign Amann ($4.50 for two).
Read our Li’l Chef feature!
Address: 80 Marine Parade Road, #B1-84, Parkway Parade, Singapore 44926
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 8pm
Tel: 6909 3732
Website
Li’l Chef is not a halal-certified eatery.
For icy desserts on a hot day, check out Wan Mei Dessert, located along East Coast Road. They offer traditional Chinese desserts here, alongside customisable snow ice in the form of the Wan Mei Snow Ice Set ($10.90)—the latter lets you choose from seven flavours, 10 syrups, and three out of 24 toppings. During our visit, we also enjoyed the Yuzu Ice Dessert ($5.90), a refreshing treat with yuzu-flavoured ice, mango boba, and lychee jelly. Otherwise, those who want something more old-school can opt for the Cheng Tng ($4.90) instead!
Read our Wan Mei Dessert review.
Address: 11 East Coast Road, #01-14 The Odeon, Singapore 428722
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 12pm to 10pm
Tel: 8884 9248
Website
Wan Mei Dessert is not a halal-certified eatery.
Prince of Hokkien Mee, previously known as Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee, is a popular hawker stall that’s been dishing out fried hokkien mee for generations. You can get it in four sizes: $6, $10, $15, and $20. It’s full of heady prawn flavours, and comes loaded with crispy pork lard for added richness. Here, you can also get the lesser-seen Pork Belly Satay ($1.60 each), which boasts a generous amount of char and a good fat-to-meat ratio.
Read our Geylang Lor 29 Hokkien Mee review.
Address: 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 9733 1388
Prince of Hokkien Mee is not a halal-certified eatery.
June Coffee is a fairly new Katong cafe by the founders of September Coffee, another popular cafe in Chinatown. Expect Instagrammable brunch fare such as Honey, Lemon, and Ricotta French Toast ($17++), which comprises a thick slice of brioche toast, topped with ricotta cheese and crunchy pecans. Then there’s also the Truffle Mushroom Pappardelle ($19++), which stars shiitake, king oyster, and shimeiji mushrooms in a truffle cream sauce with fresh pappardelle pasta. While you’re here, try the popular Black Sesame Latte ($8++) and Iced Kinako Matcha ($8++), topped with sea salt soy foam and kinako powder!
Read our June Coffee review.
Address: 49 East Coast Road, Singapore 428768
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 10:30am to 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 6pm
Website
June Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.
Brawn & Brains Coffee is another brunch-food haven along East Coast Road. Try their Fiery Meatball Spaghetti ($24++), 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-Tue, Thurs-Fri 7:30am to 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am to 5:30pm
Website
Brawn & Brains Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is another delicious food stall around the Joo Chiat and Katong area. Among one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore, they only serve kampung chickens, which are supposedly more flavourful, and have a lower fat content. Their chicken rice plates start from $7, 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 tastes garlicky, and possesses an intense kick of spiciness.
Address: 191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
Opening Hours: Daily 10:30am to 2am
Tel: 6344 5911
Website
Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is not a halal-certified eatery.
Situated on 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 ($29++) is a favourite among many customers. Meat lovers would relish the Costolette D’Agnello Alla Griglia ($37++), 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.
Open until 3am, Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is a long-standing and popular supper spot in the East, serving up a great variety of zi char dishes. If you and your buddies have a ravenous appetite, do get their Chilli Crab (market price), 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 4pm to 3am
Tel: 6440 6956
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not a halal-certified eatery.
A collaboration between The Cicheti Group and Ben Fatto 95, Forma spotlights pasta found in lesser-known regions of Italy. The Linguine al Limone ($32++) is a 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. Don’t miss out on their new lunch menu too, with classic options such as Spaghetti Alla Carbonara ($28++) with guanciale, Pecorino, and egg.
Check out our full Forma review!
Address: 128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 6513 2286
Website
Forma is not a halal-certified eatery.
Joo Chiat Banh Mi Caphe specialises in affordable Singaporean-inspired 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 ($8) and the fragrant Grilled Lemongrass Beef Patty with Hoisin Sauce ($8.50).
Read our Joo Chiat Banh Mi Caphe review.
Address: 263 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427517
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 7pm
Tel: 6988 1900
Website
Joo Chiat Caphe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Famed for their particularly piquant sambal belacan, Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is a favourite among fans of Peranakan cuisine. Dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak (from $17++) and Curry Assam Ikan ($19++) 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: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 6275 1002
Website
Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Ponggol Nasi Lemak’s various outlets seem to perpetually draw queues, and their Tanjong Katong branch is no exception. You can pick and choose your toppings, with popular options such as luncheon meat ($1), otah ($1.70), fish fillet ($1.70), and chicken wing ($2). Their aromatic coconut rice costs $1.50 for a small serving. The Tanjong Katong eatery closes at 11:30pm on most days, making it a great late-dinner spot!
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.
Originally located at Dunman Food Centre, Ah Yee’s Soon Kueh at Tembeling Road is now helmed by the previous owner’s son Jeffery, who left his job at a bank to take over his mother’s business. You’ll find traditional Teochew kueh here, such as the Soon Kueh ($1.80) stuffed with dried shrimp and juicy vegetables, and the Png Kueh ($1.80) which is firm and flavourful. Don’t miss out on their Yam Cake (from $3.90) as well, which is delightfully earthy and savoury.
Address: 124 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423623
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 7am to 5pm
Tel: 9878 2843
Website
Ah Yee’s Soon Kueh is not a halal-certified eatery.
Tucked away along East Coast Road, Doongji Korean Restaurant has been serving up hearty and authentic Korean fare for more than a decade. A crowd-favourite here is the Hot Stone Rice Bowl ($14.90++), a bibimbap dish served sizzling in a stone bowl. Another good option is the Jokbal Rice ($14.90++), which is softly marinated pig trotters served with rice, sunny side-up egg and various condiments. Jokbal is usually served as a sharing platter, so it’s rare to find it as a standalone rice dish. Don’t forget the Rose Ttoebokki ($18.50++) in the buldak-style, with mushrooms and prawns and drenched in a rose spicy sauce.
Address: 222 East Coast Road, Singapore 428919
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Website
Doongji Korean Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Joo Chiat Road boasts a thriving Vietnamese food scene, with Long Phung Vietnamese Cuisine easily being one of the go-to spots. They boast a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes that are homely and authentic, such as Hu Tieu Bo Kho ($10.50), a rich and savoury beef noodle stew, and Mi Xao Hai San ($11), which is stir-fried yellow noodles with seafood. They also have a selection of banh mi; you can’t go wrong with the traditional Vietnamese Ham Banh Mi ($6.50), featuring various cold-cuts slathered with pate.
Address: 159 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427436
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Long Phung Vietnamese Cuisine is not a halal-certified eatery.
With the variety 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 with this handy Joo Chiat and Katong food guide!
For more area-specific food guides, check out our Bedok Food Guide and Raffles Place Food Guide. If you’re craving desserts nearby, check out some home-baked Jellycat macarons in our Sumopocky feature.
This post was brought to you by Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe.