Distance: 2km
Singapore’s character-packed eastern nabe is as popular for its coffee shops and indie retail as it is for the colourful Peranakan heritage. Most places open in the evenings, so keep your cool by embarking on your stroll late afternoon.
A. Katong Antique House Museum
Call ahead for an appointment at this beautifully restored Peranakan manse. Presided over by Peter Wee, he’ll provide a crash course in Baba-Nyonya life traditional to Katong.
208 East Coast Road, +65 6345 8544
B. Hat of Cain
Paean to the Panama stocking over 20 styles of real-deal handwoven titfers from Ecuador for him and her..
12 Joo Chiat Terrace, +65 8809 6242, 11am-6pm Tue-Fri, till 5pm Sat, hatofcain.com
C. Rumah Bebe
Owner Bebe Seet is notoriously mercurial but catch her on a good day and she’ll happily goss about all things Nyonya as you browse her colourful beaded slippers, sarongs and kebayas.
113 East Coast Road, +65 6247 8781, 9.30am-6.30pm Tue-Sun, rumahbebe.com
D. Rabbit Carrot Gun
Home-sick Brits find solace in the nostalgic comfort fare of this stylish corner bistro. Two doors down, sibling faux-pub The Trenchard Arms serves craft pints and pies.
47-49 East Coast Road, +65 6348 8568, 8.30am-10.30pm Tue-Sun, 11am-10.30pm Mon, rabbit-carrot-gun.com
E. Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate
The charcoal-hued flagship of Singapore’s very own Willy Wonka serves a full bistro-style menu but you’re not here for the savouries – go loco for all the cocoa.
131 East Coast Road, +65 6345 2190, midday-11pm Mon-Thu, till 1am Fri, 9.30am-1am Sat, till 11pm Sun, awfullychocolate.com
F. Feet Haven
Relieve tired trotters at this one-stop reflexology stop. Funky decor, expert therapists and well-priced rub downs – say spa-ahhh!
136 East Coast Road, +65 6344 7311, 12pm-10pm Sun-Thu, till 10.30pm Fri & Sat, feethaven.com
G. Haus of Egg3
Shop Annie and Mike Tan’s edit of globally-sourced homewares and minimalist fashion at this shophouse tricked out like a private home.
164 East Coast Road, +65 6348 6564,11am-8pm Tue-Sun, eggthree.com
H. Five Star Kampong Chicken Rice
Fuel up on Singapore’s national comfort dish at this stalwart serving flavoursome free-range chickens with fragrant rice. The chilli sauce has just the right amount of kick – zing!
191 East Coast Road, +65 6344 5911, 10am-2am daily, fivestarchickenrice.com
I. The Moving Body
Work your way to good health with an expert-led class at this sleek studio offering Pilates, Gyrotonic, physio and spinning.
217 East Coast Road, +65 6345 7166, 9am-6.30pm Mon-Thu, till 1pm Fri & Sun, till 2pm Sat, themovingbodygroup.com
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: mehdi33300 – iStock.com
