Joo Chiat

The basics

Joo Chiat centers on Joo Chiat Road, named for the wealthy plantation owner who created the neighborhood, Chew Joo Chiat. But it’s on Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Place that the beautifully crafted terrace houses really deliver their rainbow of colors. Other Peranakan highlights include The Intan home-museum, the Rumah Bebe store and eatery, and Kim Choo Kueh Chang, known for its stuffed rice dumplings

A number of Singapore food tours visit Joo Chiat, generally for dumplings and Katong laksa; bike tours are also a great way to soak up the heritage atmosphere of Joo Chiat and neighboring Katong.

Things to know before you go

• Joo Chiat is a must for photographers and Instagrammers.

• Be respectful when shooting the houses at Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Place: Many are still people’s homes.

• Like the rest of Singapore, Joo Chiat is generally wheelchair-friendly, though individual stores and restaurants may present challenges.

How to get there

The best MRT station for Joo Chiat is Eunos, on the East-West line, about a 15-minute walk from Koon Seng Road and Joo Chiat Place. Other options include the #32 bus from Clarke Quay, the #196 bus from Fullerton Square, and the #36 bus from Promenade. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a rideshare.

When to get there

Café culture makes Joo Chiat more a daytime destination than a nightlife hot spot—some of the karaoke joints on Joo Chiat Road are notoriously sleazy. Afternoon is a lovely time to visit, allowing space for a bit of grazing and retail therapy before catching the golden hour light on Koon Seng Road or Joo Chiat Place.

Peranakan-themed street art in Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat’s street art is as colorful as its houses, and Rumah Bebe makes a great place to discover the local style. The narrow lane beside the store houses Medley Alley, a spectacular butterfly inspired by Peranakan tiles: behind the shop, women in kebaya blouses and a girl with rice-dumpling balloons await. Head to 333 Joo Chiat Road for the Peranakan-themed Ferryman, 321 Joo Chiat Road for a vivid wall of phoenixes, and 95 Joo Chiat Road for two murals devoted to the art of popiah (a snack like a spring roll).

Is visiting Joo Chiat worth it?

Yes, Joo Chiat is a buzzing neighborhood known for its Peranakan culture, quirky boutiques, and diverse foodie scene. Admire the candy-colored buildings along Koon Seng Road, discover vibrant street art along East Coast Road, take your pick of hip cafés, or join a foodie tour and sample delicious Peranakan specialties.

Can you go to Joo Chiat on your own?

Yes. It’s easy to reach Joo Chiat by MRT and spend a few hours browsing the shops. However, a local guide can point out the neighborhood’s colorful street art and historic buildings, take you to the best cafés and restaurants, and introduce you to Peranakan delicacies such as prata kosong.

What is the best time of day to visit Joo Chiat?

Joo Chiat’s lively café culture and reputation as a foodie hub make it a great destination for lunch, dinner, an afternoon coffee break—or all of the above. Many of the area’s shops and restaurants stay open late, but be aware there are some seedy bars and nightlife spots.

How long does it take to tour Joo Chiat?

It's not hard to spend a few hours wandering around the colorful neighborhood of Joo Chiat, with its multitude of shops, cafés, and restaurants to keep you entertained. Leave time to photograph the ornate candy-colored shopfronts, peek inside the boutiques, and sample some traditional Malay-Chinese dishes.

Can you take photos in/at Joo Chiat?

Yes, Joo Chiat has some great photo opportunities. The neighborhood has become known as an Instagram hot spot thanks to its picturesque 20th-century shophouses, painted a rainbow of pastel shades, and colorful street art. Just be mindful of photographing locals and their homes, and ask permission before snapping away.

What is the nearest MRT station to Joo Chiat?

Eunos is the closest MRT station to the Joo Chiat neighborhood, on the East-West line. From Raffles Place in Singapore’s Central Area, ride the MRT for seven stops (about 15 minutes), and then walk about 15 minutes to reach Koon Seng Road, where you’ll find the famous candy-colored shopfronts.