Katong was popular among the Wealthy Straits Chinese, Europeans and Jews in the early part of the 1900s. Many of them built mansions, hotels and recreational clubs along the beach for weekend retreats.

Joo Chiat was named after Chew Joo Chiat (King of Katong), a wealthy Chinese landowner in the early 20th century who acquired most of the land in the area.
Both Katong and Joo Chiat eventually became populated by the English-educated middle class, comprising of mostly Peranakans* and Eurasians.

ITINERARY
Meeting up with our tour guide at the front entrance of Dunman Food Centre, the ‘Katong Kaleidoscope’ tour commences first with a hop over to nearby Koon Seng Road to admire and appreciate the beauty and heritage of the two picturesque rows of colourful Peranakan houses situated on either side of this short street. Affectionately regarded today as ‘Singapore’s most colourful street’, Koon Seng Road never fails to draw local and foreign ‘visitors’ hungry for Instagram-worthy shots.

Next, we'll proceed with a leisurely stroll along Joo Chiat Road, passing through more examples of pre-war Peranakan shophouses with their ornate facades and helpfully shady five-foot ways, as well as a couple of shops offering interesting books and Singaporean-themed bric-a-brac and home display items, before arriving at the strategic junction where Joo Chiat Road intersects with East Coast Road.
Yong's Teochew Kueh shop is worth a quick stop-by at, to 'tar pao' some delicious Teochew kueh favourites like soon kueh, orh kueh, koo chye kueh and png kueh. (optional)


Peranakan heritage and culture come alive and take centre stage next as we make our stop at Rumah Kim Choo. Here, you will gain a glimpse into understanding the food & material culture of the Peranakans. You will be given the opportunity to dress into traditional fashion apparels, and be given the chance to observe how traditional sarong kebaya and beaded shoes are being made. Accompanied with a curator, there will also be food samples and drinks offered.