Guide to Joo Chiat: Cool things to see, eat and do in this hip neighbourhood

Tigerlily Patisserie

Credit: Tigerlily Patisserie

1/20

Previously an online bakery, Tigerlily Patisserie has now found its permanent home at Joo Chiat. It’s helmed by pastry chef Maxine Ngooi, who has honed her skills at restaurants like Les Amis and Joël Robuchon. Head here for sweet and savoury pastries and entremets featuring unconventional flavours. Ngooi’s signature is The Beehive, a citrus-bright hive of lemon, thyme, litchi honey jelly, light lemon sponge and honey parfait in a yuzu mousse encasing.

Address: 350 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427598

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Closed Monday

Tel: 8887-0988

Wine Mouth

Credit: Wine Mouth

2/20

Wine Mouth stands out for being not just a retail store selling natural wines, but a space where wine lovers can share their appreciation for all things vino. Pop by on Wine Wednesdays for themed tastings, and try a curated selection of wines such as Tuscan varieties or Chenin Blancs. There are even yoga and wine sessions, as well as ‘Drink and Draw’ sessions where you can sip on wine whilst refining your artistic skills. Of course, the natural wines themselves are worth heading down for, such as classic Burgundy style pinots or Californian wines from natural winery Broc Cellars.

Address: 432A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427647

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm to 9pm and Sunday, noon to 6pm. Closed Monday.

Tel: 6974-7236

La Bottega Enoteca

Credit: La Bottega Enoteca

3/20

This rustic Italian restaurant was set by Antonio Miscellaneo, who used to run immensely popular private dining establishment Casa Nostra. It’s just as difficult to get a seat at La Bottega − bookings open up periodically on their website (subscribe to their mailing list for updates) and seats get snapped up lightning fast. If you do manage to score a table, expect a delectable six-course tasting menu with the signature DoubleCrunch pizza, Newpolitan pizza and a pasta of the day like Spaghettone Alle Sarde (pictured).

Address: 346 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427596

Opening hours: The restaurant operates on a reservations basis with limited slots. Check its website for availability.

Contact: ciao@labottega.sg

Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee

Credit: Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee

4/20

This record store-slash-cafe has shifted premises a couple of times, having moved from Serangoon to Joo Chiat’s Katong Point and then across the road to a shophouse in late 2020. It’s still a place where indie music lovers will want to linger, with its shelves of vinyl records ranging from hip-hop to neo-soul, funk and electronic. There’s also great espresso-style coffee, along with a selection of all-day breakfast food like smoked salmon bagels, smashed avocado toast and bratwurst sausages.

Address: 446 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427659

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily

Contact: 8112-9004

Tok Tok Indonesian Restaurant

Credit: Tok Tok Indonesian Restaurant

5/20

We love ourselves a good family-style Indonesian restaurant and are glad that the East Coast now offers that in the form of Tok Tok. A concept by Blue Waves Food Empire, it serves a wide range of Indonesian dishes created from original family recipes. Some signatures include Batagor, Ayam Bakar Betutu, Buntut Goreng Sambal Matah as well as Soto Betawi. The woven rattan chairs and terrazzo tables are a nice touch too, giving the retro chic vibe.

Address: 467 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427678

Opening hours: 11am to 10pm daily

Tel: 6908-3835

Common Man Coffee Roaster Joo Chiat

Credit: Common Man Coffee Roaster Joo Chiat

6/20

You’re probably familiar with this cafe’s Martin Road and CBD counterparts, which attract quite the crowd of coffee lovers. Their new Joo Chiat branch fills up two ground-floor shophouse units, and boasts a spacious, industrial design. This outlet also has a dedicated filter coffee bar with a rotating selection of regional, single-origin filter coffees. A retail area stocks coffee beans and exclusive ceramic ware too. As for food, opt for the Sourdough Pancakes which are only available in this outlet.

Address: 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456

Opening hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm daily

Tel: 6877-4863

The Brewing Ground

Credit: The Brewing Ground

7/20

Located at The Yards at Joo Chiat (the site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School), The Brewing Ground prides itself on using fresh ingredients and local produce for its European-inspired menu. We like the ‘Build your own breakfast’ option where you can add ingredients like avocado, sausage, maple bacon or smoked salmon to your eggs and toast. The interior is lovely for spending the morning too, with a glasshouse-like setup filled with hanging plants and pottery, as well as an alfresco seating area where pets are permitted.

Address: 406 Joo Chiat Place, #01-24, Singapore 428084

Opening hours: 7:30am to 5pm daily

Tel: 8313-6092

Kings Cart Coffee Factory

Credit: Kings Cart Coffee Factory

8/20

King’s Cart was set up in September 2017 as a mobile pop-up kiosk and has finally found a brick-and-mortar location at Joo Chiat. Envisioned as a ‘storming ground for coffee lovers’, the place has even incorporated part of its roasting facility into the premise. There’s also a rotating selection of fresh bakes to pair your coffee with, and a coffee bar serving up unique coffee-infused cocktails like the Espresso Mojito.

Address: 328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-05, Singapore 427585

Opening hours: 9am to 6pm daily

Tel: 8814-8445

C Cafe

Credit: C Cafe

9/20

Fancy your coffee with a little magic? The owners of C Cae − Ashley Cho and Nicholas Wong − are adept at magic tricks too, so don’t be surprised if they walk up to you and start asking you to pick a card. The cafe even has a menu designed like a game of cards, and a ‘Magic Table’ in the centre of the space for performing tricks. The menu also features healthier dessert options like Chia Seed Pudini, alongside coffee staples like long blacks and flat whites.

Address: 477 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427683

Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily

Tel: 8875-1122

Apiary Lab | Provisions

Credit: Apiary Lab | Provisions

10/20

This artisanal creamery’s Joo Chiat outlet is their third, with the new space created to showcase their kitchen (lab) and products not available at other branches. You’ll find specially curated coffee, tea and ice cream treats housed in several fridges inside the shop. There are also plans to hold ice cream tasting and making classes in the future. Of course, don’t miss out on their signature gelato. The namesake Apiary is a savoury blend of honey with crunchy cacao nibs.

Address: 81 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427725

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 9pm. Closed Monday.

Tel: 6980-6979

Kamome Bakery

Credit: Kamome Bakery

11/20

Newly opened in April, this bakery is Kamome’s second outpost. It’s also insanely popular with long queues outside and only takeaway available. If you’ve got the time to wait, you’ll be rewarded with delicious bakes like their signature Kamome Toast Bread, baked over five hours with no preservatives or eggs. There are also some new items exclusive to the Joo Chiat branch, such as Chestnut Croissant, Truffle Salt Butter bread and an assortment of jams to pair with your baked buys.

Address: 193 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427464

Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Closed Monday to Wednesday

Tel: 8757-8560

The Whole Kitchen

Credit: The Whole Kitchen

12/20

Health nuts will be happy to know that The Whole Kitchen, which previously sold its gluten-free foods online, now has a physical cafe. You’ll find baked goods and other items made using natural ingredients, with low carbs and low sugar levels. The menu includes an all-day selection of granola bowls and toasts, as well as cakes, muffins and vegan brownies. Only natural sweeteners are added to desserts too, such as fruits, honey and organic coconut sugar.

Address: 11 East Coast Road, Singapore 428722

Opening hours: 7:30am to 4pm daily

Tel: 8128-3562

Little Farms Katong Point

Credit: Little Farms Katong Point

13/20

Katong Point now houses this artisanal grocer’s biggest outlet, spanning 6,000 square feet and encompassing a supermarket, butcher, barista bar and bistro. The coffee bar’s selection includes AllPress Coffee from Australia, Hampstead Tea from the United Kingdom as well as fresh juices and smoothies. The Mount Barker brand (carrying free-range chicken and pork from Australia) is exclusive to this outlet too. As for Little Farms Bistro, expect tasty pastas, grilled meats and fish, plant-based dishes and hearty sandwiches.

Address: 451 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427664

Opening hours: 7:30am to 9:30pm daily

Tel: 6797-8771

Alimentari General Store

Credit: Alimentari General Store

14/20

Miss travelling to Italy? Get your fix of Italian ingredients at this grocer resembling a typical neighbourhood store in the country. Stocked here are artisanal cheeses and wines from small regional wineries, cured meat, spirits, traditional coffee, gelato and other premium produce. There are even brands of Italian breakfast cereal, as well as rare tomato varieties from Campania. The friendly staff can also help you with wine and food pairings and explain the provenance of their produce.

Address: 201 Joo Chiat Road, #01-02, Singapore 427472

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am to 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am to 7:30pm. Closed Monday.

Tel: 8826-1657

East Coast Grocers

Credit: East Coast Grocers

15/20

Set up in April this year, East Coast Grocers stocks produce from over 300 sources worldwide. Expect unique items like apple juice from the Aomori Prefecture or fresh berries straight from Holland. The store is community-focused too and hopes to create a familiar space where East Coast dwellers can enjoy comfortable grocery runs and conversations. Don’t miss out on their popular in-house bakes like the Uber Ripe Banana & French Dark Chocolate Pistoles loaf (you’ll have to pre-order on their IG account).

Address: 180 East Coast Road, Singapore 428886

Opening hours: 8am to 8pm daily

Tel: 9017-3701

Butcher Box

Credit: Butcher Box

16/20

This is a newly-opened butcher offering various cuts of fresh meat and seafood from Australia. On offer are products like dry-aged beef, NZ Akaroa salmon, lamb, pork, chicken as well as handmade sausages. Butcher Box also stocks pies from popular Australian bakery Vili’s Family, famed for its generous beef stuffing and golden flaky pastry. You can purchases seasoning and spices imported from Australia and UK too.

Address: 414 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427638

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 7pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm.

Tel: 8834-4983

Oasis: Provision Shop

Credit: Oasis: Provision Shop

17/20

Clean beauty label Oasis:skin has opened its second outlet at Joo Chiat. The new space is envisioned as a ‘provision shop’ where nearby residents can get their beauty fix. Products on offer are all freshly-made and of the refillable vegan variety, including package-free solid shampoos, essential oils, serums and even dishwashing liquid. There’s also a DIY section that lets you personalise body washes with several scent selections. As the store emphasises environmentally-conscious practices, do bring your own bags to store your purchases.

Address: 280 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427534

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 1pm to 6pm. Saturday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm. Closed Monday.

Tel: 9740-2088

Badt and Co.

Credit: Badt and Co.

18/20

For authentic Spanish-style espadrilles that are both comfortable and chic, Badt and Co. should definitely be your go-to. The store specialises in handmade footwear crafted by master artisans in Spain, and works with atelier houses Casa Hernanz and Gaimo. The brand opened its first flagship outlet at Joo Chiat in April this year, where it continues to offer its classic designs like the Cadaques wedge sandals (pictured) which are handmade in smooth suede. The
flagship store also stocks a range of apparel and accessories from local brands like Pyar and Binary Style.

Address: 290A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427542

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm and Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Closed Monday.

Contact: 8102-8637

Tiger and Arcadia

Credit: Tiger and Arcadia

19/20

This artisanal lifestyle store was set up by founder Andrea De Rosetto. Items are inspired by her travels, with Rosetto hoping to promote lesser-known artisans, tribal communities and independent artists around the world. You’ll find many eclectic and quirky items with a distinctly bohemian vibe. These include ceramic tableware, sustainably sourced clothing from brands like the U.K’s M.A.B.E. Apparel, mouth-blown jugs and palm-shaped table lamps from Paris. The brand is also working towards an online store, and you can browse their Instagram and make payments through PayNow as well.

Address: 317 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427568

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm and Sunday, 10:30am to 5pm.

Contact: 9062-9927

Lim’s Holland Village (Joo Chiat Branch)

Credit: Lim’s Holland Village (Joo Chiat Branch)

20/20

Looking for antique furniture or other eclectic finds to spruce up your abode? This family-run decor store is your go-to. Its newest outlet at Joo Chiat features unique and functional homeware pieces – take for example, the vintage collection of hand-painted elm wood cabinets, finished with a selection of colours like blue, grey and white. Some of the store’s items have been featured at Design Orchard too, like the new range of ‘Lims Journeys’ prints inspired by the tropical fruits and flowers of Singapore.

Address: 395 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427627

Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily.

Tel: 6315-3188

This article was first published in Female.