26 Katong And Joo Chiat Food Places For A Chocolate Buffet, Legit Tonkatsu And More

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 26 of our favourite Joo Chiat and Katong food places that we think the rest of Singapore should know about too!

• 1. Yong Huat Hokkien Mee

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 halal-certified.

• 2. Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe

It’s possible to dine well without breaking the bank, especially with Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe’s dinner set that costs just $38++ per person. Available daily from 6pm to 9pm, the value-for-money set features highlights such as the Angus Ribeye Steak, flame-grilled to the doneness of your choice, Seabass With Cocoa Butter, and Coq au Vin. 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 halal-certified.

• 3. Janggut Laksa

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 Road, Roxy Square, #01-64, Singapore 428769

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 4:30am

Website

Janggut Laksa is not halal-certified.

• 4. Wabi Sabi

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 halal-certified.

• 5. Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice

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-Sun 11am to 7pm Tel: 9789 6073

Website

Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice is not halal-certified.

• 6. Seng House

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 halal-certified.

• 7. Smokey’s BBQ

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 $40++) is a must-have.

Address: 73 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427790 Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 3pm to 11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am to 12am, Sun 11am to 11pm

Tel: 6345 6914

Website

Smokey’s BBQ is not halal-certified.

• 8. Guan Hoe Soon

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: Mon-Fri 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm

Tel: 6344 2761

Website

Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant is not halal-certified.

• 9. Stirling Steaks

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 halal-certified.

• 10. 328 Katong Laksa

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 halal-certified.

• 11. Li’l Chef

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 halal-certified.

• 12. Wan Mei Dessert

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 ($13.90)—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 ($6.90), 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 ($5.90) 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 halal-certified.

• 13. Prince Of Hokkien Mee

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: 8720 9113 Prince of Hokkien Mee is not halal-certified.

• 14. June Coffee

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 ($21++), 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 halal-certified.

• 15. Cilantro The Biryani Club

Tucked along Joo Chiat Road behind a striking scarlet-and-black storefront, Cilantro: The Biryani Club specialises in Hyderabad dum briyani, a dish where marinated meat and rice are layered together and sealed in a pot to slow-cook. The restaurant also offers Hyderabad Dum Lamb Biryani ($21+) and Wagyu Brisket Biryani ($29+)—the latter come piled high with fragrant basmati rice, served with raita and dalcha on the side. The menu also features sides including Tandoori Chicken ($19+), along with drinks such as Mango Lassi ($7) and Iced Teh Tarik ($5).

Read our Cilantro The Biryani Club review. Address: 102 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427396

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 10pm Tel: 8317 3261

Website

Cilantro: The Biryani Club is Muslim-owned.

• 16. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice

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 halal-certified.

• 17. Al Forno

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 halal-certified.

• 18. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House

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: Wed-Mon 4pm to 3am Tel: 6440 6956 Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not halal-certified.

• 19. Sta Western

Located along East Coast Road, directly opposite Holy Family Church, Sta Western is a retro-style diner run by the same team behind Star Western in Kovan. The space leans into an old-school diner aesthetic, complete with neon lights and arcade machines at the entrance.

Food-wise, it focuses on old-school Western food, with mains such as Chicken Chop ($9.90), available with Mushroom, Black Pepper, or Hainanese sauce, served alongside fries, coleslaw, garlic bread, and a sunny-side-up egg. If you’re still feeling peckish, we recommend getting the Onion Rings ($11.90) or USA Baked Potato ($3.50) to share. Read our Sta Western review.

Address: 197 East Coast Road, Singapore 428901 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10:30pm

Tel: 8292 9478

Website

Sta Western is not halal-certified.

• 20. Joo Chiat Banh Mi Caphe

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: Mon-Fri 9am to 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 8pm Tel: 6568 8529

Website

Joo Chiat Caphe is not halal-certified but uses no pork or lard.

• 21. Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant

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 $19++) and Curry Assam Ikan ($22++) 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 halal-certified.

• 22. Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre

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 halal-certified.

• 23. Ah Yee’s Soon Kueh

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 halal-certified.

• 24. Doongji Korean Restaurant

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

Tel: 6345 4264

Website

Doongji Korean Restaurant is not halal-certified.

• 25. Long Phung Vietnamese Cuisine

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 ($10.90), 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 Bread ($6.40), 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 halal-certified.

• 26. Katsuya

For a proper tonkatsu fix, head to Katsuya in Tanjong Katong, a quietly well-regarded spot that’s been operating for over 15 years, helmed by chef-owner Kervin Tay, who trained at a culinary school in Tokyo. The pork cuts here are air-flown in from Hokkaido, and the menu spans both classic and creative options. Signature picks include the Hire Tonkatsu Set ($38++) and Tokujyo Rosu Set ($46++), the latter using a premium, top-grade cut of pork loin.

For something different, the menu also features spin-offs such as Dory Katsu ($33++) and Unagi Katsu ($36++). Each set comes with fluffy Japanese rice, a shredded cabbage salad and miso soup on the side. Read our Katsuya review.

Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437046 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2:30 pm, 6pm to 9:30 pm

Website

Katsuya is not halal-certified.

Where to eat in Joo Chiat and Katong

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.

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