Joo Chiat Tours

Immerse yourself in the Straits Chinese (Peanakan) culture with insightful commentary from a guide on this tour of Joo Chiat and Katong. Travel like the locals, via public bus, to Singapore's eastern shores, where you'll soak up the local culture and try traditional foods. Traveling with a small group of six people or fewer ensures personalized attention from your guide and an intimate atmosphere.

Singapore's ethnic and cultural diversity is extremely conspicuous as seen by the huge range of its local cuisines, specifically Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan. The lively Geylang Serai market sits at the heart of the Malay community. Understandably, it features predominately Malay cuisine. However, plenty of Indian fare can be found here too. This famous market has a wet section selling fresh produce, from live fish to spices, as well as a food centre upstairs. It is the place to enjoy Singaporean favourites like Roti Prata and Thosai with a creamy glass of Teh Tarik. The Joo Chiat / Katong neighbourhood is an area rich in history and exquisite architecture of pre-war shophouses. This neighbourhood is home to the famous Laksa (a spicy noodle soup popular in Peranakan cuisine) and Ondeh Ondeh (a glutinous rice balls dessert). Visit Kim Choo Kueh Chang, named after matriarch Madam Lee Kim Choo, whose nyonya rice dumplings have been devoured by locals since 1945.

If you like to cover a lot of ground when you travel, save up to 50% on Singapore’s most popular attractions with a 2-, 3-, or 5-day Unlimited Attractions Pass. The more you see, the more you save, with great discounts on Singapore highlights including Gardens by the Bay, the Night Safari, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and Universal Studios Singapore. Passes are valid for two, three, or five consecutive calendar days from first use.

The class is conducted in a Singapore home kitchen. It is a hands on cooking class and is conducted by Ruqxana who is Singapore Tourism Board's Passion Ambassador and has been running cooking classes for the last 18 years! You will learn traditions cooking methods and also learn lots of tips in making your food come out delicious. You will also learn new cooking techniques that can easily be repeated at home. Vegetarians/Vegans are welcome. Let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions

Visit wet markets and hawker centres, the origins of our local coffee, belachan, roti prata and how some things came to be. Learn about eating customs of the Chinese, Malays and Indians. Visit family-run shop/factory to get a behind-the-scenes of the local food industry. And a hands on popiah rolling cum lunch session where each guests will hand roll yummy popiahs and fill little kueh pie tees. We end off sampling one of Singaporean's beloved desserts - putu piring.

Singapore is a foodie paradise and you will be spoilt for choice as to where and what to eat. There are simply too much to offer. Hawker centres are also notorious for their long queue during meal time, especially the ones that are good. With this tour, you get to sample as many as 10 different varieties of local food all at one go in to comfort of a home environment.

This tour is a 'MUST', if you want to: - Experience the REAL Singapore with not just any tour guide, but a true blue INSIDER, ME! - Challenge all your 5 senses! - Learn what make this 'Little Red Dot' super HOT & UNIQUE! - Know the interesting PAST, colorful PRESENT & exciting FUTURE of this Lion City! - Sample authentic local FOOD! =============== As your private tour guide, I can adjust the schedule, duration and activities to meet your interest, PACE & needs. You may choose to travel either by public transports (Taxi/Subway/Bus), OR select one of those options which include a private car/van. ONE day tour: pick 2~4 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 8hrs max. TWO days tour: pick 5~8 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 2 x 8hrs max. THREE days tour: pick 8~10 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 3 x 8hrs max. ** You may either drop me an email or WHATSAPP me, your preferred options in DESCENDING order **

This private tour allows you to create an itinerary tailored to your interests, and ensures that you receive the undivided attention of a private guide. Plus, you can choose a duration that suits your schedule.

Join us on a colourful journey into the history, lifestyle and unique character of the Peranakan Babas (the men) and Nonyas (the women) … Take a walk through the Spice Garden which sits on the original site of the first Botanic Gardens and uncover the intricacies of spices and herbs that go into Peranakan cooking. A fascinating Display of Peranakan costume, embroidery, beadwork, jewellery, porcelain, furniture and craftwork provides insight into the captivating culture of the Peranakans. Wander through the bustling enclaves of Katong & Joo Chiat that showcases the rich and baroque Peranakan architecture. Admire rows of colourful traditional shophouses that dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. A sampling of Nonya Delicacies will complete the trail.