Birthplace of Intercultural Harmony in Singapore - Say Hi to Katong and Joo Chiat!

Katong and Joo-Chiat



Katong-Joo Chiat are one of the featured neighborhoods in Singapore, it is known as the home to the Peranakan Culture in Singapore, moreover, it is filled with local flavors, beautiful cafes and charming heritage shophouses. Katong-Joo Chiat has amazing art-mural and heritage gems of Singapore and has been awarded many Architectural-Heritage awards.

Significant and culturally rich locations in Joo Chiat:

-       Multi-colored Houses:

Dive into a vibrant array of colored houses, showcasing a story of the Peranakan culture, blending influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian and European traditions. The ornate facades, with their delicate ceramic tiles, wooden shutters, and decorative carvings, reflect the community's penchant for intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.



- The Intan:

Alvin Yapp, Owner and Curator has transformed his home into a Peranakan Culture Museum with a hoard of fascinating artefacts. The Intan's collection is a proud display of Peranakan craftsmanship. There are around 5,000 Peranakan objects that are rich in history, from tiffin carriers, detailed embroidery to intricate beadwork shoes. At the end, you get Seasonal rice dumplings, traditional coffee mugs and other traditional wares make for the perfect mementos to bring home.

- Eurasian Heritage Gallery:

A beautiful history of the Eurasian community in Singapore across the three galleries of this quaint heritage gallery. Moreover, this charming building houses three distinct galleries that trace the rich heritage of Singapore's Eurasian community. The Eurasian community is one of Singapore’s smallest, but also one of its earliest. Known for their hybrid traditions of East and West, their Asian and European origins can be traced to some of the region’s oldest colonial settlements, such as Malacca, Penang, Goa, Macau and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)

- Katong Antique house:

This a private museum with a variety of Peranakan Antiques ranging from furniture to intricately crafted Nyonya costumes like sarong kebaya and kasut-manek. This is an experience living in a Peranakan family home and immersing yourself in fascinating stories from the past. Moreover, you can find plethora of portraits, images and stories, and dig into the rich history surrounding the four walls.



- Kway Guan Huat – Joo Chiat Popiah :

This shop serves a beloved local dish popiah which is made at this 80-year-old family run store. Now currently its owned by the third generation of family – 42-year-old Michael Ker. The shop was first started by Ker’s grandfather who came over from Fujian in 1938 and set up a popiah skin-making business in Singapore. He and his wife set up a business selling Nyonya-style popiah that catered to the Peranakan community in Joo Chiat. Now the shop has an intangible cultural heritage award which was awarded in 2020

Comments

  1. HansikaFebruary 19, 2025 at 1:25 AM

    Very nice explanation on the various galaries... Well done..

    ReplyDelete

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