The idyllic stretch of Joo Chiat Road has a unique appeal. Originally a coconut plantation owned by Singaporean philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat, it transformed into a residential suburb in the early 20th century, predominantly populated by the Peranakan and Chinese community.
This Nyonya influence still permeates the neighbourhood today, landmarked by the row of Peranakan shophouses defined by their vivid hues, ornate tiles and elaborate structures. Filled with hip eateries and quaint shops, Joo Chiat lives up to its long-held reputation of being a haven in the midst of a bustling city.
Dotted in between popular eateries and chic cafes are a number of hidden gems. Hole-in-the-wall Bee Hoe Coffee specialises in Vietnamese beans and regional flavour renditions; community favourite 174 Bingo serves up fresh bakes on the daily; and Same Days, nestled inside buzzy interior design store Grafunkt, slings house-made espresso tonics with loving care. With a medley of old and new, the contrast between its beautifully-preserved architectural heritage and contemporary storefronts is what gives Joo Chiat Road its unmistakable conviviality.
Traipse down the street on a weekend, and you’ll find company in locals and tourists alike, many with furry friends in tow. Here, find Vogue Singapore’s definitive guide to discovering—or rediscovering—this cherished part of the city. If you’re anything like us, it’ll soon become a regular haunt you faithfully return to each weekend.
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Eat: 174 Bingo
The bakery and cafe serves fresh house-made bakes crafted from recipes inspired by lived experiences. The crowd favourite is their Cherry Pie, in which a bed of tart cherries are baked in a buttery crust. With a communal dining table seated at the centre of the shop, stepping into Bingo feels just like a friend’s living room. The warm and cosy space also doubles up as a creative hub, collaborating with local creators for the occasional pop-up.
Bingo, 174 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427445
2 / 25
Eat: Bored Tacos
With three retro-themed venues scattered across our sunny island, Bored Tacos has built a cult following for its flavour-packed Mexican bites. The brand’s third outpost on Joo Chiat Road is a must-visit for taco lovers. Check out their indulgent Garlic Prawn Tacos with a spicy mango salsa, juicy lamb topped with creamy guacamole, and delectable Birria Quesadillas oozing with molten cheese.
315 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427566
3 / 25
Eat: The Brewing Ground
If you’re looking to bring your furry companions for a hearty brunch, head over to the Brewing Ground. Tucked within The Yards, this charming glass house cafe is known for its signature just-runny scrambled eggs and delicious brunch plates. Crowd favourites include the creamy Crab and Scrambled eggs and the decadent Breakfast burger. And for your beloved pups, their pet-friendly outdoor seating welcomes pets to lounge by your side as you devour a wholesome spread.
406 Joo Chiat Pl, #01-24 The Yards, Singapore 428084
4 / 25
Eat: Big Short Coffee
This specialty cafe is the perfect spot to get your daily caffeine intake. Its innovative and creative cocktail-inspired coffee drinks showcase techniques borrowed from molecular gastronomy and mixology—think layered cold brews with notes of citrus, tea, and floral essences.
2 Fowlie Rd, #01-01, Singapore 428505
5 / 25
Eat: Joo Chiat Oyster House
Known for its quality coffee, well-loved cafe King’s Cart Coffee has a surprise up its sleeve. In the evening, it transforms into a dive bar known as Joo Chiat Oyster House. True to its name, the gastropub offers platters of fresh, plump oysters served with a variety of toppings, alongside well-executed mains and a plethora of delicious craft cocktails. As good for date night as it is for a chill after-work hang, this spot is fast becoming a favourite with regulars from the neighbourhood.
Joo Chiat Oyster House, 328 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-05, Singapore 427585
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Eat: Province
This hidden eight-seater is home to Province, a fine-dining restaurant spotlighting quality South East Asian ingredients and flavours that showcase the diversity of rich cultures within the region. With a menu that rotates every three months, Province promises a taste of home elevated with well-dressed plates and a subtle Japanese slant.
Province, 153 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427431
7 / 25
Eat: Two Men Bagel House
Among the rising number of bagel shops in Singapore, Two Men Bagel House still remains the steadfast favourite for most—thanks to its hand-rolled wood-fired bagels and its many creative flavours. The brand’s fourth outpost finds its home in Joo Chiat, its hip-hop-inspired design fitting right into the eclectic buzz of the neighbourhood. Look out for its outlet-exclusive offerings, including a spiced pork jowl bagel-wich with charred pineapple, red onion and preserved lemon mayo.
Two Men Bagel House, 465 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427677
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Eat: Asador
This Spanish restaurant dabbles heavily in smoke and embers, with a dedicated focus on seafood and a broad range of meats. From tender Palamôs squid to hand-carved acorn-fed ham and a whole charred suckling pig, a meal at Asador mimics the vibrancy and depth of flavours enshrined in Spanish tapas. While you’re there, make sure to check out the restaurant’s hidden bar, 60ml, which takes you back in time with vintage decor and an array of inventive cocktails.
Asador, 51 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427775
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Eat: Papi's Tacos
A new outpost of Papi’s Tacos has landed in the Joo Chiat enclave. And it’s hard to miss the vibrant taqueria, marked by its colourful seats and graffiti-esque wall feature of national icon Frida Kahlo. Head chef Mauricio Espinoza brings authentic Mexican classics to the table, with Mushroom Quesadillas served with a side of homemade salsa and sour cream and Camarones, along with La Parilla tacos, stuffed with grilled tiger prawns and topped with grilled mango salsa. Top it off with a jovial selection of refreshing margaritas and a mouthwatering fiesta awaits.
Papi’s Tacos, 450 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427663
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Eat: Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters’ chic shophouse corner on Joo Chiat Road is hard to miss, and it is a dependable spot for a solid cuppa and great brunch fare equivalent to the standard of its pours. If you’ve worked up an appetite with a long stroll through the neighbourhood, tuck into the signature Organic Eggs Benedict, or the Turkish Common Man Breakfast—a delectable combination of phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds, feta and a velvety spread of hummus.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, 185 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427456
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Eat: Hello Arigato
With the ethos of pairing Asian comfort food with a well-balanced cup of coffee, this Japanese-inspired cafe opened its second outpost in Joo Chiat last year to a welcome crowd. Its front window allows anyone a peek into gorgeous open shelves, which stock the likes of non-alcoholic wines, coffee table books and artful kitchenware. The light-filled space attracts a particularly hip crowd, who flock over for a taste of their gyu sando or HCG (har cheong gai, which translates to prawn paste chicken) sandwiches. Hello Arigato’s pasta and noodles are also flavourful hits; their Udon BKT (bak kut teh) features a homemade bak kut teh reduction, dark soy caramel pulled pork and Inaniwa udon.
Hello Arigato, 314 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427565
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Eat: Petit Pain
If you’re wandering in the neighbourhood on a weekend, it’s hard to miss the snaking queue outside Petit Pain, as many eagerly wait to get their hands on the pastry shop’s famed viennoiseries. The time spent is easily justified upon first bite of its signature croissant—delicately crisp on the edges while soft, flaky and buttery on the inside. Also on the menu, you will find other mainstays like pain au chocolat, apple danish and canelé—all of which are freshly baked and served in a limited roll out of three batches a day.
Petit Pain, 17 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427747
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Eat: Humble Origins Coffee Roasters
Amongst the handful of stylish cafes that stand out on Joo Chiat Road is Humble Origins, a fairly recent addition to the neighbourhood that has been open only for a year. Here, you’ll find specialty coffee that the owners meticulously source from the Shan Hills in Myanmar. Pair your strong, fruity cup of Burmese coffee with the plethora of sweet and savoury plates available—our pick is the moreish Carrot Cake, layered with cream cheese and finished with candied walnuts.
Humble Origins Coffee Roasters, 475 Joo Chiat Rd, #01, Singapore 427682
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Eat: La Bottega Enoteca
Chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo’s European-style restaurant La Bottega Enoteca remains a true gem along Joo Chiat Road, worth a visit for life-affirming mouthfuls of authentic Italian dishes—all made from raw, unprocessed ingredients and produce. Miscellaneo makes and ages his own salumi, fresh pastas, signature pizza doughs and gelatos, which is a tradition from his hometown of Belluno, Italy. His new menu features wondrous dishes, such as sweet flavours from the Calamaretti Alla Griglia, essentially grilled baby calamari paired with the freshness of pea, mint and lemon zest. Call for his new Mortadella pizza—a nod to Emilia-Romagna’s best—which is crafted with parmesan fondue, silky mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios and sweet potato chips. To finish off, you’ll have to try his Seadas, a Sardinian delicacy of deep-fried ravioli with cow’s cheese and honey. It is a worthy, mind-bending creation that you’ll think about for days after.
La Bottega Enoteca, 346 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427596
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Shop: Sunday Bedding
Homegrown brand Sunday Bedding knows what it takes to get a good night’s sleep. Their flagship store is the ultimate pit-stop for all your home essentials, where you can browse through the brand’s quality bedding made from natural materials. It’s hard to leave the store without bringing home an accessory or two, whether from them or their enclave of fellow lifestyle brands like Beda, Postcard and Lampu Lampu, to name a few.
Sunday Bedding, 479 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427684
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Shop: Rye
Slow fashion label Rye unveils its second boutique, nestled in a Peranakan shophouse along Joo Chiat Road. From rustic clay walls to a handcrafted floor mosaic at the entrance, the space keeps with the earthy, minimalist aesthetic the brand is synonymous with, while infusing cultural nuances inspired by its historic locale. Drawing inspiration from architectural luminary Geoffrey Bawa, the space boasts thoughtfully chosen design fixtures like sculptural column racks, a Tekiò horizontal lamp by Anthony Dickens, and a custom rug made by Tanchen, a local textiles design studio. Each detail comes together to form a beautiful tapestry of art, craft and fashion, cultivating an immersive experience for every shopper.
Rye, 201 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-03, Singapore 427472
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Shop: Tiger & Lotus
Step into a world of slow living and artisanal design at the Tiger & Lotus. Founder Jasneet Oberai started this thoughtfully curated lifestyle boutique, inspired by her love for meaningful spaces and the stories told within. Inside, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind selection of handcrafted homeware, statement decor, and unique objects. Find everything from hand-carved vases and textured ceramics to woven baskets and vintage jewellery. It’s a celebration of objects with narrative and character, ideal for new home owners, collectors, design enthusiasts, or literally anyone who wants their belongings to tell a story.
317 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427568
18 / 25
Shop: Sojao
Local label Sojao might be best known for its artisanal organic cotton bedding, but its flagship home goods store offers much more than that. Alongside the brand’s wide array of luxury sheets, loungewear, bath products and home decor, the store also carries an array of fellow Singaporean indie labels. Here, browse handmade ceramics, clean skincare essentials and artisanal candles and diffusers. For anyone looking to refresh their living space, this is the place to head to.
Sojao, 251 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427505
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Shop: Crane Living
Homeware haven Crane Living is an extension of co-working member’s club Crane. The Joo Chiat outlet is particularly charming, situated in a three-story shophouse and stocked full of minimalist furniture, wabi sabi décor and quirky knick-knacks for the home. Working with a range of independent design labels and creatives to curate their collections, the brand believes strongly in upcycling and circularity—making for a feel-good shopping experience whenever you step into the store.
Crane Living, 281 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427535
20 / 25
Shop: Cat Socrates
Step into Cat Socrates, and you’ll find a patchwork of unique craftsmanship—formed by bringing together diverse independent labels, quirky knick-knacks and beautiful works of art. Amongst its eclectic curation of products, you’ll spot everything from books and stationery to household items and even homemade jams. Fashion accessories and vintage memorabilia line the shelves too—and if those aren’t enough to make you smile, the store’s adorable, feline shopkeepers surely will.
Cat Socrates, 448 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427661
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Shop: Little Farms
Little Farms along Joo Chiat Road is a fabulous pit-stop for anyone looking to pick up last-minute groceries or healthy snacks for the household. Its aisles are lined with a hefty selection of all-natural items and organic produce from Australia and Europe—who can resist buying one of their glistening blocks of cheese, or specialty pastas? If you’re a one-stop shop kind of person, slip into their cafe and order yourself a coffee and one of their generously-sized plates of fish and chips or avocado toast. Loaded up with the freshest of ingredients, you’ll feel like you’re back in the heart of Sydney or Melbourne.
Little Farms Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #01-01, Singapore 427664
22 / 25
Do: Heartware Store & Gallery
Heartware is a playground for the whimsical and creative. Founded by the team at Kinetic agency, the dynamic space is host to a constant rotation of independent artist exhibitions, as well as a market for quirky mementoes by local and global creatives. Stepping in here always makes for a delightful surprise.
Heartware Store and Gallery, 350B Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427598
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Do: Grafunkt
Founded by designers Jefery Kurniadidjaja and Nathan Yong, Grafunkt is a homeowner’s dream. Step in and you’ll find a curation of home and living items that strike a balance between form and function, built with quality and care to last a lifetime. The showroom’s 3 levels are home to famed furniture brands from the likes of Hay and Ligne Roset to &Tradition and Louis Poulsen. While you’re browsing, stop by Same Days coffee stand on the first floor for a quick cuppa—their house-made tonic water gives the increasingly popular espresso tonic a distinct level up.
Grafunkt, 292 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427544
24 / 25
Do: Choice Cuts
A record shop that holds the oldies and the goodies—varying from old-school hip-hop, funk, electronic and more. Music events regularly line the roster at this resident vinyl store, whether it be live gigs or local album launches. It doesn’t hurt that the space also doubles up as a cafe with a menu reminiscent of a New York-style deli. Think coffee, bagels and recently, homemade pizzas with a signature thin crust.
Choice Cuts Pizza & Records, 446 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427659
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Do: Neau
A sense of warmth, ease, and restfulness is made immediately apparent upon entering through the double doors of Neau, Joo Chiat’s latest wellness enclave. Walls and fixtures comprise soft, rounded curves meant to invoke the sensation of being cocooned in gentle waves, a tranquillity that continues in each facial cabin after a personal skin analysis detailing areas of concern and improvement. A fully-customisable treatment is meticulously crafted to bolster your complexion’s natural function—perfect for folks looking to up their skin barrier health and achieve optimal radiance.
Neau, 313 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427564
