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As a Westie, I internally cringe a little every time I hear the chant, “East side best side”. But when it comes to places like Joo Chiat, I almost feel inclined to agree.
Known as a Peranakan enclave in Singapore, Joo Chiat is where heritage meets modern charm, and the food scene reflects this perfectly. From affordable local delights to quirky, innovative cafes, this stretch has it all.
No matter what kind of foodie you are, these 11 best food spots along Joo Chiat Road are guaranteed to earn a coveted spot on your Instagram feed and your stomach.
1. Beach Road Prawn Noodle House
Kicking things off strong with this true-blue Eastie icon, Beach Road Prawn Noodle House has been serving up bowls of hearty prawn mee for nearly a century now! Easties affectionately know this enduring stall as “The Prawn Mee Place,” with its roots tracing back to the late 1920s, when founder Mr Lee Pee Tuan first set up a humble stall at Blanco Court.
Over 4 generations, the Lee family perfected their recipe, eventually introducing their now-signature Jumbo Prawn Mee (S$15), a decadent bowl featuring meaty tiger prawns in rich, briny soup or tossed dry with sweet chilli sauce and pork lard. The dry version packs a stronger punch, especially when paired with spoonfuls of the accompanying soup, while the soup variant offers a lighter but equally satisfying broth.
Don’t miss the adjacent Ngoh Hiang stall — the crispy Ngoh Hiang (S$1.60) roll, thin Beancurd Skin (S$1.20), and quirky pink Sausage (S$2.80), or guan chang, make for the perfect sidekick to your noodles.
370 East Coast Road, Singapore 428981
+65 6345 7196
Wed to Mon: 7am – 4pm
Closed on Tue
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2. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
Since 1978, this family-run zi char joint has been a beloved fixture in the East Coast/Joo Chiat area — even Jackson Wang has eaten here, don’t play play! Open till 3am daily, Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is perfect for both hearty family dinners and late-night suppers.
As with most zi char spots, their menu is MASSIVE, covering everything from fresh seafood to comforting noodle and rice dishes. Some highlights include the Sweet & Sour Pork (S$10 for Small), perfectly crisp on the outside and coated in a tangy sauce with pineapple chunks, and the Marmite Chicken (S$10 for Small), which hits the sweet-salty-crunchy trifecta just right.
For something lighter, the Thai Style Beancurd (S$8 for Small) offers a crisp bite with a tangy-sweet glaze, while the Fried Hong Kong Noodles (S$6 for Small) come wok-tossed in a rich, sweet dark sauce.
187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893
+65 6440 6956
Daily: 4pm – 3am
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3. Pangi Nut
You’ve had Peranakan food before, but it’s probably nothing like this. Here at Pangi Nut, heritage flavours meet Western comfort food in wildly creative plates whipped up by Peranakan chef Jarrod Poh. His 50+ item menu spans from buah keluak chicken chop to rendang fries, each dish offering a delicious, refreshing surprise.
Don’t miss the Rendang Beef Pasta (S$9), where al dente spaghetti soaks up a rich and coconutty rendang gravy, or the Black Nut Chicken Chop (S$8), drenched in earthy, aromatic buah keluak sauce worthy of a Nyonya grandma’s stamp of approval. Even the sides get zhng-ed, like potato wedges paired with bright, citrusy kaffir lime mayo.
For a tangy twist, the Assam Nanas Fish Burger (S$7) layers crispy fish with piquant assam chilli and juicy pineapple. Whatever dish it is, you won’t regret the travel to try this one-of-a-kind Peranakan gem.
2 Joo Chiat Road, Chew N Chat Food Court, Joo Chiat Complex, #01-1127, Singapore 420002
+65 9451 4418
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
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4. Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh
A newly crowned Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee in 2025, Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh has been serving hearty, fuss-free fare since the 1980s. The bak kut teh here comes in bubbling claypots — a standout tradition they pioneered to keep the broth warm till the very last drop.
Their signature Bak Koot Teh (S$10/S$15/S$25/S$38) sits somewhere between herbal and peppery, with the flavour deepening as the pork ribs steep. Don’t skip on the golden You Tiao (S$2.50), perfect for soaking up the broth, or the fluffy Yam Rice (S$1.20) that’s studded with soft yam chunks.
For a stall specialising in bak kut teh (it’s in the name, after all), the Claypot Noodles (S$6) might surprisingly just steal the show, with springy egg noodles in a rich, smoky dark sauce that’s generously portioned and loaded with prawns, pork slices, and greens.
439 Joo Chiat Road, Rising Court, Singapore 427652
+65 6345 8754
Tue to Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
Closed on Mon
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5. 328 Katong Laksa
The OG of OGs. If laksa had a hall of fame, 328 Katong Laksa would be front and centre. This household name has been dishing out Singapore’s most iconic coconut curry noodle soup for decades now, earning both local hearts and international fame (FYI, even THE Gordon Ramsay lost to them in a hawker showdown).
Their Laksa (S$7.30 for Small, S$9.30 for Large) is all about rich, fragrant coconut gravy, tinted a gorgeous orange from rempah spices and brimming with thick rice vermicelli, fresh prawns, cockles, and fishcake. In true Katong fashion, the noodles are conveniently cut short so you can scoop everything up with just a spoon — no chopsticks needed.
Elevate your bowl with Otah (S$2) for a spicy, smoky sidekick, and just like that, you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is acclaimed. Whether you’re a first-timer or a loyal fan, 328 Katong Laksa is a must-stop in your Joo Chiat food trail.
51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30am
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6. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
Stepping into Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen feels like wandering into your grandma’s dining room in all its marble table, wooden chair glory, and a sign proudly bearing the characters “老娘惹”, or old Nyonya.
The owner Adrian’s recipes come straight from his late Nyonya grandmother, so you know it doesn’t get more legit than this. Start with the Tofu Buah Keluak (S$18) — Old Bibik’s shell-free take on this jet-black delicacy. This one’s perfect for first-timers, with a nutty, mildly bitter paste that clings oh so luxuriously to deep-fried tofu.
Don’t miss out on their one-of-a-kind Crispy Chinchalok Omelette (S$18), a fluffy, cloud-like spin on the traditional egg foo young, studded with prawns, onions, and fermented shrimp.
For mains, the Curry Chicken (S$16 for Small, S$28 for Large) and Signature Mutton Rendang (S$18 for Small, S$34 for Large) are rich, aromatic, and perfect for spooning over rice. If you’ve still got stomach space (I know I would), the Goreng Pisang with Vanilla Ice Cream (S$12) will end your meal on a sweet and peanut-sprinkled high.
328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-02, Singapore 427585
+65 8450 7996
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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7. 808 Eating House
If you think casual dining means boring food, Chef Eugene Chee is here not only to prove you wrong, but probably blow your mind while he’s at it. After working at big fine-dining names like 3-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, he decided to trade white tablecloths for this relaxed space at 808 Eating House serving inventive takes on Southeast Asian flavours.
The menu is designed for sharing (because you’ll want to order everything, trust me). Kick off your meal with the Pickled Quail Eggs (S$6), which deliver a tangy, savoury punch in one bite. The Duck Fat Financiers (S$14) are a crowd favourite; delightfully rich, served with a velvety chicken liver mousse on the side for ultimate indulgence.
For something refreshing, the Cold Bee Hoon (S$7) is light yet packed with flavour, making it a sleeper hit. But the star still has to be the Buah Keluak Pork Belly (S$27), where meltingly tender pork belly is cloaked in earthy, umami-packed buah keluak sauce that’s sure to impress and leave you wanting more.
153 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427431
+65 8946 8089
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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8. La Bottega Enoteca
If you’re on a no-carbs diet, I’d advise you to click out of this article now. Because the answer to all your pizza dreams is tucked away at La Bottega Enoteca — officially crowned the best pizzeria in Singapore by 50 Top Pizza since 2023. Helmed by award-winning pizzaiolo Antonio Miscellaneo, this Italian gem is a pilgrimage site for pizza lovers, so much so that scoring a table here can feel like winning TOTO!
Their famed Newpolitan pizzas get all the glory, but don’t sleep on the rest of the menu! I went straight for the Gambero Il Padellino (S$38) — think sweet, fresh raw prawns, all delicate and buttery, with a sauce so good you’ll want to mop it up with bread. The Sarde Double Crunch (S$43) brought salty cured sardine sandwiches to an art form, with crisp layers that shattered on bite. Topped with creamy robiola cheese, this pizza was truly one of a kind.
And then there’s the Classica La Focaccia di Recco (S$52): paper-thin, crispy-chewy dough hugging molten cheese… honestly, I’m still thinking about it.
346 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427596
+65 9071 8400
Mon to Thu: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30 am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
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9. ToMo Cafe
Of course, it’s not a Joo Chiat food guide without some cafes! Known for its bustling cafe culture, Joo Chiat doesn’t just score on ambience, the food and drinks here are just as strong. A notable example is ToMo Cafe, a cosy yet chic spot that has easily won over brunch-goers and coffee lovers alike.
On the savoury side, the Grilled Prawn Capellini (S$22) is a must — springy pasta twirled with sweet, juicy prawns, umami-rich flavours and a splash of mentaiko that keeps you going back for bite after bite. Sweet tooths shouldn’t miss the Honey Almond Toast (S$12), a decadent slab of fluffy brioche topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a generous heap of crunchy almond flakes and drizzled with golden honey.
ToMo also boasts an extensive drinks menu that’s not to be missed. Wash your meal down with refreshing sips like the Yuzuri Apple Fresca (S$7), or perk yourself up with their popular Iced Honeycomb Latte (S$7). Remember to whip out your phones to capture the aesthetic lemon/espresso shot pour!
189 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427460
+65 8944 8110
Daily: 8am – 6pm
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10. 174BINGO
Cafe-hopping in Joo Chiat wouldn’t be complete without a stop at 174BINGO. Artistic in both name and concept, this rustic, minimalist cafe has become one of my favourites for its cosy ambience that balances sweet treats with solid coffee. It’s the kind of place you’d want to stay for hours — whether it’s for brunch, dessert, or just an afternoon coffee fix.
174BINGO serves a variety of tarts, croissants and specialty coffee using beans from Maxi Coffee Bar, but a standout amongst them would be the Iranian Pistachio Tart (S$14).
The pistachio cream is airy, creamy, and ever so slightly salted which perfectly complements the sweet, nutty tart base. I adored the crust in all its buttery and caramelised glory, holding its shape beautifully without being too dense. Though it leans on the pricier side for a pastry, it’s easily one I’d come back for.
174 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427445
Wed to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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11. Big Short Coffee
What better way to wrap up this list than with Big Short Coffee, known for their bold, creative approach to caffeine. This viral specialty coffee joint keeps things fresh with a seasonal menu that constantly experiments with flavours. If you’re the type of coffee aficionado who’s always on the hunt for something different, this spot is sure to keep you on your toes!
I went for the Mont Blanc 5.0 (S$8.50) from their summer menu, a layered creation featuring Favela cold brew, nutmeg, orange zest, Mauritius muscovado sugar, and a silky vanilla bean French cream. When paired together, it created a drink that was refreshing yet decadent, balancing bright citrus notes with a kick of caffeine and a velvety finish. Sure it’s “just coffee”, but here it is elevated into something almost dessert-like, making for the perfect full stop to our Joo Chiat food adventure.
2 Fowlie Road, Sycamore Tree, #01-01, Singapore 428505
+65 9170 9788
Daily: 8am – 5pm
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