When you try and find non touristy Singapore it can be difficult. Most tour companies here concentrate on the hotspots of Chinatown and Little India. Whilst these areas are great to explore, full of history and some delicious food our favourite area’s are out of town.
Our first food tour was held in the Joo Chiat area. It has become our most popular experience and for good reason.
Non Touristy and Local Singapore Vibe.
Joo Chiat is an area of great importance in Singapore. It is actually the country’s first heritage town. As a result the homes and shops have been restored to their original conditions. When walking around the area you’ll find a laid back, local atmosphere. Many families have lived here for generations. You’ll see businesses that have been passed from grandparents down to grand children. There are an abundance of shop houses on almost every street. These brightly coloured residences provide a perfect back drop to life in coastal Singapore.
Peranakan Heritage
The Peranakan’s made Joo Chiat their home back in the late 1800’s. Since then the area has grown in size and population but has always kept the Peranakan feel. The Peranakan’s moved here to be closer to the beach. They could afford to escape the more crowded area’s of Chinatown and as a result Joo Chiat became a bit like a satellite town. Businesses like Kim Choo Kueh Chang and Baba Chews restaurant keep locals well fed with Peranakan delights.
Chew Joo Chiat
The name Joo Chiat comes from the landowner who donated part of his plantation to allow the building of a road from Geylang Serai to the beach. Mr Chew Joo Chiat was known as the King of Katong back in the day. We think he’d be happy that his little piece of Singapore has retained some of it’s old school charm.
Explore non touristy Singapore
Our food tours have all been designed to take visitors off the tourist routes. Even when we visit Chinatown or Little India we go to the back streets and dive into the places only locals know about. If you’d like to explore non touristy Singapore book a food tour with us. Go to www.singabites.com/tours
