25 Katong food gems to explore this weekend

Katong is perhaps the prime example of the proclamation, “East Side, Best Side” — the Katong food scene is teeming with some of the most popular food joints in Singapore. 

Truth be told, if we lived near Katong, we probably wouldn’t shut up about it either. From trendy cafes to beloved local favourites, the vibrant food scene in Katong is diverse enough to cater to every palette. 

With its picturesque streets, intricate architecture, and these 25 must-try eateries in the area, we can’t think of a better reason to explore this charming neighbourhood this weekend. 

1. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

204 East Coast Road
Open: Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday (8am to 4pm), Friday and Saturday (8am to 4pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? The literal bread and butter of Singaporean breakfasts, kaya toast is a well-loved crowd classic and nobody does it quite like Chin Mee Chin Confectionery. The eatery’s nostalgic, vintage aesthetic has made it one of the most popular Katong food spots around, drawing long queues on the weekends. 

While the vibe of the place tends to be its main draw, rest assured that the food is equally as good. With a history dating back to the 1920s, Chin Mee Chin confectionery will bring you back to the good ol’ days. A bonus? The eatery is pretty affordable compared to the many new cafes lining the Katong area.

Crowd favourites: A must-try is the iconic kaya toast set (kaya toast, two soft boiled eggs and a hot drink of choice, S$5.90) which is popular for its unique appearance. While most kaya toast are served in flat, crispy breads, the ones at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery are served atop a pair of soft and pillowy, circular buns. 

The kaya is made in-house with an emphasis on the coconut flavours. So, if you’re a fan of this sweet spread, make sure to try all its kaya-flavoured pastries including a kaya swiss roll (S$2.40) and kaya custard puff (S$3.20). 

The eatery also has curry chicken (S$8.80) and beef brisket (S$11.80) on its lunch set menus. It’s served with rice, though you can opt to top up 50 cents for its bread.

2. Beach Road Prawn Noodle House 

370/372 East Coast Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday (7am to 4pm)

Why visit? Beach Road Prawn Noodle House is somewhat of a legend in the Katong food scene. Amidst the trendy and hip cafes, it has stood its ground, withstanding the passage of time since the 1980s. 

Similar to the aforementioned eatery, Beach Road Prawn Noodle House was also established in the 1920s as a makeshift stall in Blanco Court. The traditional prawn noodle recipe has been preserved and carefully passed down four generations now.

Crowd favourites: The menu offers various prawn mee options, though the jumbo prawn mee (S$13.50) has always been the standout option. It features two large and juicy tiger prawns that are halved. 

The broth is aromatic and strong, more on the herbaceous side, balancing the creaminess of the prawns. Some may say that its traditional taste is not for everyone, but it’s a classic nonetheless and definitely worth a try.

Read our in-depth review on Beach Road Prawn Noodle House here.

3. Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee

446 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Tuesday to Thursday (10am to 8pm), Friday and Saturday (10am to 10pm), Sunday (10am to 7pm)

Why visit? If you’re as big a music aficionado as you are a pizza savant, you’ll find Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee to be right up your alley. This popular New-York inspired vinyl shop and food stop is a charming and cosy space that, evidently, has some of the greatest playlists you’ll find in an eatery. 

Comprising two levels, the first floor offers bagels, coffee, and pizza, while the second floor is a co-working space with a record section. Don’t worry about having to choose between the two floors, you’ll be able to dine-in upstairs with every order without additional cost. 

Crowd favourites: If you love a thin base and thick crust combo, you’ll find yourself a fan of the pizzas here. Sold by the slice a la New York-style, the eatery has 10 different, well, choice cuts, to select from. 

Popular flavours include Big Poppa (S$10 per slice) which comes loaded with pepperoni, fennel sausage and bacon. For a sweet end to the meal, the Triple Decker tiramisu (S$13) will do the trick. 

Those here for the coffee and bagels will want to make their way down before 5pm — it’s got the standard offerings, including a classic smoked salmon Lox bagel (S$15) to fill your tummy.

4. Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice 

Katong Shopping Centre, B1-85/87, 865 Mountbatten Road
Open: Tuesday (10.45am to 7.15pm), Wednesday to Sunday (11am to 7pm)

Why visit? A nostalgic childhood spot for many, Katong Mei Wei Boneless Chicken Rice has history dating back to 1988 and is best known for its savoury chicken rice and generous. The brand has clearly established a name for itself over the past three decades — walking into the food court at Katong Shopping Centre, you’ll find that over half the crowd is there for the renowned chicken rice. 

Under the guidance of its second-gen owner, the eatery has recently modernised itself, establishing a new cafe-esque spot in East Village. If you ever find yourself closer to that side of Singapore, the drinks menu there features items like matcha marshmallow milkshake (S$6.50) and strawberry elderflower iced shaken tea (S$6.50) on the menu. 

Crowd favourites: The chicken rice set (S$7.50) is available roasted or steamed. Both options are equally good, so your selection mainly depends on your preference. The set comes with a complimentary serving of achar (a type of pickled vegetables or fruits) and a comforting bowl of home cooked soup — either cabbage or lotus root. 

The chicken itself is always served in generous portions, tender and flavorful enough to be enjoyed on its own. However, pairing it with the fragrant rice, cooked in chicken broth and aromatics, elevates every bite. 

5. 328 Katong Laksa

51 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (9.30am to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Before it was known as the hipster enclave it is today, Katong was known for the iconic laksa dish thanks to 328 Katong Laksa. This was also the very laksa stall where Gordon Ramsay had a showdown with its chef, and lost, bringing 328 Katong Laksa to international acclaim. 

While this dish is so famous you can find it across the island, nothing quite beats the original here in Katong. With its well-lit red and white signboard, you won’t miss the shop located just on the outskirts of the main Katong area, just opposite Roxy Square. 

Crowd favourites: The menu here is rather slim, with some dim sum options on the side. Its star is undoubtedly the laksa (from S$7.30 for a small bowl) which features fish cake, butterflied prawns and cockles accompanying the thick rice vermicelli noodles. 

The broth is rich and creamy, courtesy of the generous use of the coconut milk, but the heaviness of the milk is balanced out by the savoury flavours of the dried shrimp and aromatic spices. If you find your bowl somewhat lacking in flavour, try adding its legendary sambal chilli which adds a spicier, more umami dimension to the broth. 

Read our take on which is the best laksa in town — 368 Katong Laksa or Janggut Laksa?

6. Bei-Ing Dim Sum Club

The Bullion Hawker bar, 396 East Coast Road
Open: Monday and Friday (11am to 8.30pm), Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday (10.30am to 8.30pm), Wednesday (11am to 8.30pm) and Friday (11am to 8.30pm) 

Why visit? Inspired by all things Japan, Bei-Ing Dim Sum Club stands out with its Nippon-centric decor at the Bullion Hawker bar. A branch of the renowned Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle, this stall houses an exclusive menu that spans over twenty something items. 

What sets the stall apart from the regular hawker stall dim sum experience is the thought and care put into presenting every dish served. Afterall, a pristine presentation can enhance the overall dining experience by leaps and bounds. 

Crowd favourites: On this menu, you’ll find a variety of innovative dim sum dishes fused with Japanese elements. A popular choice? The aburi mentai siew mai (S$4.90) which came beautifully charred. 

If you’re looking for more tame options, Bei-Ing Dim Sum Club also has a classic dimsum section which features items like custard lava pau and beancurd seafood roll (S$3.90) each. 

The menu also includes a variety of noodles (from S$4.50), congee (from S$3.20) and handmade rice roll (from S$3.20) which are highly customisable with a variety of add-ons.

We speak to the founders of Bei-Ing Dim Sum Club.

7. Emmanuel Peranakan Cuisine 

Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre, 01-30, 84 Marine Parade Central
Open: Friday to Monday (9am to 3pm)

Why visit? If you’re looking for Peranakan food in Katong, you’d probably come across Emmanuel Peranakan Cuisine eventually. The stall specialises in comforting and homely foods and despite its abysmal opening hours, everyone seems to agree that it’s one of the best in the food centre. 

While Singaporeans are pretty price sensitive, especially when it comes to economic rice, there seems to be a general consensus that Emmanuel Peranakan Cuisine is worth every penny. That’s probably all the convincing you’ll need to plan a visit down. 

Crowd favourites: The stall is a bit of an oddball. Although it is an economic rice stall, it specialises and is most known for one very specific dish — Nyonya nasi lemak (S$5.50), only available Friday through Sunday. 

Emmanuel’s rendition features a visually and gustatorily unique blue pea coconut rice. It’s lighter on the palette than regular nasi lemak rice, but feels much cleaner and lighter. 

To add a savoury touch to your meal, you could order the Indonesian curry with chicken thigh (S$3) or simply pair your meal with its fiery sambal.

8. June Coffee

49 East Coast Road
Open: Tuesday to Thursday (10.30am to 6.30pm), Friday and Saturday (10am to 7pm) and Sunday (10am to 6pm) 

Why visit? The latest inductee to Katong’s band of cafes, June Coffee has been met with a warm welcome by the neighbourhood. As soon as the cafe opens, it’s met with snaking (literally) queues as everyone tries to vie for a seat at this pretty cafe. 

It’s not hard to see why. The folks here have nailed the elegant, antiquated aesthetic that the Katong area is known for — perfect for coffee and instagram pictures. So far, the food has also been well-received with all-day brunch, pasta, desserts and innovative drinks on the menu. 

Crowd favourites: We highly recommend the rose rigatoni (S$20) at June Coffee as it’s a tried and tested flavour that’s popular over at its sister cafe, September Coffee. Here, they swap out the udon for rigatoni instead. 

For something more protein-centric, opt for either the beef tenderloin croffle (S$25) or hearty brekkie (S$24). You won’t regret trying its croffles which are crisp, rich and buttery.  

Reviews for the innovative drinks here have been unanimous — the earl grey and pear ($7.50) is light and refreshing while the black sesame latte (S$8) has been lauded as one of the best ones in the cafe scene.

9. Nimbus

477 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Why visit? With its bold green exterior, Nimbus stands out against the bright and charming Katong neighbourhood. The cafe has a posh, dark academia type aesthetic and is located in the quieter alleys of the Katong neighbourhood making it ideal for a lazy weekend.

The attention to detail paid to the space here is wonderful. The walls are artfully designed and although you’d expect the place to be rather dim based on its forest-green theme, the space is surprisingly well-lit. The star of the interior might just be the cosy little alcove located near the front of the cafe which makes you feel like you’re tucked away in your own world. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re looking for hearty food in Katong, you can look no further. Nimbus prides itself in bringing comforting and satisfying brunch dishes to its customers, with avocado toast (S$19) and the Breakfast of Champions (S$25) at the top of the list. 

If you’re just looking for a place to chill, Nimbus also has classic cafe sides such as the truffle shuffle (or truffle fries, S$12) and the spam slam (or spam fries, S$12) which are perfect for sharing. There are also dessert options featuring classic churros (S$15) served with a decadent dark chocolate sauce. 

10. Micro Bakery at The Red House

63 East Coast Road
Open:  Wednesday to Friday (8.30am to 4pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 5pm)

Why visit? One of the more distinguished sourdough bakeries in Singapore, Micro Bakery is a brand you’ve likely heard of before. Its outlet in Katong is located in the striking red-coloured house where the iconic Katong Bakery and Confectionary Company once stood. 

Although Micro Bakery at Red House is not air conditioned, the place serves amazing brunch grub, featuring its specialty sourdough loaves. You’ll be able to grab a ton of other pastries and desserts here, too. Perhaps it would be wise to stop for a quick bite here before venturing to other cafes for some coffee and a leisurely hangout. 

Crowd favourites: Some of our favourites here include the Green Goddess avocado tartine (S$19) which is essentially an avocado toast with poached egg perched on top. Micro’s rendition is notable due to the fluffy texture of the bread base as well as the addition of the pistachio dukkah, which adds a subtle herbaceous element to the dish. 

For a light bite, try the house kaya toast (S$9) or the nut butter toast (S$9) — both are very good introductions to the brand, though the former is only available at the Katong outlet. These are simple dishes that will really allow the texture and flavour of the toast to shine through.

11. Ilmiri

467 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm)

Why visit? A popular chain from Korea, Ilmiri opened its first outlet in Singapore at Boat Quay. Now, the chain joins the Katong food scene with an outlet located in Joo Chiat. 

Ilmiri is best known for having innovative dishes that build on traditional Korean flavours, featuring dishes such as jjimdak (braised chicken dish) and mari (grilled beef or pork rolls served with sauce and stew), which aren’t commonly found in Singapore. 

Crowd favourites: The crunchy potato ($17.90) is a crowd pleaser that’s a remake of your typical kimchi or seafood pancake. This potato pancake dish is topped with cheese and sour cream, and while it’s utterly sinful, the contrasting crisp exterior and fluffy interior is simply irresistible. 

While there’s a variety of flavours for the jjimdak, we recommend the signature Cloud Cheese jjimdak (S$41.90) for first time patrons as the dish comes with an impressive Insta-worthy cheese pull. The base features braised chicken, fresh vegetables, rice cakes, potatoes and glass noodles which is then topped with baked mozzarella — a combination you can’t go wrong with.  

12. Prairie

462 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Sunday to Thursday (7.30am to 8pm), Friday and Saturday (7.30am to 9pm)

Why visit? A concept by popular cafe chain Craftsmen Coffee, Prairie is not just about the food, but also the space and the community. The menu consists of all-day brunch items, as well as pastries and coffees for a light snack. 

It’s quite a cosy and quiet spot where you generally won’t have trouble looking for seats throughout the day — good for those seeking a leisurely experience or for a quiet spot to do some work. There are indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can always bring your fur-kid along, too! 

Crowd favourites: Prairie has a variety of mains available from brunch to sandos, donburis and pasta. The sando menu has some unique flavours such as the ajitma and potato salad sando (S$18) consisting of ramen eggs, karashi mayo and veggies. 

The buttermilk waffles (from S$11) here are also quite popular — you can get them plain with maple syrup and butter, savoury with bratwurst, bacon and eggs, or even as a dessert.

13. Katsuya

258 Tanjong Katong Road
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Helmed by Chef Kervin Tay who graduated from Hana Culinary School in Tokyo, Katsuya was born out of a passion for the tonkatsu dish. Since its establishment in 2011, Katsuya has introduced other unique forms of katsu (cutlet) such as lamb, salmon, unagi, and more. 

Katsuya has an open-concept kitchen that’s perfect for diners who want a peek into Chef Kervin at work. Seeing the work put into preparing such a seemingly simple dish is an interesting experience and will certainly heighten your appreciation for the dish even more. 

Crowd favourites: There are several items listed under the tonkatsu sets, but if it’s your first time here, the original hire (fatless pork, S$35) or rosu (pork with fat, S$35) would be a good starting point as they’re both a bit more affordable. Each set comes with cabbage salad, rice, red miso soup and pickles. 

If you’re willing to splurge, there is also a hokkaido wagyu tonkatsu set (S$70) that looks plenty appealing with its reddish-pink hue. Katsuya’s instagram also features some unique, off-menu proteins like salmon and lamb which requires pre-ordering. 

14. Jin Yu Man Tang

The Flow @ East Coast, 01-03, 66 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Fans of traditional Chinese desserts would definitely have heard of Jin Yu Man Tang. This dessert shop has an impressive array of Cantonese-style desserts available and includes items such as its ever popular double-layered milk pudding series (from S$3.90). 

Its outlet at East Coast is relatively spacious but draws consistently huge crowds so be prepared for a slight wait. However, the queue is still quite manageable and you can take the time to browse its extensive menu. 

Crowd favourites: A personal favourite here would be the black sticky rice (from S$3.30) which is drizzled with sweetened milk. This version is not overly sweet and has just the right amount of nutty aroma. To add a special touch to the dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the cold complements the warmth of the black sticky rice very well.

The dessert spot also has some snacks on the menu, including savoury items such as chee cheong fun (from S$3.30). But a must order for most folks is the deep fried milk (S$5.80 for six pieces). This is a unique item from its menu, though it tends to be quite sweet, so proceed with caution.

15. Burrata Joy & Gustavo Lapasta

Katong V, 01-12/13, 30 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm)

Why visit? As its name suggests, Burrata Joy and Gustavo Lapasta specialise in burrata cheese,  and who can resist the rich creaminess of a ball of burrata? It has a huge menu where the main dishes are its burrata bowls done in different ways, as well as its authentic, homely pastas. 

If you’re craving Italian food in Katong, this is a solid option to consider. The restaurant offers three different burrata flavours — plain, smoked and truffle burrata — which is quite interesting. You can also add the burrata to your pasta to create a richer, creamier dish. 

Crowd favourites: To get a taste of the different burrata flavours, you could opt for the trio of burrata (S$28) which features the three aforementioned flavours. It’s a good sampler to get a feel of what you like. 

Alternatively, you can go straight for the classics — the Italia 1 (S$21) is a light burrata bowl option that features classic toppings such as cherry tomatoes and avocados. The portions here tend to be quite generous, so we recommend sharing. 

You can make a reservation at Burrata Joy and Gustavo Lapasta via Chope.

16. Supernova

266 Tanjong Katong Road
Open: Tuesday to Saturday (8am to 10pm), Sunday (8am to 7pm)

Why visit? With its hanging lights, brick accents and dark wood furniture, Supernova transitions seamlessly from a cosy day spot to a romantic date night venue throughout the day. Its spacious seating areas make it one of the few Katong food sites that can accommodate larger groups. As an added bonus, the place is also pet-friendly, so furry friends are welcome at the outdoor seating as your dining companions. 

The menu at supernova is quite extensive, with two different offerings in the day and at night. The brunch menu features hearty options such as the steak-hash (S$24.90), while the dinner menu leans more towards the fusion side with options like scallop pad thai (S$22.50).

Crowd favourites: The brunch menu, available all the way till 5pm, is slightly more popular at Supernova. Aside from the aforementioned steak-hash, the restaurant has two baked eggs options (S$22.50 each) which are fairly popular and come with house made focaccia for dipping into the eggs. 

Supernova also does a remake on the popular fried chicken and waffle combination, but its best fried chicken (S$22.50) uses a shokupan french toast base instead. This adds a more savoury element to the dish and a nicely contrasting softness. These two mains should be sufficient, but if you’re looking for sides to share, we recommend the burnt brussel sprouts (S$13) or the honey butter tater tots (S$14.30). 

Read our in-depth review of our visit to Supernova.

17. Dai-Ichi Fishmart

The Flow @ East Coast, 01-04, 66 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 11.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (11.30am to 11.30pm) 

Why visit? One of the more popular establishments for Japanese food in Katong, Dai-Ichi Fishmart is a relatively affordable spot which uses fresh salmon flown in directly from Japan. The restaurant has also been known to run a S$1 for one slice of salmon sashimi promotion, promising quality and affordability. 

Dai-Ichi may look a little haphazard, but that’s just part of its charm. It’s meant to mimic a Japanese seafood market. There is plenty of space available to accommodate big groups, though the place can get a bit loud very quickly. 

Crowd favourites: The menu is expansive, spanning from appetisers to sushi to donburis, agemono (deep-fried dishes) and more. For the more adventurous, the tako wasabi (octopus with wasabi, S$5.30) comes highly recommended as an appetiser. The octopus is chewy and pairs well with the wasabi which lends it a refreshing and mildly spicy taste.

Salmon-based dishes are very popular on the menu, including items such as the aburi salmon maki (S$19.80 for eight pieces) and aburi salmon hana maki (S$10.80 for three pieces). For something a bit more filling, try the bara chirashi don (S$17.80) instead.

18. You Kee XO Restaurant 

43 Joo Chiat Place
Open: Monday to Sunday (​​10.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? First launched in Malaysia over 20 years ago, You Kee XO Restaurant is a family-run restaurant that is best known for its herbal soup and roast meats. Its widespread fame has brought it all the way across the causeway to this quiet spot in Katong. 

The storefront boasts giant urns which house the herbal soups that have been boiled over charcoal fire for hours. While it’s on the pricier side, most people find the price to be well worth it as the restaurant even offers free desserts at the end of your meal.

Crowd favourites: The soup of the day (S$19.80) is an always rotating mystery, however, it’s never failed to disappoint. The soup typically comes served in a mini urn, similar to the one you see at the storefront, and is best for sharing. 

Those dining individually can opt for the XO duck + char siu noodle or XO duck + roasted pork noodles (S$9 each) — both meats have its fair share of fans. We personally find this portion to be more substantial and value-for-money as compared to the BBQ platter (S$22.80) or Classic Three platter (S$30.80).

19. Pete’s Mediterranean Grill 

125 East Coast Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday 12pm to 10.45pm), Tuesday (12pm to 2.30pm, 4pm to 10pm) 

Why visit? You don’t often see Mediterranean cuisine in Singapore, let alone in a coffee shop. That makes Pete’s Mediterranean Grill one of the more unique spots in Katong for food, offering items like hummus, falafel and kofta. 

The stall stands out with its distinctive flavours which differ quite a bit from Asian cuisine. Mediterranean food is generally very savoury with elements of sweetness, bitterness and umami flavours incorporated. 

Crowd favourites: If you’re with a larger dining group, Pete’s Mediterranean Grill is also a fantastic option. There are a variety of sharing plates available under Pete’s signature. We highly recommend Pete’s with Hummus (S$45) as the earthy flavours of the hummus is extremely delightful. You’ll definitely find yourself reaching out for it. 

The falafel at Pete’s is also quite phenomenal. If you aren’t too hungry, perhaps the falafel with hummus (S$17) will do the trick. It looks small but is one of the cheaper items on the menu, too. Alternatively, the falafel and chicken (S$25) has both hummus and an additional protein, which is sure to fill you up.

20. Griglia

139 East Coast Road, 01-01
Open: Tuesday (5.45pm to 11pm), Wednesday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 5.45pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Griglia is an Italian grill restaurant centred around the traditional practice of grigliata  — an outdoor gathering in the summer featuring grilled foods and shared plates. It’s an interesting concept that you don’t see much publicised. 

In line with the idea of summer, the menu here features lighter, more refreshing takes on classic Italian recipes. The highlights here are generally the dishes grilled over an open fire, but we found the pastas here to be quite a hit, too. 

Crowd favourites: The menu is split into garden, land, sea and grill. Some of the most popular dishes come from the sea section, including the Hokkaido scallops (S$28) and tuna crudo (S$26). Griglia also recommends ordering a pasta to share, and the pappardelle (S$32) with pork cheek is heavenly. 

For grill, seek a staff’s recommendation as they’d be happy to give advice based on your personal preference. To accompany the grill, you can consider getting the potato puree (S$12). The potatoes have a velvety smooth texture and a smoky but sharp flavour which cuts through the heaviness of the grilled meats well. 

You can make a reservation at Griglia at Katong via Chope. 

21. Butter & Spice

The Flow, 01-06, 66 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10.45pm)

Why visit? A beloved, family-owned restaurant, Butter and Spice has been serving delectable Northern Indian food at its cosy spot in Katong since 2018. The eatery prides itself in its decadent but homely flavours using its unique masala spice blends reminiscent of mom’s cooking. 

Known for its warm ambience and welcoming service, Butter and Spice is the ideal dining spot for family dinners and intimate gatherings. Its menu is extensive and caters to all dietary preferences with an ample amount of vegetarian options, too. 

Crowd favourites: Some of the more popular dishes amongst patrons is the Holy butter chicken (S$19). Pair the rich and creamy sauce with plain naan (S$4) or garlic butter naan (S$5), for a truly satisfying balance of spice and flavour.

For something with more heat, the tandoori chicken (S$16) is quite popular amongst locals and visitors alike. If you’re averse to heat but would still like to try the dish, you can also have the spice level customised to your liking.

22. Within The Walls Dessert Bar

378 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 11pm)

Why visit? Within the Walls Dessert Bar HK-themed cafe, inspired by the co-owner’s fond memories from his time living in the Kowloon Walled City. Here, you’ll find tons of photogenic spots which feature iconic old-school Hong Kong decor. 

The dessert bar specialises in traditional chinese desserts and shaved ice. The shaved ice, in particular, is interesting as you can customise a bowl for S$12.80 (include one base, one nectar and two toppings. 

Crowd favourites: You have to try the steamed egg pudding (S$6.90), as this was a recipe adopted from the co-owner’s Hongkongese aunt. It’s a rich and creamy pudding with a delicate and smooth texture. 

The shaved ice desserts come in a variety of flavours, including Strawberry Pom Pi Pi, Chocolate Dinosaur and Mango Bojio (S$14.80 each). A key distinguishing factor here is the eatery’s use of fresh fruits and natural sugars to sweeten the dessert — this is a real treat as it feels like you’re having an upgraded version of fruits for dessert. 

We interview the father-son duo behind the dessert bar. 

23. Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar

432 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 4.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Why visit? Formerly a unique hole-in-the-wall coffee spot, Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar has since moved down the road to a more permanent, more spacious setup, as of October this year. The brand was brought to Singapore by a popular specialty coffee chain in Bangkok, and its bright-coloured aesthetic fits right in with the rest of Katong and is an equally picturesque spot. 

Thankfully, with its recent move, Kohi now has space for those who want more than just a grab-and-go. Its success has led it to also enter the CBD area just a year after opening this spot. 

Crowd favourites: Aside from the usual coffee-based drinks such as the white (from S$6) and mocha (from S$6.60), Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar also serves signature items like kohito (from S$7) which is an ice black, milk and mint concoction. 

There are also plenty of non-coffee and tea options. Popular ones include the hojicha latte or matcha latte (from S$6.50 each). For caffeine free options, you can check out Downtime (S$6.50), which is a refreshing blend of blueberry and mint herbal tea. 

24. Awfully Chocolate

131 East Coast Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm)

Why visit? Located in the heart of Katong is Awfully Chocolate’s flagship bakery and cafe concept — the brand is a household name to all who love their chocolate cakes. Here, aside from its iconic, decadent chocolate desserts, you’ll also find a variety of food options. 

The cafe has a variety of promotions and set meals ranging from S$22 to S$25 available throughout the week. Yes, including the weekends. You’ll find a range of bakes and pastries available here, too. 

Crowd favourites: Most people visit Awfully Chocolate’s flagship not just for the chocolate, but to experience its weekend brunch buffet (S$32). You’ll get access to its brunch buffet spread, fresh bakes basket (S$12 a la carte) and a main of your choice, which includes items such as steak and cheese panini (S$26 a la carte) or pancakes with crazy good chocolate (S$18 a la carte). 

Of course, we highly recommend anything chocolatey here, of course — the eatery offers hot, chilled and spiked drinks (chocolates mixed with alcohol). We particularly enjoy the comforting hot chocolate (S$8) which comes fresh from its cocoa taps. You’ll also get to choose the percentage of chocolate you’d like to customise your drink to your preference. 

25. Dona Manis Cake Shop

Katong Shopping Centre, B1-93, 856 Mountbatten Road
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (10am to 5pm), Tuesday (10am to 4pm), Friday (10am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (10am to 3pm)

Why visit? Who hasn’t heard of the Dona Manis Cake Shop? This charming, old-school bakery located in the basement of Katong Shopping Centre is famed for its irresistible banana pie. Going down the escalator, you’ll be hit by the tantalising, butter aroma of the pastries baking.

Dona Manis’ bakes have a unique, nostalgic taste that simply draws in the crowds. There is often a snaking long queue for its bakes, and items can sell out very quickly. Unless you want to leave empty-handed, make sure to pay the cake shop an earlier visit. 

Crowd favourites: The most raved about item here is its original Dona Manis banana pie which is sold by the slice (S$3.50) or as a whole pie of 10 slices (S$33). Dona Manis’ banana pie has a thin and buttery crust with a sweet banana filling. 

Another popular option are the chocolate tarts (S$4 for five mini tarts). We’ve heard that these are decadent treats that are best enjoyed straight out of the fridge or five minutes after taking it out to give it a richer, more decadent flavour.