Summary
There is an old saying in Singapore that “Tanglin is gold and Katong is silver”. While this old adage refers to the pertinent question of where to live in Singapore, it also suggests of the rich cultural influences of Joo Chiat / Katong neighbourhood. This neighbourhood is Singapore’s largest architecture conservation district associated with the Malay, Peranakan Straits Chinese and Eurasian communities. The Malays are the natives of this region of Southeast Asia while the Peranakan Straits Chinese are descendants of early Chinese migrants, many of whom have mixed parentage of Chinese and Malay. In addition, the Eurasian community is the legacy of the Portuguese, Dutch and English migrants who arrived centuries ago. This rich cultural diversity is the reason why Joo Chiat / Katong is regarded as the best district to sample the Best of Singapore foods!
Join me to sample over 30 dishes of traditional and celebratory foods and learn about the history, culture and lifestyles of Singaporeans.
Highlights
Sample over 30 dishes of popular Singaporean foods (if we count the actual individual items, it may be over 40). History of Joo Chiat / Katong and the migration from City to the East Coast. The Peranakans of Singapore. Buying & living in high-rise social mass housing in HDB estates. Architecture conservation. Singaporeana trivia.
Tour Details
Please see sidebar for full overview.
Meals
Included in price on sharing and sampling basis. Beverages included (but excludes alcoholic beverages). Please make known your dietary requirements & allergies.
Not Included
Transfers to / from airport / hotel, porterage, tips, entrance fees to places of entertainment unless specified.
Requirements
Minimum group size is 4 persons.
Advisory
Light tropical clothing is recommended with comfortable walking shoes. Weather is not always sunny, please bring along an umbrella in case it rains. Please ensure sufficient personal insurance cover during tour.
Accessibility & Fitness
Minimum medium fitness level recommended due to brisk walking pace. Total walking distance is about 3km on flat grounds (with lots of breaks in between) but there may be some staircases during journey.
Itinerary
Joo Chiat Complex • Joo Chiat Place • Haig Road Estate • Ceylon Road
Our Reviews
"The Food Walk is a fascinating insight into how Singaporeans live, work, play, pray and eat, far beyond the guidebooks and tourism websites."
Sydney Morning Herald, 28th April 2013
"This tour showed me, my wife and my two teenage daughters, that there is a lot more to Singapore than shopping and skyscrapers. Tony's introduction to Singapore history and culture set the scene for the food fest that followed. We went from food stall to food stall, restaurant to restaurant, and sampled amazing and diverse cuisine. Tony's knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing, especially considering that he has run the tour thousands of times. We did a private tour with Tony, and after nearly six hours, had to surrender, overfull and overtired, despite Tony's pleas of 'just one more place'! Definitely a must-do when in Singapore."
Paul Licina, Australia
"This must be the best introduction to Singapore. Tony takes you on a gastronomic and cultural tour of the Joo Chiat area, from chilli crab to car ownership, it's a fascinating insite and well worth the time and money."
Andy, UK
This was so much more than a food tour - what an introduction into Singapore's history, it's growth, culture, current way of life and of course food. We can both eat a lot but oh my goodness... Make sure you're hungry when you start this tour!
Amanda, Australia
Being a local, an East-sider and somewhat of a foodie, I figured I wouldn't be getting much out of this experience except a full stomach and time spent with my friend. I was quickly proven wrong. Tony was an amazing guide. His knowledge of the food, it's history and the places we walked to was pretty astounding. I picked up many fun facts that night, things I thought I knew but didn't or have simply forgotten. At the end of the night, I was beginning to look at Joo Chiat in a different light. I walked away from the tour with a stomach full of food, a brain full of knowledge and my Facebook of newfound friends.
Rachel, Singapore
This tour was so great; we tried about 30 delicious dishes inspired by the main nationalities you can find in Singapore. The tour is not only filling the stomach but also the mind! We learn so much from our excellent guide Tony, who told us about the geography, history, culture, all day life and problematics of Singapore and Singaporeans. Tony is a real encyclopedia and it was a pleasure to follow him, wandering around the Joo Chiat area, literally eating his words. Definitely a MUST DO when you travel to Singapore!
Juelle Jungo, Switzerland
