Katong, Singapore – Mention Katong and most Singaporeans will agree that it is a foodie’s paradise. Aside from heritage museums and historical peranakan influences, there is a very good mix of cafes, coffeeshops, eateries and restaurants serving good local and international cuisine. Thinking of what and where to eat in Katong? From affordable Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice to every ice cream lover’s Birds Of Paradise, here is our curated list of the best food options in the Katong enclave. This list is definitely not exhaustive which we will update it along the way as we continue to suss out new discoveries but meanwhile, feel free to leave us a comment if there are any compelling ones which we have missed out by chance.

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Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice
Located at the basement of one of the most historic landmarks in Katong, Katong Shopping Centre, is Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice. We came with high expectations for this old-school stall in a food court, partly thanks to its cheesy name. The rice is not the fragrant type like Tian Tian, but it makes up for it in its tender and delicious chicken. Every order also comes with a generous serving of cabbage and carrot soup, which was very comforting to have along with our chicken rice. Add a complimentary plate of Achar to it. Our meal cost about S$13.60 for two. 
Where: Katong Shopping Centre basement, 865 Mountbatten Road, Singapore 437844

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Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kuk Teh
This Bak Kuk Teh eatery along Joo Chiat Road (a short walk from i12 Katong mall) specialises in Claypot Bak Kuk Teh, with its signature being the herbal claypot. It reminded us of the Malaysian style, but with a less distinct herbal flavour. Nevertheless, it is fairly popular in the Katong enclave. Other than the herbal soup, we also tried the Peppery style claypot soup for comparison, with a tinge of peppery element. There are many other side dishes to add on such as the Claypot Sesame Chicken. Overall, we found the soups too salty and heavy unlike other more established Bak Kuk Teh names but it is still worth a try if you are in the area.
Where: 439 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427652

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Birds Of Paradise
Accidental discoveries are often the best for us. Walking past Birds of Paradise and taking the step in was probably one of the best decisions one fine evening. The minimalist gelato cafe spots no seats, but it makes up for the nice whiff of fresh waffle cone aroma. BoP places huge emphasis on the quality of its ingredients, and we fell in love with its Pistachio and Hazelnut flavours. We strongly recommend to have it in the cone, one of the best we tried so far. Single scoop of gelato from S$4.70. Other highly raved flavours we want to try next time include the White Camomile and Pandan flavours!

Where: 63 East Coast Road #01-05, Singapore 428776

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Homeground Coffee Roasters
One of the newest addition to Katong, Homeground Coffee Roasters as its name suggests is a Singapore brand which started as an online coffee bean stall before opening their current physical cafe space just a few doors down from Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kuk Teh. The space is not big, and it has a unique seating configuration. Bagels are the main highlights on the food menu, but you also have the option of having cakes another local bakery, The Bakery By Woodlands Sourdough. Where: 475 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427682

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Brawn & Brains Coffee East Coast
The popular cafe from Guillemard has opened its second outlet right opposite Firebake, and retains a simple and cosy interior for coffee seekers. The space is not huge, though you can expect a good selection of brunch and breakfast fares along with some of the homemade cakes and pastries. Coffee is still the main reason for us to drop by.  Where: 218 East Coast Road, Singapore 428916

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Kim Choo Kueh Chang
Mention Nonya Kuehs and Dumplings in Katong and Kim Choo is easily one of the first few to come to our minds. The brand was established since 1945 and retails many different types of its home made Nonya goodies such as Kueh Salat, Kueh Dadar and Ondeh Ondeh. Interestingly, it also offers some workshops such as Peranakan Beading, Embroidery and Rice Dumpling classes. So much for staying true to its Peranakan brand!

Where: 109 East Coast Road, Singapore 428800

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Beach Road Prawn Mee Eating House
For local delights, Beach Road Prawn Mee has been an old-time favourite amongst locals, almost fully packed every weekend. The draw here is the fresh and huge prawns. To be honest, the last time we tried it was many years ago and we certainly need a re-visit to ascertain if it is still worth the queue.

Where: 370 East Coast Road, Singapore 428981

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Baba Chews
One of the newest restaurant to the Katong neighbourhood is Baba Chews, located within Hotel Indigo Katong and an all-day dining Asian and Peranakan restaurant. Opened in the second half of last year, you can expect dishes such as Buah Keluak Burger and Pong Tauhu, a traditional Peranakan soup made with homemade prawn stock and pork meatballs. Fancy a coffee break? It also serves coffee from Common Man Coffee Roaster beans here.

Make your reservation instantly at Baba Chews here.
Where: 86 East Coast Road, #01-01 Katong Square, Singapore 428788

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Rabbit Carrot Gun
Located at the intersection of East Coast and Ceylon Roads is Rabbit Carrot Gun, a casual British restaurant which also provides boutique accommodation. The chill-lax vibe of the restaurant is a big draw, even though the caveat is that it can be quite warm to dine in for some given that there is no air-conditioning. Some of its brunch fares include Steak and Eggs and Avocado Smash, or go straight to the big plates section where you can have the Fish & Chips, Beef Wellington or Shepherd’s Pie.

Where: 49 East Coast Road, Singapore 428768

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Carvers & Co.
There are not many cafes along East Coast Road, some have opened and closed but Carvers & Co. has already been around for more than two years, not an easy feat in our opinion given the very stiff competition in a food haven like Katong. Its menu is no doubt heavy on meats, with mains on its lunch menu such as Steak and Eggs, Pandan White Chocolate Waffle and Beer-battered Fish Sandwich. For dinner, you can expect additions such as Braised Beef Brisket, Wagyu and Bone-in Prime Rib.Where: 43 East Coast Road, Singapore 428764

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328 Katong Laksa
This brand has been famous for its laksa all these years, with its popularity further heightened amongst tourists after Gordan Ramsey tried it. There are multiple outlets, but the branch at 51 East Coast Road remains one of its most important branch. The air-conditioned eatery offers its signature laksa and you can add an Otah to complete the meal. I would like the broth to be richer though, as I found it slightly too diluted for my liking. Is this the best laksa in Singapore? I dont think so, but definitely decent enough to satisfy that random laksa craving.Where: 51 East Coast Road, 428770

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The Original Katong Laksa
The Katong Laksa war has never stopped after all these years, and this is in fact the original stall which gave the name “Katong Laksa”. The Original Katong Laksa or some would term Janggut Laksa is located at the nondescript Roxy Square, which is in a less prominent spot than the centrally located 328 Katong Laksa. It is by no surprise that this brand is lesser known than 328 Katong Laksa, but I thought that its broth is much richer and flavourful than the latter. One interesting observation and an unsurprising one is that locals tend to prefer The Original Katong Laksa, while tourists will flock to 328 Katong Laksa.Where: Roxy Square, 50 East Coast Road #01-64, Singapore 428769

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Tim Ho Wan
Having Tim Ho Wan in Katong sounds like a wasted trip for any local but we were guessing there will be tourists who are keen to try this famous Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong if they are staying in Hotel Indigo Katong or Holiday Inn Express. Don’t miss out on its signature and delicious Pork Bun at its i12 Katong outlet!

Where: 112 East Coast Road #01-04, 112 Katong, Singapore 428802

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Ranted by The Ranter and The Rantee