Old Charm Katong To Hip Watering Holes

  

Katong is enjoying a revival with new eateries sprouting along East Coast Road. With many food outlets open, we are spoilt for choice as there is a wide selection of different cuisine to choose from. The old hawker food such as rojak, tau kwa pau have already left the food scene. Haze has started to creep in and also with the dry weather, explains why the photos are fuzzy.

Ali BaBa

Coffee shop by day, Watering hole by night.

Dessert shop - AWFULLY Chocolate

Famous Katong Laksa

In the 1970s, this corner coffee shop used to be a stationary shop. During December, I would go there my cousin to shop for Christmas cards.

Joo Chiat Police Station

In the near future, a hotel and a shopping centre has been slated for this place. This building that was built in 1928 will be conserved by the developers. Driving along this road will be a headache because the two lane won't be able to handle the heavy traffic. It would really be nice to have flea market there and shop for artisan goods and wares. Further down the road, is this new building.

MODA

Many expats have moved in to East. Many old apartments have made way for new condos. Once it was Rose Garden, now is by The Shore.

The Shore Residence

Mexican Restaurant

Fish & Chips, Vietnamese Sandwiches, Burgers, Steaks, etc

German Restaurant - BROTZEIT

Thai Barbecue Restaurant - MOOKATA

Indian Restaurant - Zaffron Kitchen

English Cafe - RABBIT CARROT GUN

This corner cafe replace the laksa and rojak stalls which were around last year. A mama shop was further down this five foot way. Don't you just wish, I should have taken a shot of it when it was around ? ? ?  Vanishing trade, vanishing scene.

Pretty Five Foot Way

  

So, are there any more local food around to retain the Peranakan vibe that Katong is famous for? Yup, there is still delicious chicken rice and true blue Peranakan food for you to tuck into. Bak Kwa (barbecue sliced pork) and Kueh Kueh (Peranakan snacks), too.

Assortments of dumplings & kuehs - KIM CHOO

Takeaway - CHAKEYS

Rumah Bebe

You simply have to step into this shop to get a feel of what a Peranakan Shophouse is all about. The interior ooze of old world charm with its impressive gilded screen. It's entry flanked with traditional pintu pagar.

Beaded Slippers - Kasot Manek

Ladies can buy a Sarong Kebaya and be transform into a Nyonya from these two shops along this stretch of shophouse.

MAKAN means EAT In Malay

This shot taken off the glass panel at Santa Grand Hotel. The batik motifs, the peranakan floor tiles and the row of old residential houses in the background, most of which have converted for commercial use, reflects the essence of Katong's Peranakan Heritage. Do come down to rediscover the new alongside with the old. Plenty to makan that's for sure. Bye for now.

Still Palais Grandeur To Me

Chinese New Year is here once again, we are blessed with fine weather and clear skies making our family outing to our relatives place more enjoyable. Some dread the New Year and some celebrate the occasion with great aplomb. Tag along with me for a visit to a special place which we go almost every year on our rounds of visits. Our relatives happen to be caretakers of this heritage building and it feels like stepping back in time at this place. Ain't much of a festive mood though but we feel the warmness when we exchange greetings and give the children ang pows (red packets). We mingled and catch up with one another who we meet up only once a year. This year we had a little more fun, taking pictures again of the family members and also the place. Uncles and aunties taking turns to take a snap shot of the extended family.

I am sure many are curious about the history of this Grand Hotel which was built 1920 at Still Road. Wealthy cattle merchant Moona Kadir Sultan named the mansion Karikal Mahal after his hometown. Mahal means palace in Indian. In 1947, it was converted into a hotel consisting of 20 rooms. We were once treated to a tour of the place a few years back. It is really a privilege to be here once again even though how old and derelict this place seem. We just have to be contend with the company, open grounds and fine weather.

The facade facing the sea before the reclamation

Nice lawn to hold a tea party

The driveway at the back of the hotel

Separate Quarters

Mingle, Chat & Updating

Happily receiving Ang Pows

Pineapple Tarts !  Busy talking . . .

Getting ready for photo-taking

Come again next year

On the hindsight, it doesn't matter we came to such a place for a visitation. I am always particular about the condition of my home is not good enough to receive visitors. After hosting a reunion dinner for the extended family, I changed my perception. Every year our families will contribute a dish at whoever's home to celebrate the reunion dinner. Visiting our grand aunties and uncles is a genuine show of respect and concern for their well being. It's not so much about donning new clothes, stuffing yourselves silly in this new year season. Don't let the short of money to celebrate the new year with fanfare and grandeur rob you of the simple joy of the festive season. There are many other things to be thankful for. Here's wishing you good health and happiness.

* Our last visit was 2015.

All I Want For Christmas . . .

Katong just has its jaded shopping complex, Katong Mall overhauled. Now it is revamped into a chic boutique mall named 'I12 KATONG'. Back in 1983 when it was named as Katong People's Complex. After visiting twice, I never set foot in it again. Reason for its motley mix of tenants and the haphazard layout of the shop units.

On Sunday, we decided to pay a visit to this renovated mall. I was pleasantly surprised and took a liking to it. A breath of fresh air has been injected into this laid back Katong stretch of shops. This is definitely different from the heartland malls. Stepping on the carpeted passageway made me feel like I'm in a hotel shopping gallery. Though nothing can be done to the ceiling height of each level. It is pretty standard as compared to the newer malls. That height does give the shop space a cosier feel.

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Visiting new places is one of our nation pastimes. Seeking out new places to dine or shop offers a new experience. A sense of newness descends upon you and surrounds you and fills you with anticipation. Start exploring & experiencing, finding something that tickles your fancy is a great way to refresh your soul. Don't forget to spend wisely. At end of the day, live life without regrets. Have a Merry Christmas !   * Happy Shopping *

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