Street Talk:
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN THEIR ’ HOOD
Living on Tanjong Katong Road
ROBERT TSU
From: London, England Occupation: Lighting designer
The Specifics What’s the name of your street?
Tanjong Katong Road.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?
The idea that the Katong neighbourhood is far from the city when it’s only a 15-minute cycle away from the CBD. I come from London where getting to the city from the suburbs is an hour away by train! It’s all relative I suppose.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?
“Suites at Katong. Tanjong Katong Road. Next to Caltex”; 99 percent of taxi drivers know it as soon as I say “next to Caltex”.
Closest MRT station?
Paya Lebar MRT (purple East West line and yellow Circle line) and Dakota MRT (yellow Circle line).
How long have you lived here? Why here?
I’ve been here almost two years now (seven years in Singapore in total). I really love the neighbourhood as I’m within walking distance of multiple malls and shops, East Coast Park (for runs and cycles) and, most importantly, a short distance away from my Grandma who lives in the East Coast. I was born and raised in London, but my mother is originally from Singapore so it’s nice that everything comes full circle!
The Scene When you walk out of your place, what’s the first thing you see?
Hoe Seng Heng Durian Centre across the road! While I’m personally not a fan of durians, the owners also frequently have a delicious selection of ripe mangos (and durians, I’m told!) and for an extremely affordable price. To my pleasant surprise, I’ve also recently discovered that one of the owners is a good family friend of my uncle and they’ve known each other since they were teenagers.
What’s the closest store to your front door?
Little Italy is located right at Suites@Katong and serves up delicious Italian food. Lasagna is my go-to cheat meal and this is one of my favourite outlets for it. (The other being Super Dario Lasagna in Farrer Park.) Many times when I’m too lazy to cook, I also drop by.
If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be?
Chef, which is a 2014 movie by the director of Iron Man and Jungle Book, Jon Favreau. Why? Simply because there are so many great food options along Tanjong Katong Road.
We’re sure your neighbours are great, but is there anything you wouldn’t mind a little less of?
My neighbours are great. The only thing I would change is for them to be more talkative!
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street?
Shorts, sleeveless tops and running shoes. Located so close to Geylang River and gyms, this spot is full of runners and active people.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street?
Nothing unusual but it was very odd when it was quiet and free of people and cars during the early Circuit Breaker period.
While not strange, there are some architecturally interesting and large houses on the side streets leading off from Tanjong Katong Road towards Geylang River.
The Superlatives What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood?
Punggol Nasi Lemak (best fried chicken in Singapore!), Hoe Seng Heng Durian Centre (deliciously inexpensive fruit) and Little Italy.
What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood?
With so many malls in close proximity such as Parkway Parade and Paya Lebar Quarter, I’m spoilt for choice. Foodie Market Place will be a popular choice for people looking for a butcher with premium meat. I would recommend the Musubi Boutique Hair Salon as they give great haircuts for guys.
I’m also a big fan of the Higher Performance gym opposite Suites @ Katong, a clean and well-equipped gym facility with super friendly and knowledgeable personal trainers. They even developed a terrific personalised home workout routine to keep me fit during the Circuit Breaker!
What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood?
It’s great to run around the neighbourhood and explore the little side streets, see the variety of historical and modern architecture, and follow the river. I love my movies so having a new cinema so close to me at Paya Lebar Quarter is awesome.
What’s one thing you’d never change?
I love that my street and surrounding area has no high-rise buildings. Even though I’m only on the fourth floor, I get a lovely unblocked view towards the city. I’ve seen many beautiful sunsets!
How about one thing you would change?
Having some cycle lanes to connect to the East Coast Park Connector would be high on my wish list.
If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it?
A modern community centre with a sheltered relaxation area for all age groups in the community to relax and be active. I love sports so it’d be awesome to have some sheltered basketball and tennis courts nearby too.
Beyond the ’Hood What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests?
For the ultimate view without breaking the bank, I’d recommend visiting the top floor (level 50) of The Pinnacle @ Duxton. For only $5, non-residents of the block can get a 360-degree view of the city and (on a clear day) views to the islands surrounding Singapore. Visit in the early evening and you’ll get to witness some great sunsets and see the city light up as night falls.
Want something a little bit more fancy with a drink in hand? LeVeL33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre offers an awe-inspiring view of Marina Bay Sands and the bay. To escape the city and experience Singapore’s nature, I recommend the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for an active half-day.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go?
The famous colourful shophouses right by Joo Chiat Road offer an interesting visual portal into times past.
If you’re missing home, what do you do?
With the current times of limited travel, I definitely miss home. To get a taste of British culture, Marks and Spencer is my little treat.
DO YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
Share it with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.