JOO CHIAT & KATONG

‘Easties’ — residents of east Singapore — often declare that their side of the island is home to the best food, and you’d be hard-pressed to argue. A case in point is the vibrant Peranakan (Straits Chinese) enclave of Joo Chiat and Katong. Amid the neighbourhood’s colourful shophouses and colonial bungalows, you’ll discover traditional cafes alongside modern restaurants and hip bakeries.

For the quintessential Singaporean breakfast, grab a table at

where you can sink your teeth into kaya toast (charcoal-grilled bread slices slathered with handmade coconut jam). Reopened in July after a two-year closure, the coffee shop retains its old-school decor, right down to its distinctive green-and-white tiles.

Next, cross the road to a quirky boutique purveying books, stationery and locally designed trinkets. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to what’s undoubtedly the neighbourhood’s most-photographed attraction: a row of pretty, pastel-coloured heritage shophouses along

Confectionery, Chin Mee Chin Cat Socrates, Koon Seng Road.

Once you’ve taken your photos, head back to East Coast Road for lunch at

where you can slurp up its namesake dish: noodles in a spicy coconut soup, topped with prawns, beansprouts and cockles. Then, cool down with a refreshing scoop of gelato from next door. The botanical-inspired range of flavours on offer includes strawberry basil and white chrysanthemum, both of which pair perfectly with the shop’s signature thyme-infused cones.

For an immersive history lesson, check out an impeccably preserved Peranakan abode filled with antiques and artefacts such as crockery, jewellery and lanterns. Visits are by appointment only.

Come evening, walk over to East Coast

Park for dinner at which is famed for its black pepper crab. Order additional dishes such as barbecued cuttlefish, crispy whitebait and steamed razor clams for a decadent seafood feast.

Katong Laksa, Katong Antique House, 328 Birds of Paradise Long Beach UDMC,

ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE

Singapore

Airlines flies from Heathrow and Manchester, while British Airways flies from Heathrow. singaporeair.com ba.com

WHERE TO STAY

Doubles at Raffles Singapore start at S$989 (£529), room only. raffles.com/ singapore

HOW TO DO IT

Travelbag offers an 11-day tour of Singapore and Bali from £1,449, including flights and accommodation. travelbag.co.uk

MORE INFO

visitsingapore.com