Singapore Hidden Star in Kampong Glam and Peranakan Trail in Joo Chiat

Singapore has many historical neighborhood, and has its own attraction. The famous Orchard Road for shopping mall, Clark Quay for nightlife, China Town and Little India for the piece of Chinese and Indian ambiance where all I've already been. So this time around I want to visit so called Peranakan are in Joo Chiat and Malay or Middle East taste in Kampong Glam.

Kampong Glam 

The main point of this area is Sultan Mosque in the middle of the road. During the colony's early history, under the Raffles Plan of 1822, the settlement was designated for the Sultan, as well as the Malay and Arab communities, many of whom were merchants. There is also communities for the Javanese and Bugis people from Indonesia.

The mosque holds great significance for the Muslim community, and is considered the national mosque of Singapore. It was designated a national monument in 1975.

However, the fast development by Singapore government had left this community into history. The Bussorah Pedestrian Mall was filled with many middle eastern restaurant and have glory Sultan Mosque in the middle. This centre area have already been commercialized and became the tourist attraction. I still like it, because the crowd is full but still manageable.

This is the main tourist draw in Kampong Glam. Running from Beach Road to Baghdad Street, Bussorah Street is a short alley lined with  two storey shop-houses. Shop for curios like vintage clocks and toys, or simply wander around to get a taste of days gone by.

On the arab street, the shop-house around still retain their old time business. They usually sold carpet, fabric, pashmina, clothes, and batik. I live in the rear end of Arab Street which is great place to stay. Down in ground floor was a nice cafe, and surround by more modern shop.

Firaunesque graffiti

 

The Haji Lane

Getting across the Arab street is Haji Lane. Don't get it wrong by the name of Haji, because along the street is bar with alcohol. There is also live music, not Arab music by the way, a Chinese guy with a guitar. The shops has its attractive graffiti or design, for young blood like vintage shop or bicycle shop, independent boutiques, stylishly cool second-hand clothes stores and quirky outlets.And in the night the cafe is became alive and has nice crowd. This Haji Lane is the star of this area, and this area became my favourite place to hang around in Singapore.

Simple and nice on the left, cheerful and colorful on the right... which side are you?

One of the Vintage Shop in Haji Lane

Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat is centre of peranakan community, peranakan is the hybrid between local people and Chinese. Its origin from 15th century and in Singapore started from 17th century when Chinese people emigrated to South East Asia. This assimilation bring Chinese element to local people.

Kim Choo Nyonya Dumplings has been a mainstay in Singapore’s diverse epicurean tapestry for over 60 years. Many covet its rich taste, disguised by the effervescent fragrance of pandan leaves so finely woven around the humble delicacy

 

The Peranakan Cina are not only associated with their special Nyonya dishes, beaded slippers, embroidered Kebayas and antique collections but also their Straits Eclectic style of architecture. The Straits Eclectic style of architecture began to develop in the 19thcentury. The style combines Local and Western elements which in the early 20th Century introduced ceramic artwork and elaborate plaster renderings. Such architecture shop-houses, temples are scattered around here.

To see the embroidery peranakan fashion style, I had short visit to Rumah Bebe. But main point I was here, to eat the centre of 328 Laksa. Laksa Lemak or Nyonya Laksa is a type of laksa with bee hoon or rice vermicelli, served with a fish based gravy, with dried  shrimp and rich coconut milk. The toppings are fresh shrimp, fish cake, mussel served with sambal. This Laksa is must-try and top choice if you go to Singapore!

 

The quaint charms of Katong lies within the shophouses, rich in history and memories...., and Rumah Bebe, a local heritage landmark, is dedicated to preserve the traditional arts and showcase the life of the Peranakans

Right now the government already recognized this place as the craddle of Singaporean culture. For me its about nice peranakan building ambiance and great food. This area will be my adventure for next Singapore peranakan food for popiah and finding the real laksa. Wait for  famous 49 Katong Laksa, Marine Parade Laksa. And take a short visit to the beautiful white Sri Senpaga Temple.

The Singaporean Laksa