Benita Lee points out the tastiest treats in this heritage 'hood
What it is: A cosy family diner with a love for finger-lickin’ good fried chicken.
What to order: The trademark whole spring chicken meal with crispy fries and coleslaw. #02-99 City Plaza, 810 Geylang Rd (6746 2372, www.arnoldsfriedchicken.com).
What it is: An Asian-influenced European bistro in a black-and-white corner shophouse.
What to order: The pan-seared lamb with asparagus or the pristine poached fillet of line-caught snapper topped with strips of fried ginger. 367 Joo Chiat Rd (6346 4558).
What it is: A casual little diner offering simple Western comfort food and a relaxed, warm atmosphere.
What to order: The zesty beef salad of grilled ribeye and chilled leaves with a dressing of lemongrass, chillis and lime. #01-59 Bright Centre, 55 Lorong L Telok Kurau (6346 0504, www.thegardenslug.com).
What it is: A Japanese-inspired kushiyaki joint started up by the owners behind Awfully Chocolate and Everything with Fries.
What to order: The Hokkaido scallops in handmade garlic butter dip. #01-01, 131 East Coast Rd (6346 7604).
What it is: Chef Paul Ng’s fine dining establishment serving European cuisine with an Asian twist.
What to order: The lobster bisque with tricolore cannelloni. 45 Joo Chiat Pl (6440 0601, www.privateaffairs.com.sg). Private Affairs has moved to 25 Boon Tat Street (6220 2005).
What it is: Chef Quentin Pereira’s charming Eurasian eatery serves up his late grandmother’s spicy dishes.
What to order: Patchri smothered in a paste of tamarind, sugar, onions and ginger. 139 Ceylon Rd (6348 0327, www.quentins.com.sg).
What it is: An all-American barbecue grill house and bar owned by Californian Rob Szepvolgyi.
What to order: The St Louis spare ribs seasoned with their special dry rub and topped with barbecue sauce, or the classic pulled-pork sandwich served with a toasted sesame bun and barbecue sauce. 73 Joo Chiat Pl (6345 6914, www.smokeysbbq.com.sg)
What it is: An air-con branch serving the most sought-after chicken rice on the island.
What to order: The authentic chicken rice, crystal chicken feet or sweet potato leaves. 443 Joo Chiat Rd (6345 9443, www.tiantianchickenrice.com).
What it is: An offshoot of the original Pulau Ubin joint set up in the ’80s.
What to order: Fried seafood bee hoon. 357/359 Joo Chiat Rd (6348 2202).
What it is: A chic cake shop passionate about sharing its sinfully delicious truffles, cupcakes and everything chocolate.
What to order: The truffles or moist chocolate banana cake with dark chocolate fudge. 131 East Coast Rd (6345 2190, www.awfullychocolate.com).
What it is: A Halal artisan bakery offering fresh, authentic and wholesome European breads.
What to order: The classic pain au chocolat, or the raisin cranberry swirl. 174 Joo Chiat Rd (6440 9228, www.thebreadproject.com.sg).
What it is: A quaint bistro specialising in home-made cheesecakes, uniquely crafted with fresh ingredients.
What to order: The rich rum and raisin cheesecake. #01-05, 328 Joo Chiat Rd (6346 6466, www.chezcakebistro.com.sg).
What it is: A quirky café serving gourmet desserts.
What to order: The perfectly fluffy soufflé with crème anglaise or the classic crème brûlée. 350 Joo Chiat Rd (6345 2127, www.gobi.com.sg).
What it is: A two-storey pastry shop that whips up made-to-order masterpieces.
What to order: Chocolate Etoile, a sinful cocoa mousse cake. 91 East Coast Rd (6440 9200, www.temptationscakes.com.sg)
What it is: It opened, then closed, now it’s open again – but in a new location right next door. The Brit owner of East of Avalon Wines, George Kirton, offers dirt-cheap drinks and a relaxed setting to chill.
What to order: Westons Vintage Organic Cider, an old-fashioned and potent brew. 328 Joo Chiat Rd
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Sweet temptations at Joo Chiat
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