My Heart Beads for Peranakan: A Joo Chiat Experience

Patrick is very passionate and kind. I was so impressed with how he managed to fill the trip with so much good food, as well as deeper insights about culture and history. I was especially touched by the stories of how those normal people tried their best to preserve the culture heritage and keep them alive. Highly recommend.

This was the first Singapore walking tour I have been on, and if the others are any where close to this one, I would go for all of them. This was a delightful and throughly informative experience! I learnt loads about Joo chiat - from its inception, its food and even the darker sides to its history, which our incredible guide, Patrick, shared with us with great detail and enthusiasm. Patrick took us to many iconic spots, weaving in personal anecdotes (having grown up in the area) as well as historical facts about Joo chiat culture and Peranakan culture. We made our own popiah at the legendary kway guan huat, which was fun and delicious. Michael, the owner, was very gracious and made us feel at home in his homely restaurant. We tried different kuehs and epok epoks as we walked, ending the tour at Rumah kim choo. Overall, an afternoon more than well spent, our guide Patrick certainly made the entire experience memorable and he was not afraid to go the extra mile for us. The tour left me feeling appreciative of the blend of cultures we have here in Singapore, and inspired to find out more about places/things I might not know about Singapore's history.

Had an enjoyable afternoon walking tour in Joo Chiat where one gets to know and hear the many stories and tales of the various buildings, road names, landmarks and trades. Along the way one also gets to try yummy snacks such as epoh epoh (curry puffs), soon kueh, ondeh ondeh etc. This was my first time exploring this neighbourhood where it is filled with rich Peranakan culture. Looking forward to visiting the nearby Dunman Hawker centre which is temporary closed for renovations.It is one of the smallest Hawker centre in Singapore and was told that we shouldn’t give the wanton noodles and tau Kwa pau a miss!

My wife and I had enjoy the tour. the tour guide, Lora was full of enthusiasm which make the tour great and fun. Learn quite alot during this tour. knowing the history of katong, joo chiat. the company also donate the tour earning to charity. Recommend everyone to join the tour and support charity.

Lora was a fantastic host and gave us a very detailed account of Singapore’s historical sites in Joo Chiat area. Enjoy the popiah making hands-on session and inspired by Michael (3rd-gen owners) dedication to continue the family legacy of bringing delicious popiah skin to the world!

What I appreciate from this tour is a deeper understanding of the history, the changing landscape and the struggles of keeping the traditional cultures alive in this part of Singapore. Our friendly guide, Patrick is able to explain all these clearly. Overall, I found this an enjoyable and relaxed experience.

Not familiar with Joo Chiat before the tour. The guide has done a great job sharing the history; not forgetting the good food in that area😊

I used to live near this area so always had a soft spot for it and jumped at the chance to revisit through a different pair of lens, that of a "tourist". A lot has changed in parts of Joo Chiat, it has become gentrified but some of the old charm remains and it is great to see some that some our comfort food is very much well and alive and run by the next generation of entrepreneurs. The tour will not be as meaningful without our passionate guide Patrick who is an inspiring Singaporean who plays an active role in helping the underserved community and is a really good story teller as he is a guide. A definitive recommendation for those who likes a nostalgic walk down Joo Chat while learning more about our colourful past and supporting the local enterprises.

Highly recommended. We learnt a great deal about the Peranakan culture and Joo Chiat’s rich historical culture. It was a fun and enjoyable!

I learnt a lot about the places associated with peranakan, and the tour guide was really knowledgable. Highly recommended.