Joo Chiat may be famously known as a foodie haven but it also has plenty for the shopper and bargain hunter. Claire took us to a few of her favourite places in the neighbourhood. The Joo Chiat shopper has plenty of selection to choose from. Be it cultural, modern or food related, you don’t need to leave Joo Chiat to find something special. Of course, TheAC is conveniently located in this area for unique brands and imports specially selected and curated by Claire.
Be sure and pick up your copy of our map, Exploring Singapore: Joo Chiat, brought to you by Vanilla Beige and TheAC at 420 Joo Chiat Road.
Also see Joo Chiat for the Foodie and Joo Chiat for the Local Wannabe Tourist (or the Tourist who wants to be Local).
Rumah Kim Choo
109/111 East Coast Road
Preservers of Peranakan culture (even before it was cool), this place is part cafe/deli/museum/ cultural center/shop! It is brimming with antiques, treats and insight into this unique culture.
Head up the stairs of Rumah Kim Choo for their museum on Peranakan culture.
TheAC Boutique
420 Joo Chiat Road
Our multi label boutique houses collections from a range of independent designers. We have a strong emphasis on handmade pieces suited to the tropical climate and lifestyle. Discover our unique finds across fashion, home, gifts and kids.
Claire’s multi-label boutique is a must shop location on Joo Chiat Road.
Shop the unique collection at TheAC.
The Cheese Shop
267 Joo Chiat Road
Amazing cheeses from all over Europe come to the heart of Joo Chiat. A hit with well-travelled Singaporeans and European expats missing a taste of home. There’s also a great selection of wine and other delicatessen items.
The Cheese Shop also has a selection of good that would pair well with cheese (of course!).
Unique cheeses from all over the world can be found here.
Hiew
136 Tembeling Road
A beautiful array of flowers greet you in this independent boutique. They also have an eclectic mix of Peranakan ceramics, modern Kebayas and gift items.
The doorway to Hiew is rustic and adorned with a handmade sign.
Hiew specialises in flowers. On the day we were visiting, they were still setting up their displays. Be sure and drop in to check them out.
Intricate sleeve details on the Kebayas at Hiew.
Hoe Jen Kee coffee powder
50 Joo Chiat Place
Mops, Chinese burning papers and coffee sounds like a crazy business plan but it works. I go here for the coffee. Choose your beans or create a blend. Have them grind it for you in their ancient machine.
Burning papers can also be found here.
Sticks of incense in a random aisle.
Containers of roasted coffee for your selection.
Geylang Serai Market
1 Geylang Serai
One of the best wet markets in Singapore. This market mainly serves a Malay community and has a wide variety of stalls selling spices, ikan bilis (dried fish), pure palm sugar and sambal pastes. Find tropical fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs and snacks at this fantastically colourful place.
Pure palm sugar sold in logs at the market.
Ikan bilis, a delicacy of dried fish used in chilli pastes or on its own has a very pungent smell. Follow your nose to find them.
Dried fruit packed by containers are stacked high in the stalls.
Public car park are marked on the map as are bus stops and taxi stands. There is off street parking available on almost every street.
For more information on TheAC, visit theac.net
Pick up your copy of our collaborative map of Joo Chiat at TheAC and find out what the locals eat and drink.
The Attaby Collective is at
420 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427641
Facebook: theattabycollective
Instagram: theattabycollective
This guide was produced by Vanilla Beige in collaboration with TheAC. Photography by Angela Manners, Words by Claire Chahill and captions by Angela Manners. Sites may be repeated in each of our three guides on Joo Chiat.