The History of Katong – From Coastal Gem to Cultural Icon

Introduction
Katong, a name that evokes images of pastel-hued shophouses, aromatic laksa, and a storied Peranakan legacy, is one of Singapore’s most historically rich neighborhoods. Once a sleepy coastal strip frequented by wealthy elites, this eastern enclave has evolved into a living museum of Straits Chinese culture and Singapore’s multicultural identity. From its origins as a seaside retreat to its modern-day status as a heritage hotspot, Katong’s history is a vibrant tapestry of migration, resilience, and reinvention.

Tanjong Katong: The Coastal Beacon
Long before high-rises and highways, Tanjong Katong (Malay for "Katong Cape") marked the eastern boundary of the British settlement established by Stamford Raffles in 1819. In the 1950s, prior to land reclamation, Katong’s seafront was a picturesque stretch of coastline dotted with boathouses, beachside retreats, and fishing villages. A 2008 digital copy of an original 1950s photograph by Lye Siew Fong, archived by the National Library Board Singapore, captures this vanished era: wooden jetties jut into the turquoise sea, while coconut palms sway over sandy shores. By the 1970s, land reclamation for the East Coast Parkway shifted the shoreline southward, severing Katong’s direct access to the sea. Today, remnants of its seaside charm linger in conserved two-storey shophouses and old-style kopitiams along Tanjong Katong Road, which was designated a conserved area in 2003.

From Plantations to Peranakan Heartland
In the 1820s, the area that would become Katong and Joo Chiat was a patchwork of coconut and cotton plantations, interspersed with fishing villages and seaside bungalows. Wealthy European and Peranakan families began building vacation homes here, drawn by the tranquil coastal ambiance. By the early 1900s, as Singapore’s city center grew crowded, Katong transformed into a suburban enclave. The Peranakans—descendants of Chinese immigrants who intermarried with local Malays—constructed ornate townhouses and shophouses, blending Chinese motifs with Malay and European architectural flourishes. These colorful facades, adorned with intricate tiles, carved timber screens, and jardinière (flowerpot) motifs, became synonymous with Katong’s identity.

The Rise of Joo Chiat
The story of Joo Chiat is inextricably linked to Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy plantation owner and philanthropist who developed much of the area in the early 20th century. As urbanization pushed eastward, Joo Chiat evolved into a thriving residential hub. The establishment of Catholic institutions like the Church of the Holy Family (1933) and St. Patrick’s School (1933) attracted a significant Eurasian population, while Peranakan families continued to shape the area’s cultural fabric. By the 1930s, rows of shophouses along Koon Seng Road and East Coast Road showcased a fusion of Baroque, Rococo, and Art Deco styles, reflecting Singapore’s colonial and multicultural influences. In 2011, Joo Chiat was gazetted as Singapore’s first Heritage Town, cementing its status as a living archive of Peranakan and Eurasian heritage.

Architectural and Cultural Legacy
Katong’s architectural splendor is best seen in its conserved shophouses, where airy verandas and pastel facades evoke tropical elegance. The Joo Chiat Historic District, with its iconic kebaya-inspired eaves and stained-glass windows, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of early 20th-century artisans. Beyond bricks and mortar, Katong’s cultural legacy thrives in its food, traditions, and community. Peranakan eateries like Kim Choo Kueh Chang (famed for glutinous rice dumplings) and 328 Katong Laksa preserve recipes passed down through generations, while kopitiams like Chin Mee Chin Confectionery—a 1920s relic—serve kaya toast in vintage tiffin carriers.

Surviving Change, Embracing Modernity
The post-war era brought seismic shifts. Land reclamation erased Katong’s coastline, and urbanization replaced some heritage homes with high-rises. Yet, grassroots conservation efforts in the 1990s revived its soul. Today, Katong balances old and new: hip cafes nestle beside century-old temples, and boutique hotels occupy restored shophouses. Annual events like the Katong Festival celebrate its Peranakan roots, while initiatives like the Joo Chiat Heritage Trail invite visitors to explore its storied streets.

Conclusion
Katong’s history is not confined to museums—it lives in the grind of rempah (spice paste) at a Nyonya kitchen, the clatter of kopitiam cups, and the laughter echoing through conserved shophouses. From its days as a coastal cape to its rebirth as a Heritage Town, Katong embodies Singapore’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future. As the scent of laksa spices mingles with sea breezes from East Coast Park, Katong remains a poignant reminder that progress need not erase heritage.

Bei-Ing: A Family Legacy of Noodles & Innovation

_{396 East Coast Road, The Bullion Hawker Bar, , Singapore, 428994, Phone: +65 9046 7176}

_{Additional Information: The Bullion Hawker Bar}

1970s
Bei-Ing began as a pushcart stall along East Coast Road in Katong, founded by Madam Lim (grand-aunt of current owner Mr Yeo Oh Song Khoon). Named after her eldest granddaughter, the stall served simple “old-school” wonton noodles with char siu and soy sauce near the now-gone Roxy Theatre.

1980s
When hygiene laws forced street vendors into hawker centers in the early ’80s, Madam Lim moved to a coffee shop near Katong Plaza. As she retired in 1984, Mr Yeo reluctantly took over, mentored by her assistant. Relocating to Roxy Square’s air-conditioned food center, he revamped the menu: Malaysian tourists inspired a dark soy sauce version, dubbing it “Malaysian-style wonton mee,” while fried wonton snacks catered to beer-drinking regulars. His booming business earned him the nickname “Loudhailer Uncle” for bellowing order numbers.

1990s–2000s
Mrs Yeo joined full-time, elevating quality with fresh ingredients and expanding the menu. By the 2000s, their son Ray began helping at 15, mastering his mother’s recipes. At 21, he modernized offerings with “Singapore Fusion Food”—think truffle-infused noodles—while honoring tradition.

2020s
In 2021, Ray and partner Jean Ong opened a second outlet nearby to reduce wait times. A year later, Bei-Ing 2.0 launched, serving breakfast staples like dim sum and congee. Today, the flagship stall remains a family affair, run by Mr Yeo, Mrs Yeo, and youngest son Martin, while Ray’s innovations keep the legacy alive—one bold twist at a time.

A heritage of humble beginnings, hearty flavors, and hungry crowds.

Visit Katong: Stroll its conserved lanes, savor its flavors, and uncover layers of history at every turn. Accessible via Dakota MRT or the East Coast Park connector, Katong invites you to walk through time.