Exploring Katong: From Iconic Laksa to Vintage Finds
A weekend date with your partner doesn’t always require an expensive meals, an overpriced plane ticket or an elaborate itinerary. Sometimes, the best trips are right in our own backyard that blends in rich local flavors, a walk down memory lane, and a relaxed afternoon exploring historic neighborhoods.
If you're looking for a perfect day trip in Singapore, here is how we spent a meaningful weekend re-exploring the charm, nostalgia, and hidden gems of Katong and Marine Parade. My hubby will be the storyteller for the day.
Address: 50 East Coast Rd Singapore 428769
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
We kicked off our day with Roxy Square. Built on the historic site of the old Roxy Theatre, this spot retains a quiet retro charm. Wandering through its classic tailor shops, traditional beauty salons, and quiet music nooks felt like stepping into another era; a true hidden gem for anyone who appreciates the quieter side of heritage malls.
It’s also an absolute treasure trove for hawker food lovers to visit Roxy Square Kopitiam at Level 1, housing the famous Janggut Laksa (often hailed as the original Katong Laksa). We also saw Bei-Ing Wanton Noodle, the iconic stall that was recently in the news after the elderly uncle owner was shoved by a young customer.
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| Roxy Square Kopitiam not to be missed |
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| (Left to Right) Bei-Ing Wanton Noodles, Janggut Laksa, Lin Jin Lai Rojak |
Address: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Instead of Janggut Laksa, we went with the classic Katong staple, 328 Katong Laksa. Diving into a bowl of rich coconut curry broth packed with thick rice noodles cut short enough to eat with just a spoon. Then paired with a side of otah, nasi lemak and fresh lime juice, it was definitely a comfort meal to fuel for our afternoon walking tour under the scorching hot weather. This meal cost us SGD25 in total and despite that, the standard kind of dropped according to my husband who had their laksa since his younger days. Anyway, you can choose between Janggut Laksa and 328 Katong Laksa and see which is your bias.
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| An alternative for a taste of famous Katong Laksa |
Walking Down Memory Lane: St. Hilda's Church
Address: 41 Ceylon Rd, Singapore 429630
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
After lunch, my husband brought me on a short, meaningful detour to St. Hilda's Church on Ceylon Road. This was a particularly special as it’s where my hubby used to come with his family every Sunday for worship service in his younger days. Walking through the quiet grounds and listening to him share stories from his childhood added a deeply personal and nostalgic touch to our day.
Founded in 1934 on Ceylon Road, St. Hilda's Church began as a small Anglican mission serving the Katong community. Over nearly a century, it grew alongside the neighborhood, establishing St. Hilda's School and remain a beloved spiritual landmark deeply woven into the local East Coast heritage.
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| Part of his childhood spent in this church on Sundays |
Retro Vibes: Katong Shopping Centre
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Continuing our nostalgia tour, we strolled over to Katong Shopping Centre.
Stepping into one of Singapore’s earliest air-conditioned malls feels like stepping straight back into the 1970s and 80s with its classic printing shops and traditional bakeries like Dona Manis Cake Shop and Auntie Peng Banana Pie. There are two food courts too, namely Golden Cafe and Katong Gourmet Centre, which the latter has Hubby's favourite Chicken Rice and Yong Tau Foo stalls that he patronized whenever he is there for work.
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| Continue our stroll to Katong Shopping Centre |
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| Since already there, why not grab some Banana Pies home? |
Treasure Hunt inside Antique Market at Katong Square
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Right around the corner after a Starbucks stop sits Katong Square which is located on the site of former Joo Chiat Police Station. With a large open public space, it creates a unique neighbourhood gathering point in the heart of Katong. It is also famous for its vibrant weekend vintage and antique market. Browsing through rows of eclectic treasures, from vintage vinyl records, antique toys, and retro watches to old-school trinkets and jewelry. Even if you aren't buying, it’s a wonderful place to spark conversations with the like-minded and also admire rare collectibles from collectors.
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| Look at these vintage vinyl records |
Nostalgic Landmark: Sea Breeze Lodge
Address: 37 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449524
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Right opposite Parkway Parade, spotted a barricaded run-down bungalow that stands as a striking contrast to the surrounding modern high-rises. Once defined as living the seafront life has since swept away by land reclamation efforts from the 60s to 80s. Also known as Choa Bungalow, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into Katong's rich architectural past, serving as a captivating landmark along the bustling neighborhood. The building was gazetted for conservation in 2009, in recognition of its architecture typical of colonial-era bungalows (or black and white houses).
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| Sea Breeze Lodge has been acquired by Far East Organisation |
Final Stop: Parkway Parade
Address: 80 Marine Parade Rd, Singapore 449269
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TEL)
Before heading home, we made a final pitstop at Parkway Parade for tea break and grocery run. Opened in 1984, it is one of Singapore's pioneer suburban shopping malls and has served as the commercial and lifestyle anchor of Marine Parade for over four decades. Spanning seven levels with over 250 stores, it was the perfect spot to enjoy some cool air, run a few quick weekend errands, grab evening snacks, and enjoy the convenience of the Marine Parade MRT station (Thomson East Coast Line) right at its doorstep to wrap up our day out.
Just next door at Marine Parade Central sits Roland Restaurant, famously founded by the creator of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab back in the 1950s. Passing by this iconic seafood spot atop the multi-storey carpark was the perfect reminder of how deeply woven culinary history is into this neighborhood.
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| (Left to Right) Parkway Parade and the birthplace of Chilli Crab |
Final Thoughts
From rich local heritage, sacred memories to vintage markets and famous local eats, Katong and Marine Parade hold a unique magic that bridges the past and present of Singapore. Whether you're revisiting childhood spots or discovering old treasures for the first time, this neighborhood walk is a lovely weekend itinerary for couples and also overseas visitors to truly enjoy Singapore's rich heritage.
In case you wanna plan your trip to Singapore, feel free to check out my guide in the link below:
https://iamstellachen.blogspot.com/2026/08/beyond-marina-bay-most-tourists-miss.htmlFor a mainstream itinerary for your Singapore visit, feel free to check out the link below:
https://iamstellachen.blogspot.com/2026/07/singapore-reimagined-through-local.htmlDisclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts, reviews, and opinions shared here are entirely my own and based on my personal experiences. They do not reflect the views or positions of any companies, employers, or organizations I am associated with. All food, beverages, and products featured were purchased independently unless otherwise stated.
