An insider’s guide to some of Singapore’s coolest and most colorful must-visit neighborhoods

Joo Chiat/Katong

Located on the far east of the island are Joo Chiat and Katong which, together, make up Singapore’s first “Heritage Town.” While the neighborhood is generally a foodie’s dream, it’s the place in town for Peranakan cuisine — we’d recommend you start at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen or the family-run Guan Hoe Soon, both of which boast menus with recipes that’ve been passed down through generations. In general, though, the area is basically a foodie’s dream, home to venues like Kim Choo Kueh Chang who are famous for their huge selection of homemade bak chang (glutinous rice dumplings), the hipster Alibabar The Hawker Bar, and the famous East Coast branch of 328 Katong Laksa.

Spend the day strolling through the colorful rows of heritage houses and popping into the array of chic independent shops, including the stylish Rumah Bebe and…