Tanjong Katong

A short drive from the city centre of Singapore, Tanjong Katong is an ethnic Chinese neighbourhood that prides itself on preserving its rich cultural heritage. Located off the east coast of the peninsula, Tanjong Katong enjoys the closest proximity to the country’s commercial heart, the Singapore River. Dining here provides a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Singapore, as well as the cuisine and shopping options available within this cosmopolitan neighbourhood. Dining Guide

Tanjong Katong has been a popular area within Singapore for a number of years, originally a trading post servicing the Chinese fishing industry. As the area became a thriving commercial and residential neighbourhood, it was quickly embraced by the global tourist community. Now, a popular place for both families and Singapore expats to live, the neighbourhood boasts both designer boutiques and local restaurants. Dining in the area provides the visitor with a unique and diverse experience that includes both Asian and Western cuisines.

Tanjong Katong’s history dates back to the late nineteenth century, when it was a trading post for the Chinese fishing fleet. Here, they established a small dock and built a house here for their flourishing business. Later, as a reserve area, the area began to attract more attention from the outside world. The Dutch, the British and the Japanese all had their share of success in this bustling area. In fact, most of these cultures gained permanent residency in the area during their early days.

Today, Tanjong Katong is home to numerous restaurants serving a range of cuisines from eastern to western regions. The neighbourhood is also popular for its affordable prices, and thus a variety of people from different economic strata can enjoy the fresh air and delicious food that are found here. Tanjong Katong also has an interesting history to boast of, having been the birthplace of the first Thai Emperor and the residence of a former King and Queen.

Today, many visitors come to this part of Singapore just to have a taste of this fabulous cuisine. Some come to simply sample the delicious seafood that is served within the restaurant. However, some others come to have a more authentic experience of the area, which is partly what makes it so special. For those who want to have an actual taste of the cuisine themselves, there are many wonderful restaurants located within the vicinity that serves authentic dishes.

Tanjong Katong is separated into two districts. The Central Business District (CBD) is located to the north, and is the district directly to the west of the ferry that carries visitors to the other areas of the island. The Eastern Business District (EBD) is located to the south, and is the area directly to the west of the ferry. There are many hotels in both areas. If you are staying somewhere in the central area of Tanjong Katong, there is an excellent choice of hotels with both good views and affordable rates. In the EBD, you will find many expensive hotels and resorts, but there are also some very good mid-range establishments that offer budget accommodation at good rates.

Another factor that imparts a special character to this cuisine is that the fresh produce is brought in from nearby growers. When it comes to vegetables and fruits that are grown locally, Singapore is fortunate in that it has one of the best farming conditions in the world. Because these farmers are so closely associated with the local flavor of their produce, many people associate local produce with the dishes they eat. This is not an invented notion. Indeed, many of the best cuisines in the world are based on local produce such as this.

There are many other factors that distinguish this cuisine from its regional counterparts. The distinct lack of seasoning makes it a particularly refreshing change of pace from the heavy sauces and deep-fried treats associated with the typical oriental dining experience. This makes it a good choice for a wide variety of palates and it pairs well with many different kinds of food. It is truly a gastronomic delight. A trip to the famed Tanjong Katong Food Court will impress your palate.