Joo Chiat Road in Singapore’s historic Katong district has secured a prestigious spot on the global list of the “Coolest Streets in the World” for 2025, a distinction determined by an extensive international survey conducted by Time Out. This vibrant thoroughfare, celebrated for its unique blend of heritage architecture and dynamic modern offerings, was recognized for capturing the contemporary essence of Singapore. The annual ranking, compiled from insights gathered from Time Out’s global editorial team and over 27,000 city dwellers worldwide, highlights streets that offer an energetic mix of culture, community, and cutting-edge venues.
A Perfect Fusion of Heritage and Hip
Located within the culturally rich Katong neighborhood, Joo Chiat Road stands out due to its compelling juxtaposition of tradition and trendy innovation. The street is lined with stunning Late-style shophouses, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by intricate facades and vibrant Peranakan-inspired colors. These architectural backdrops now house a lively ecosystem of businesses, from established eateries to rapidly emerging lifestyle concepts.
The editorial recognition stems from a recent surge in new openings, including independent boutiques, contemporary galleries, and diverse culinary ventures. Recent additions like Heartware Store and Gallery, a second-floor shophouse space featuring rotating artistic exhibitions, alongside new fast-casual and artisanal food spots like Don’t Runaway sandwich shop and Bastille Bakery, have injected new energy into the area. These join existing local favorites, creating a destination that rewards casual exploration.
The street’s appeal spans various interests, catering equally to those seeking authentic heritage and those chasing the latest trends:
Contemporary Culture & Retail
- Lifestyle Boutiques: Shoppers can browse homegoods at shops like Sojao, specializing in bedding, or explore thoughtfully designed furniture within the Art Deco building housing Grafunkt.
- Fashion & Vintage: Slow fashion is championed at stores like rye, while vintage enthusiasts can dig for analogue gems at establishments such as A Vintage Tale and RetroCrates.
- Café Scene: Joo Chiat is a prime destination for café-hopping, featuring popular venues like Humble Origins and Common Man Coffee Roasters, which transforms into the natural wine bar Drunken Farmer in the evenings.
Preserving Culinary and Craft Heritage
Despite the influx of modernity, Joo Chiat retains deep roots in Singaporean tradition. Traditional businesses continue to thrive alongside the newcomers:
- Iconic Eateries: Foodies flock to Mr and Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata for their famous flatbread, Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh for warming herbal pork rib soup, and Kway Guan Huat, an institution since the 1930s, for freshly rolled popiah (spring rolls).
- Traditional Crafts: Teong Teng maintains the legacy of crafting old-school furniture using rattan and bamboo.
Global Recognition and Local Context
Joo Chiat’s inclusion reaffirms Singapore’s dynamic urban landscape on the world stage. It ranked 14th globally, featuring alongside esteemed international locales such as Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro, Orange Street in Osaka, and Orchard Street in New York City.
The annual Index, which previously highlighted Singapore’s Bencoolen as one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, focuses on the vibrancy, originality, and local appeal of a location. For Joo Chiat, the ability to seamlessly integrate its historic architecture and traditional Hawker culture with a dynamic wave of independent businesses and artistic venues cemented its status as a must-visit destination that encapsulates the current cultural zeitgeist.
Visitors are encouraged to venture beyond the main thoroughfare into the broader Katong district, a maze of side streets and alleyways offering equally vibrant discoveries, making a trip to Joo Chiat a full cultural immersion.
TOP 15 COOLEST STREETS IN THE WORLD FOR 2025 (Selected)
- Rio de Janeiro: Rua do Senado
- Osaka: Orange Street
- Porto: Rua do Bonjardim
- Chengdu: Fanghua Street
- Montreal: Sherbrooke Street West
… - Singapore: Joo Chiat
- Mexico City: Avendia Alvaro Obregon