Katong, Where The Name Says It All

The Strait Chinese or the Peranakans were the wealthy English speaking Chinese who were living in Singapore

. They made their wealth through trading and sort to further enhance business by venturing into plantations. Katong, a sea side area on the east coast of Singapore was chosen for its sandy soil which was ideal for coconut cultivations. The government handed out large tracts of land to these early estate owners. Eurasians who had made their wealth in Singapore too were included in among this crowd. Some of them are famous personalities like Chew Joo Chiat, Thomas Dunman and John Armstrong.

Following World War I, as life in the city tended to be hectic, weekend retreats were much sort after. Katong, already owned by the wealthy Peranakans slowly transformed itself into weekend resorts. These resorts were spectacular creations and Katong came to be known as an elite neighbourhood.

With the need for more land in the city due to Singapores ever increasing economic power, the Katong area came under land reclamation and soon became the suburb for the wealthiest of the wealthy. It was to all intents and purposes a gated community who even spoke with a different accent being more influenced by the West.

The Peranakans who from the inception had different traditions of their own, were skilled in a special making of beaded accessories, Nonya Kebayas and the ultimate experts in cuisine. In fact the food available in this area is one of a kind. The spicy Malay noodle soup is one such speciality. The area also hosts an antique house which is a delightful representation of the bygone era. The architecture of the houses, which are a fusion of many different nationalities, is also a sight to behold.

Visitors to Singapore should make it a point to visit Katong not only to sample its cuisine but also to admire the suburban difference! Travellers seeking a hotel Singapore would do well to book the Orchard Hotel Singapore with its opulent accommodation. Being an Orchard Road hotel, it enjoys the luxury of being in the middle of the business as well as leisure districts.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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