• In the 1820s, the area encompassing present-day Joo Chiat and Katong was covered with dense coconut plantations.
• In the 1890s, Chew Joo Chiat, a businessman from China’s Fujian province, bought a large piece of land in Katong. He built houses on part of the land and soon made a name for himself as a real estate developer. He was known as “加东之王” (“King of Katong”).
• Most of the residents living in the Joo Chiat area were Peranakan Chinese or Eurasian, so the houses in this area have a distinctive architectural character.
• In the 1900s, Chew Joo Chiat transferred part of the land to the colonial government for road development. In 1917, after the road was completed, the colonial government renamed it from Confederate Estate Road to Joo Chiat Road.
• To preserve the cultural heritage of Singapore’s various ethnic groups, the National Heritage Board listed Joo Chiat as Singapore’s first Heritage Town in February 2011.

In addition to having the opportunity to make their own popiah and kueh pie tee, participants can also explore Joo Chiat’s quaint shops and temples after lunch, to experience the fusion of tradition and modernity. (Lianhe Zaobao, 22/4/2021)