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MORE SINGAPORE
treasure hunt
For those in search of the perfect souvenir or gift, look no
further than Joo Chiat’s antique shops and heritage houses
dedicated to celebrating Peranakan culture.
Rumah Bebe
113 East Coast Road;
rumahbebe.com
This shop and café in a
shophouse dating back to
1928 showcases a lovely
selection of Peranakan
pottery, painted tiffin
carriers and textiles. Artist
Bebe Seet designs much
of the merchandise. She
specializes in beaded
slippers and art featuring
flower, bird and butterfly
motifs; Peranakan treats like
curry puffs and pineapple
tarts are also available.
KimChooKuehChang
111 East Coast Road;
kimchoo.com
Next door to Rumah Bebe
you’ll find another part-
shop, part-snack counter in
an equally lovely heritage
shophouse. Jewelry and
beaded slippers fill the front
window, making it almost
impossible not to enter for
a quick peek. Once in the
shop, the scent of founder
Madame Lee KimChoo’s
Nonya dumplings takes
over. They are prized for
their rich pandan fragrance
and traditional fillings, and
have been made in the same
manner since 1945.
Teong Theng Co
369 Joo Chiat Road
More jumbled work-
shop than retail space,
Teong Theng has been
the place to find beautiful
handmade rattan furniture
since 1945. The uncles
still design wicker baskets,
shelves, stools and more in
traditional Indonesian style.
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