Wolf Bargain(Joo Chiat: A Timeless Neighbourhood)

(Beautiful Peranakan shophouses)  

Today Lone Wolf is in Joo Chiat, one of the historic precincts in Singapore. Joo Chiat began as an area for coconut and cotton plantations. Slowly, it emerged as an enclave for wealthy Peranakan and Eurasian families in the early 20s century. You can still trace the Eurasian heritage in that area. The Eurasian Association is located within the vicinity. The beautiful Peranakan-inspired shophouses give rise to the rich Peranakan heritage in the area. Mr. Zubir Said, the composer of our National Anthem, “Majulah Singapura”, once called Joo Chiat his home. 

(Eurasian Association)

(Former home of Mr. Zubir Said in Joo Chiat)

If one thinks of Dyson. St. James power station headquarter popped up. If one thinks of Singapore’s last surviving street food, the iconic Wafer Ice Cream, very few people know their “headquarter”. Every morning, a few Uncles will gather at Joo Chiat Place . It is the place where street hawkers get their ice cream supplies. 

(The head office of Uncle ice cream)

(Magnolia Ice Cream which is part of FNN, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage PCL)

($4.70 per pack is good enough for 8 people, work out to be less than 60c each)

(The inexpensive sweet treat)

Some history of Chip Guan Heng. It was founded in 1970 by Mr. Goh Sing Yam. It started as a provision shop in the 1960s to provide street hawker paddling traditional ice cream. They have expanded into a shop on Joo Chiat doing wholesaling of ice cream and other complimentary products like dry ice, wafer biscuits, rainbow breads and cones. There are many favours to choose from. 

(Please show some support for Uncle. He operates mostly in Sims Drive, just in-front of the HDB Branch office)

The ice cream trade is the last surviving street hawker in Singapore. The sad news is the government no longer issues new licenses to those interested in selling ice cream on the streets. I estimate there are probably less than 10 of such street vendors left. It is with much regret, the authorities decided to do away with the street ice cream trade. They are part of the unique food culture in Singapore. Many tourists love the ice cream when they visit Singapore. I hope the authorities can continue to issue licenses for people wanting to continue with this trade. Hygiene can be improved if that is the sticking point for the continuity. It will be a big mistake to let the iconic feature of the Singapore food scene walk into the history. This is what makes Singapore unique. Do we want our visitors to experience the same thing which they have in their country? The traditional ice cream street food is one of the last remaining unstructured and authentic experiences for our locals and tourists. I hope the authority can reconsider their decision.

Back to Joo Chiat, there are cafes popping up in the neighbourhood. Cata café is one of such new-to-market establishments. I was told they were only in operation for a year. I try the Colombian coffee and a piece of carrot cake. They are both delicious. Prices are reasonable too. One can find a local designer furniture store at the junction.

(Local designer furniture store)

(Cata Café with it sophisticated decor)

(Fresh and moist)

Another institution operating within the area is Kim Choo Rice Dumplings. It has been there forever. The coffeeshop across the street is popular with morning customers golloping down their Prawn Noodle. The prawn noodle reminds me of those sold in my primary school canteen with its no-nonsense old school version. I love the way how the broth blends together with the rice noodle and yellow mee. It is the lighter version of the prawn noodle. I have no issue having it everyday. Special mention goes to the coffeeshop owner for her excellent coffee.

(Kim Choo Rice Dumplings)

($5 a bowl)

(Good and strong coffee)

Joo Chiat being relatively untouched still retain much of its old charm, a rare sight given the constant urban renewal in our country. The transformation of Joo Chiat is subtle, not pushy, leaving her guests spellbound by her enchanting beauty. 

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