It's not like you need too many reasons to go to Katong. The pretty hood in the East is teeming with lovely Instagram opportunities and plenty of delicious food. But in recent weeks there have been a slew of new openings, making the trip to the east especially worthwhile. 

Infinity pool at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

Possibly the most compelling new reason to head to Katong is a new staycation option. A new boutique hotel has taken over one of Singapore's heritage buildings—the Joo Chiat Police Station, built in 1938. The 131-room hotel features design elements inspired by the culture of the Straits-born Chinese Peranakans and keeps the vintage charm of the Katong district across its 30 sq. meter guest rooms. The spa-inspired bathrooms in each guest room is stocked with aromatherapeutic toiletries from Biology Smart Skincare. There's also a 24-hour fitness center and an infinity pool on the rooftop with lovely views over the neighborhood. Regular rates start from $280.

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery

Ok, so we're cheating a bit listing this new restaurant as a separate reason, since its actually part of Hotel Indigo, but with its lovely interiors and Perakanan-heavy menu, Baba Chews merits a special look-see, even if you aren't doing the staycation. Try local delights like the mouth-watering ayam buah kelak (chicken brasied in a thick, spicy tamarind gravy with buah keluak nus) and foie gras tau kwa pau. If you're in need of a caffeine fix, they also offer coffee made from roasted beans from local specialty roaster, Common Man Coffee Coasters, and tea from TWG.

Tok Panjang Peranakan Cafe

Tok Panjang Peranakan Cafe

Baba Chews is not the only new Peranakan restaurant in town. Restaurant group the House of Peranakan, which owns establishments in East Coast, Frankel Avenue and Eng Hoon Street, expands its turf with yet another traditional Nonya eatery in Katong. This 40-seater cafe offers Peranakan, Nonya and Straits Chinese cuisine from as early as 9am. The cafe features an all-day dining menu, with simple breakfast options such as mee siam ($7.90), a Peranakan-style nasi lemak set ($10.90) with ingredients such as assam pork and baby squid, and Bob's pork bun ($8 for two), braised pork sandwiched in a Chinese bun. The dessert selection may be small, but it's worth your time—items like durian chendol ($6.50), gula melaka sago pudding ($4), ubi kayu ($6), pulot hitam ($3) and bubur terigu ($3) are affordable and indulgent options.  

Naughty Nuri's

Naughty Nuri's

There was a bit of a buzz when this famous Bali ribs-and-martinis place opened its first store in Singapore, at Capitol Piazza. There's now a second branch on Tanjong Katong that has plenty more natural light and plenty less mall vibes. In addition to their famous St Louis barbecue ribs ($24.90 for a half-rack), there are also some solid Indonesian classics, such chicken with spicy turmeric and coconut curry (ayam lemak, $14), sup buntut (herbal oxtail soup, $8) and sambal prawns with petai beans. There are also Western/fusion meaty platters like shortribs rendang ($16) and Indo Buffalo drumlets ($16) with a spicy glaze.