There’s something magical about introducing your mother to a place that feels like it was designed just for her. From the moment we stepped into Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, I knew this wouldn’t be just another hotel stay – it would be a journey through my mom’s memories, wrapped in the luxurious comfort of one of Singapore’s most thoughtfully designed boutique hotels.
Time capsule of tactile memories
Even before we arrived at the hotel, Mom was reminiscing. “This was where we’d come on the weekends with the family when you were little,” she said as we passed a row of colorful shophouses. It was a sweet prelude, but nothing compared to the sheer delight that illuminated her face the moment we stepped into the hotel.
You see, each Hotel Indigo genuinely does justice to its surroundings, and here in Katong, it was as if they had bottled the very essence of my mother’s childhood memories and brought it to life. The lobby itself was like a modern-day museum that blends Peranakan heritage and contemporary design, carefully curated to delight.
Mom’s eyes, wide with wonder, immediately darted to that magnificent circular mural of floral tiles. I could almost hear her silent appreciation for its intricate beauty, a direct echo of the classic Peranakan ceramics she loves.
Then, as we moved towards the lifts, her gaze followed the stack of blue-and-white porcelain jars and luminous lamps. I watched as her lips curved into a soft smile, as if she found a playful joy in how a simple corridor had been transformed into something so enchanting.
Our Peranakan Sanctuary
Our Heritage Room was a masterclass in cultural storytelling. The moment we entered, Mom’s face lit up, as she appreciated the attention to detail to mirror traditional shophouse architecture in the room’s layout.
The ingenious elongated layout—a clever nod to how shophouses were built narrow to avoid colonial-era taxes. This made our 30 sq m room feel like a time capsule enhanced by the old-school fixtures and traditional items subtly incorporated to enhance the Peranakan theme.
The rooms at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong are distinctly designed to emulate the deep, linear layout of a traditional shophouse. Guests first encounter the toilet area upon entering, which then leads into a comfortable living area before finally reaching the main bedroom space with the bed. At the very back is the bathroom, completing the shophouse-inspired progression of spaces.
A striking feature of each room is a mural created by home-grown artist and illustrator Don Low. The captivating black-and-white artwork infuses the room with a sense of local life and storytelling.
The bed and sofas are both adorned with cushions in shades of red, pink, and other bright hues, often featuring intricate batik-like designs that echo the patterns from traditional sarong kebayas. A dark, intricately patterned headboard further enhances the room’s Peranakan charm.
Seating areas are thoughtfully integrated, providing a comfortable space for relaxation. Instead of a modern coffee table, a nod to traditional recreation is made with a carrom board, serving as a unique and functional centerpiece.
We especially loved the detail of a Singer sewing machine base propping up the vanity counter and basin in the bathroom, which itself includes other decorative yet functional items such as a spittoon as the bathroom’s waste bin.
Decorative pieces like the once-ubiquitous red clogs also make an appearance, adding a touch of nostalgic charm.
The room’s design seamlessly blends artistic flair with cultural heritage, creating a vibrant, comfortable, and uniquely Singaporean experience for guests
Local Flavors, Refined for the World
For dinner, Baba Chews masterfully navigates ‘both ways’ with its dinner menu. You’ll find Mediterranean classics subtly infused with Singaporean aromas such as the Barramundi with Laksa Sauce, accompanied with Fish noodles, and topped with the traditional ingredients like Laksa Leaves and Fried Tau Pok and a new menu item, the Octopus Squid Ink Pasta served with a refreshing Yogurt Mint Sauce.
The absolute standout for us was the Kueh Pie Tee. These delicate, crispy “top hats” filled with cocktail prawn, kombu slaw, and topped with tobiko had an umami burst of flavours. It’s the kind of appetizer that leaves a lasting impression and makes you wish you’d ordered a second plate!
The restaurant’s signature dish is the hearty Beef Cheek Rendang served with blue pea rice. While undeniably delicious and infused with authentic spice profiles, there was a subtle refinement to these dishes. The “local-inspired” tag truly shines here, as the flavours felt accessible and beautifully balanced, perhaps indicating a deliberate catering to an international palette without sacrificing the essence of Singaporean cuisine.
The Mango Sago dessert served with a scoop of Mango sorbet and topped with fresh pomelo provided a refreshing, tropical finish to our meal.
For those seeking an elevated dining and cocktail experience, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong offers Rooftop 88. Located on the 16th floor of the hotel, the rooftop bar offers stunning views of the culturally rich Katong district. Drinks are creatively designed to represent neighbourhood flavours with names like “Nyonya Margarita” and “Pink Coco Loco”, a coconut rum-based cocktail.
With food coming from the Baba Chews’ kitchen, Rooftop 88 features both bar bites and mains from the all-day restaurant, including their signature 18-hour braised Beef Cheek Rendang and their yummy Rojak Chicken Bites, Crispy Chicken Cubes coated in Tangy Rojak Sauce.
Peranakan Escape – An immersive experience
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deeper into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deep into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture with a thoughtfully curated package designed for two. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an invitation to experience living history.
The ‘Peranakan Escape’ room package includes daily breakfast for two at Baba Chews, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. Named after Chew Joo Chiat, the visionary Chinese immigrant who transformed the seaside town in the East of Singapore into an area popular with affluent families in the 1920s, Baba Chews offers a delightful blend of local and international flavours, setting the perfect tone for your heritage exploration.
The true highlight, however, unfolds at the Peranakan Mansion, where an exclusive experience awaits:
- Private Guided Tour: You and your companion will embark on a private tour, uncovering the fascinating living traditions, visual stories, and intricate artefacts that bring Peranakan heritage to life. It’s a truly personal deep dive into the culture.
- Nyonya Kebaya Rental and photography opportunity: Step directly into the elegance of Peranakan fashion with a Nyonya kebaya rental. You’ll have indoor and outdoor access for a photoshoot, allowing you to capture stunning, memorable moments in authentic attire within the mansion’s beautiful settings.
- Traditional Kueh & Tea Set: Conclude your cultural immersion with a traditional Peranakan kueh and tea set for two, served in the charming ambiance of the heritage mansion. It’s a sweet, authentic taste of tradition.
To appeal to Singaporeans and local residents considering a staycation, the package also includes one complimentary carpark coupon.
Personal Reflections on Rediscovering my Peranakan Roots
The highlight of our visit to the Peranakan Mansion by Straits Enclave was undoubtedly the opportunity to don the traditional Nyonya kebaya for a photoshoot. It was a truly transformative moment for both my mom and me as I felt myself embody the elegance and grace of the matriarchs who came before.
I was imbued with a quiet sense of pride in the beauty of the culture and a deep satisfaction in capturing the special moment on camera.
During our private guided tour, we delved into the rich traditions of the Babas and Nonyas, learning about their unique customs — particularly the intricate and symbolic rituals that make Peranakan weddings so fascinating
We savoured an array of Nonya kuehs and tea, all while taking in the beautifully curated displays of what felt like a true ‘living museum’. Each room, artefact, and story offered a window into the vibrant, multicultural heritage of the Peranakans.
The entire experience felt like a tender rediscovery of my own cultural identity — wrapped in warmth, memory, and a renewed appreciation for family. For anyone looking to connect more deeply with Singapore’s Peranakan soul, this is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend
