STREE TALK

An insider's guide to life in their 'hood

- Karmel Schreyer

What’s the name of your street?

Everitt Road, between Joo Chiat Terrace and Joo Chiat Place, just off the famous Joo Chiat Road.

What do you know about the history of your neighbourhood?

Joo Chiat is a well-known area in the eastern part of Singapore, known for its colourful multicultural vibe, including Chinese shophouse-style residences, ornate Malaysian Peranakan-style tiled shopfronts, and the remarkable Hindu temple Sri Senpaga Vinayagar, dedicated to Lord Vinayagar (Ganesha), the elephant-headed deity of wisdom.

The neighbourhood is named for plantation owner and philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat. At the corner of Joo Chiat Place and Joo Chiat Road is one of those popular stand-alone letter name-signs – the kind you see in London, Paris, Barcelona, Hollywood. I’ve taken my photo there. We dream big in Joo Chiat!

What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?

That it’s still a “seedy” area. It developed early on as a traditional Chinese neighbourhood and commercial district, but more recently was known as a bar precinct. The street is changing constantly, and by my count there are only two of the old, darkened, “denof-iniquity” clubs left. Walk down Joo Chiat Road and you’ll see we are all about food, fitness, wellness and pet ownership – and a wee bit of karaoke.

Exact words you tell a taxi driver or rideshare driver to get home?

Just say “Joo Chiat, please” and then participate in some of the most pleasant conversations you’ll ever have with a Grab or taxi driver. Drivers here are intelligent, humorous, helpful and opinionated. I’ve discussed issues ranging from homelessness to the latest release of the Korean girl-band Fifty Fifty.

Closest MRT station?