On 21 July each year, my office commemorate Racial Harmony Day to mark the anniversary of the 1964 racial riots. On this day, we will reflect on and celebrate Singapore as a harmonious society built on a rich diversity of cultures.  This year we went on a tour to discover the rich heritage in Katong and of course, the delectable spread of food that can be found there.

There is certainly more to Katong than laksa and nonyas.

Ist Stop. Fort Tanjong Katong at Katong Park. Built in 1879 by the British, it was abandoned in 1901. It was then the eastern-most military installation built in Singapore to serve as the first line of defence against potential invaders from the sea. Now, the area is part of a serene residential neighbourhood

a fort used to stand at where Katong Park is currently located. It was buried until its rediscovery in 2001

A heritage tree that is just right in the middle of Katong Park.

2nd stop. We visited the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple. 

Quickie at 328 Katong Laksa

Next stop, Kim Choo Kueh Chang - where we got to complimentary Peranakan Chinese dumplings and Kueh lapis, while learning about the community of Babas and Nonyas. 

Showing us how to make dumpling

Complimentary dumpling and kueh lapis. It's an eating trip. keke

The last stop of the four-hour long educational tour brought us to the Eurasian Community House where we learnt about the Eurasians of Singapore and their contributions in various fields throughout Singapore's history.  

Our former President SR Nathan's house is just opposite Eurasian Community House