Chin Mee Chin—the famous old-school confectionery—is reopening at its original location at 204 East Coast Road. While it was earlier reported that Chin Mee Chin would be returning in March this year, there was a delay and it would be reopening in 15 Sep 2021 instead.

Specialising in local kopi, traditional kaya toasts and soft boiled eggs, this is the ultimate go-to destination for an authentic retro Singapore experience. The legendary coffee shop is also known for its baked goods such as Swiss rolls, cream horns, luncheon meat buns and sugee cakes.

Established in 1925, the legendary coffee shop has been closed for two years and according to an article by The Straits Times, it is making a comeback in partnership with the Ebb & Flow Group, which is behind food and beverage concepts such as The Dragon Chamber, Tigerlily Patisserie, and Sommer Dining.

Madam Sharon Tan, the granddaughter of the confectionery’s late founder, and her mother, Madam Leoang Kwang Ling (Chin Mee Chin’s main managing partner) remain shareholders in the business and will be working closely with the new partners to pass on their heritage recipes.

The seating capacity of the new Chin Mee Chin will be doubled to 50 seats, including a new alfresco area.

Stepping into Chin Mee Chin brings this nostalgic feeling—from the green floor tiles and marble round tables to the way the aunties shout across the room with your orders—almost as if time stood still in the good old days.

We cannot wait for Chin Mee Chin to reopen!

Chin Mee Chin
204 East Coast Road
Singapore 428903

It is such a shame that traditional bakeries are vanishing as Singapore’s economy progresses. The food industry is competitive and many older confectioneries have long given way to other profitable businesses. That comes as no surprise as Singaporeans are only willing to pay S$1 for a local treat, but have no qualms splurging S$10 on a premium cake.

Fortunately, several age-old establishments’ utmost dedication in serving handcrafted heritage delicacies have withstood the test of time and transient fads. The only worry is whether there would be young Singaporean artisans to take over this tough trade.

From halal-certified Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery to award-winning Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring, here is our guide to 11 Traditional Bakeries In Singapore To Check Out.

Photo Credit: cheehuey

BALMORAL BAKERY

One of the oldest bakeries in Singapore, Balmoral Bakery has been dishing out its baked goods to its loyal customers since 1965. With baked goods piped with buttercream sold in paper boxes featuring a vintage red print, Balmoral Bakery is a throwback to the good ol’ days.

105 Clementi Street 12
Singapore 120105
Tel: +65 6779 2064

JIE TRADITIONAL BREAD BAKERY

Feeling nostalgic for old-school roti loaves that are freshly sliced right in front of your eyes? Then head down to Jie Traditional Bread Bakery, one of the older bakeries in Singapore that remains unfazed by Singapore’s rapid development.

The rustic bakery still exudes quaint old-world charm and is a must-visit for those who wish to teleport back to the old days. If you’ve ever wondered where those rainbow-coloured bread—the ones commonly found at push kart ice cream stands—come from, here’s your answer.

123 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534837
Tel: +65 6289 7461
Mon to Sat: 7am – 11.30pm
Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

JI XIANG CONFECTIONERY

Ji Xiang Confectionery has been handcrafting traditional Ang Ku Kueh since 1988 and the family-run business is fortunately unthreatened by the rising number of cafes in its vicinity. These handmade Chinese pastries are usually filled with sweet mung bean or peanut but you can also find other flavours such as Coconut, Corn, Salted Bean and Yam over at Ji Xiang.

1 Everton Park
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6223 1631
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

LEK LIM NONYA CAKE CONFECTIONERY

Lek Lim Nonya Cake Confectionery is a Halal-certified bakery that takes pride in serving a plethora of traditional Peranakan delights. It started in 1968 when they first started selling tasty homemade kuehs and the rest is history.

Savour their signature Ang Ku Kueh (S$0.55 per piece), Kueh Lapis Nonya (S$0.65 per piece) and Kueh Kao Swee (S$0.65).

#01-21, Block 84
Bedok North Street 4
Singapore 460084
Tel: +65 6449 0815
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 6pm
Sun: 6.30am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Bedok / Tanah Merah

LOVE CONFECTIONERY

Love Confectionery is located beside Alexander Village Food Centre and has been a perennial favourite amongst residents since their childhood days for its buttercream cakes and homemade spreads. Their pandan cake remains a hot seller and is one that definitely warrants a try.

Block 122 #01-60
Bukit Merah Lane 1
Singapore 150122
Tel: +65 6278 2385
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill

LEUNG SANG HONG KONG PASTRIES

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries is Heaven on Earth. Upon stepping in, you would be greeted by the aroma of fresh bakes and everything wonderful. This old-school looking confectionery may look next to nothing, but they have one of the best egg tarts in Singapore

We first had the egg tarts from Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries back in 2007, and we have been fans of it ever since. The confectionery used to be on Sago Street – inconspicuous and hard to locate. But the ones in the know make it there anyway. Today, they sit on Jalan Membina, opposite Tiong Bahru Bakery.

Other pastries that are baked in-house and sold at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries include Roasted Chicken Pastry, Polo Buns, Lotus Seed Century Egg Pastry and Mushroom Chicken Pie.

Photo Credit: Ben Lim

NG KIM LEE CONFECTIONERY

Old is indeed gold. Ng Kim Lee Confectionery is one long-standing traditional bakery that has won itself a legion of loyal patrons over the past 60 years. The vast selection of cakes and pastries sold here will have you spoilt rotten for choice.

The best part? Prices remain extremely affordable in this old Chinese bakery.

4 Chun Tin Road
Singapore 599591
Tel: +65 6466 3515
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 1pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

Photo Credit: The Pine Garden

THE PINE GARDEN

Located in the Ang Mo Kio heartlands, The Pine Garden is famous for their airy light buttercream sponge cakes. The household establishment is very popular amongst Singaporeans—especially those residing in the North. Despite being a traditional bakery, The Pine Garden also tries to be innovative by launching new items such as alcoholic cakes.

529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
#01-236/9
Singapore 560529
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

SING HON LOONG BAKERY

Sing Hon Loong Bakery’s secluded location triggered our curiosity—how does the age-old bakery survive with such little traffic? As it turns out, the traditional store is a supplier of chain store of popular Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Besides their signature bread loaves, Sin Hon Loong also sells cheese and sugar buns.

4 Whampoa Drive
Singapore 327715
Tel: +65 6256 0878
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Novena / Boon Keng

TRADITIONAL HAIG ROAD PUTU PIRING

Award-winning Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring is renowned for their putu pirings and has been unanimously coined by foodies as Singapore’s best. The queue is notoriously long, but endure the wait and you are treated to piping hot Malay rice cakes stuffed with palm sugar. These sweet delights are steamed fresh upon order and topped off with salted grated coconut.

Haig Road Market & Food Centre
Stall #01-08, 14 Haig Road
Singapore 430014
Tel: +65 9688 3067
Daily: 11am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Tong Heng

TONG HENG

Chinese bakery Tong Heng has been around since Singapore’s colonial days and is most well known for their mouthwatering diamond-shaped egg tarts. Besides the must-order egg tarts, visitors can indulge in other Cantonese confectionery such as Char Siew Crispy Cakes and Curry Puffs.

Having undergone a massive revamp, their stall now exudes a rather modern, almost cafe-like appeal that’s great for simply lounging about over a hot coffee and a couple of freshly baked egg tarts.

285 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058833
Tel: +65 6223 3649
Daily: 9am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

We’ve seen countless food and restaurant concepts from all over the world opening up here over the years and while Singapore remains a hub for all things new and trendy with regards to gastronomy, there are several heritage gems that still, and will always, bear timeless appeal.

These are the places that our parents and even grandparents used to frequent, the original hangout spots before the era of modern cafes and posh eateries. Taking a trip down memory lane, here is our list of 8 dining establishments that will transport you back to old Singapore.

BRITISH HAINAN

Tucked in the estates of Joo Chiat lies a quaint family-run restaurant—British Hainan—and dining here feels like we are taken back to 1960s. Once you step into the restaurant, you can find lots of vintage collectables like old gramophones, mixers and pay phone that we used in the past.

They serve multiple classic British dishes with a Hainanese twist, but the dishes to-die-for include their signature oxtail stew and their braised lamb shank.

75 Carpmael Road
Singapore 429812
Tel: +65 6336 8122
Mon to Sun: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

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COLBAR

First opened in 1953 at Jalan Hang Jebat to serve as the unofficial canteen for members of the British Army back in the day, Colbar is both a heritage site as well as a popular haunt for lovers of craft beer and a wide variety of both Chinese and Western grub.

The food is nothing much to rave about but what you do get is a charming and fascinating look into old colonial Singapore—and a couple of ice-cold artisanal beers too while you’re at it.

9A Whitchurch Road,
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 6779 4859
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

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COLONY

What sets Colony apart from other buffet restaurants is that they adorn a classic charm that transports you back to a time to when Singapore was still a developing state and the culinary journey at Colony will remind you of our heritage.

The Colony impresses even the most discerning taste buds through seven kitchens that showcase a mouth-watering spread of Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian, Western and local dishes.

7 Raffles Ave
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434 5288
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

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HEAP SENG LEONG

They say that you need to keep making changes in order to improve but Heap Seng Leong coffeeshop has proved that philosophy wrong. Established in 1974, this coffee shop has kept maintained its heritage by doing things the way it used to be done 40 years ago.

Apart from the traditional breakfast, Heap Seng Leong is well known for their kopi gu you, which is also known as butter coffee. The taste of kopi gu you is similar to that of a normal kopi but much creamier with a slice of cold butter that melts on top.

10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109
Singapore 190010
Daily: 4am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

KILLINEY KOPITIAM

Singapore’s second largest kaya toast chain with more than 20 outlets nationwide, Killiney Kopitiam is a well-established coffee shop with outlets conveniently located at popular locations, easy for their customers to find.

Many might think of Ya Kun when it comes to kaya toast but Killiney definitely puts up a good fight. Slathered with sweet kaya and butter in between the two slices of soft bread that have already been toasted to perfection, the aroma of the slightly burnt toast is hard to forget.

67 Killiney Road
Singapore 239525
Tel: +65 6734 3910 / 6734 9648
*Mon, Wed to Sat: 6am – 10pm
Tues & Sun: 6am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

(Killiney Kopitiam has multiple outlets)

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OLD SCHOOL DELIGHTS

Modelled to look like a typical classroom, Old School Delights is one of the most interesting vintage cafes we have ever been to. Decorated with chalkboards, wooden furniture, and a menu in a form of an exercise book, this place definitely makes us wish we were back in school because as much as we hated school, we have to admit that school days were definitely the best days of our lives.

Old School Delights strives to relive culinary memories of Singapore’s past through their authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations. A must-try at the café is their famous Old School Heritage Mee Siam that boasts over 30 years of history. The rich flavour of the mee siam paired with a touch of zesty lime just makes the whole dish perfect!

180 Kitchener Rd
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6458 4518
*Mon to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

(Old School Delights has multiple outlets)

TONG AH EATING HOUSE

Although kaya toast sets can easily be found in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that we just can’t get enough of, from its rustic, old-world charm to their stellar kopi and kaya toast offerings.

Their Traditional Kaya Toast Set comes with kaya toast, two soft-boiled eggs, and a drink. Toasted till slightly charred, the kaya toast was exceptionally crispy with a smoky aftertaste.

35 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 6223 5083
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

YET CON RESTAURANT

Founded in 1940, Yet Con Restaurant has been dishing out plates of their popular and oh-so-tasty chicken rice even way before the Japanese occupation.

At Yet Con, their chicken is cooked for hours, which enhances the flavours of the meat and gives it its signature tenderness. You can really feel the firm texture of the meat, which was not too drying and their chicken skin is definitely not oily at all.

25 Purvis Street
Singapore 188602
Tel: +65 6337 6819
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Kaya toast is one of Singapore’s most popular local breakfast items. It goes without saying that there are many different places serving it. Besides Kaya toast chains like Ya Kun, Killiney Kopitiam, and Toast Box, we also have the old school coffee shops like Chin Mee Chin.

I am not sure if you have heard of Good Morning Nanyang Cafe, but their kaya toast is definitely worth trying, especially if you are working in the Central Business District.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe differentiates itself from the other competitors with its signature Orange Ciabatta kaya toast.

We were at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe for afternoon tea, so we decided to share a set of the traditional kaya toast and the normal Ciabatta kaya toast. If you are not a fan of the traditional toasted bread, the ciabatta is a pretty good alternative. For me, I don’t really care about the bread, it is merely a vehicle for the kaya and butter.

I’d think that a cup of traditional kopi is definitely one of the must-try things in Singapore. Where else can you get such a good cup of coffee at just under $2? I have friends telling me that Good Morning Nanyang Cafe serves the best kopi in Singapore, so be sure to have a cup when you are there.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there is really nothing like a cup of kopi, kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs to start your day.

Drop by Good Morning Nanyang Cafe to have a good breakfast before going to work. Otherwise, you can always have kaya toast for lunch if you don’t feel like having a heavy meal.

Singapore Food Blog Review

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe133 New Bridge Road
#03-01 Chinatown Point Singapore
Tel: +65 8133 1882
Operating Hours:
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 10.30am – 6pm

108 Robinson Road #01-00
Operating Hours:
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7.00pm

Chin Mee Chin confectionery at East Coast Road is one of the few old-school coffee shops left in Singapore. I’m sure most of you are familiar with Chin Mee Chin (CMC) since many of the Singapore Food Blogs have written on them before. In many ways, CMC reminds me of the popular Yut Kee in Kuala Lumpur.

Sometimes, I think we take Kaya Toast for granted. This humble breakfast food is simple, yet so delicious, and it is often overlooked because it is so common in Singapore. From places like Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Killiney, Good Morning Nanyang Cafe, to the local coffee shops – good kaya toasts are everywhere in Singapore.

I have friends who always stock up on their kaya supply whenever they go overseas for work or study, we should be grateful that it is so easy for us to get kaya toast in Singapore.

This, shall be my excuse to eat more kaya toast.

At Chin Mee Chin Bakery, local coffee, kaya toast and homemade cakes are the stars. There are many supporters of the round buns (instead of the normal toast), and the not-too-sweet kaya from this old school coffee shop. Together with butter, it is the perfect snack for breakfast or afternoon tea.

When it comes to soft-boiled eggs, I think it is an acquired taste. It’s either you love the runny eggs, or hate the raw taste.

Feast your eyes with the perfect runny eggs – they are so gorgeous! With a cup of coffee/tea, two half boiled eggs and kaya toast, this is the best breakfast you can get in Singapore.

How to eat soft-boiled eggs?

Step 1: Sprinkle some pepper and pour an adequate amount of light sauce (depending on personal preference). Step 2: Dip the kaya toast into the soft-boiled eggs and once you are satisfied, it’s time to finish the remaining eggs. Step 3: Slurp down the eggs and feel them rush down your throat.

Chin Mei Chin is packed all the time, and some of the popular items like the custard puffs and sugee cakes are usually sold out quite early. I’d think that Chin Mee Chin is definitely one of the places that you should bring overseas visitors to, and if you have not been there before, it’s time to make a trip to East Coast road.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
204 East Coast Road Singapore
Tue–Sun: 8am – 4.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)

My idea of a good breakfast is something like this: start with a bowl of cereal with milk, and proceed on with a scrumptious big breakfast of eggs, ham, sausages, bacon, grilled tomato and sauteed mushrooms. On some days, I’d prefer to have the delightful eggs benedict, accompanied by a stack of pancakes with lots of syrup. Breakfast, like what they say, is the most important meal of the day.

But there are times where I don’t really fancy the English breakfast. Sometimes, all I want is a cup of kopi, two half boiled eggs, and my favorite kaya butter toast. And I usually have the famous Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

Forget about cereal, or eggs benedict, or pancakes, the local Singapore’s Breakfast is Kaya toast and half boiled egg with a cup of coffee.

Some people dislike the raw taste of the half boiled eggs. The key, I think, is to be brave with the soy sauce and white pepper. This is the time to tilt the bottle and pour. Sprinkle the desired amount of soy sauce and pepper. Stir and mix everything well, and gulp down everything in one swift movement. If you really cannot stomach the eggs this way, try having them by dipping the kaya toast in it. I don’t know about you, but it’s quite an experience to have the watery egg (yolk and white), plus the soy sauce and the pepper, mingling inside your mouth. It seems like an experiment that only happens in the laboratory, doesn’t it?

As for the kaya toast, people usually eat them differently. Some like to dip it in the coffee, while others enjoy having them together with the half boiled eggs. Me? I like to have the kaya toast on their own. It’s a very delicious thing for breakfast, tea, or supper.

If I didn’t watch myself, I would probably order two or three portions of the delicious kaya toast. Butter and kaya make a lovely combination. But if this is not your type, try the Cheesy French Toast instead.

I’m not going to debate whether Ya Kun Kaya Toast has the best kaya toast in Singapore, not when there are also killiney kopitiam, Chin Mee Chin, Tong Ah Coffee Shop, Good Morning Nanyang Cafe among the contenders for the title. But what I do know is, Ya Kun Kaya Toast is  the most accessible with over 30 outlets in Singapore. This is particularly important if you are lazy like me. When craving strikes, I seriously doubt that I will go all the way to East Coast road for Chin Mee Chin, or Killiney just for the kaya toast.

Which is your favorite place for Kaya Toast in Singapore?

Singapore Food Review
Ya Kun Kaya Toast Singapore
18 China Street #01-01
Far East Square Singapore
Tel: +65 6438 3638