From the legendary Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, to the iconic Heap Seng Leong and Tong Ah Eating House, and the under-the-radar Sin Hoe Huat Cafe, here are 16 Kaya Toasts places in Singapore where you can get the best traditional Singapore-style breakfast of Kaya Toasts and local Kopi.

Photo credit: CHIN MEE CHIN Confectionery

CHIN MEE CHIN Confectionery

Specialising in local kopi, traditional kaya toasts and soft boiled eggs, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is an institution known for its baked goods such as Swiss rolls, cream horns, luncheon meat buns and sugee cakes.

To the dismay of its loyal supporters, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery announced its permanent closure back in 2018 citing a lack of succession and manpower issues and it was closed for a few years.

The legendary Hainanese-style coffeeshop then made a sensational comeback at its original location at 204 East Coast Road.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
204 East Coast Road
Singapore 428903

FUN TOAST

Originally known as Kheng Nam Hong, a coffee house at Telok Ayer Street, Fun Toast has since rebranded to a modern concept where the younger generations of Singaporeans can better relate to.

One of their signatures includes the Kaya Butter Soft Bun set which features kaya smothered on buns that are crisp on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside. We highly recommend you to dip it into their soft-boiled eggs for an elevated flavour.

Fun Toast
9 Bishan Pl, #03-09, Singapore 579837
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

GOOD MORNING NANYANG CAFE

The kaya toast at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe is really unique. Their kaya spread is freshly made in-house; so rich, luscious and subtly sweet. But what sets them apart from the other kaya toast places in Singapore is their kaya ciabatta toast.

Good Morning Nanyang Cafe
Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, #02-03, Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9650 3256

HEAP SENG LEONG

Although kopi gu you is a dying tradition, Heap Seng Leong is one of the surviving coffee shops in Singapore that still sells this old-school drink. Entering their humble space is often described as walking into a museum showcase of a 1950s kopitiam.

Slices of traditional white bread were toasted and flipped on a charcoal stove to brown both sides before they were lightly scrapped with butter knives to remove any burnt bits. Orange Hainanese-style of kaya spread and two squares of butter were sandwiched between two slices of toast before they were cut into triangles to be served.

Heap Seng Leong
10 North Bridge Rd, #01-5109
Singapore 190010
Tel: +65 6292 2368

HEAVENLY WANG

Heavenly Wang serves a mean slice of Kaya Toast (S$1.50), with thick butter slices and a sweet kaya spread generously tucked in between slightly crisp bread.

This halal eatery also whips up several other Singaporean classics too, so be sure to try out their signature Mee Siam that is well-loved by the locals.

Heavenly Wang
277 Orchard Road, #B2-07/08, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

HILL STREET COFFEE SHOP

Hill Street Coffee Shop is an old-school coffee shop which evokes a sense of nostalgia that is hard to find in Singapore.

You have to try Hill Street Coffee Shop’s Steamed Kaya Bread. Expect to sink your teeth into the incredibly soft white bread, coated with a generous kaya spread with a distinct coconut element and topped off with pieces of savoury butter.

Hill Street Coffee Shop
Supertree Grove, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6702 3373

HUB & SPOKE

Located just outside Changi Airport Terminal 2 is HUB & SPOKE Cafe, a hidden glass house cafe which serves an array of affordable local dishes including Nasi Lemak, local Kopi and Kaya Toast.

They offer both kaya toast and steamed bread and you can choose from the usual fillings such as kaya butter, butter sugar, and peanut butter. All sets come with a choice of kopi/teh and soft-boiled eggs.

HUB & SPOKE Cafe
60 Airport Boulevard #01-T2S-02,
Singapore Changi Airport, 819643
Daily: 7.30am – 10.30pm

KILLINEY KOPITIAM

The pioneer outlet of Killiney Kopitiam was founded in 1919 and still operates along Killiney Road today; it is the longest standing Hainanese coffee shop in Singapore.

Other than the kaya toast, the coffee shop also dishes countless of local delights such as their famed Laksa and Curry Chicken. The standards across various outlets have dropped over the years, but the original branch at Killiney Road is still as good as before.

Killiney Kopitiam
67 Killiney Road, Singapore 239525
Tel: +65 6734 3910
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

KAFFE & TOAST

The halal subsidiary of Coffee & Toast, Kaffe & Toast is a local chain with more than 10 outlets in Singapore. Their kaya spread is made with more doses of egg yolk and is generously slathered on each slice of freshly grilled bread. We also love with the Mackerel Otah Bun that comes with fish otah.

Kaffe & Toast
10 Eunos Rd 8, #B1-157, Singapore 408600
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

KENG WAH SUNG

Situated along Geylang Lorong 41, Keng Wah Sung is one of the oldest coffee shops in Singapore and it has been serving its amazing local breakfast with kaya toast, traditional kopi and soft-boiled eggs for more than 70 years.

Keng Wah Sung Coffeeshop
783 Geylang Road
Singapore 389672

TOAST BOX

Opened by the BreadTalk group, Toast Box prides itself on offering authentic breakfast that will bring one back to the 70′s.

It is set to ignite nostalgia amongst the Singaporeans, completing the experience with a good Nanyang cuppa and grilled Kaya Toasts. Other popular options include the Floss Toast and Crunchy Peanut Butter Thick Toast.

Toast Box
AMK Hub, No. 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-01, Singapore 569933
Tel: +65 6484 6591
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

TONG AH EATING HOUSE

Previously located in an iconic red and white building, Tong Ah Eating House is a traditional coffee shop that has been around since 1939 and has gained recognition for both its charcoal-toasted and steamed kaya toast.

While there is no lack of kaya toast places in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that keeps customers going back for more. Everything is kept simple—from the modest wall decorations to their humble kaya toast and traditional coffee.

Be sure to catch them toasting the kaya toast on traditional charcoal grills and you can even request for your toast to be extra crispy.

Tong Ah Eating House
35 Keong Siak Road, Singapore 089143
Tel: +65 6223 5083

SIN HOE HUAT CAFE

A perennial favourite amongst the residents who live around the area and the folks who frequent the Lower Pierce Reservoir Park, Sin Hoe Huat Cafe at Sembawang Hills Food Centre has been serving simple yet consistently delicious traditional breakfast of kaya toasts and kopi since 1968!

Sembawang Hills Food Centre is not exactly an accessible location, but trust us, the kaya toasts and coffee from Sin Hoe Huat Cafe are worth travelling for.

Sin Hoe Huat Cafe
590 Thomson Road
#01-01 Sembawang Hills Food Centre
Singapore 574419

YA KUN KAYA TOAST

Established in 1944, Ka Kun Kaya Toast—one of the most famous kaya toast places in Singapore—needs no introduction.

The kaya from Ya Kun—made up of eggs, coconut milk, sugar and pandan—is sandwiched between crisp brown toasted bread. The household brand constantly keeps up with the trend to offer new menu items, and the consistency is the reason for our loyalty.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast
18, #01-01 China St, 049560
*Multiple outlets in Singapore

 YY KA FEI DIAN

Located in an old shophouse at the junction of Beach Road and Purvis Street, YY Kafei Dian is known for its traditional Hainanese fare and their famous old-school kaya toast and local kopi.

On the menu, you can find Hainanese fare including chicken rice, Hainanese-style pork chops, Hainan Braised Pork Belly and a range of zi char dishes. But what you have to try is their traditional coffee and old-school kaya toasts which are amongst the best that we’ve tried in Singapore.

YY Ka Fei Dian
37 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 189678
Tel: +65 6336 8813

We all have a soft spot for nostalgic places that remind us of the good times and bring us back to rekindle the fondest memories of the past.

Especially the old-school ones, just family-run traditional eateries in Singapore that serve up hearty and honest food. These are the OG spots where our parents and even grandparents used to eat at years ago.

Here are 10 old-school eateries in Singapore that you should visit before they close down for good.

ANANDA BHAVAN RESTAURANT

Established in 1924, Ananda Bhavan Restaurant is the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore. The very first restaurant that opened was located along Selegie Road, at the rim of Little India and is a popular spot among locals.

Ananda Bhavan has many traditional snacks and tiffin dishes on its menu with their thosai, thali sets and bhatura being crowd favourites.

58 Serangoon Road
Singapore 217964
Tel: +65 6396 5464

CHIN CHIN EATING HOUSE

Chin Chin Eating House has been around for decades and it is known for their chicken rice and Hainanese dishes. You must order the signature Hainanese pork chops!

19 Purvis Street
Singapore 188598
Tel: +65 66337 4640

COLBAR

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted, Colbar’s food isn’t exactly cheap. But few places in Singapore can match the dining experience here.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 6779 4859

HEAP SENG LEONG

Heap Seng Leong is one of the surviving coffee shops in Singapore that still sells this old-school drink. Entering their humble space is often described as walking into a museum showcase of a 1950s kopitiam.

The old furnishing and dim lighting inside felt like a serene contrast to the modern coffeeshop right beside Heap Seng Leong. Time stood still as we started our day there and nourished ourselves while the uncle who wears the same pajamas each day went about pouring coffee for other customers. Having a slow breakfast there made for a peaceful morning.

10 North Bridge Rd, #01-5109
Singapore 190010
Tel: +65 6292 2368

GUAN HOE SOON

Guan Hoe Soon is a hidden gem in Joo Chiat that has dedicated itself to Peranakan cuisine ever since 1953. The restaurant might be a little bit of a hassle to get to unless you drive, but the food speaks of something worth the effort of getting to.

Here is where you can get proper Peranakan food as good as the ones your Nonya grandparents used to whip up (if you ever had any). Expect the classics such as their Ayam Buah Keluak, Assam Fish and Babi Panggang.

40 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427764
Tel: +65 6344 2761

LOVE CONFECTIONERY

When it comes to traditional confectioneries done right, nothing beats a good-old vintage bakery or confectionery. One such confectionery that still stands and is still a perennial favourite among many Singaporeans, is Love Confectionery.

At this neighbourhood bakery located in Alexandra Village, you won’t find dainty designs or out-of-this-world flavour pairings. Instead, what you can be sure of, are rich, sweet and intensely flavoured cakes that will no doubt have you yearning for the gym after—from their oh-so-decadent buttercream cake and their ever-popular, pandan chiffon cake.

122 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-60
Singapore 150122
Tel: +65 6278 2385

RED STAR RESTAURANT

Perhaps one of the few remaining authentic, old-school dim sum restaurants in Singapore—that comes with middle-aged ladies pushing food carts around with a myriad of edible dim sum treats—is Red Star Restaurant.

Red Star is nowhere near any most of the great dim sum restaurants in Singapore, in fact, quality has dropped a lot over the years. But it will always hold a special place in our hearts as we have grown up dining here.

54 Chin Swee Road #07-23
Singapore 160054
Tel: +65 6532 5266

SINGAPORE ZAM ZAM

Serving up delicious murtabak since 1908, Singapore Zam Zam is a humble restaurant located along North Bridge Road that is no stranger to locals—especially the meat lovers. Our personal favourites include the mutton murtabak that sees generous amounts of minced mutton, egg and onions as well as the chicken murtabak that uses shreds of chicken instead.

697-699 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198675
Tel: +65 6298 6320

TONG AH EATING HOUSE

Previously located in an iconic red and white building, Tong Ah Eating House is a traditional coffee shop that has been around since 1939 and has gained recognition for both its charcoal-toasted and steamed kaya toast.

While there is no lack of kaya toast places in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that keeps customers going back for more. Everything is kept simple—from the modest wall decorations to their humble kaya toast and traditional coffee.

35 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 6223 5083

YY KAFEI DIAN

Located in an old shophouse at the junction of Beach Road and Purvis Street, YY Kafei Dian is known for its traditional Hainanese fare and their famous old-school kaya toast, kopi.

On the menu, you can find Hainanese fare including chicken rice, Hainanese-style pork chops, Hainan Braised Pork Belly and a range of zi char dishes.

There is always a long queue during lunch hours, so make sure that you get there early.

37 Beach Rd, #01-01, Singapore 189678
Tel: +65 6336 8813

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

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

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days.

This rustic hideout is furnished with retro interiors like Formica tabletops and old photographs, which bring an air of nostalgia that sets you back in time. Whether you’re pining for a beer, some food or a place to chill, Colbar is one that’ll guarantee you a relaxed and tranquil experience.

Well-versed in the culinary art of Western cooking, the cooks here are able to whip up a wide array of both Western and Asian delights.

In addition to their stellar grub, they also carry a vast selection of English craft beers. From sweet ciders to bitter IPAs, they have it all.

Their Roasted Chicken Chips & Mushroom came with a piece of chicken leg and a small portion of potato wedges and mushrooms. Despite the small portion, the chicken was well roasted—super crispy on the outside and firm but not too dry on the inside.

The mushrooms were coated in savoury gravy, which complimented the chicken.

Next came the Pork Cutlet Chips & Mushroom which was equally good as well.

The meat was succulent and well coated in panko breadcrumbs, that did well to give the pork an incredible crunch as well as help to lock in moisture. The pork itself boasted a subtle yet pleasant note of rosemary and thyme which we thought worked brilliantly.

The dish that we enjoyed the most was definitely the Cheese Omelette & Chips. This classic dish was simple yet so ‘egg-cellent’.

The egg was really soft and fluffy and the warm melted cheese inside just oozes out with a slight cut. The portion and wonderful taste of the omelette definitely made up for the price.

Last on our table was the Dry Ho Fun, which we felt was nothing special. Just like a plate of fried kway tiao, it was filled with basic ingredients like small prawns, fish cakes and bean sprouts.

We liked that they added a good portion of fried shallots on top that added a crunch to the dish. However, the dish was simply too greasy to finish.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North

Strategically situated right in between the bustling Bugis neighbourhood and City Hall area, Purvis Street is pretty much the centre of it all. In the vicinity of places such as the huge National Library and the iconic Raffles Hotel, Purvis Street is visited by both locals and tourists alike.

For us, Purvis Street has it all—both old and new. Filled with swanky European restaurants amidst honest and humble old school eateries serving local cuisines, the eclectic mix of a plethora of different restaurants is something anyone can appreciate.

If you are not familiar, here is a guide to Purvis Street’s Restaurants & Cafes. It is time to start planning a trip down for some good food!

CHIN CHIN EATING HOUSE

Chin Chin Eating House has been around for decades and it is known for their chicken rice and Hainanese dishes. You must order the signature Hainanese pork chops!

19 Purvis Street
Singapore 188598
Tel: +65 66337 4640
Daily: 7am – 9pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY

We love the Chicken & Waffles here but Clinton Street Baking Company serves some of the best New York-esque foods around. From pancakes to burgers, this all-American style cafe is a must-try for anyone craving for a hearty and heavy meal of goodness.

31 Purvis St
Singapore 188608
Tel: +65 6684 4845
Mon to Thu: 9am – 6pm
Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

FIRST THAI RESTAURANT

First Thai restaurant is a no-frills Thai eatery that sits on Purvis Street. Some of the dishes that you should try are the Tom Yum Seafood (S$7), Olive Fried Rice (S$8) and Fried Prawn Cake (S$3/pc).

23 Purvis Street
Tel: +65 6339 3123
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

GARIBALDI ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

This upscale Italian restaurant has a slightly higher price tag but that being said, the fine dining food and atmosphere here is off the charts. If you are looking for a date idea to impress, look no farther.

36 Purvis St #01-02
Singapore 188613
Tel: +65 6837 1468
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

GUNTHER’S

If Italian food is not your thing, how about some sexy French dishes over at Gunther’s? Voted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013, you get more than what you pay for here. From the beautifully plated dishes to the impeccable preparation, Gunther’s is right up our list on romantic date night spots in Singapore.

36 Purvis St #01-03
Singapore 188613
Tel: +65 6338 8955
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10pm
Closed: Sun
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

JAI THAI

As one of our favourite Thai restaurants in Singapore, Jai Thai is an inexpensive Thai eatery that serves honest and fuss-free Thai fare. Both the Phad Thai and Green Curry blew us away with the flavours and overall authentic taste.

27 Purvis St
#01-01 An Chuan Building
Singapore 188604
Tel: +65 6336 6908
Daily: 11pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

KAI BISTRO

Located in Hotel Kai, Kai Bistro is a gastrobar offering gourmet burgers, sandwiches, buffalo wings, crispy pork belly and other tasty bar grub that you can have with beer.

14 Purvis St
Hotel Kai
Singapore 188593
Tel: +65 6643 9999
Daily: 7am – 10am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm

MANZOKU

Known for serving extra thick slices of sashimi in their classic Chirashi Don (S$25), customers always return just to have another satisfying round of generous sliced fish with sushi rice.

18 Purvis St #01-01
Singapore 188597
Tel: +65 6734 4436
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

SAVEUR

From a stall in a coffee shop to a full-fledged restaurant at Purvis Street, Saveur Restaurant has done a good job serving inexpensive French food. The long line of hungry patrons during meal times is a testament to its popularity.

5 Purvis St
#01-04 Talib Court
Singapore 188584
Tel: +65 6333 3121
Daily: 12pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

YET CON

Take a walk down memory lane at Yet Con Restaurant—one of the oldest Hainanese restaurants in Singapore. While this old school restaurant is known for its notorious service, it remains a popular dining destination for its Hainanese chicken rice and steamboat chicken rice.

25 Purvis Street
Singapore 188602
Tel: +65 6337 6819
Daily: 11.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

YHINGTHAI PALACE

One of the most popular Thai restaurants in Singapore, Yhingthai Palace is known for its authentic Thai and Thai Chinese cuisine. While prices may be slightly higher than the usual Thai restaurants in Singapore, you can be assured that the food is always consistently good.

36 Purvis St #01-04
Singapore 188613
Tel: +65 6337 1161
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10am
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis

We shared our favourites cafes and best-kept secrets in the West of Singapore previously, and today, we will let you in on our picks from the East. There are gelato bars, coffee studios, kids-friendly cafes, cake lovers’ heaven and so many more.

Characteristic and thematic in their own rights, these finds make great hang-out places and some are already our regular haunts. Some are a stone’s throw from town, and they are alternatives to go to when you need to get away from the crazy crowd. Else, there are cosy units that serve burgers and truffle fries that pack a punch. And we won’t say no to more options for our daily cuppa.

The East is a lovely enclave of artisan finds, serious brews and comforting brunch food. We are real advocators of quality over quantity, so while there may be hundreds of names out there, we really prefer sticking to the ones we know we can count on for good food and drinks.

We will update our list from time to time, but for a start, here is our Guide to the best cafes in the East of Singapore:

BACKSTAGE CAFE

Situated in the Kallang industrial area, Backstage offers a cool respite for those seeking a break from the weekly humdrum at work. Look out for its Duck Confit ($18), Roasted Spring Chicken ($15) and Beef Burger ($17) for its mains. For dessert, you shouldn’t miss the café’s rainbow ($7.50 a slice) and red velvet cakes ($6.50 a slice).

#01-06 Performance Building
158 Kallang Way
Tel: +65 6743 6893
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Nearest station: Aljunied

Here’s our guide to 27 cafes in the West of Singapore and we hope that it will spark some venturing out and give you some ideas on where to eat out at next.

BLOCS INC.

Cafes and dessert shops are always offering the ubiquitous fare – copying one another, following the crowd and what not – so how do you stand out?

How’s it if you can D.I.Y your own coffee and bread buns (like Shibuya toasts) with wooden blocks equipped with RFID tags? Blocs Inc. is one cafe to look out for, and they are making waves in the industry by introducing this unique concept, unlike any that we have seen here in Singapore.

60, Paya Lebar Road, #01-71,
Paya Lebar Square
Singapore 409051
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 10pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

BRAWN & BRAINS

Tucked away in the iconic Singapore Badminton Hall, Brawn & Brains provides a nice and fresh twist to the older surrounding buildings. The clean interior of the cafe allows for ample natural light to stream in – making great Insta-worthy moments.

100 Guillemard Road
#01-02 Singpore Badminton Hall
Singapore 399718
Tel: +65 6348 8892
Tue to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

BLACK&INK

Black&Ink is one place to get your coffee fix, with beans sourced from a local micro-roaster and served in beautiful and classy glass cups that will look so good in photos. Their coffee, in our memory, had a distinct robust element to them. Cakes and pastries are also offered at the cafe with crowd favourites such as the Earl Grey Pound Cake (S$5) – which was moist and buttery, much to our delight.

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Fragrance Building
168 Changi Road, #01-01/02
Singapore 419730
Tel: +65 9620 1022
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 7pm
(Closed on Tue)
Nearest MRT: Eunos

CAFE MELBA

We always love a good “glasshouse cafe” with high ceilings and ample sunlight streaming in. Cafe Melba is one of those rare ones like that in Singapore, with both indoor and outdoor seating, a family-friendly environment, and honest food for the tummy. We popped by on a weekend for brunch, and fell in love with the truffle fries and Homemade Brioche French Toast. The Eggs Florentine and pancakes were decent, too.

90 Goodman Road
#01-56 Goodman Arts Centre Block N
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten / Dakota

CARVERS & CO

Carvers & Co got our attention for their concise and highly-raved menu. It does not have a fancy decor to boast of, but it seems they are a comfort for many residents.

They’ve got different menus for weekdays and weekends, and even lunch and dinners differ. The deals on weekends are surely more enticing, and you can expect dishes like Truffle Eggs on Toast (S$15) and Earl Grey French Toast (S$16).

43 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 0448
Mon to Fri (Closed on Tue): 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Paya Lebar

CHOCK FULL OF BEANS

A café that serves adorable 3D latte art, how cute is that? We found Chock Full of Beans sitting in a quiet corner of Changi Village (right next to the hawker centre), and were drawn towards the latte art that was on display.

While we were bowled over by the baristas’ serious attention to detail, we also enjoyed the cafe’s Iced Rose Latte and Lychee Lime Cooler. If you’re there for a meal, Chock Full of Beans serves mains and desserts, too.

#01-2090 Blk 4 Changi Village Road
Tel: +65 6214 8839
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest station: Pasir Ris

CRAFTSMEN SPECIALITY COFFEE

One of the newest cafes to open in the East, Craftsmen Speciality Coffee at Siglap V has already garnered a strong following among locals and expats who reside in the hood. The food menu is simple and it is made up of mainly all-day breakfast and brunch items like Croissant Sandwiches (S$15), Toast (S$5 – S$15), Pies (S$9.50 – S$12.50), as well as sweet and savoury Waffles (S$15).

2 First Street
Siglap #01-01
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Sun: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

DUTCH COLONY CAFE

A coffee shop that started with a humble beginning at PasarBella, Dutch Colony Coffee Co. now has its own coffee roastery and academy at Defu Lane, as well as its new full-fledge cafe at Frankel Avenue.

We love the vibe of the new outlet in the Siglap neighbourhood. Other than coffee, Dutch Colony Cafe also serves a small selection of breakfast (S$5.50 – S$10), sandwiches (S$8 – S$14) and cakes on its menu.

113 Frankel Avenue
Tel: +65 6448 5852
Sun to Thu: 9am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

FART TARTZ

If you’re looking for a café to grab Instagram-worthy pictures, Fart Tartz’s probably it. The café first grabbed our attention with the rows of adorable-looking mudpies ($5.50 each) that look like potted plants and cakes in old-school glass jars, but there’s definitely more to it.

#02-04 Hall 2, 1 Expo Drive
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 8pm
Nearest station: Expo

FATCAT ICE CREAM BAR

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar isn’t just known for their perfect mojito spheres and range of artisanal ice cream, they also serve a mean plate of Charcoal Waffles with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce and salted caramel sauce (S$11.50 with a scoop of premium ice cream). Amazingly, the waffles do not get soggy even after adding on the accompanying sauces.

FATCAT Ice Cream Bar is also listed in our guide to the 12 Most Unique Waffles in Singapore.

Bedok North Avenue 2
#01-25 Block 416
Tel: +65 8201 1201
Mon, Wed to Thu, Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 1pm -11pm
(Closed on Tue)
Nearest Station: Bedok

FRESH FRUITS LAB

Located in the Kembangan neighbourhood, Fresh Fruits Lab is a must-visit for folks who are staying in the East of Singapore. It is a bright and cheerful spot that is tastefully designed to a laboratory theme. Think iced water served in beakers, and fruit juices served in test tubes and conical flasks. The menu is also specially designed to incorporate a fruity element; even their side salads for the main courses come with generous chunks of fresh fruits.

351 Changi Road
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri, Sat, & Eve of PH: 10am – 2pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

GROUP THERAPY COFFEE

Fans of Group Therapy Coffee will no longer have to travel to the CBD area for their Roasted Almond Latte, for it now has a second outlet in the East of Singapore at Katong V. The menu is slightly different from the original outlet at Duxton Road, but the idea is the same – good comfort food at affordable prices for the masses.

30 East Coast Road
Katong V #01-11
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Paya Lebar

NOM BISTRO & BAKERY

Quite possibly the first cafe to open in a community club, Nom Bistro & Bakery is a simple and no-frills cafe that serves homemade fare at inexpensive prices. Main courses include Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$12.90), The Ultimate Burger (S$12.90), and Slow Roast Chicken Leg (S$12.90).

Nom is also known for its rainbow cakes which are available in oreo, salted caramel and chocolate flavours.

Level 1, Macpherson Community Club
400 Paya Lebar Way
Tel: +65 6747 3839
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson/Paya Lebar

PERCOLATE COFFEE

Predominantly brown, Percolate Coffee sits about 20 people, with small wooden tables and chairs, and a simple vase of Baby’s Breath on every table. Nothing overly pretentious or chi-chi, just a space for you to unwind over a cuppa and light music.

Coffee beans are from Papa Palheta and Nylon Coffee Roasters, so you can take your pick on your Whites and Capps. They do pretty decent latte art, and we love how the white cups sit against its wooden furnishing. Quaint afternoons are made up of these.

136 Bedok North Avenue 3 #01-152B
Tel: +65 8259 0316
Mon: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Wed to Fri: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

PENNY UNIVERSITY

Located next to Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Penny University is a popular destination in the East of Singapore for coffee lovers. The cafe sources its own beans from local coffee roasters. The menu features a simple lineup of breakfast items and sandwiches – Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon (S$12), Turkey Ham & Cheese Croissant (S$5), Smoked Chicken Breast on Sourdough Toast (S$8) and Turkish Poached Eggs (S$8).

402 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6345 9055
Tue to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight
Sun: 8.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

RABBIT CARROT GUN

With a tongue-in-cheek name like Rabbit Carrot Gun, it is hard to not do a double take when you walk past this watering hole along East Coast Road. Like its name suggests, Rabbit Carrot Gun does not take things too seriously. The menu is full of quirky dishes that fortunately turns out fairly well.

49 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Tue to Sun: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos/Paya Lebar

REFUEL CAFE

Established in October 2014, Refuel Cafe provides residents in Bedok with another option for brunch and brew. With a simple but welcoming space, Refuel offers a comprehensive menu that is unpretentious and affordable. The brew is pretty decent, and we’d do that stack of salted caramel pancakes (S$7.90) anytime.

Blk 744 Bedok Reservoir Road, #01-3029
Tel: +65 6448 0015
Daily (Except Tue): 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

SINPOPO BRAND

Run by the folks behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand is a nostalgic café along Joo Chiat Road and it encompasses everything a good cafe should be – welcoming and cosy, comforting local food with a twist, and exceptionally interesting desserts and drinks. And what Sinpopo impressed us with the most is the attention to details and all its subtle nostalgic touches – evident from the interior and dishes.

458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota

THE LANEWAY MARKET

This pretty cafe sits along Tanjong Katong, and we love it for its clean, rustic and cosy space. The menu is not the biggest, but it suffices to keep us happy with its casual breakfast and dinner options. There are Small Plates and Big Plates options, so you can choose to care and share, or be a glutton and have a dinner main to yourself. Specialty coffee is also served here.

266 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437053
Tel: +65 6719 8832
Tue: 4pm – 930pm
Wed to Fri: 11am – 9:30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 9:30pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

TIAN KEE & CO

Previously located at the old Dakota estate, Tian Kee & Co has reopened a new takeaway outlet at 46 Siglap Drive, off Frankel Avenue.

For those of you who are not familiar with Tian Kee & Co, it started as a local provision shop back in 1958 and it evolved into a bakery cafe at Dakota Crescent—one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates. Unfortunately, the neighbourhood had to make way in late 2016 due to developments under Mountbatten’s estate renewal plans, and so did Tian Kee & Co.

46 Siglap Drive
Singapore 456171
Tel: +65 6581 1580
Tue – Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

#23 TO-GATHER CAFE

While there are many concept cafes in the East of Singapore, To-gather Cafe in Bedok (next to Fengshan Market) is one gem where you can unwind from work.

Walk into the cafe and you will notice that cursive writings of inspirational quotes and song lyrics fill up the walls in the most elegant manner. There is also a wall featuring post-it notes with messages and compliments penned down personally by customers.

The best part? Most of the main courses are affordably priced under S$12. To-gather Cafe is one place where you can have a good meal without breaking the bank.

Blk 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-25/27
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Tue to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest stations: Tanah Merah/Bedok

The North of Singapore is still relatively new to the cafe scene. Thankfully, many new cafes have begun to sprout in certain corners of the Northern District. Here are some of our picks on cafes to visit in the North in Singapore.

Kaya toast and eggs is the nation’ favourite breakfast combination. Together with an aromatic cup of local-style coffee or tea – or what we affectionately call kopi or teh – it is the simplest form of comfort food and one that we will never get sick of.

Whenever we dine at YaKun or Toast Box, we’d wish for an operator to reinvent the environment of a toast-and-eggs joint with a modern and cafe-like take. So when we heard about La’ Coffee - located next to Old Hen Coffee Bar in the Rangoon Road neighbourhood - we headed down on its first week of operation to check them out.

La’ Coffee is not your usual kaya toast places like Yakun and Toastbox; it is quite essentially a modern café that focuses on old school snacks such as traditional bread like Kaya Toast (S$3.50), Butter Sugar Toast (S$3.50); traditional coffee and tea (S$3.50 – S$4) – Teh, Teh O, Kopi C, Kopi O – as well as Asian snacks like Yam Cake (S$4) and Chee Cheong Fun (S$4). You can opt for the Combo Set (S$8.50) which comes with toast, half boiled eggs and coffee/tea.

Actually, La’ Coffee is a really good concept, but it could have been more well-executed if more thoughts were put into the designing of the place, as well as the little details like its music and choice of furniture.

Nonetheless, it is one new kid to check out. Prices are naturally higher than your usual kaya toast places, but what you get in return is a different café experience – think of having traditional coffee in a clean and comfortable modern spot.

La’ Coffee
88 Rangoon Road #01-02
Tel: +65 6341 7525
Mon to Thu: 8am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 1am
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

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)