As you stroll alongside Tanjong Pagar with its streets flanked by all method of eateries, you would possibly discover a brand new face within the mixture of conventional and trendy storefronts. Opened on 1 Aug by Keith Yang as a kopitiam idea, Nice Nanyang Heritage Cafe harkens again to easier days with its nostalgia-driven inside and a menu crafted from outdated and new inspirations.

The bustling power throughout lunchtime simply completes the environment of an olden-day kopitiam.

You possibly can anticipate a well-known assortment of kopitiam meals with a contact of refinement. Nothing epitomises an early kopitiam breakfast fairly like toast. Their Peanut Butter French Toast (S$4.50) is reduce into cubes and accompanied by a small pitcher of honey for additional sweetness. The dimensions of every dice retains the flavours just under saccharine, making every chew dangerously addictive.

As for the standard Hand Made Kaya Toast, they arrive as Traditional (S$2.50), Thick (S$2.70) or Wholemeal (S$3) slices with generously unfold kaya pressed between skinny chunks of butter. Not too cloying and sufficient to quell that morning starvation alongside some recent Smooth-boiled Kampung Eggs (S$2.50 for two). You’ll wish to make return journeys to attempt different toast variations like Rooster Floss Thick Toast (S$4.80) and Egg Mayo Thick Toast (S$4).

For a extra substantial meal, Nice Nanyang’s Signature Hainanese Rooster Cutlet (S$15.90) must be the primary consideration. Its sauce is concocted with white onions, pandan leaves and butter, leading to a refined sweetness and mouth-watering aroma. I particularly loved drenching the hen in it after each chew. The breading wasn’t overdone however nonetheless offered a satisfying crunch beneath all of the sauce.

The CoCo Rice @ Punggol: Promoting Penang nasi kandar with spiced fried hen, curry fish steak & onion prawn

Dry mee siam and nasi lemak kukus (steamed basmati rice) are the principle carbs, each served with Rooster Berempah Leg or Curry Rooster for S$8.90 every, and Sambal Petai Prawn or Rendang Mutton for S$10.90 every.

As founding father of the famend Yang Ming Seafood, Keith hasn’t left his zi char dishes behind, both. You possibly can nonetheless get a plate of Moonlight Hor Enjoyable (S$7.90) at Nice Nanyang to look at the mesmerising lava-esque yolk circulate forth earlier than tucking into it. A bowl of Curry Fishballs (S$4.80) or aspect of Prawn Paste Rooster Wings (S$6.90 for 4pcs) will be shared to spherical off your meal.

Lastly, quench your thirst with their Coconut Espresso (S$5.90), a sweeter model of espresso that mixes condensed coconut milk with Nanyang espresso, or the extra refreshing Golden Lime (S$3.50), juice produced from kumquat, lime and prunes (a bit stabbing motion to squeeze out extra flavour goes a good distance). The much less adventurous can all the time flip to their go-to orders of espresso, tea or Milo.

If you happen to’re feeling significantly sentimental or simply wish to reminisce with pals concerning the outdated days, Nice Nanyang Heritage Cafe is the perfect spot. As for me, I’ll be again to bask in old-school eats whereas vicariously experiencing Singapore in its youthful years.

New on the town: Kopitiam Nook at Bedok South Horizon – Costs as little as S$1.50 in trendy cafe-coffeeshop