Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe 大南洋 @ 111 Somerset - The Eatery’s Second Outpost Decked in Retro Decor and a New Store-Exclusive Menu

Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe first started introducing its range of nostalgic kopitiam-style fare and beverages at its flagship in Tanjong Pagar. Walking around 111 Somerset, you will surely notice this new second outpost boasting retro decor meticulously curated by founder Keith Kang. Diners can look forward to these Instagram-worthy corners around the eatery, paired with a store-exclusive menu.

Sai Ka Hor 3.8/5

We were first introduced to new beverages such as the Longan Tea ($3.80) and Sai Ka Hor ($3 for Hot, $5 for Cold). The Sai Ka Hor, a traditional concoction blending teh and milo, was done with a pleasant amount of sweetness. Hor Ka Sai is also available for coffee lovers ($3 for Hot, $5 for Cold).

Milo Toast 3.5/5

We started with a slice of Milo Toast ($3.50 for 1 Slice, $4 for 2 Slices) before moving on to the savoury offerings. The toast was decent, featuring thick yet crisp bread topped with a layer of Milo powder and a drizzle of condensed milk. It's definitely more ideal for those with a sweet tooth. If you prefer savoury options, there are choices like Cheesy Ham Egg Toast, Garlic Toast, and more.

Curry Chicken Toast 3/5

Following that, the Curry Chicken Toast ($7.90) was served. It featured a bowl of chicken curry accompanied by three slices of buttered toast for dipping. While the toast had a satisfying crunch, the smaller-sized chicken chunks were rather bony.

Curry Chee Cheong Fun 3.8/5

With a slight top-up, my dining companions and I found the Curry Chee Cheong Fun ($9.90) to offer better value for money. The thin strips of chee cheong fun were coated in their house-made curry, paired with french beans, deep-fried beancurd skin, and more substantial chicken chunks. Their curry is decently hearty with a manageable level of heat.

Claypot Mee Tai Mak 3/5

The Claypot Mee Tai Mak ($9.90) came next. The mee tai mak noodles were doused in a base of savoury gravy and topped with prawns, minced meat, mushrooms, and onions. Unfortunately, it lacked wok hei, and its flavours felt somewhat one-dimensional after a while. Dig into it while it is hot and mix in the egg yolk to avoid the mee tai mak becoming soggy.

Mee Goreng 3.5/5

Our next main was the Mee Goreng ($8.90). This eggy rendition carried a mild heat.

Penang Assam Laksa 3.5/5

It was a pity that the Penang Assam Laksa ($8.90) fell slightly short of expectations. While I appreciated that they used the classic thick assam laksa noodles, the broth lacked the ginger flower fragrance and tangy punch.

Popsicles 3/5

Continuing with the retro theme, desserts are the old-school Popsicles ($3) in Sour Plum, Hor Ka Sai, Kopi-O, Ribena, and more flavours. The portion of each popsicle is pretty big, but we also found it challenging to consume conveniently due to how it's packaged. The flavoured juice and ice could be better blended as well.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
111 Somerset Road
#01-09
Singapore 238164
Tel: +65 8753 1850
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Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋) @ Craig Road - A Nostalgic Blend of Old Malaysian and Singaporean Kopitiam Flavours

Great Nanyang (大南洋) on Craig Road invites you to take a nostalgic journey back in time, offering a delightful blend of old Malaysian and Singaporean kopitiam flavours. Founded by the mastermind behind Yang Ming Seafood, this charming establishment brings forth the cherished dishes of both countries, encompassing Hainanese Chicken Cutlet, Nasi Lemak Kukus, and Dry Mee Siam.

Kaya Butter Toast and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast 4.2/5

Start your day at Great Nanyang with a cultural and flavourful awakening through their kopi, teh, and toast offerings. The Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50) and Traditional Kaya Butter Thick Toast ($2.70) make for a heartwarming breakfast or snack. These toasts boast a delightful crispness, generously slathered with aromatic kaya and a layer of rich butter.

Egg Mayo Toast 4/5

Chicken Floss Toast 4.5/5

For those seeking a more diverse experience, there's the Egg Mayo Toast ($4) and Chicken Floss Toast ($4.80), each offering distinct toppings. The Egg Mayo Toast features creamy egg topping, with meticulous separation of egg whites and yolks for a velvety texture. However, the standout here is the Chicken Floss Toast, boasting melt-in-the-mouth strands of sweetness and savoury perfection, heightened by the aromatic hae bee hiam.

French Toast with Peanut Butter 3.5/5

The French Toast with Peanut Butter ($4.50) presents a nutty twist but leans on the richer side, with the creamy peanut butter slightly overpowering the fragrant egg wash.

Soft Boil Kampung Eggs (2 Eggs) 4/5

To complete your toast set, you can add Soft Boil Kampung Eggs and a hot coffee or tea for an additional $3. The eggs are sourced fresh from Johor Bahru, known for their lower cholesterol content and higher nutritional value.

Coconut Coffee Iced, Hor Ka Sai Iced 4.5/5

Great Nanyang offers a well-balanced coffee blend, combining local and Arabica beans to create an aromatic and satisfying cup of joe. If you're looking for something unique, the Iced Coconut Coffee ($5.90) and Hor Ka Sai Iced ($5), a blend of Milo and coffee, offer a refreshing twist.

Assam Laksa 4.2/5

Dive into their main offerings, such as the Assam Laksa, which bursts with robust flavours, complemented by julienne onions and cucumbers to provide a textural contrast and a touch of freshness. What sets this Assam Laksa apart is its commitment to authenticity. Great Nanyang goes the extra mile by importing the authentic thick rice noodles used in Assam Laksa directly from Malaysia. This dedication to using traditional ingredients ensures that each bowl captures the true essence of this beloved Malaysian dish, making it a must-try for laksa enthusiasts.

Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai 3/5

The Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Prawn Petai ($10.90) at Great Nanyang left me with mixed feelings. While it was a flavourful dish, I found it on the lighter side, especially when compared to my personal preference for a Mee Siam, bursting with the rich flavours of dried shrimp and an invigorating tanginess. However, what truly stood out in this dish were the prawns and petai cooked in a fragrant and utterly delightful sambal sauce. The sambal's aromatic and spicy kick added an extra layer of flavour to the overall experience, making it a memorable part of the meal.

Nasi Kukus 3/5

The Nasi Kukus at Great Nanyang, priced at $8.90, offers a plate of enticing elements. It features flavourful fried chicken pieces, a sunny-side-up fried egg, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sambal, and all served atop a bed of coconut-infused rice. The rice is aromatic and beautifully infused with coconut flavours, adding a delightful depth to the dish. However, there's room for improvement when it comes to the star of the plate, the chicken. While it's packed with flavour, the chicken could benefit from a touch more moisture to reach its peak tenderness. Despite this, the combination of the aromatic rice, the crispy chicken, and the spicy sambal makes for a satisfying meal with layers of texture and taste.

Curry Chicken 4.2/5

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings 4/5

Don't miss out on a la carte options, like the Curry Chicken ($6.90), showcasing a Malaysian-style curry infused with Indian spices and chunky, tender chicken pieces. The Prawn Paste Chicken Wings ($6.90 for 4 pieces) offer crispy exteriors and juicy, prawn-infused interiors for an elevated wing experience.

Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet 3.8/5

The Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($15.90) may seem unassuming but is marinated to perfection, rendering it exceptionally tender and juicy. It's even accompanied by a delectable butter-based sauce that enhances its complexity.

Great Nanyang is a testament to Keith's passion, drawing inspiration from his memories of growing up in Penang, Malaysia, and his career in Singapore's thriving coffeeshop scene, including Yang Ming Seafood. It serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the disappearing flavors of the old kopitiams and sharing them with new generations, making it a true gem of a kopitiam, celebrating the Great Nanyang heritage.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe (大南洋)
5 Craig Road
Singapore 089665
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Bernie’s @ Jalan Riang - New American-Themed Restaurant For Good Authentic American Fare

Step into a world of classic American flavours and nostalgia at Bernie's Restaurant, located in the charming enclave of Jalan Riang near Serangoon Garden. The restaurant offers an authentic American dining experience with a wide array of old-school favourites, such as the Blackened Fish, Mexican Chicken, classic burgers, hot dogs, pastas, soups, and salads.

Why Americans are so heavy Breakfast 4.5/5

On weekend mornings, Bernie's presents a tempting selection of American brunch options, headlined by the generously portioned Why Americans are so heavy Breakfast ($26). This hearty platter features a delightful medley of 2 eggs cooked to your liking, zesty spicy potato or tater tots, a substantial pork sausage, spinach, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. All are served with your choice of coffee or tea. You can enhance your meal with a $4.50 smoked salmon add-on for extra indulgence. This extensive and satisfying brunch spread is the perfect way to kickstart your weekend mornings at Bernie's.

Giant Friggin’ Cheese Omelette 4.2/5

The Giant Friggin' Cheese Omelette ($17) boasts a generous blend of 3 eggs and 3 cheese slices in a soft and fluffy omelette, accompanied by a side of zesty spicy potatoes or tater tots. Served alongside toast and your choice of coffee or tea, this straightforward yet expertly crafted creation showcases a pronounced yet light cheese flavour. It is a simple and gratifying breakfast option that is every bit enjoyable.

Bernie’s Crispy Waffles 4.5/5

The Bernie's Crispy Waffles ($8.50) is an artfully crafted creation comprising 11 carefully selected ingredients. The waffles boast a flawless balance of a perfectly crispy exterior and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Topped with maple syrup and butter, Bernie's Crispy Waffles definitely earns a well-deserved reputation as one of the top waffle options available.

Overall, Bernie's Restaurant in Singapore offers an authentic and delightful American dining experience. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu, Bernie's is a must visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of American dining.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bernie's
15-9 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 8842 1127
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Jalan Girang. Turn right onto Jalan Girang. At the junction of Jalan Girang, turn left and walk down Jalan Girang towards Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Eixt A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 100, 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road to Wolskel Road. Walk down Wolskel Road to Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Common Man Coffee Roasters @ Alexandra - New Outlet Housed In A Heritage Building

Common Man Coffee Roasters has recently opened its outlet at Alexandra, located in a beautiful heritage building outside Anchorpoint. In the evening, Common Man Night Shift takes over to provide after-hours sessions with food and wine.

Turkish Common Man Breakfast 4.5/5

Its menu has been updated with a few dishes. Under Breakfast, we had Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($29). Presented in a rather unusual way but equally tasty. We had a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg on the plate accompanied by 2 crispy feta balls on a bed of green hummus, served with grilled pita bread. The egg was gorgeous with a jammy centre, and the green hummus was well seasoned with a good amount of spice that gave this dish its characteristic flavour profile. The toasted pita bread had a nutty taste, making it a good base for the dish's bold flavours.

Kouign Amann Toast 4/5

For a sweet breakfast item, Kouign Amann Toast ($25) is an excellent alternative to waffles or pancakes, featuring the popular Kouign Amann from TBB crowned with Vanilla ice cream, complete with a classic cherry-chocolaty combination of cherries, plume compote and chocolate sauce. The sprinkle of chocolate granola nuts and almonds gave the dish a delectable crunch and nuttiness.

Conti Sandwich 3/5

Under Lunch offerings, Conti Sandwich ($29) features Foccacia from TBB spread with sundried tomato, and shaved ham and rocket leaves are sandwiched in between. The Foccacia was excellent, with a fluffy and chewy texture and a pronounced rosemary flavour. Though Strataciatella and Pecorino cream were listed on the menu, there was little of it. Overall, it is still a decent sandwich.

Grilled Veggie Salad 3.8/5

Grilled Veggie Salad ($27) was vibrant with savoury and citrusy orange miso dressing and appetizing with a salty punch boosted by an addition of Anchovy cream. It was hearty with charred courgette, burnt cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado and a soft-boiled egg. The salad is topped with pieces of morish parmesan crisp for a textural crunch.

Chilli Chicken 4/5

Chilli Chicken ($32) features a Supreme cut chicken breast, a dish that celebrates warm flavours and that of spices. Despite its lean nature, the chicken breast was exceptionally succulent, enriched with a serving of creamy avocado salsa and starchy smashed sweet potato. The accompanying harissa sauce elevated the bold flavour profile, with peppery rocket leaves and pickle onions to cut through the savoury intensity.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Common Man Coffee Roasters
368 Alexandra Road
#01-01
Singapore 159952
Tel: +65 6877 4872
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 730am – 5pm
Tue–Thu, Sun: 730am – 10pm
Fri–Sat: 730am – 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Coffee and Wine @ Holland Grove - Indulge in Elevated Brunch and Coffee During the Day, Delight in Pizzas and Wines for the Evening

Elixir Boutique Roasters, known for its artisanal coffee and cafe fare, may ring a bell for many cafe-goers. Formerly located in Bukit Timah, the reimagined establishment has since found a new home in Holland Grove under a new name, Elixir Coffee and Wine.

With a brand new menu created by Executive Chef Victor Loy, Elixir invites diners to indulge in brunch and coffee during the day and delight in pizzas and wines in the evening. The menu offers elevated brunch classics, fun bites, and unique sourdough pizzas.

Coffee lovers would be happy to know that they serve coffee brewed using beans from award-winning Blacklist Coffee in Perth. For wine lovers, the restaurant holds a curated wine list of old and new world vintages.

Stracciatella 4/5

Our meal began with a more classic dish, the Stracciatella ($20). Here in the Stracciatella, we had sourdough bread smothered with creamy burrata, complemented by pecorino cheese and sweet and slightly smoky blistered tomatoes.

For all three tartines we sampled, their bread base is all made using the same sourdough recipe as their pizza dough.

Turkish Eggs 4.5/5

Try the Turkish Eggs ($16) for something more exciting. Chef Victor told us that this is one of their bestselling brunch dishes.

On the sourdough, the flatbread is baked to order. It's topped with garlic yoghurt, paprika oil, poached egg and a super addictive Lao Gan Ma-inspired housemade chilli crunch. The added pomegranate gave pops of refreshing sweetness amidst the spicier and garlicky bites.

Salumi 4/5

The Salumi ($16) would be a treat for bolognese lovers. The flatbread is generously topped with nduja and accompanied with tangy sumac onions and a blend of fresh herbs like coriander, arugula, mint and dill. I recommend sharing this for more enjoyment, as the heaviness may feel a little flat halfway through.

Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to the Bites section, which is available for order from 12pm. The simple-looking Salad ($12) had a refreshing mix of radicchio, wombok and mint in white balsamic with crunchy hazelnuts.

Burrata 4.5/5

Bet you’ve never had burrata done in this manner! Elixir’s Burrata ($24) continues an unexpected use of the housemade chilli crunch we loved on the Turkish Eggs.

While the flavourful chilli crunch may slightly mask the creamy sweetness of the burrata, we thoroughly enjoyed the exciting pairing and side of pickled cherry tomatoes! This will be up your alley if you're looking for something different.

Tête de Moine 4/5

Consider the Tête de Moine ($22) for a side to pair with your wine. The beautifully shaved Swiss semi-hard cheese is served with poached apricot and fried walnuts, boasting a creamy and nutty flavour with a subtle tangy finish.

Baby Octopus 4.5/5

My favourite from the Bites menu was Chef Victor's Baby Octopus ($18). It had baby octopus coated in a thin exterior of seasoned flour and deep-fried to the perfect crunch.

I thoroughly appreciated how the light batter allowed you to still enjoy the octopus's chewiness and how the umami black aioli didn't overpower. This is one dish I will definitely re-order on my next visit.

Not-Carbonara 4.5/5

For fans of white pizzas, go for the Not-Carbonara ($26), the restaurant's signature pizza inspired by the well-loved carbonara dish. While you will see authentic-carbonara toppings of egg yolk, guanciale, prosciutto and pecorino cheese, the play on its name is due to the inclusion of a rich and creamy mornay sauce on its base.

While we found the pizzas slightly too thick around the crusts, we enjoyed the chewiness from the sourdough and the flavourful combination. It leans on a saltier end with a generous hand of fragrant black pepper, but my dining companion and I did not mind it at all.

Hot Mama 4.2/5

Here is another appearance of the special housemade chilli crunch on the Hot Mama ($28) pizza. This is one boldly flavoured piece, with the fragrant spiciness from the chilli crunch and additional spiciness and saltiness from slices of Calabrese salami, alongside onions and fennel.

Cali Cali 4/5

Cali Cali ($26) was inspired by Chef Victor's trip to California, focusing on the marriage of flavours from the country and Italy. This piece saw toppings of sausage, chopped kailan, guacamole and chilli flakes. After sampling the first two, the flavours here are more 'safe'.

Pistachio Cake 3.8/5

Our dessert for the day was the Pistachio Cake ($14) drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a dollop of crème fraiche chantilly. This was a piece that was light and nutty but not exceptional.

Travelling to Elixir Coffee and Wine is out of the way. Hence, I recommend making reservations at https://elixircoffeeandwine.com/pages/reservations to ensure an available table.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Elixir Coffee and Wine
24 Holland Grove Road
#01-18
Singapore 278803
Tel: +65 6908 5547
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line), Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 830am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11361). Take bus number 92. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Aliight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Holland Village, Holland Road (Stop ID 11261). Take bus number 7, 61, 75, 156 and 165. Alight 3 stops later. Walk towards Holland Grove Road. Turn left onto Holland Grove Road. Walk to destination. ourney time about 15 minutes. [Map]