Tam Chiak Kopitiam - The Most Trendy Coffeeshop In Hougang by Chew Chor Meng, MissTamChiak and Zhou Chong Qing

Tam Chiak Kopitiam, located at Blk 212 Hougang Street 21, is a dream come true for Mediacorp actor Chew Chor Meng. Together with partners including MissTamChiak (Maureen Ow) and Zhou Chong Qing, they have transformed the previous coffeeshop into a modern and trendy space. The name "Tam Chiak" is derived from their partner MissTamChiak, a renowned food writer in Singapore known for promoting our local hawker culture.

Upon entering Tam Chiak Kopitiam, you'll notice the familiar Yeo Yeo Huat signboard, which holds sentimental value as it originated from the popular Mediacorp TV series "118", in which both Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing acted. This cherished signboard from the longest-running Chinese drama produced by Mediacorp is now proudly displayed in Tam Chiak Kopitiam, evoking nostalgia and fond memories.

---

888 Mookata

---

When the new team took over the coffeeshop, they decided to revitalize the food offerings, retaining only two stalls from the previous establishment. One of them is 888 Mookata, a venture by Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing. To celebrate its reopening, 888 Mookata is running a 15% discount promotion for eight days.

---

Chef De Pasta

---

The other stall that the team chose to keep is Chef De Pasta, a Western food stall with a loyal following and glowing Google reviews for its restaurant-standard dishes at affordable coffeeshop prices. The humble stall owner, with prior experience as a hotel chef, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the table. Many reviewers particularly recommend its Japanese fried garlic rice, which is a delightful addition to its menu.

---

Dan Lao (蛋佬)

---

Tam Chiak Kopitiam also showcases an exciting lineup of young hawkers. One of the new stalls is Dan Lao (蛋佬), which gained popularity at Maxwell Food Centre. Led by a team of young hawkers, Dan Lao is renowned for their fluffy egg omelette over fragrant rice, paired with various toppings such as luncheon meat, chicken cutlet, and char siew. It's best enjoyed with their fragrant homemade sambal, prepared from scratch.

---

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

---

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, a Michelin Plate restaurant with multiple outlets in Singapore, opens its doors at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Founded by ex-cabin crew Noorman and his wife, they bring their signature Ayam Taliwang to the coffeeshop, offering a tantalizing taste of Indonesian cuisine. Furthermore, they will introduce a new Halal-certified Curry Rice concept, adding diversity to the local culinary scene.

---

Flaky Haus

---

Flaky Haus at Tam Chiak Kopitiam breaks away from the traditional coffeeshop offerings by specializing in freshly baked croissants with different fillings such as tuna and egg mayo. They also offer a selection of cakes to pair with a cup of traditional local coffee or tea.

---

Wen Kang Ji

---

Wen Kang Ji, known for their renowned Wanton Mee at Golden Mile Food Centre, takes a different culinary direction at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Instead of selling wanton mee, they offer Big Prawn Noodles and Teochew Style Red Grouper Fish Soup, accompanied by delectable side dishes like fried dumplings and wantons, ensuring a satisfying and complete meal experience.

---

Oppa Kitchen

---

Oppa Kitchen, a Korean stall by Singaporean singer Ang Jun Yang, is helmed by Korean Chef Nick, who brings his extensive experience cooking authentic Korean cuisine. Alongside classic dishes like Bibimbap, Army Stew Ramyeon, Rabokki, and Bulgogi, they introduce local-inspired creations such as Chilli Crab Korean Fried Chicken and Curry Fried Chicken, offering a fusion of Korean and local flavours.

---

De Sinn Chicken Rice

---

De Sinn Chicken Rice, a personal favourite of Chong Qing in Yishun, is a stall beloved for its delectable Chicken Rice. With its origins in Novena and a second outlet in Yishun, this brainchild of 31-year-old Dervin, an animation graduate, has garnered a loyal following. The quality and taste of their Chicken Rice keep customers returning week after week. I also heard it will be a Halal-certified stall.

---

Ru Ji Kitchen

---

Ru Ji Kitchen, a popular fishball noodle stall, expands its presence to Tam Chiak Kopitiam after successfully operating in hawker centres. Joanne's father in Holland founded this family-run business and has expanded to two additional outlets at Old Airport Road and Redhill. Renowned for its handmade fishballs and homemade sambal, Ru Ji Kitchen delivers authentic flavours and culinary craftsmanship in each bowl.

Tam Chiak Kopitiam offers an array of delightful options, showcasing the passion and expertise of its partners and stall owners. From traditional flavours to innovative concepts, this coffeeshop is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a diverse and satisfying culinary experience.


Tam Chiak Kopitam
Blk 212 Hougang Street 21
#01-349
Singapore 530212
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk towards Kovan Hawker Centre. At Kovan Hawker Centre, turn left and walk straight to block 211 towards the bowling centre. At block 211 cut through the carpark and walk to destination. It is just beside the bowling centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kovan Rojak (高文罗惹) @ Kovan Food Centre - Delicious Plate of Rojak With Unique Add-on Like Abalone And Jellyfish

Kovan Rojak (高文罗惹) at Kovan Food Centre is a gem that delights diners with its delectable plate of rojak. It ranks among the best I have ever had. Rojak, a traditional Asian salad, features a medley of ingredients tossed in shrimp paste. While the components may vary across different stalls, Kovan Rojak offers a delightful combination of cucumber, jicama, pineapple, youtiao, and tau pok.

Rojak 4.2/5

Setting itself apart from other rojak stalls, Kovan Rojak goes the extra mile by providing unique add-on options like abalone and jellyfish. This unexpected twist adds a touch of novelty to the dining experience, making it stand out from the crowd.

The plate of Rojak ($4/$5/$6) encompasses the classic ingredients, including cucumber, jicama, youtiao, tau pok, and beansprouts, all coated in a delightful sweet and savoury prawn sauce, generously sprinkled with peanuts. I opted to include cuttlefish for an additional dollar to enhance my enjoyment. The tanginess of the pineapple and the freshness of the green mango heightened the overall flavour profile. While the youtiao retained its satisfying crispness, I found the tau pok and cuttlefish lacking the desired crunch. It would be fantastic if they could toast them before serving. Nonetheless, the rojak was undeniably delicious, leaving a strong impression that compelled me to return for more.

Kovan Rojak (高文罗惹) is a must-visit destination for rojak enthusiasts seeking an exceptional culinary experience. Prepare your taste buds for a tantalising adventure that will undoubtedly leave you craving another plate of their flavoursome rojak.


Kovan Rojak (高文罗惹)
Kovan Food Centre
Blk 209 Hougang Street 21
#01-39
Singapore 530209
Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 6pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Davis Prawn Court @ Kovan Food Centre - The Popular Cai Png Uncle Is Back Frying A Delicious Plate Of Hokkien Prawn Noodles

Davis Prawn Court at Kovan 209 Food Centre is a new stall selling Prawn Noodle and Fried Hokkien Mee. Residents in Kovan will be familiar with the man behind the wok. The same uncle used to run the now-defunct popular Cai Png stall - Teow Heng Cooked Food.

Hokkien Prawn Noodles 4.2/5

We had the Hokkien Prawn Noodles ($5/$8). The style is more of the gooey, semi-wet version packed with robust, savoury prawn stock. It reminds me of Come Daily Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee in Toa Payoh. Quite similar but less west. The plate of slurping goodness came with prawns, pork belly, sotong and pork lard. In addition, the accompanying chilli sauce has that slight tang that complements the noodles. It is indeed a good plate of Hokkien prawn noodles.

Davis Prawn Noodles 4/5

Besides the Hokkien Mee, the stall also offers a variety of prawn noodle options such as Big Prawn Noodle, Abalone Prawn Noodle, Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle, Pig Tails Prawn Noodle and Intestinal Prawn Noodle.

We had the regular Davis Prawn Noodle ($4.80/ $5.80), which comes with half-sliced prawns, pig's skin and lean pork. I opted for a mixture of beehoon and yellow noodles tossed in a fragrant dried chilli sauce that goes well with the noodle. As for the soup, it has a balance of pork and crustacean flavour. It is not the full-blown, rich crustacean flavour type.

Overall I prefer the Hokkien Mee over the Prawn Noodle. Comparing the two, the Hokkien Mee fares better. However, if you have stomach space, you can try both items. By the way, the hokkien mee is only available from 10am onwards.


Davis Prawn Court
Kovan Food Centre
Blk 209 Hougang Street 21
#01-37
Singapore 530209
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 7am - 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

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

Alkove Bistro @ Kovan Road - Michelin-starred Chef Serving Up Casual French Fare In The Heartlands

Alkove Bistro is a new venture by Chef Haikal Johari, a French-inspired bistro fare in the heartlands of Kovan. The casual bistro is supported by a team of young talents, offering familiar savoury and sweet French favourites with prime ingredients used throughout the menu.

We started our brunch with a cup of coffee to perk up the day. The coffee menu at Alkove Bistro was created in collaboration with CATA Coffee.

Croque Monsieur 3.8/5

The Croque Monsieur ($17.90), a classic ham and cheese sandwich, comes with two thick, fluffy brioches sandwiched with Bayonne ham and comte. It is a hearty and cheesy toastie that is packed with rich flavours.

Chicken Vin Blanc 4/5

We enjoyed the Chicken Vin Blanc ($27.90). A whole free-range chicken leg and morel mushroom complement the perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy vin blanc sauce lifted the enjoyment, making me return for more. It will be one of the dishes I will order in my return.

Wagyu Onglet Steak Frites 3/5

I did not enjoy the Wagyu Onglet Steak Frites ($29,90). I was not too fond of the cut of the Margaret River Wagyu, which is a bit tough to my liking.

Ocean Trout 4/5

The Ocean Trout ($26.90) fares better than the beef. The ocean trout is cooked to a beautiful moist with crispy skin, paired with olives, anchovies, boiled eggs, potatoes, kenya fine beans, and couscous.

With Chef Haikal Johari's fame behind the causal bistro, I was expecting more from the food menu. However, while the food was decent, it was safe, lacking that wow factor that made it stand out against other bistros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Alkove Bistro
Simon Plaza
2 Kovan Road
#01-10
Singapore 548008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Kovan MRT station (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon: 8am - 6pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Simon Road. Turn left onto Simon Road. Walk down Simon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fragrant Garden (馨香园) @ Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre - A Hidden Gem In A Deserted Shopping Mall

Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre used to be my hangout during my primary and secondary school days. This is where I got my computer games in floppy disc and computer repaired. Back then, it was the only shopping mall in the Hougang and Serangoon areas. There were no Nex, Kovan Heartland Mall, Hougang Mall and City Square Mall. The mall remains stuck in time, in its early 80s, rundown and deserted, except for Fragrant Garden (馨香园) on level one that still attracts a regular crowd for its Teochew dishes.

Combo Roll 4/5

Together with a few foodie friends, we dropped by Fragrant Garden on a weekday evening to have dinner. The whole place still looks the same during my secondary school's day. The entire mall is deserted except for the dinner crowd at Fragrant Garden. We started with the Combo Roll ($12/$20) which consists of prawn roll and liver roll. My attention is drawn to the liver roll, which is hardly available in the restaurants' menu nowadays. The offal gives it a creamy interior encased in a crispy exterior wrapped with beancurd skin.

Oyster Omelette Teochew Style 4.2/5

I have tried the oyster omelette from Chui Huay Lim Teochew Restaurant and its the gooey version. Over at Fragrant Garden, the Oyster Omelette Teochew Style ($14/$20) is very close to our local hawker version. It is fried to crispy on the exterior, retaining a slight gooeyness inside with plump and juicy oysters.

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style 4.5/5

Steamed Pomfret in Teochew Style (Seasonal Price) is a staple Teochew dish which does not come cheap. A size like this would probably cost around $95. You would perhaps like to confirm the price right at the beginning just to avoid any unhappiness during payment. Steamed to perfection, the pomfret was moist and complemented by the sourish gravy.

Braised Duck in Teochew Style 4.2/5

Another dish I enjoyed a lot in the Braised Duck in Teochew Style ($15/$20). I like the layer of fat under the skin, giving it a delightful ratio to the tender meat. Hidden underneath the pile of sliced braised duck, is a bed of silky Pu Ning Tofu.

Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber 4/5

If you are a fan of sea cucumber, you will appreciate the Fragrant's Stuffed Sea Cucumber ($60 onwards). The sea cucumber is well braised to a soft and bouncy texture. The stuffed meat mixture elevates the main ingredient, giving it a multi-textural enjoyment. Pre-order is required for this dish.

Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style 4.5/5

For the vegetable dish, we went for the Braised Vegetable with Scallop in Teochew Style ($12). I am a sucker for cabbage, especially when it is braised under "nua nua" (very soft), absorbing the flavoursome broth.

Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh 4/5

Another staple Teochew dish is the Fried Kway Tiao with Chai Poh ($5/$8/$12). Another well-executed dish packed with smokiness. I only wish there are more dice vegetables for that crunchy bite in each mouthful of the fragrant noodle.

Yam Paste 4/5

Of course, how can we not end our dinner with the traditional Yam Paste ($4/$20/$30)? The version at Fragrant Garden comes with gingko nuts, pumpkin and shallot. Decently good but not the best I have tried.

Fragrant Garden prides itself for offering authentic and cheap Teochew cuisine. It is true to a certain extent as most of the dishes are reasonably priced. However, they are also expensive items such as the sea cucumber, steamed pomfret, cold crab etc. Hence you need to know what to order and not influenced by the pushy service staffs that will try to recommend you the expensive dishes. I have come across reviews about their lousy service but putting that aside, the food here is delicious.


Fragrant Garden (馨香园)
Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre
756 Upper Serangoon Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 534626
Tel: +65 62897301
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC Line, NE Line), Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 81 or 82. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Kovan MRT station (Stop ID 63039). Take bus number 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 136 or 153. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap @ Upper Serangoon Road - Thai Style Kwap Chap In Singapore

I have been wanting to try Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap along Upper Serangoon Road for the longest time whenever the bus passed by the place with the sight of crowd packing the restaurant. We have been eating the local braised type kway chap since young but Thai style is rather new in Singapore. The first time I tried it was back in Bangkok a couple of years back and I am glad to know that this is available in Singapore now.

Signature Thai Kway Chap 3.8/5

Unlike the dark coloured soup based type in Singapore, the Signature Thai Kway Chap ($5) comes in a white peppery soup base. The kway is also rolled up instead of being flat, which has a more delectable textural bite. In the bowl, one can find ingredients such pig stomach, roasted pork, pork slices and Thai sausage. However I find that it is not as peppery as the one I had in Bangkok.

I have not tried Thai Fish Sausage before but this is quite fragrant and it actually tasted like those Taiwan sausage.

The signature of Thai Kway Chap comes with crispy Roasted Pork, just the way it is done in Bangkok. One may think it is rather random to have them in the kway chap, but I find that it does did its part in providing the extra boost in flavour, just like how we like to add pork lard in our noodle dishes.

Braised Beancurd 3.5/5

The signature kway chap is a bit small in portion and you may need to have another bowl to be full. Otherwise you may want to complete your meal with some dishes to go along with the kwap chap. I tried the Braised Beancurd ($4) and Kailan with Crispy Pork ($8). The kailan is really well executed with the aroma for wok hei, fish sauce, garlic and of course the crispy pork.

Kailan with Crispy Pork 4/5

Other sides available on the menu are Thai Mid Wing, Thai Boiled Pork Belly, Deep Fried Thai Pork Belly, Thai Stir Fried Cabbage with Fish Sauce, Thai Fried Beancurd, Thai Fish Sausage, Braised Tau Pok, Braised Egg


Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap
945 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534711
Tel: +65 88225637
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 130am

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Simon Road. Cross the road. Walk down Upper Serangoon Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]