Toast Box @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre - Unveils Latest 'Old-School' Concept Store, Inspired by Classic Kopitiams of Yesteryear

Singapore's beloved Nanyang coffee chain, Toast Box 土司工坊, has introduced a new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. This latest outlet pays homage to the classic kopitiams of the past, offering a blend of nostalgia and modernity. It offers exclusive experience sets that celebrate the rich traditions of Singaporean coffee shop culture.

Kopi/Teh Trio

A standout feature at this Takashimaya store is the store-exclusive Experience Sets, such as the Kopi Trio ($5.50) and Teh Trio ($5.50). These sets allow customers to explore the distinct flavours of traditional kopi and teh, offering a unique opportunity to experience Singapore's iconic way of ordering and enjoying these beloved beverages. It's a delightful and educational journey through the different coffee and tea concoctions, perfect for locals and tourists.

Toast Experience Set 4/5

No Nanyang coffee experience is complete without the classic toast. The Toast Experience Set ($4.50) lets diners sample a variety of toast combinations, featuring crispy toasted bread served with Nyonya Kaya, Hainanese Kaya, and Crunchy Peanut Butter. The spread-it-yourself style adds a fun, interactive element, allowing you to customise your toast to your liking. Each spread has its unique flavour, making this set a must-try for toast enthusiasts.

Asian Delight Yuan Yang 4.5/5

For those who want to indulge in a more substantial meal, the Asian Delight Yuan Yang Experience Set ($12) is a perfect choice. This set features two of Toast Box's iconic dishes — Laksa and Curry Chicken — in smaller portions, served with a choice of rice, toast, or roti prata. This combination lets you relish the best of both worlds, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Singapore's diverse culinary heritage.

Waterfall Kopi/Teh 4.5/5

If you're in the mood for something visually striking and rich in flavour, the Waterfall Kopi/Teh ($4) is a must-try. Prepared in the traditional way, this freshly brewed Nanyang kopi or teh is topped with a thick layer of milky froth. The dramatic pour adds an element of theatre to your dining experience, while the rich, aromatic flavours make it a delightful treat for the senses.

Mentaiko Egg Sando 4.2/5

The all-new Mentaiko Egg Sando ($5.50) is another exclusive offering at this outlet. Sandwiched between soft and fluffy toast, this sandwich features a creamy mentaiko spread paired with a luscious egg omelette. The sweet and savoury combination is a true delight, offering a modern twist on a classic comfort food.

Char Siew Ramen 4/5

The Char Siew Ramen ($8.80) and Bak Chor Ramen ($8.80) are excellent choices for those seeking a more substantial meal. The Char Siew Ramen is reminiscent of traditional char siew wanton noodle soup, but with a twist — ramen noodles are used instead of the usual springy noodles, and the dish is topped with pork char siew and a sunny-side-up egg, though it does not include wanton.

Bak Chor Ramen 4.2/5

On the other hand, the Bak Chor Ramen is a reimagined version of the local Bak Chor Mee. This dish features ramen noodles in a robust broth infused with chilli and fragrant vinegar, accompanied by pork slices, minced pork, pork lard, prawns, mushrooms, and fish cake. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dish a bowl of slurping goodness, perfect for those who enjoy bold, hearty flavours.

To end your meal on a sweet note, Toast Box offers a selection of nostalgic cakes, such as the All Chocolate Cake, Black Sesame Cake, and Old School Happy Birthday Cake. These desserts are a delightful throwback to the flavours of yesteryears, providing a perfect finish to your nostalgic journey at Toast Box.

Toast Box's new concept store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre successfully blends the charm of old-school kopitiams with contemporary dining, offering exclusive experience sets that celebrate Singapore's rich coffee culture and culinary heritage. Whether you're stopping by for a quick kopi or indulging in a full meal, this new outlet promises a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Toast Box
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391B Orchard Road
#B2-30
Singapore 238872
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

SIP Wine Bistro @ Regency House - Sharing Good Wines Over Delicious Food

SIP Wine Bistro is a cosy dining spot located at Regency House, right in the heart of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle. Co-founder Martin, who has been in the wine business for a decade, created this bistro out of his passion for sharing good wines over delicious food. Six months into its opening, the menu has been refreshed with a more focused curation of dishes.

Pani Puri Bruschetta 4/5

Beef Cubes 3.8/5

For starters, we had the delightful sharing plates of Pani Puri Bruschetta ($12) and Beef Cubes ($24). The crispy, paper-thin Pani Puri papad was stuffed with homemade salsa that had a delightful bite, featuring the sharpness of onions, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the crunch of capsicum. The beef cubes, made from sirloin, were flavourful on their own and served simply with mustard and salt flakes for the fullest appreciation of its natural flavour.

Goat Cheese Salad 5/5

The St. Maure Goat Cheese Salad was a highlight. It was served warm and soft with caramelised surfaces. The assertive flavour of the goat cheese was well balanced by the sweetness of the apples and candied walnuts. The salad was brought together with a dressing made from honey and apple cider vinegar, adding a hint of acidity. I believe such combination would also make for a delicious tartine.

Beef Tartare 4.5/5

For the main course, I had the pleasure of enjoying the Beef Tartare ($36), a rare delight. The tartare mix included chunky knife-cut beef, capers, and gherkins and was seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and mustard. The dish was completed with toasted sourdough and crispy shoestring fries. Indulging in this dish with a glass of Chateau Cordet Margaux 2016 was an exceptional experience. Martin works closely with small wine producers, ensuring an exquisite selection of wines at SIP.

Tiramisu 5/5

Rounding up my meal was a simple yet decadent Tiramisu. The airy, light layers of mascarpone cheese, combined with bittersweet coffee and Havana-soaked sponge fingers, made for a delightful finish.

SIP Wine Bistro has a very conducive environment for a laid-back coffee break. Sunday Brunch is also available. SIP collaborates with a local coffee roaster for its own blend of coffee.

Photos and words 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.


SIP Wine Bistro
Regency House
123 Penang Road
#01-12
Singapore 238465
Tel: +65 6022 1878
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
Sun: 11am - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down Someset Road to Penang Road. Cross the road at the junction of Penang Road and Oxley Road. Walk down Penang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

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]