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]

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]

Verandah @ Rael's @ The Star Vista - Opens A Second Outlet in the West

Verandah @ Rael's, having opened its doors at TripleOne Somerset, is thrilled to unveil its second outlet at The Star Vista. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private room, this new establishment offers the perfect space for gathering with family and friends to indulge in your favourite Peranakan and Indonesian comfort dishes.

Kueh Pie Tee 3.5/5

We kicked off our dinner with the Kueh Pie Tee, featuring bite-sized crispy tart shells accompanied by a sweet mixture of vegetables and shrimp. Diners can enjoy the interactive experience of assembling their own delectable bites, and for those seeking a spicy kick, a dollop of homemade chilli adds an extra dimension of flavour.

Verandah's Achar 3.5/5

A newcomer to the menu, Verandah's Achar, offers a mildly spiced and sourish condiment, providing the perfect accompaniment to the main dishes.

Nonya Ngoh Hiang 4.2/5

The Nonya Ngoh Hiang emerged as a crowd favourite. Its deep-fried rolls were filled with flavorful minced pork, prawns, and the sweetness of water chestnut encased in dried beancurd skin. It was so delightful that we found ourselves requesting a second serving.

Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal 4/5

Sambal Long Beans 4/5

For our vegetable dishes, we savoured the Verandah's Specialty Sambal Brinjal, wok-fired and adorned with the restaurant's tangy house speciality sambal, as well as the new Sambal Long Beans, where crunchy beans are stir-fried in a fragrant and spicy sambal sauce.

Tau Yu Bak 3.8/5

Introducing another addition to the menu, the Tau Yu Bak featured pork braised in caramelized soy sauces with spices. This resulted in a savoury dish with a hint of sweetness, though some felt the pork could have been more tender.

Curry Chicken 4.5/5

A definite must-have was the Curry Chicken, where tender chicken pieces were bathed in a rich and fragrant curry gravy infused with ground herbs, spices, and a hint of lemongrass. The irresistible curry gravy left me reaching for more to drench our rice in.

Assam Fish 4/5

Finally, the Assam Fish, filleted for ease of consumption, was simmered in a mouthwatering Assam gravy that tantalized the taste buds with its spicy and tangy flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-33/K2
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6380 2381
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Curry Times Restaurant - Unveils New Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan

Founded by Old Chang Kee, Curry Times restaurant is a new dine-in concept specializing in curry dishes. Set in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the glorious days of Mama's home-cooked food, Curry Times aims to bring back flavours and dishes from the past to be enjoyed once again. With multiple outlets island-wide, we visited the Curry Times Restaurant outlet at Westgate. The restaurant provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a wide range of dishes, including Hainanese Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak, alongside various curry-based options.

Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan 4.2/5

Curry Times is introducing an exciting new creation: the Chicken Cutlet Curry Pao Fan. This creation combines a generous serving of pao fan, a comforting rice porridge, and a crispy chicken cutlet placed on top. The dish is further enhanced with fragrant and creamy curry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. For enthusiasts of both curry and pao fan, this inventive creation promises a must-try experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of both culinary worlds in a single, satisfying bowl. This set also comes with a free Barley drink at $10.90++.

Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum 4/5

Apart from their new dish, we also tried the popular Nasi Lemak with Chicken Super Drum ($10.90). The Nasi lemak is a traditional Malaysian and Singaporean dish known for its fragrant coconut rice, and it is typically accompanied by various condiments such as sambal (spicy chilli paste), peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. In this variation, the dish is elevated with a huge chicken drumstick, adding a substantial and flavourful element to the classic nasi lemak.

Curry Chap Chye 4/5

The Curry Chap Chye is a flavourful and aromatic dish that combines the essence of two classic Asian dishes: curry and chap chye. This dish typically features a rich and savoury curry sauce infused with a blend of aromatic spices. The curry is then generously loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables and ingredients, such as tofu, beancurd skin, and assorted vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The result is a hearty and wholesome curry that serves as a perfect complement to your steamed white rice or Nasi Lemak rice.

Crispy Chicken Wing (3pc) 3.8/5

The Crispy Chicken Wing dish ($6.50) at Curry Times is a mouthwatering treat. We ordered them as a snack, which features a perfectly fried and crispy exterior while being tender and juicy on the inside. The wings paired well with the sweet chilli sauce provided on the side.

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.


Curry Times
Westage
3 Gateway Drive
#02-08
Singapore 608532
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Singapore JIAK @ Frasers Towers - Four Hawker Food Brands Under One Roof with Dishes Below $10 in CBD

Singapore JIAK at Frasers Towers is a food-court-inspired concept by the Singaporean-owned Akashi Group. Singapore JIAK debuts 4 hawker brands within this cosy space - Grandma's, Dunman Wanton Mee, Teck Kee Fat Duck and Ah Goh Fish Soup.

Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak 4.5/5

Grandma's is a resurrected brand under the Akashi Group that was established in 2008. Some of you may be familiar with some of their local dishes. At Singapore JIAK, Grandma's showcases their nasi lemak dish, with options such as Chicken Wing Nasi Lemak ($5.80), Crispy Bukhari Chicken Leg Nasi Lemak ($9.80), and the signature Grandma's Curry Chicken Nasi Lemak ($9.80). We tried the latter, which came with a chicken leg doused in curry that packed a punch. The coconut rice was aromatic and fluffy, and I was delighted by how thick the egg omelette slice was.

Mixed Pork Wanton Mee 4.2/5, Fried Wanton 4/5

Behind Dunman Wanton Mee is the culinary team formerly from Wanton Seng, known for its bowls of springy noodles tossed with aromatic pork lard. There are four dishes on the menu – Classic Dunman Wanton Mee ($5.80), Char Siew Wanton Mee ($6.80), Roasted Pork Wanton Mee ($6.80) and Mixed Pork Wanton Mee ($7.80). We had the ultimate combination - Mixed Pork Wanton Mee. While the Char Siew was on the leaner side, the wantons were satisfying with their plump and meaty fillings, and the crispy pork delivered the much anticipated cracking skin. Fried Wantons is available as well.

Duck Rice 4.2/5

Teck Kee Fat Duck is the sister brand of London Fat Duck, renowned for its mouthwatering roasted Irish ducks. They use the same Irish duck and adopt similar roasting techniques, aiming to deliver the same melt-in-the-mouth and robust flavours to their customers. The menu also features other roasted meats, including salted chicken, roast pork, and honey char siew. True to their promise, what we had didn't disappoint, with its juicy and tender meat complemented by beautifully roasted skin. The sauce worked perfectly to bring the rice and meat together.

Sliced Fish Soup 4/5

Ah Goh Fish Soup is also an original brand created for this concept. The soup itself is boiled using fish bones leftover from premium fish imported from Japan, enhanced with a dash of 20-year-old Hua Tia wine. We had the Sliced Fish Soup ($5.80) with batang fish. What sets this fish soup apart you can taste is the pronounced flavour extracted from the specific fish bones they use. Although it was tasty, I prefer a sweet touch for a better balance. The fish slices were fresh and paired well with a generous portion of vegetables, making the bowl of fish soup delightfully wholesome.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Singapore JIAK
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#02-15/16/17
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 86847728
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G or H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 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]