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.

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888 Mookata

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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.

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Chef De Pasta

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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.

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Dan Lao (蛋佬)

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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.

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Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

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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.

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Flaky Haus

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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.

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Wen Kang Ji

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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.

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Oppa Kitchen

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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.

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De Sinn Chicken Rice

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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.

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Ru Ji Kitchen

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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
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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]

Restaurant Espoir @ Amoy Street: Experience Modern European Cuisine With A Malayan Twist

Restaurant Espoir, the sister establishment of The White Label at North Bridge Road, offers a captivating culinary experience with its modern European cuisine infused with a delightful touch of Malayan influence. As a Muslim-owned restaurant, it provides a warm and inclusive atmosphere where diners can savour the flavours of European dishes enhanced by local inspirations.

Compressed Watermelon 3/5

The Compressed Watermelon Salad ($14) presents a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The soy-glazed compressed watermelon is accompanied by creamy feta cheese, fresh mesclun salad, tangy yuzu vinaigrette, and bursts of sweetness from the pomegranate. The yuzu vinaigrette adds a harmonious touch, bringing all the ingredients together in a tantalizing medley. While the dish is enjoyable, some diners might desire a greater quantity of watermelon and a chunkier cut to enhance the refreshing aspect of the salad.

Crab Croquette 3/5

The Crab Croquette ($24) presents a delightful combination of blue swimmer crab and cream filling encased in a light batter shell. Served with kaffir lime mayo, the croquette could benefit from a lighter cream filling to allow the natural sweetness of the blue swimmer crab to shine through.

Fish Consomme Heritage Style 4/5

For a taste of local inspiration, the Fish Consommé Heritage Style ($15) showcases a fish soup made from fish bone stock and dried flounder. Topped with chunky sous vide halibut and tomato caviar, this dish offers a unique fusion of European and local flavours.

Mushroom Veloute 4.5/5

Mushroom lovers will appreciate the Mushroom Veloute ($13), a rich and flavorful soup packed with sautéed mushrooms, black summer truffle, porcini tapenade, and mushroom emulsion. The earthy mushroom flavours create a comforting and satisfying dish.

Slow Cooked Breast of Lamb 3.5/5

Experience a unique take on the classic lamb dish with the Slow Cooked Breast of Lamb ($44). This rendition deviates from the conventional lamb rack. Tender and aromatic, the lamb breast is accompanied by garlic herb, pearl onions, baby carrots, tomato confit, salsa verde, and spiced lamb jus. While the dish is well-executed, the presence of the lamb skin might not be to everyone's taste.

Sea Urchin Tagliatelle 3/5

The Sea Urchin Tagliatelle ($39) offers a delicate and flavorful pasta dish for seafood enthusiasts. Although the tagliatelle is cooked to al dente perfection, the sea urchin flavour in the sauce could be more pronounced for a stronger umami experience.

Sticky Date Pudding 4/5

To conclude the dining experience, indulge in the Sticky Date Pudding ($13), featuring orange-infused sticky date pudding, almond crumble, orange caramel sauce, and a scoop of French vanilla gelato. The harmonious combination of sweetness and textures provides a satisfying and memorable ending to the meal.

Restaurant Espoir invites diners to explore modern European cuisine with a delightful twist of Malayan influence. With its unique flavour profiles and thoughtful presentations, it promises a dining experience that blends tradition and innovation in every dish.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Restaurant Espoir
70 Amoy Street
Singapore 069889
Tel: +65 88605935
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sumbao Seafood Restaurant @ Race Course Road - Unique Charcoal Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot

Newly opened along Race Course Road is Sumbao Seafood Restaurant serving Ipoh Malaysian-style Zi Char dishes. Unique at Sumbao is its Charcoal Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot that comes in a charcoal stove, unlike the usual fish head steamboat.

Sumbao Signature Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot 4/5

The Sumbao Signature Claypot Fish Soup Hotpot is served in a claypot over a charcoal stove. Customers get to choose the type of fish to go with their claypot fish soup hotpot. There are four choices - Grouper ($48/$65), Red Grouper ($68/$98), Pomfret (Seasonal), and Giant Grouper (Seasonal). The fresh fish is cut into slices and served on the side for customers to cook individually, like having shabu shabu. There are also other ingredients in the claypot, such as fish head, yam, seaweed, tofu, tomato, Chinese cabbage, and celery. The sweet and savoury fish soup is addictive, with a hint of smokiness probably from the charcoal fire and claypot heat.

Hokkien Style Pig's Trotter 4.2/5

A highlight at Sumbao is the Hokkien Style Pig's Trotter. I was surprised at how soft and tender the pig's trotter was, falling apart easily. The pig's trotter was flavourful and well-flavoured from the delicious braising sauce, which goes well with a bowl of steaming rice.

Golden Sand Cereal Chicken, Small $18 | Large 4.2/5

Usually, I have cereal prawn, but Golden Sand Cereal Chicken (Small $18 | Large $28) is first for me. The tender chicken pieces coated in sweet and crispy cereal, plus the aroma from the curry leaves, is a deliciously executed dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old.

Deep Fried Prawns with Special Soy Sauce 4.2/5

I am not sure precisely what the sauce's concoction is, but the succulent Deep Fried Prawns with Special Soy Sauce (Small $19 | Large $33) is very addictive. The sauce's sweetness complemented the fresh prawns, which is very appetising.

Stir Fried Chinese Fungus with Mixed Veg 4/5

Lastly, we had the Stir Fried Chinese Fungus with Mixed Veg (Small $12 | Large $20). I love the use of the different fungus and vegetables, which have a delightful crunch.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sumbao Seafood
378 Race Course Road
Singapore 218646
Tel: +65 91328083
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to Race Course Road. Turn left onto Race Course Road. Walk down Race Course Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

YUN NANS Stonepot Fish @ Northpoint City - Pressure Steam Cooked Live Fish In Collagen-rich Fish Soup

YUN NANS (云海肴), which has four restaurants in Singapore, has recently opened a new stonepot fish concept in Northpoint, Yishun. YUN NANS Stonepot Fish is Singapore's first concept specialising in cooking live fish using high-pressure steam in a stone pot made of natural granite.

Stonepot Fish Soup 4/5

The granite stone pot is imported from Yunnan that is specially handcrafted for the restaurant. It is supposed to heat the food evenly and retains heat well. Covered with a handcrafted straw hat that doubles as the pot's lid, subjecting the fish and broth to be cooked in a high-pressure steaming method, extracting the natural flavours.

The fish used at the restaurant are sustainably sourced from local farms. Customers have choices of live fish such as seabass, patin or soon hock. Fresh seabass is also available starting from $28. Upon picking the fish, the culled and cleaned fish is placed into the stone pot, followed by pouring the nourishing fish broth that has been simmered for more than six hours into the stone pot.

Alongside the fish, diners can also add a variety of other hotpot ingredients, such as premium meats, handmade beef balls, seafood, and vegetables, to sweeten the soup for a hearty meal.

Some of the rare ingredients I enjoyed were the golden fungus, chayote leaves, and Lijiang purple heart potatoes, which are a Yunnan speciality.

While I enjoyed the light yet flavourful fish soup, the local palate might prefer a richer flavour.

Grilled Clams with Spicy Garlic Sauce 3.8/5

Apart from the signature stoneput fish, the restaurant offers cooked hot items too. We tried the Grilled Clams with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($12.90++) and Crispy Barramundi Collar ($9.80++). The clams are placed over a bed of vermicelli in an aluminium foil box and grilled over charcoal fire, paying homage to the quintessential Yunnan cooking style.

Crispy Barramundi Collar 4.5/5

For the lightly marinated barramundi collar, deep-fried to crispy on the exterior and yet moist inside. Served with salt and pepper dip, this is simple yet so addictive and delicious.

Baked Rose Petals Pastry 3.5/5

We wrapped up our dinner with the Baked Rose Petals Pastry and Crispy Rice Cake with Brown Sugar for dessert. The baked rose petals pastry has a beautiful floral scent encased in flaky pastry skin. As for the rice cake, it is mochi-soft with a delightful crisp on the exterior.

Crispy Rice Cake with Brown Sugar 4.2/5

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS Stonepot Fish
Northpoint Fish
South Wing
1 Northpoint Drive
#01-103
Singapore 768019
Tel: +65 65131381
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Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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