Great Nanyang (大南洋) @ Geneo - Nostalgic Buns, Rojak & Penang Flavours Near Kent Ridge MRT Station

Great Nanyang (大南洋) has unveiled its latest outlet at Geneo, conveniently located next to Kent Ridge MRT station. Staying true to its nostalgic charm, the new space is decked out in retro touches, evoking the warm familiarity of old-school kopitiams. What makes this outlet special? Not just the vintage aesthetics, but exclusive menu items and merchandise that give fans even more to explore.

Mashed Taro Steam Bun 4/5

We began our meal with a colourful array of steamed buns, each with a unique filling that pays tribute to both traditional and playful local flavours. The highlight among the buns was the Mashed Taro Steamed Bun ($4.80). The filling was creamy and smooth with a natural taro flavour that wasn't overly sweet. Encased in a soft, fluffy bun, it was comforting and nostalgic. It is a true crowd-pleaser.

Bak Kwa Chicken Floss Steam Bun 3.8/5

Bak Kwa Chicken Floss Steam Bun ($5.80) is an inventive bun that combines two festive favourites: bak kwa and chicken floss. Reminiscent of Chinese New Year snack pairings, this creative take worked surprisingly well. The smoky sweetness of the bak kwa paired nicely with the savoury floss, delivering a delicious umami bite.

Peanut Butter Steamed Bun 4/5

Otak-Otak Steam Bun 4/5

The Peanut Butter ($3.50) and Otak-Otak ($4.80) versions are excellent choices for those who prefer something more classic. The peanut butter bun was rich and gooey, while the otak-otak version had just the right level of spice and fishiness to satisfy without overwhelming.

Traditional Kaya Butter Toast 4/5

A staple of local breakfasts, the Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.70) didn't disappoint. The bread was crisp on the outside, slathered with fragrant house-made kaya and thick, cold slabs of butter that melted slightly on contact. It was simple, nostalgic, and perfect.

French Toast 4/5

The French Toast ($4.50) offered a slightly richer take, with slices dipped in egg before being pan-fried to golden perfection. Paired with a sweet kaya dipping sauce, it made for a satisfying midday snack or light breakfast.

Fresh Fruit Rojak 3/5

One of the unique offerings at this outlet is the Fresh Fruit Rojak cart, where diners can handpick fruit skewers at $1.50 per stick. Once assembled, the fruits are tossed in a bold, punchy rojak sauce that balances sweetness, tartness, and spice. It's light, refreshing, and great for sharing.

Penang White Curry Noodle 3.5/5

The hearty bowl of Penang White Curry Noodles ($8.90) comes with a combination of yellow noodles and beehoon, swimming in a creamy, coconut-based broth. Topped with taupok, fishballs, and prawns, the dish was satisfying on its own, but really came alive with the addition of their in-house chilli paste, which brought out the full complexity of the curry.

Chicken Berempah Leg Nasi Lemak Kukus 4/5

Served with steamed nasi lemak rice, the Chicken Berempah Leg Nasi Lemak Kukus ($8.90) featured boneless chunks of chicken leg marinated in a fragrant blend of Malay spices, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender within. Accompanied by peanuts, sambal, and a fried egg, this was a fulfilling one-plate meal with bold, aromatic flavours.

Nanyang Style Dry Curry Prawns 4.8/5

If you're dining in a group, there’s an extensive selection of cooked dishes perfect for communal feasting. We tried a few standouts:

Served with five large prawns, the Nanyang Style Dry Curry Prawns ($18) was a flavour bomb. The dry curry was aromatic, thick, and spicy, coating each prawn in a fragrant gravy that demanded extra rice. It was deeply satisfying. This is a must-order.

Sambal Kang Kong 4.2/5

Classic and well-executed, the Sambal Kang Kong ($8.80) was stir-fried in a robust sambal belacan, giving it a spicy and savoury kick while maintaining its fresh crunch.

Penang Asam Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

The Penang Asam Curry Fish Head ($32.80) is an impressive claypot dish brimming with flavour. The asam curry was wonderfully tangy, with a gentle heat that teased the palate. The fish head was fresh and meaty, surrounded by a medley of lady fingers, brinjal, long beans, and tomatoes. Every bite was hearty, bold, and comforting—the kind of dish that makes you reach for extra rice just to mop up the sauce.

Great Nanyang at Geneo is more than just a place to eat. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane with creative modern twists. From playful steamed buns and toast sets to flavourful nasi lemak and claypot fish head curry, there's something for every appetite. Whether you're popping in for breakfast or gathering with friends for a full meal, this outlet delivers warmth, flavour, and a delightful dose of nostalgia.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Great Nanyang (大南洋)
Geneo
1B Science Park Drive
#B1-32
Singapore 119315
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Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 830pm

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

JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店 @ SAFRA Town Club, Clarke Quay - Enjoy Nanyang Delights At This Modern Nanyang Coffeeshop Till 2am

JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店 is the new potential late-night spot for anyone craving Nanyang delights like nasi lemak and curry chicken, conveniently located just opposite Clarke Quay MRT station.

Open till 2am, this revamped coffeeshop within the SAFRA Town Club building is decked in retro furniture, decor, and multi-coloured lighting. Before its current iteration, the space was home to JUwei Sichuan Cuisine 聚味江湖菜馆. Now, the menu has shifted to focus on classic Nanyang fare.

The offerings are extensive, including breakfast toasts, beverages, cheong fun, wok-fried items, and rice sets. However, do note that the morning menu has a more limited selection.

Kaya Butter Toast 4.2/5

We enjoyed the Kaya Butter Toast ($2.50). It had cold slabs of butter and fragrant kaya sandwiched between thin crisp toasts. While the portion could be larger, I especially liked that the kaya wasn't too sweet. You can also make it a Toast Set ($5.90) with additional half-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi.

Chicken Curry Chee Cheong Fun 3.5/5

The Chicken Curry Chee Cheong Fun ($7.90) came paired with an assortment of ingredients - chicken, beans, beancurd skin, tau pok and pig skin. The curry was aromatic, but I wished the cheong fun was smoother.

Penang Char Kuey Teow 3.5/5

The Penang Char Kuey Teow ($10.90) carried a decent amount of flavour and wok hei, but it was a pity that the kway teow we had leaned to one of a harder texture. The dish was fried with fishcake, prawn, egg and lap cheong.

Prawn Paste Chicken Mid Joint 4/5

Our Prawn Paste Chicken Mid Joint ($8.90) was served piping hot, with each piece fried to a crunch that you would like your har cheong gai to have. These were nicely marinated, and its meat remained juicy.

Nasi Lemak with Crispy Fried Chicken Whole Leg Combo 4.2/5

Last but not least, we had to try JUwei's Nasi Lemak with Crispy Fried Chicken Whole Leg Combo ($12.90), a dish we saw many other diners enjoying. It was nicely served on a wooden platter with sides of achar, keropok, curry vegetables, egg, and a bowl of soup. The rice could be more lemak, but the texture was done well and fluffy. The highlight was the chunky chicken leg that came with crisp skin and tender meat, accompanied by extra crisp bits for added crunch. The soup was a miss, but the sambal added a sweet-spicy hit.

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.


JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店
29 Carpenter Street
Level 1
Singapore 059923
Tel: +65 6988 0836
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Turn left onto Carpenter Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

808 Eating House @ Joo Chiat Road - New Brunch Collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

We first stepped into 808 Eating House for Province Restaurant's omakase experience. Province was tucked away at the back, where we needed to walk through 808 Eating House to reach. The latter caught our attention, and I made a mental note to return to try their dishes.

Situated in the quaint Joo Chiat neighbourhood, this Asian restaurant specialises in fusion-style local creations, blending a diverse range of culinary influences. Their brunch and dinner menus feature sharing snacks, mains, sides, and desserts. In collaboration with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, customers can now indulge in delicious food over a cup of aromatic coffee.

Duck Fat Financiers 4.5/5

I was most intrigued by the Duck Fat Financiers ($10), especially after learning that they're currently one of the most popular sharing snacks on the menu. While the financiers were slightly dense, they had a decent fluffy texture.

Pairing them with the chicken liver mousse was a delightful combination. The mousse was rich, buttery, and had a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours.

Pickled Quail Eggs 4.2/5

We also ordered the Pickled Quail Eggs ($6), about a dollar each. They were thoroughly marinated, delivering an immediate kick of black vinegar with a hint of coriander fragrance lingering in the background.

Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast 4.2/5

Are you looking for a unique twist on your classic kaya toast? Try the Charcoal Grilled Kaya Toast ($8), where the chefs have elevated the dish with a special housemade kaya that's creamy and rich in coconut flavour. It strikes a good balance of sweetness, and the toast is crunchy. However, if you're not a fan of coconut, you might want to skip this option.

Chicken Curry Rice 4.8/5

I absolutely adored the Chicken Curry Rice ($18). Our server highly recommended this, and I definitely understand why. The dish features fluffy Hom Mali rice topped with prawn-coconut floss, chicken skin crumbles, and chives, accompanied by a fragrant pour of Hainanese curry and a side of crispy chicken thigh.

While I wished they were more generous with the curry, it still won me. The curry was mildly coconutty yet flavorful, with a delightful lingering spice.

Cold Bee Hoon 4/5

The Cold Bee Hoon ($7) reminded us of cold-tossed somen. It used rice vermicelli, shallot oil, shio kombu, sakura ebi and chives. While the flavours were present, I found it too moist as a whole.

Ice Cream Sandwich 3.8/5

Among the three dessert options, we decided on the Ice Cream Sandwich ($13) with black sesame parfait, coconut caramel, mushroom crumble and mint. We didn't notice that it used parfait instead of regular ice cream, and we were less of a fan of the slightly oily mouthfeel.

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.


808 Eating House
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8946 8089
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 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]

Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

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.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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