It’s a trip back to the 1980s at this “wet market” coffee shop opened by celebrity entrepreneur and restaurateur Ben Yeo.
Located in the middle of an unassuming industrial park at Chai Chee Lane, Tan Xiang Cai Shi is a new-generation kopitiam that aims to offer a brand new dining experience. The 350-seater coffee shop embodies the charm of a traditional wet vegetable market, evoking childhood memories of vanished hawker centres while introducing kampong vibes to the younger generation.
The ambience
You’ll start to hear strains of nostalgic 80s and 90s Singaporean tunes as you approach the coffee shop. Before “choping” your seat, spend some time at the Insta-worthy photo walls. The 3D murals are a blast from the past. Wander amongst a variety of retro settings such as a magazine shop complete with SBC TV Guides and Lao Fu Zi comics, dry provision stalls and evnn a rattan basket shop.
The interior is typical of any old kopitiams, with round tables and plastic chairs, but they are spaced out comfortably. Look carefully and you’ll notice old-school kiddie rides nearby. Little ones will enjoy complimentary kiddie rides and snacks with every visit (just ask for a free token from the stalls when buying your food and drinks).
The food
There are seven carefully curated F&B stalls, each offering cuisine that represents a segment of Singapore food culture. Exclusive to the coffee shop is Tan Xiang Charcoal Fish Head Steamboat, a charcoal steamboat experience that allows diners to indulge in seasonal pomfret fish. The fresh seafood are accompanied by a flavourful broth that has been simmered for hours with old hen, pork bone, freshly fried fish head and dried scallops.
In fact, there are over 15 types of live seafood – fish, geoduck, lobsters, crabs, abalones, and more – which can be prepared in a variety of styles. Some seafood such as Australian rock lobster are so fresh that you can have them sashimi-style, sliced thin, and served cold for a taste of their natural sweetness. All live seafood are supplied by Boon Teck Seafood.
Other dishes in the menu include Crab with Vermicelli (rice noodles cooked in a claypot and sweetened with shelled crabmeat, mushrooms, and carrots); Nyonya Delight Double Bliss that combines fresh prawns and squid in a spicy housemade Nyonya sauce; and Steamed Premium Scallops in Black Bean Sauce.
Indonesian flavours are represented by The Padangton, peddling authentic Nasi Padang specialties, while fresh handmade noodles can be enjoyed at Bawang Pan Mee. Ming Xing Chicken Rice delivers a taste of Singapore’s staple, available poached or roasted.
And what’s a coffee shop without an economical rice stall? Tai Pin Yang Mix Vegetable Rice is where you can have your fill of meats, vegetables, tofu, and other side dishes.
The drinks
From 2pm to 5pm, experience the craft of “pulling kopi” that has been passed down through generations. With every order of La Kopi Set for Two ($9.90), the coffee will be served in a smaller version of traditional coffee pot with heart-shaped kaya butter toast, and soft-boiled eggs.
The vintage drinks stall also pours old-school classics like Pineapple Syrup Drink, Bandung, Old School Bird’s Nest Drink and more. On the way back, grab some tidbits from the snacks stall selling all kinds of knick-knacks from eras past.
The washrooms
Coffee shop toilets don’t exactly have the best reputation, so you might be wondering why we are mentioning the washrooms. That’s because Tan Xiang Cai Shi probably has the nicest ones with contemporary design concepts that put others to shame. Male and female washrooms have different designs but both feature earthy colour palettes, modern washroom fittings and touches of greenery.
Tan Xiang Cai Shi is at 510 Chai Chee Lane, Singapore 469027.
