New in town: Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe – Nostalgic kopitiam eats by famed Zi Char founder
As you walk along Tanjong Pagar with its streets flanked by all manner of eateries, you might notice a new face in the mix of traditional and modern storefronts. Opened on 1 Aug by Keith Yang as a kopitiam concept, Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe harkens back to simpler days with its nostalgia-driven interior and a menu crafted from old and new inspirations.
The bustling energy during lunchtime just completes the atmosphere of an olden-day kopitiam.
You can expect a familiar assortment of kopitiam food with a touch of refinement. Nothing epitomises an early kopitiam breakfast quite like toast. Their Peanut Butter French Toast (S$4.50) is cut into cubes and accompanied by a small pitcher of honey for extra sweetness. The size of each cube keeps the flavours just below saccharine, making each bite dangerously addictive.
As for the usual Hand Made Kaya Toast, they come as Traditional (S$2.50), Thick (S$2.70) or Wholemeal (S$3) slices with generously spread kaya pressed between thin chunks of butter. Not too cloying and enough to quell that morning hunger alongside some fresh Soft-boiled Kampung Eggs (S$2.50 for 2). You’ll want to make return trips to try other toast variations like Chicken Floss Thick Toast (S$4.80) and Egg Mayo Thick Toast (S$4).
For a more substantial meal, Great Nanyang’s Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet (S$15.90) should be the first consideration. Its sauce is concocted with white onions, pandan leaves and butter, resulting in a subtle sweetness and mouth-watering aroma. I especially enjoyed drenching the chicken in it after every bite. The breading wasn’t overdone but still provided a satisfying crunch underneath all the sauce.
Dry mee siam and nasi lemak kukus (steamed basmati rice) are the main carbs, both served with Chicken Berempah Leg or Curry Chicken for S$8.90 each, and Sambal Petai Prawn or Rendang Mutton for S$10.90 each.
As founder of the renowned Yang Ming Seafood, Keith hasn’t left his zi char dishes behind, either. You can still get a plate of Moonlight Hor Fun (S$7.90) at Great Nanyang to watch the mesmerising lava-esque yolk flow forth before tucking into it. A bowl of Curry Fishballs (S$4.80) or side of Prawn Paste Chicken Wings (S$6.90 for 4pcs) can be shared to round off your meal.
Finally, quench your thirst with their Coconut Coffee (S$5.90), a sweeter brand of coffee that mixes condensed coconut milk with Nanyang coffee, or the more refreshing Golden Lime (S$3.50), juice made from kumquat, lime and prunes (a little stabbing action to squeeze out more flavour goes a long way). The less adventurous can always turn to their go-to orders of coffee, tea or Milo.
If you’re feeling particularly sentimental or just want to reminisce with friends about the old days, Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe is the ideal spot. As for me, I’ll be back to indulge in old-school eats while vicariously experiencing Singapore in its younger years.
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