The 12 Best Kopitiams in Singapore That Are Steeped in Tradition
Walking into a kopitiam is like stepping into a time capsule of Singaporean culture. The aroma of freshly brewed kopi, the clatter of plates, and the uncles expertly pulling teh bring back nostalgic vibes with every visit.
These humble yet vibrant coffee shops are where you’ll find Singaporeans bonding over kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. Whether you’re hunting for the best kopi peng or craving a slice of history with your breakfast, this guide will show you the top kopitiams worth exploring!
Heap Seng Leong
– Media from heapsengleong
Location: 10 N Bridge Rd, #01-5109
Contact: +6562922368
Hours: Daily, 5 AM–3 PM
Price: $
Heap Seng Leong feels like a time machine tucked away in modern Singapore. With its retro décor and uncles in singlets making kopi gu you (coffee made with a thick slab of butter), this old-school kopitiam oozes charm you won’t find elsewhere.
The highlight? Their charcoal-grilled kaya toast paired with rich, buttery kopi gu you. Take it from me, one sip of that creamy coffee, and you’ll understand why this spot has stood the test of time.
Pro tip: Grab the fresh curry puffs to go with your kopi—just $$1 each!
Tong Ah Eating House
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Location: 35 Keong Saik Rd
Contact: +6562235083
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–10 PM
Price: $
Tong Ah Eating House has been a cornerstone of kopitiam culture since 1939, and it’s easy to see why. Its crispy kaya toast, paired with fragrant aged Sri Lankan tea, hits the spot every time.
What makes it unique is the choice between traditional and crispy bread for your toast. The crispy version adds a whole new level of crunch that’s worth waking up early for.
Pro tip: Try the ultra-thin kaya toast. One slice of bread is halved, toasted, filled with kaya and butter, and doubled up for two sandwiches from two slices!
Coffee Break
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Location: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, #02-78
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–2.30 PM
Price: $
Coffee Break is where tradition meets creativity, run by third-generation hawkers at Amoy Street Food Centre. Its modern twists on kopi, like the black sesame iced kopi, offer a unique spin while still honouring classic flavours.
The menu also includes tea and toast with playful spreads like Earl Grey or tarik kaya (pulled tea flavoured with kaya spread). It’s the perfect spot if you’re craving something familiar yet exciting.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the sea salt caramel latte—smooth and rich! The rum and raisin crème toast is also a unique delight worth trying.
Generation Coffee
– Media from cafenall.asia
Location: Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd, #01-321
Contact: +6588912911
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.30–10.30 AM, 11.15 AM–3 PM
Price: $
Generation Coffee gives a fresh spin to traditional kopi by using espresso machines for a smoother, bolder brew. It’s where Nanyang coffee meets speciality café vibes—perfect for those who love tradition but crave modern flair.
The quality and consistency make this shop a hit, especially among younger crowds. I especially love its espresso-style kopi, as it changed how I see my morning cup.
Pro tip: Expect long queues with 10–25 minutes wait during peak hours. Plan accordingly!
Wan Gui
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Location: 29 Bendemeer Rd, #01-07 Market & Food Centre
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 11 PM
Price: $
Wan Gui is a true hidden gem with its vibrant yellow storefront and punchy kopi o. The brews here are robust and affordable and pack a flavour that stands out from the usual kopitiam coffee.
The coffee here is rich and wonderfully aromatic, so it hits the spot any time of the day. Plus, the dark soy sauce served in a baby bottle is such a quirky, iconic touch—you won’t forget it!
Pro tip: The half-boiled eggs here are pre-cracked and impressively larger than most coffee stalls!
Keng Wah Sung
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Location: 783 Geylang Rd
Contact: +656744 3784
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5.30 AM to 11 PM
Price: $
Keng Wah Sung in Geylang has been serving traditional kopi and kaya toast for over 70 years, and it’s like stepping into a piece of history. Its old-school charm and unbeatable prices make it a local favourite for a hearty breakfast.
It’s the kind of place where every bite reminds you why these traditions endure. The classic breakfast set, with its perfectly brewed kopi and crispy kaya toast, is both comforting and nostalgic.
Pro tip: Fluffy toast soaks up kaya and butter perfectly, while the runny eggs pair beautifully with pepper and soy sauce.
Killiney Kopitiam
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Location: 67 Killiney Rd
Contact: +6567343910
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 6 AM to 11 PM
Tuesday, 6 AM to 9 PM
Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM
Price: $
Killiney Kopitiam brings authentic old-school vibes, serving locals since 1919—a true century-old gem! It’s an affordable spot to enjoy classic kopitiam fare.
I had the French toast with milk tea for tea time, and it didn’t disappoint. The toast was soft with a nice eggy flavour, and the homemade kaya had just the right balance of sweetness and coconut goodness.
Pro tip: The menu is charmingly old-school, with pictures and prices listed separately. First-timers, take note: match the dish names with the price list.
YY Kafei Dian
– Media from yykafeidian
Location: 37 Beach Rd, #01-01
Contact: +6563368813
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 7.30 AM–7 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 8 AM–7 PM
Price: $
YY Kafei Dian serves the softest kaya bun toast with a fragrant coconut spread that’s absolutely divine. The eggs? Fresh and perfectly runny—like nothing I’ve had before!
I tried the kaya toast set, and the fluffy, sweet toast paired with the rich, robust coffee was the ultimate morning treat. A must-try for sure.
Pro tip: Be prepared for long waits—over 30 minutes during busy times. Weekend lunch queues can even form an L-shaped line outside the shop.
Good Morning Nanyang Cafe
– Media from tiait_tiait
Location: 14 Scotts Rd, #02-23 Far East Plaza
Contact: +6596503256
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Price: $
Good Morning Nanyang Café is my go-to spot for kopi and toast. I’ve tried all their toast variations, but the ciabatta, especially the orange one, is a standout.
Each toast is made to order—crispy with just the right amount of kaya and butter. The orange ciabatta’s citrusy hint pairs beautifully with the kaya, and the eggs are always fresh and plump.
Pro tip: Go for kopi c or kopi c peng—rich and creamy! Just note the S$0.20 upgrade fee for set prices.
Hock Hai Coffee
– Media from cozy_eats
Location: Hong Lim Food and Market Centre, 531A Upper Cross St, #02-68
Contact: +65 6225 5632
Hours: Monday to Friday, 6.30 AM–3.30 PM
Price: $
Hock Hai Coffee serves ridiculously good coffee—creamy with a hint of roasted depth that’s so unique.
The uncle is a true master, carefully crafting each cup with precision, from balancing the condensed milk to ensuring my gao siew dai (thick, less sweet) was spot on.
S$1 for a kopi C downtown in this day and age? Unbelievable, but it’s true! And honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve tasted.
Pro tip: It’s a cash-only kopitiam.
MS BBQ Inasal
– Media from kopitiam.sg
Location: 17 Petir Rd, #02-15/16/18/19/20 Hillion Mall
Contact: +6593975057
Hours: Daily, 10.30 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $
MS BBQ Inasal is a hidden gem for Filipino food lovers, serving authentic, carinderia-style (small eatery) dishes in a kopitiam setting. The stall is Muslim-owned and now Halal-certified, making it a great spot for everyone to enjoy Filipino classics.
The kopi is robust and smooth, pairing perfectly with the unique offerings like grilled inasal (roasted marinated) chicken. I like that you get the best of both worlds—Filipino comfort food with a local twist!
Pro tip: For smaller appetites, split the dish for both lunch and dinner, as portions are generous.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee
– Media from cassakating
Location: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd, #02-95
Contact: +6597102907
Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday, 5.30 AM to 3 PM
Price: $
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee is a gem for coffee lovers. I had iced black coffee with no sugar, and it was bold, rich, and smooth—unbelievable for just S$1.20!
The buttery kaya toast is a must-try, especially paired with kopi that has just a touch of condensed milk for sweetness. Simple, affordable, and so satisfying.
Pro tip: The kaya here has a distinct eggy flavour—perfect if that’s your style.