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Great Nanyang Is A New Nostalgic, Old-School Cafe At Tanjong Pagar Serving Up Comfort Food Under $10

Great Nanyang Is A New Nostalgic, Old-School Cafe At Tanjong Pagar Serving Up Comfort Food Under $10

Lifestyle Food
By Karmen on 16 Aug 2023
Digital Editor
Has severe RBF but is fairly jolly and carefree on the inside. Degree of life satisfaction is heavily influenced by food.

The cool neighbourhood and food paradise, Tanjong Pagar, has welcomed yet another new kid on the block - Great Nanyang. But unlike the trendy restaurants and swanky bars in the area, this concept combines humble kopitiam fare and a stylish cafe setting.

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A three-year project by the founder of Yang Ming Seafood, Great Nanyang offers a dining experience that oozes with nostalgia. On the menu is classic comfort food from olden day kopitiams in Singapore and Malaysia, and complementing it is a charming ambience that'll transport diners to the 80s.

Nostalgic 1980s Ambience at Great Nanyang

Great Nanyang InteriorPhoto from Great Nanyang

Great Nanyang has been lovingly designed to resemble a kopitiam from the 50s to 80s. More than simply emulating the romanticised retro aesthetic, the cafe interior uses actual vintage items sourced from antique shops or salvaged from old heritage buildings.

The walls are adorned with vintage posters and old photographs, and every nook is peppered with old-school items from radios and telephones to traditional moulds of mooncakes and ang ku kueh.

Even the bathroom looks like a peek into the past, with retro floor tiles, mirrors and light switches.

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Great Nanyang exteriorPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Those who love a good photo op will find many museum-worthy ones here. The best spot is at entrance which features restored window grilles, traditional wooden windows, and a Great Nanyang signboard carved from wooden planks from old colonial houses. 

Retro decor at Great NanyangPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Great Nanyang InteriorPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

While the cafe is not air-conditioned, it's well-equipped with ceiling fans that kept the space cool and comfortable even on a hot afternoon.

Retro decor at Great NanyangPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Retro decor at Great NanyangPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Food & drinks at Great Nanyang

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As for the food, expect familiar dishes you'd find at your go-to kopitiam, but served a more elegant, cafe-style presentation. Everything is well-priced with most mains at under $10 and snacks from $2.50.

For breakfast, you can go wrong with the classic Soft Boil Kampung Egg ($2.50 for 2pcs) paired with traditional toast. If you like a solid crunch to your bread, go for the Thick Toast ($2.70) which has a generous slab of butter and kaya between crispy toast. It also comes in a healthier Wholemeal ($3) version as well as with toppings such as Chicken Floss ($4.80) and Egg Mayo (from $3.80).

Thick Hand Made Kaya ToastPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

The toast options don't end there! Great Nanyang offers more varieties including Garlic Toast ($2.50), Luncheon Meat Toast ($4.50) and Bolo Bun ($4.80).

The cafe recommends the French Toast ($4.50 - $5) and we second that! Cut into bite-sized cubes, the toast was well-soaked with egg on all sides, giving each piece a flavourful punch and satisfying crisp edges. The cherry on top was the surprise peanut butter filling inside which balanced well with the sweet syrup. The other options for fillings, kaya butter and cheesy ham, sound just as promising.

French Toast with Peanut ButterPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

The mains menu will also have you spoilt for choice.

Those craving noodles can indulge in comfort picks like Penang Prawn Noodle ($8.90), Nonya Curry Laksa ($8.90) and Moon Light Hor Fun ($7.90).

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The Dry Mee Siam ($8.90 - $10.90) gets a thumbs up from us for its fragrant and addictive sauce with a lovely balance of spiciness, sweetness and tang. While it was tasty enough on its own, the dried shrimp paste took things up a notch further. It comes with a fried egg, cucumber slices and a choice of meat including Chicken Berempah Leg, Curry Chicken, Sambal Petai Prawn and Rendang Mutton.

Dry Mee Siam with Sambal Petai PrawnPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

If you're in the mood for rice, pair the same meat options with Nasi Lemak Kukus ($8.90 - 10.90). The basmati rice is steamed using traditional methods which gives a strong aroma.

Nasi Lemak KukusPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

A sharing dish worth ordering is the Curry Fishball ($4.80). These fishballs had a bouncy yet smooth texture and was coated in a delightful sauce reminiscent of laksa.

Curry FishballsPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

The drinks choices are, unsurprisingly, what you'd expect at a traditional kopitiam too. Get your Kopi and Teh fix ($1.70 - $4) or treat yourself to something sweet like Milo ($2 - $4.50). The Hor Ka Sai ($3 - $5) is a must-try if you're a mocha drinker or like a touch of sweetness to your coffee. It had a perfect ratio of coffee to Milo for both a proper caffeine kick and malty goodness.

Hor Ka SaiPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

Great Nanyang
Address: 5 Craig Road, Singapore 089665 (3-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening hours: 7.30am - 9pm daily (last orders: 8.30pm)
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Heading for drinks and desserts after your meal? Check out these other Tanjong Pagar eateries for round 2: