Great Nanyang Is A New Nostalgic, Old-School Cafe At Tanjong Pagar Serving Up Comfort Food Under $10
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.
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.
P.S. check out 8 other retro eateries in Singapore.
Nostalgic 1980s Ambience at Great Nanyang
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo 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.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Food & drinks at Great Nanyang
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).
Photo 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.
Photo 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).
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.
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
Photo 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.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Heading for drinks and desserts after your meal? Check out these other Tanjong Pagar eateries for round 2:
- Allpress Espresso Café: Unique Coffee-Infused Desserts
- Set of Six: Romantic Tropical-Themed Bar With A Hidden Entrance
- Roji Monster Ice Cream: Shaved Ice Cream In A Minimalist Japanese-Style Setting
