Banking on nostalgia always works! After the success of its first old-school cafe at Tanjong Pagar, Great Nanyang has unveiled a new outpost at 111 Somerset and we've fallen for the retro 80s aesthetic all over again.
Created by the founder of Yang Ming Seafood, Great Nanyang is now a chain of heritage cafes inspired by kopitiams of olden days in Singapore and Malaysia. Like its first outlet, the new cafe at 111 Somerset serves up comfort fare like nasi lemak and mee siam in an Instagrammable 80s-inspired setting.
Retro Ambience at Great Nanyang @ 111 Somerset
Photo from Great Nanyang
The Tanjong Pagar outlet was impressive enough, but the decor team has taken things up a notch here with immersive interiors and fascinating little details that nod to the past. Just look at the wall of old Khong Guan Biscuit tins and the 'old man' singlets!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
We were in awe of how legit everything looks. Think museum rather than theme park!
It's clear that the knick knacks on display aren't just props; the old magazines, flyers, posters and even gate and doors are actual vintage items. The worn-out bicycle at the outer dining space is also a real treasure from a bygone era that belonged to the founder's grandfather.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The most charming feature of all is the Mamashop popsicle stand. Those who grew up in the 80s will remember shopping for snacks and paying for it via the old-school honour system AKA the pulley money tin. For the younger folks, here's how it works: you pull the tin that's suspended on a pulley, drop your money inside and collect your purchased item.
Great Nanyang at 111 Somerset recreates this nostalgic tradition with a cute Milo tin where you can leave payment for popsicles ($3 each). These icy treats come in flavours like Ribena, Sour Plum Kopi-O, Hor Ka Sai, Milo and Mango.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Even the takeaway counter is like a time machine to the past! A self-ordering kiosk is disguised as a retro telephone booth, a recreation of Singtel booths that peppered the streets of Singapore in the 90s.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Coffeeshop-Style Menu at Great Nanyang @ 111 Somerset
On the menu are the same kopitiam favourites as well as exclusive dishes.
Our favourite was the Curry Chicken Toast ($7.90) with bite-sized chicken chunks in a fragrant and rich curry that we wiped out in no time. It's served with slices of generously buttered baguette.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you're craving something more substantial, go for the Curry Chicken Chee Cheong Fun ($9.90). It has silky steamed rice rolls bathed in the same delicious curry.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Something that's just as satisfying is the Claypot Mee Tai Mak ($9.90) with mee tai mak prawns and a raw egg you can cook in the bubbling hot pot.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
For dessert, treat yourself and your inner child to the Milo Toast (traditional:$3.50, thick: $4) with Milo powder and condensed milk. We recommend having this to share as it's a pretty indulgent dessert!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
New drinks include Longan Tea ($3.80), a smooth and creamy yet light Soymilk Coffee ($5.90), and Sai Ka Hor (hot: $3 or cold: $5) made of Milo and tea.
Opening Promotion at Great Nanyang @ 111 Somerset
To celebrate the launch of this second outlet, Great Nanyang will have a promo from 5 to 7 April 2024 where you can enjoy popsicles at 50% off ($1.50, U.P.: $3).
Great Nanyang @ 111 Somerset is located at 111 Somerset Road, #01-09, and is open from 7.30am to 9pm daily.
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