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Dip into bites of local delicacy and immerse in childhood memories at Tan Xiang Cai Shi, a retro coffeeshop in Bedok opened by actor-cum-entrepreneur Ben Yeo. Since welcoming its first guests on 8 May 2024, the charming 350-seater kopitiam has attracted many foodies and nostalgia-seekers to its grounds.
Tan Xiang Cai Shi Kopitiam: Wide Range of Seafood and Popular Hawker Fare
The coffeeshop houses seven food stalls that over more than 15 types of seafood and popular local dishes.
The signature dish Tan Xiang Charcoal Fish Head Steamboat offers a rich broth prepared with fried fish head, chicken, dried scallops and pork bone. The dish costs $46 and up, depending on the portion size and your choice of fish.
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We got to try the silver pomfret and really liked the bites of soft texture meat and the tinge of natural sweetness that complements the smoky flavour from the charcoal-fired steamboat.
Seafood lovers could indulge themselves in crowd favourites such as the Steamed Premium Scallops in Black Bean Sauce (seasonal price) and Nonya Style Live La La Clams (seasonal price).
The scallops give a light chili spice kick with a light aftertaste of white wine.
Our favourite is the Salted Egg Yolk Australian Lobster (seasonal price) that has a rich creamy coat of salted egg yolk sauce that strikes a beautiful balance with the delicate texture of the lobster meat.
It can lean on the heavy side for those who prefer a light palate, which we will then suggest pairing with the fish head steamboat and a nice cup of ice lemon tea.
If you are craving for hawker food options other than seafood, not to worry as the coffeeshop also has stalls that feature local delights such as Coffee Spare Ribs ($18+), Oatmeal Charcoal Tofu with Pumpkin Sauce ($18+) and more.
Unique ‘Pulling Kopi’ Experience
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and try your hands at the craft of ‘pulling kopi’, available at 2 pm to 5 pm every day with the order of the LA KOPI Set for 2 ($9.90).
Each set comes with a traditional coffee pot, kaya butter toast and soft-boiled eggs.
Old-school Snacks at the Mama Shop
Pop by the mama shop for complimentary old-school snacks like the ice pops and chocolate wafers.
The snacks may vary day-to-day, so diners can look forward to different surprises that take them back to a past era on every visit.
This is complete with free kiddie rides for children, adding fun to family meal time.
Nostalgic Wet Market Set-up that Transports You Back in Time
Inspired by the wet markets in the 1980s and 1990s, the coffeeshop sports an IG-worthy photo spot at its front façade with a vintage car sits at the lot, waiting to bring visitors back in time for a photo memory.
The wall murals and walk-in set showcasing a row of dry provision shops allow visitors to step into an interactive space that take them through a snapshot in the everyday life of Singapore in its early days.
This is not only a place for the stomach, but also an adventure through time to celebrate the humble cultural roots shared by the community.
Tan Xiang Cai Shi opens daily, from 6 am to 10 pm.
It is located at 510 Chai Chee Lane, Singapore 469027. For more information, please visit the Tan Xiang Cai Shi Instagram page.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy this other foodie story or this one on a buffet in Singapore.