To All The Coffee I Miss (Singapore)

After living in Singapore for many years, I have grown accustomed to starting my morning with a cup of "Kopi O Kosong." It is a Singaporean slang term for black coffee with no sugar. Not just any black coffee, it is a type of traditional beverage typically prepared using ground Robusta beans that have been roasted with sugar and margarine/butter, and steeped using "Coffee Socks." Served in a classic ceramic cup, that's what made most of my mornings.

These are some of my regular "Kopi" haunts in Singapore:

Killiney Kopitiam

67 Killiney Rd, Singapore 239525

Killiney Kopitiam is one of my favorite coffee spots. Not only does it serve good coffee, but it also offers delicious local breakfast in a rustic shophouse setting. Their charcoal-toasted French Toast is amazing, and I like to scoop a little butter from the toast into my coffee to enhance its smoothness. However, you might want to skip their other outlets. Apart from sharing the same brand, they do not seem to serve similarly prepared food and beverages.

Toast Box

Possibly within 10 minutes distance of wherever you are in Singapore

Not everyone will agree with me that Toast Box serves great coffee, but to me, it's still a desirable option compared to the sea of cafes and food courts serving "Kopi." My partner in crime loves the Prawn Noodle, and often I order their Peanut Thick Toast to accompany the coffee.

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

You may find it in most established shopping centers in Singapore

A consistent coffee-chain experience. That is how I would describe Ya Kun Kaya Toast. It gives me peace of mind to know that the local coffee culture can be preserved by a chain brand. If I have a stomach to fill, I would order their Steamed Bread, a delicacy not easily found in other coffee shops.

The Hainan Story

17 Petir Rd, #01-15/16 Hillion Mall, Singapore 678278 They have opened branches now: https://www.thehainanstory.com/page/locate-us

Believe it or not, it's not easy to find coffee shops that open in a shopping center before 8 am in Singapore. Hainan Story is one of them, opening early and providing a pleasant atmosphere in the morning. The location may not suit everyone, but if you live in the neighborhood, it's worth a try. I love pairing my coffee with the bread they serve in the bakery section; it's very soft and tasty.

The 1950's Coffee

335 Smith St, #02-048, Singapore 050335

1950's Coffee is a simple, no-nonsense coffee stall that became my daily haunt when I was working in the Keong Saik road area. Situated in the Chinatown Food Complex, it allows its patrons to pair a nice cup of coffee with countless delicious foods available in the same complex. Apparently, it is currently featured in the Michelin Guide.

Tong Ah Eating House

35 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089142

Tong Ah Coffee could very well be the first coffee shop that has taught me to appreciate traditional Singaporean coffee. The rustic shophouse and the bittersweet coffee are perfect for me. Whenever I'm in the area, it has been my indulgence to simply park by the roadside and have a cuppa before continuing my journey.