In the mood for comforting food like Malaysian-style nasi lemak and kaya toast?
You no longer need to travel all the way to Johor Bahru, given how we’ve been seeing numerous Nanyang kopitiam-inspired concepts like Great Nanyang, Ipoh Town Kopitiam, and in time to come, Oriental Kopi, sprouting up across the island.
But if you’ve always wanted to indulge in these nostalgic delights for supper, look no further than JUwei, an “Old Nanyang Coffee Shop” concept that opens till 2am.
It’s centrally located at the SAFRA Town Club along Carpenter Street, just a short walk from Clarke Quay MRT, so you can totally swing by for some post-drinks grub.
Although the space doesn’t exactly scream “retro”, you can still find old-school wooden tables and chairs outfitted with marble accents, alongside neon signs and vintage appliances.
Like most Nanyang-style coffeehouses, you can expect an extensive menu featuring snacks, a la carte mains, zi char-style dishes for sharing, drinks, and desserts.
I for one always kick things off with a classic Kaya Butter Toast (S$2.50), best enjoyed in the value-for-money Toast Set (S$5.90) consisting of kopi, toast, and half-boiled eggs. All toasts, however, are only available till 7pm.
If you’re not in the mood for regular ol’ toast, go for snacks like the Mini Youtiao with Kaya Dipping (S$4.50) or Portugese Tart (S$2), because what’s a kopitiam without egg tarts?
Speaking of kopi, prices start at a reasonable S$2.10 for a hot Kopi-O, but you can slurp up crowd favourites like “overflowing” Kopi-Tarik (from S$3.20), Milo Dino (S$4.50) and Hor Ka Sai (S$4.50).
As for savoury mains, you won’t go wrong with signatures like the Penang Prawn Mee (S$11.90), Penang Char Kuey Teow (S$10.90), and Chicken Curry Cheong Fun (S$7.90).
Those with big appetites can choose from a selection of One Tray Meals, such as the Nasi Lemak with Crispy Fried Chicken Whole Leg Combo (S$12.90), starring a generous portion of ayam goreng berempah, peanuts, ikan bilis, eggs, tofu, and assorted vegetables.
Feel free to pair your mains with fried sides like Red Fried Pork Belly (S$8.90) and Prawn Paste Chicken Mid Joint (S$8.90), before ending on a sweet note with an array of locally-inspired desserts.
We hear you can enjoy all desserts, including the Durian Chendol (S$7.50), Taro Grass Jelly (S$4.50), and Pumpkin Taro Sago (S$5.50), at 50% off from 10pm onwards. Now that’s a sweet deal.
So, the next time cravings for kopitiam fare strike, and JB seems too far away, why not just head on down to JUwei?
JUwei 聚味老南洋咖啡店
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📍 29 Carpenter St, SAFRA Level 1, Singapore 059923
🕐 8am–2am (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨