Tam Chiak Kopitiam: A Haven of Local Flavours and Passionate Hawkers

Introducing Tam Chiak Kopitiam, a new culinary venture close to my heart. After years as a food writer, I am excited to embark on this journey and open a coffee shop in Singapore.

This opportunity came about when Mediacorp actor Chew Chor Meng invited me to join him and his partners in taking over the coffee shop located at Block 212 Hougang Street 21. It was an honour when the team decided to name the coffee shop after my brand, “Miss Tam Chiak.”

Tam Chiak Kopitiam offers a wide range of local favourites that Singaporeans know and love. After months of meticulous planning, I’ve curated a selection of stalls run by some of my favourite local hawkers. Here’s what you can expect when you dine at Tam Chiak Kopitiam.

Ru Ji Kitchen

Renowned for their handcrafted fishball noodles, Ru Ji Kitchen is set to open their first coffee shop stall at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Daniel and Joanne, second-generation stall owners, take immense pride in serving this beloved traditional dish. Their handmade fishballs, made from fresh fish paste, are skillfully hand-rolled to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. And don’t forget to try their homemade sambal, which adds a fiery kick to the dish.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

For fans of Nasi Lemak, Tam Chiak Kopitiam has a treat in store. On their honeymoon in Lombok, Indonesia, ex-cabin crew Noorman and his wife fell in love with Ayam Taliwang and decided to bring its captivating taste to Singapore. Their Halal-certified stall at Yishun Park Food Centre has received a prestigious “Michelin Plate” recognition for 3 consecutive years. Now, Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang will be opening an outlet at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. We can’t resist their signature Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, where succulent grilled chicken, which is generously coated in a luscious and aromatic sauce that encapsulates the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, takes center stage. They will also be serving curry rice and goreng pisang!

DanLao

DanLao (蛋佬) is run by the youngest and most enthusiastic crew. This incredible scrambled egg rice specialty stall is the brainchild of four passionate young hawkers, two of whom were former chefs from Eggslut Singapore. Their freshly-cooked egg mixture is delicately draped over fragrant jasmine rice and topped with mouthwatering ingredients such as char siew and chicken cutlet. One bite of their fried chicken cutlet omelette rice will leave you craving more.

De Sinn Chicken Rice

Derwin, an animation graduate with a passion for cooking, together with his fiancée Jasmine and her sister Jacquelin, is bringing their delectable chicken rice to the heartlands. What sets De Sinn Chicken Rice apart? Let’s talk about their white poached chicken. The chicken meat is an absolute delight—tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. And if you’re in the mood for roast chicken, they’ve got you covered too. Don’t miss their house-made chili sauce and fragrant minced ginger!

Oppa Kitchen

Despite initial skepticism, Ang Jun Yang and his friends have created a Korean stall called Oppa Kitchen that truly impresses with its authentic dishes. Korean Chef Nick has joined the team, ensuring that dishes such as fried chicken, bibimbap, and more are prepared with utmost care. The bite-sized boneless fried chicken is available in various flavours such as original, curry, sweet & spicy, and even chili crab sauce. From Kimchi Cheese Fried Rice to Rabokki and Army Stew Ramyeon, Oppa Kitchen offers a range of must-try Korean dishes that will satisfy your cravings.

Flaky Haus

At Tam Chiak Kopitiam, you can enjoy quality croissants at kopitiam prices thanks to Flaky Haus. Freshly baked daily, their croissants come in various flavors, which include tuna and egg mayo fillings. Additionally, Flaky Haus offers a delectable selection of cakes, such as red velvet, lychee rose, orh nee, ondeh ondeh, tiramisu, lemon meringue, and more. Start your day with a croissant and a cup of local kopi, or treat yourself to a slice of cake after a satisfying mookata dinner.

Wen Kang Ji

Known for their wanton noodles, Wen Kang Ji has crafted exclusive dishes for Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Tantalize your taste buds with their Big Prawn Noodles and Teochew Style Red Grouper Fish. The prawns are cooked to perfection, and served in a rich broth that is bursting with natural sweetness. You will be impressed by the tender and succulent Teochew-style steamed red grouper, which is complemented by sour plum, salted vegetables, tomatoes, and more. Don’t forget to get their irresistible side dishes like fried dumplings and fried wanton for a complete meal experience.

Chef De Pasta

Prepare to be amazed by the pasta offerings at Tam Chiak Kopitiam’s Chef De Pasta stall which sends out one of the better pasta dishes you’ll ever taste. Indulge in delicious Prawn Aglio Olio, and the addictive Salted Egg Pasta with Chicken Karaage. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find options such as Japanese Garlic Fried Rice with a variety of meat and seafood choices, alongside classic mains like Grilled Cajun Chicken Chop and Fish & Chips.

888 Mookata

Owned by Mediacorp artistes Chew Chor Meng and Zhou Chongqing, 888 Mookata at Tam Chiak Kopitiam offers an affordable mookata dining experience. Their set menus, at all-inclusive nett prices, include premium ingredients such as scallops and prawns. Incredible value for money, methinks! Grill a variety of meats, or cook popular hotpot items in the moat of tasty broth. The well-marinated pork collar is a must-try. Don’t forget to round off your meal by adding a packet of tom yum instant noodles to the delicious broth.

Yeo Yeo Huat

A familiar name to many, Yeo Yeo Huat is a drinks stall at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Inspired by the long-running Singapore drama, the stall partners, including actors Chew Chor Meng and Dennis Chew, have retained the iconic signboard from the show. With a commitment to quality, they have curated a range of coffee and tea options that will definitely tickle your tastebuds.

Tam Chiak Kopitiam at Block 212 Hougang Street 21 pays homage to Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture and recognise Singaporean’s passion for local flavours. With a diverse range of cuisines, the kopitiam captures the essence of Singapore’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional favourites such as fishball noodles and chicken rice, or craving Korean delights and mouthwatering pastas, Tam Chiak Kopitiam is the perfect destination for food enthusiasts. See you soon!