So there I was, walking through the Katong neighbourhood, stomach growling and soul craving something comforting. I had heard whispers about an old-school coffee shop that’s been around forever Chin Mee Chin. Everyone kept saying, “You have to try their kaya toast.”
And Buf, when I stepped inside? It was like I walked into a time machine. Retro green tiles, marble tables, old ceiling fans spinning lazily the kind of place that doesn’t just feed your belly, it feeds your heart.
A Century of Toast & Tradition
Chin Mee Chin isn’t just another breakfast spot. It’s been around since 1925, which means this little gem has been serving up joy for 100 years, a whole century of kaya toast, kopi, and heartwarming memories.
They did close for a short while in 2018 but the great news? It reopened in 2021 with much of its heritage preserved. The vibe remains old-school, the recipes are lovingly restored, and the queue? Still as long as ever. That’s how you know it’s real, Buf.
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What’s On The Menu, Buf? A Whole Lot of Yum
Here’s what Chin Mee Chin does best:
- Kaya Toast grilled over charcoal
- Soft-boiled eggs with dark soy and pepper
- Traditional kopi & teh (coffee/tea)
- Nostalgic buns like Hae Bee Hiam, Luncheon Meat, and Laksa Bun
- Classic desserts like Cream Horns, Sugee Cake, and Tarts
They even have limited-edition items for their 100th anniversary like Curry Pork Chop and French toast creations. But me? I went all in on the sweet stuff (with just enough savoury to balance it out 
).
What I Ordered and What You Should Too, Buf
1. Kaya Toast Set
The ultimate classic. Toasted over charcoal till slightly crisp, slathered with homemade kaya (coconut egg jam) and a thick slab of cold butter. The sweet-salty combo melts in your mouth. I paired it with soft-boiled eggs and kopi sue sue dai perfect for dipping!
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2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart
The ultimate classic. Toasted over charcoal till slightly crisp, slathered with homemade kaya (coconut egg jam) and a thick slab of cold butter. The sweet-salty combo melts in your mouth. I paired it with soft-boiled eggs and kopi sue sue dai perfect for dipping!
3. Laksa Bun
Yes, Buf laksa. In a bun. It’s filled with a creamy, slightly spicy laksa paste. Imagine the soul of laksa, wrapped in a soft, fluffy hug of bread. Unexpected, but it works!
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4. Cheesecake Brownies
Dense, chocolatey brownies swirled with cheesecake on top. This one’s for serious dessert lovers. I took one bite and instantly wished I had ordered two.
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5. Kaya Custard Puff
Think choux pastry meets kaya pudding. It’s light, creamy, and tropical like biting into a sweet cloud of coconut and egg custard. Loved it as a final bite.
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How to Find Chin Mee Chin
- Address: 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Payment: Can pay with cash dan PayNow
Fyi: No reservations. Just show up early, especially on weekends, or be ready to wait (worth it).
Bonus:
After eating, Buf can stroll over to Dona Manis (yes the banana pie one!) just a short walk away. Two legends, one Katong
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Final Bite: Why You Gotta Go, Buf
Chin Mee Chin isn’t just breakfast. It’s a delicious slice of history, a warm piece of nostalgia, and a place where time slows down just enough for you to enjoy life’s little pleasures.
If you ever find yourself in Singapore, promise me one thing, Buf: wake up early, come hungry, and let Chin Mee Chin give you the sweetest kind of throwback.
