Ah, Toast Box Coffee House 土司工坊咖啡店 has taken over the previous the iconic local haunt of Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh.
This is prime location, nestled opposite the bustling Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre.
At least this Coffee House concept attempts to present more than just a typical local café – it is a stroll down memory lane with a wider variety of food.
For those unfamiliar, Toast Box was established in October 2005 by the Bread Talk Group, and celebrates the classic ‘kopitiam’ or coffee shop experience.
People go to Toast Box for freshly brewed local coffee paired with an assortment of toasts, buns, and local delights.
Walking into this Toast Box Coffee House, the space radiates a retro ambiance, thanks to its mid-century design elements.
If you are looking for a spot with a cool atmosphere in the morning or evening, this can be the place, though I have been told the afternoons can get a tad warm.
A pleasant surprise here is the inclusion of First Street Teochew Fish Soup.
Originating from Upper Serangoon Road in 1988, they have brought their third outlet right into this Toast Box Coffee House (the second at Tai Seng Food Republic).
On the menu are Batang Fish Soup, Deep Fried Batang Fish Head Soup, Chinese Pomfret Fish Soup, Garoupa Fish Soup and Seafood Porridge.
I tried their Batang Fish Soup ($8.90), and found the fish slices fresh, although I remember the soup being a tad more flavourful back then.
Understandably not 100% like the original, but still a decent treat, and I won’t mind having this again.
Apart from the classics, this Toast Box Coffee House offers a blend of Nanyang favourites and British-inspired dishes.
The menu includes treats like Old School Hainanese Pork Chop ($11.80), Claypot Hokkien Prawn Mee ($9.80), Kampong Fried Rice ($8.20) and Claypot Laksa ($8.80).
I opted for the Bee Hoon with Luncheon Meat ($5.00), as the chicken option needed 20 minutes of wait (apparently because it would be freshly grilled).
It was served warmer than what I have encountered in other Toast Box outlets. And it is somewhere to have Economic Bee Hoon late at night.
However, a heads-up for potential visitors – while a 10% service charge applies, it may not entirely translate to full service.
Drinks and eggs are self-serve, and only the main dish and toasts are brought to your table. Remember your table number when ordering!
But here’s where it gets a bit tricky: the Fish Soup requires self-collection. It is a minor inconsistency, but something to keep in mind.
All in all, Toast Box Coffee House on Seng Poh Road is a good blend of the old and new, offering a culinary trip down memory lane while serving up some local favourites and comforting Fish Soup.
Toast Box Coffee House
58 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 160058
Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
The Hainan Story (Hillion Mall)
Downstairs 楼下 (Suntec City)
The Hainan Story Chapter 2 (Jewel Changi Airport)
SG Hawker (Clarke Quay)
The Coconut Club (Siglap)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
