Toast Box Singapore : Quickie a-la Modern Kopitiam

It is almost impossible to not noticing this particular food franchise. Its one of the first things I see when I reached Singapore's uber-convenient airport, its also one of the last things I see there when I was about to leave, and its simply present in every malls I went into.

Later on I found out, that Toast Box is another brand from Bread Talk group along with Food Republic, Din Tai Fung, Ramen Play, and many others. I suppose it is only natural to get a bit inquisitive after knowing this, plus the fact that the joint is usually crowded with people. 

I decided to start my day here one morning. Eggs, kaya bread, and coffee. The usual breakfast-of-a-champion trio. 

I must say all three served me well. 

The kaya bread with that slice of thick butter sandwiched in between is the best out of the pack. It reminds me of Bangi Kopitiam here in Jakarta and their signature Malacca Portuguese Toast. This one however, carry a less intense sweetness, and minus the toasted-crunch feel of its contender. The coffee was equally good, enough caffeine to kickstart my sleepy eyes, and enough milk to satisfy my sweet tongue. 

Ambience wise, I'd still go for local hawker style kopitiam. Toast Box and its modern design has stripped that quaint feel off. But I suppose people come here for speed and convenience. I spent almost half an hour here, and some of the people who were queueing behind me has left earlier. Its a good problem for Toast Box, eh? 

I guess its just perfect for a morning quickie. (whatever that means to you) ;) 

PS: My next Sin-cia-po post would be on Miele's #12 Top Asia Restaurant. Dare to make a guess? Stay tuned. 

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Find Toast Box at: 

Changi Airport Terminal 2. 

Vivo City

Wisma Atria

Raffles City

Centre Point Orchard

313 Somerset

Bugis Junction 

Relax & Unwind at My Kopi O!

Its been a while since I posted here. Did anyone miss me? =p Well anyway, its been quite a while as well since I last tasted My Kopi O! at its place of birth, Surabaya. They've finally expanded to Jakarta and chose Living World - Alam Sutera to settle their pilot project.

I was amazed as they were able to duplicate the exact cozy atmosphere with the white bricks wall and designer's chairs. The joint pleasantly stood out from neighbouring stores. Thumbs up for that. Now that the eyes have been entertained, the big question is, does the food do so as well? Let me take you through the little feast I had.

I'm gonna start with my favorite menu, Combi Chinese Burger (38k).

This reminded me of good ol' grandma's recipe. A half bun of pao stuffed with slow-cooked pork and chili sauce on top. The only difference is that everything is halal here. They have spicy chicken, BBQ chicken, and black pepper beef instead. You don't want to miss the black pepper beef. It tasted a little off from the usual blackpepper. It has a likeable aroma of Chinese herbs and medicine. I somehow found it delectable, and Jenz too.

Served on a chopping board, this meal simply pleasing to the eye and the tongue.

On my next favorite list are Nanyang Kopi Tarik (18k) and Kaya Toast (18k)

Boasting a unique kind of coffee beans, namely the Lanang Coffee, My Kopi O! tries to bring out a unique selling proposition. While I'm a coffeefool, after reading that they only grind single (not half shaped) coffee bean, I feel special right away. Weird, but its true. Sometimes better doesn't mean better, simply different can be better.

Also, there is something nostalgic about drinking from this cup of coffee. Back in my home town of Bagan Siapi-Api (Riau), most kopitiam uses this kind of classic cup. If it attracts a young eye like me, imagine how it would attract an old eye. Even more nostalgic value.

Thumbs up to the designer who curated the use of this lovely cup.

Notice the green kaya jam? You could've guessed in one glance what made it green. Yep, a subtle hint of Pandan leaves is all over it. On the first bite it wasn't there, but it catches up later on the following bites. I only have one note for this, a little more sugar wouldn't bite. Haha. I'm sure those with the sweet tongues will agree with me.

I still have a couple more favorites for you to bite on. Give a warm welcoming drool on these fresh beverages.

Strawberry Passion Soda (32k), Ice Tiramisu Latte (42k), and Ice Choco Black Forest (28k).

I love their presentation, not only the jars give a vintage feel, it also fools the eye into thinking it's serving is bigger than usual drinks. Both, Strawberry Soda and Lychee Ice were served with fresh slices of fruits. A generous portion I must admit. 

For those who liked a creamier option, go for the Lychee Ice. It has an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into a sweet bold mix with the soda. Or, for an even fuller option, hit the Choco Black Forest.

Gotta love these drinks on a sunny afternoon.

To wrap up my feast, I had Orange Yoghurt (24k) and Roti Jala (18k) for dessert.

They weren't exactly my ideal type of dessert. The orange yoghurt was more like jelly, and I didn't taste the sourish feel that I looked for from a yoghurt. Albeit the lovely presentation, I think I'd choose the drinks above over this anytime.

As for Roti Jala, I didn't get why they have to separate the jala into two different color as they tasted quite similar. Also the mix of Vanilla ice cream, banana and Gula Melaka topping resulted in a mess of flavor. Go for something else for dessert, Biters.

All in all, it was a pleasant experience. I get a feeling that My Kopi O! will stay for quite a long while. I would certainly come back here. A great place to sit, converse and unwind with friends and families.  I also love the fact that they have a strict non-smoking policy, making it so much more comfy eating here. If only they were closer to where I live ...

See you when I eat you,


Fellexandro Ruby
Food Conversationalist, Photographer & Seriously wishing My Kopi O! open in any area around Pluit.

Munch on my tweets @Wanderbites