Good Morning Nanyang Cafe 早安南洋 at Chinatown Point

UPDATE Sept 2014: The flagship branch has closed for now, and is looking for a different location. Meanwhile see newer post featuring the behind the scenes operations at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe.  for other locations.


Have you tried the orange ciabatta kaya toast at Good Morning Nanyang Cafe? Baked with caramelised orange peel, the ciabatta carries a hint of citrus fragrance that works very well with butter and kaya. It is served lightly toasted, so you have a gently crisp exterior. The ciabatta is so delicately soft, the kaya oozes out with the slightest pressure. Oh yes, I was a messy eater, but a happy one. 


Kaya toast is one of Singapore's perennially popular local breakfast items. For years, it's remained the same. Thin slices of ordinary bread grilled crisp. Using ciabatta as a chic upgrade was the brainchild of cafe owner Byron Shoh a few years back (first featured by Leslie). It's certainly proving popular - check out reviews on HGW.



There is also the regular ciabatta toast (S$2.30). This one is like the macho version of the orange ciabatta. It's thick and rugged-looking but don't be deceived, it's still soft and fluffy inside (like most macho guys too).



The kaya is made fresh on the premises. Lots of patience goes into the stirring this coconut custard on low heat. They make two tubs of it every day. It's thick and fragrant without being too sweet. The kaya recipe comes from an old uncle in Segamat who runs a "Nanyang Cafe" there. Byron adapted the recipe to make green kaya, which Singaporeans prefer.



Of course, we must have our drinks with kaya toast.

An ice kopi like this is a life-saver during scorching weather (which we so often have). It's good coffee - soothingly smooth, creamy and fragrant. Here it's served with a dash of evaporated milk. The coffee's not too sweet and has none of the nasty bitter or acidic taste. And at S$1.60, it is a complete steal. No wonder some people come here three times a day for their coffee. It still costs less than one Starbucks drink!

If the coffee is this good, I am coming back to try the tea.



The orange ciabatta is a must try. It really is quite unusual. I can't resist showing you the inside. Don't you just want to lick the kaya? I had such cravings for this while doing up the photos and the post...

Interestingly, this cafe also serve scones. Come on Saturdays at 10.30am to catch the oven fresh batches made personally by Byron himself.



(click photo to see bigger version)
Of course you can get the usual traditional toast (S$1.60). They also have the thick toast (S$2). Pick from sets that let you enjoy them with two soft-boiled eggs and your favourite drink.

Considering that this is an air-conditioned joint, prices are incredibly wallet-friendly. No wonder the place sees lots of regulars - from lawyers in spiffy full suits to elderly folks. The place is popular with families on Saturdays and public holidays.

For now, there is only one outlet at Chinatown Point. Byron is opening a second one at Robinson Road soon and is currently looking to hire. So if you are diligent and want a career in making good coffee, get in touch with him!


GOOD MORNING NANYANG CAFE
133 New Bridge Road
Chinatown Point
Singapore 059413
(just go up the escalator and you'll see it)

Tel: +65 8133 1882 (Byron)
Open 8am - 7pm (Mon-Fri)
10.30am - 7pm (Sat & Public Holidays)
Closed Sundays

has moved to
20 Upper Pickering Street, #01-01, Singapore, Singapore 058284.
(around the side of the Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green Community Centre)

Opening hours
Mon - Fri: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm



It has three other branches at

Pagoda Street:
75 Pagoda Street, Singapore, Singapore 059234

The Grandstand:
#01-34A, 200 Turf Club Road, The Grandstand, Singapore 287994

Far East Plaza:
14 Scotts Road, #02-23 Far East Plaza, Singapore, Singapore 228213