Breakfast at Tiffany’s opening sequence is perhaps one of the most enduring images in film history. Audrey Hepburn in a stunning black ball gown with matching gloves standing in front of the store window of Tiffany & Co. and enjoying a breakfast of pastry and coffee, with the idyllic music of Moon River playing in the background. We can’t actually have breakfast at Tiffany’s but in Singapore we can have breakfast at Killiney – and the famous coffee shop at Killiney Road is an icon in its own right with a heritage that dates back decades before the release of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Killiney Kopitiam – well known for its kaya toast, French toast and coffee – has many outlets in Singapore and even in neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, the coffee shop at 67 Killiney Road is special because this is where it all started. Kheng Hoe Heng Coffeeshop was established in 1919 by an immigrant from Hainan. A regular customer, Woon Tek Seng, dreamt of owning the very place which had given him so much pleasure. His dream came true in 1992 when he bought the shop, renovated it and renamed it Killiney Kopitiam.
Killiney Kopitiam at 67 Killiney Road has served their famous bread toast, soft boiled eggs and coffee to many generations. Their traditional toast set is still the most popular item on their menu today. However, Killiney Kopitiam has extended its menu to offer a variety of local delicacies like mee siam, chee cheong fun and nasi lemak. The prices have crept up over the years but on the whole they are still very reasonable.
It has moved with the times and has started to offer healthier options like wholemeal bun. Killiney Kopitiam also now has a range of merchandise which can be bought at the coffee shop on online.
We still like their traditional kaya and butter toast and can have it over and over again. It is great for breakfast though we can eat it any time of the day. The eggy kaya made with freshly squeezed coconut milk is very enjoyable.
There is nothing particularly special about the eggs. They are just reliably the same over the years – cooked to the right consistency with runny yolk.
When we want a more substantial breakfast, we sometimes go for the French loaf toast. The char-grilled French loaf has a nice crispy crust and fluffy soft inside.
Killiney Kopitiam at 67 Killiney Road is simply furnished with wooden chairs and traditional marble-top tables. It is unpretentious and neither the place nor its food is particularly insta-worthy. Graceful ladies in long ball gowns are unlikely to stare wistfully at Killiney Kopitiam – though it is not uncommon to see well-dressed executives with Givenchy bags having kaya toasts there. You don’t expect gourmet offering at the humble coffee shop. However, if you want to enjoy delectable toasts or simply want a bit of nostalgia or an authentic Singapore breakfast experience, go have Breakfast at Killiney.
Killiney Kopitiam
67 Killiney Road
Singapore 239525
Tel: 6734 3910 / 6734 9648
Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed to Sat – 6.00am to 10.00pm
Tues & Sun – 6.00am to 6.00 pm
Nearby MRT Station: Somerset
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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