Chin Mee Chin Confectionery – still a beloved spot for both locals and visitors

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery along East Coast Road is an iconic Hainanese coffeeshop that has been serving up kaya toast and coffee and other treats since the 1940s. Affectionately known as CMC by Katong residents, Chin Mee Chin is still a beloved spot for both locals and visitors to Singapore and appeals to customers across generations.

Chin Mee Chin in Katong

Located at the junction of East Coast Road and Chapel Road, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is a cultural institution in Katong. It is in a pre-war shophouse painted in pastel blue. The landmark kopitiam, a contemporary of Hock Ann Coffeeshop and the Red House Bakery in Katong, had been operating on the same premises since the 1950s.

In 2019, to the dismay of many, CMC suddenly closed its doors. However, a while later a sign went up inviting approaches by parties interested in business opportunities, giving fans of the old school CMC hope.

After a 3 year hiatus, CMC reopened its doors in late 2012, refreshed while still retaining its unique heritage. It managed to strike a good balance between tradition and modernity. In some ways, the historic eatery is like Singapore itself, a nation that has reinvented itself time and time again to stay relevant in the modern world – taking pride in its heritage and culture, but also keeping up with the times.

The indoor dining section of CMC still looked like the old coffeeshop, with mosaic tiles and traditional kopitiam furniture. The outdoor dining space has a contemporary Instagram-worthy look – casual, bright and colourful.

Menu of Chin Mee Chin

The kitchen of Chin Mee Chin is now helmed by executive chef and new co-owner Maxine Ngooi, who also runs Tigerlily Patisserie. She has kept the old favourites – kaya toast and traditionally Eurasian confections such as Sugee Cake and Cream Horns – on the menu. She has also introduced contemporary offerings such as peanut butter and chocolate tart and laksa bun.

Below are pictures of the CMC menu.

Kaya Bun & Eggs

The Kaya Toast & Eggs breakfast at CMC is a must try experience. It is not just about pleasing the palate, though the traditional breakfast at CMC is delightful, but also about connecting with the history and culture of the iconic institution in Katong.

CMC’s soft-boiled eggs were cooked to perfection, with a delicate and creamy texture. The bread bun was toasted until the edges were crispy and golden brown. Kaya was slathered on both halves of the sliced bun. A small slab of butter added a luxurious touch to the traditional local breakfast food.

The brown bun toast is a great alternative if you want to avoid kaya for whatever reason. The bun with raisins and orange peel is served with butter.

We also tried the laksa bun, luncheon meat bun, gula Melaka chiffon cake and sugee cake. They were good representatives of the unique flavours and textures of our diverse Singaporean cuisine. Simple pleasures that all could enjoy.

We also bought a few more items to take home.

Katong Experience

Having breakfast or coffee break at Chin Mee Chin means enjoying simple affordable comfort food in a historic landmark in Katong. Whether sitting at the vintage marble tables or out in the breezy contemporary space, the atmosphere is quite unique. It is a Katong experience that should not be missed.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903

Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday​: 8 am – 4 pm
Closed on Monday

Website

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The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog