Located in the heritage colonial building of Sophia Flats, Kopi 1930 offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. This quaint modern coffeeshop, named after the year the building was constructed, serves up traditional Nanyang kopi, kaya toast, and a variety of local dishes.
Sophia Flats
Originally known as Bukit Selegie, Mount Sophia was one of Singapore’s earliest middle-class residential neighborhoods. Sophia Flats, a three-storey apartment block with 19 residential units, is a conserved example of elegant residential buildings of pre-World War II Singapore. Situated at the junction of Wilkie Road and Niven Road, this building was completed in the 1930s. Interestingly, Frank Benjamin, the founder of FJ Benjamin Holdings, lived there after World War II and opened his first office in Sophia Flats in 1959.
Kopi 1930: A Modern Take on Tradition
The interior of Kopi 1930 is not large, and is dominated by a central counter. Tall glass windows let in plenty of natural light. The interior decor is simple with interesting retro touches such as coffee cup saucers repurposed as light bulb shades, and old school coffee cans on shelves as wall decorations. A captivating mural of a woman sipping a cup of coffee in a traditional kopi cup adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Kopi 1930 Menu of Local Favourites
Kopi 1930 sets itself apart from the trendy contemporary cafes by offering authentic local kopi and at prices similar to those of traditional kopitiams. The menu features traditional Singaporean breakfast options from the classic kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs to more hearty options like nasi lemak and mee rebus.
The all-day menu also includes comforting options like curry chicken rice, sweet and sour fish rice, rojak and other interesting local specialties like sambal prawn petal rice and Hainan chicken cutlet.
A good variety of hot and cold beverages are available.
Comforting Lunch Experience
During our visit, we ordered a vegan Braised Mushroom Tofu Rice ($11.90) and Braised Pork Belly Tau Kua Egg Rice ($12.90). We also had kopi ($2.10) and teh C kosong ($2.10). The food was served on retro enamel plates and bowls, and the beverages came in old school kopitiam cups and saucers.
The Braised Mushroom Tofu was a delightful surprise, featuring a slightly sweet and thick broth. The tofu had a pleasantly bouncy consistency, while the various types of mushrooms added a range of textures. The Braised Pork Belly had a light soy sauce broth. The meat, with a good balance of lean and fatty parts, was tender and flavourful. Both dishes went well with the plain steamed rice.
The kopi and tea were of the same good quality as those found in speciality local kopi outlets.
Overall, our lunch at Kopi 1930 was a satisfying experience. The comforting food reminded us of a home cooked meal, and the charming atmosphere and pleasant service made it a memorable visit.
A Taste of Singapore
Kopi 1930 is a great place to visit. Locals can enjoy the good local kopi and home-cooked style food. Visitors can experience a unique traditional Singapore coffeeshop meal. It has a welcoming atmosphere, good food, reasonable prices and friendly service. It is no wonder this cafe in Sophia Flats is popular.
Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 3
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 
Kopi 1930
28 Wilkie Road, #01-01
Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9834 1099
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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