Chin Mee Chin Confectionery has been a fixture along East Coast Road since the 1940s. The iconic East Coast Road coffeeshop now serves local one-dish meals alongside its traditional kaya toast and pastries.
Once the go-to spot for a local breakfast, the Hainanese coffeeshop closed its doors for three years before reopening in late 2012. The relaunch retained its heritage charm while incorporating a few select updates. Since then, patrons have mainly visited for breakfast or simply for coffee and snacks. That, however, has changed. The coffeeshop in Katong now offers savoury local dishes, making it a viable lunch destination as well.
A blend of old and new
The indoor dining area of Chin Mee Chin has a mosaic-tiled floor and traditional kopitiam furniture. The air-conditioned section is small.
Most seating extends outdoors under an awning. The exterior dining area presents a different aesthetic. Bright colours and casual furnishings create an Instagram-ready setting.
Chin Mee Chin draws crowds throughout the day. Tourists and locals queue regularly. Expect to dine in the area that is not air-conditioned during peak hours.
Expanding beyond breakfast
The menu still has kaya toast as the signature item. Cupcakes and other bakes occupy the display counter. Contemporary additions include peanut butter chocolate tart and laksa bun. Recent menu expansion introduces a few substantial main courses.
Lunch at Chin Mee Chin
We ordered a few items from different sections of the menu during our visit.
The Kaya Toast Set ($5.90) included soft-boiled eggs and traditional coffee. The toast was, as expected, crisp on the outside and soft within. A generous kaya spread provided the special taste of Chin Mee Chin. The eggs were done just right. The coffee carried that distinctive robustness of traditionally brewed kopi.
The Curry Chicken ($8.80) came with large pieces of chicken and a separate plate of steamed white rice.
The curry had depth and balance. It was like home-cooked versions in both flavour and consistency.
The chicken was moist and cooked through. The spice level was moderate and did not overpower the dish.
The Hainanese Pork Chop ($8.80) was breaded and fried pork served with a brown gravy containing onions and tomatoes. The meat was tender beneath its crisp coating. The portion size was reasonable. It was a satisfying and enjoyable dish.
We treated the Kaya Toast Set as our dessert, but also ordered a slice of Sugee Cake ($2.70).
Good for Tourists & Locals
Tourists seeking authentic local experiences would want to visit this modern kopitiam in Katong. The setting offers a genuine heritage atmosphere. The food delivers traditional flavours without pretension. Prices remain reasonable across the menu. Locals benefit as well. Straightforward, well-prepared dishes at fair prices make return visits worthwhile. The expanded menu adds convenience for those looking for simple meals.
Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 3
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
204 East Coast Road
Singapore 428903
Opening Hours: 8 am – 4 pm
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
