Not every place with a queue is good. In fact, it needs to be even more carefully scrutinised because there's an additional time investment. This is why I am writing this food review of Oriental Kopi to caution you against blindly queuing for food. For some context, I was on a kaya toast and kopi kick at the start of 2025, which prompted me to try out the Bao Er cafe at Balestier Plaza (decent, IG reelview here), as well as the viral Wang Lee cafe at Toa Payoh (also good cos of the chilli pan mee, IG reelview here!). Someone on TikTok told me to try out Oriental Kopi, and after reading mixed reviews on Google decided to try it for myself.
Firstly, I did not expect a snaking queue at 2pm on a Saturday. I was quite torn then because I had already made the trip down, but the queue was so daunting. I initially thought there were just 4-5 pax in front of the restaurant and joined the queue only to be told I was actually supposed to walk out across the bridge to find the queue remaining behind Watsons. Big sigh when I got to it. But I decided that I was already there, might as well wait. I think I waited around 60 minutes - good thing I was working on my phone!
Actually the restaurant was quite spacious and there were still empty seats but I think they were purposely gatekeeping the no. of people dining so the kitchen can cope with the orders. As it is by Paradise Group, you can find the same familiar QR ordering system (even their WIFI is by the group).
Here's the famous cold Oriental Kopi (S3.93) It took a long time to arrive (after my toast and noodles appeared!) because I think they missed it out and I had to check. It was deliciously thick and sweet with a decent depth of flavour, but unfortunately not worth the accidental wait. 3.5/5
Then there's the Double Butter Kaya Toast (S$2.92). Imagine my disappointment when it arrived and it's 1 piece of bread toasted, halved in the middle and sliced horizontally to sandwich the coconutty kaya jam and thick slabs of butter. It feels kind of overpriced for ONE piece of bread. Granted the kaya was quite nice, but there's no charcoal flavour in the simple toast, and overall just nothing special. 2.5/5
Lastly, the Chilli Pan Mee. I had high hopes for this and the Malaysian-style chilli pan mee was actually what made me stay in the queue. However, I could no longer find it on the menu today on 31 March 2025 (I visited on 25 Feb 2025). Maybe they took it off their extensive menu. Regardless, I was super disappointed with this dish because there were stale, almost sour pieces of fish cake that was OBVIOUSLY left over from the day before. The noodles and flavouring themselves were decent, but the stale fish cake completely ruined it for me. I actually provided this as a feedback to the server when I was paying. 2/5
This is really quite a bad experience overall given the long wait time, the prices and the unsatisfactory quality of food. I am not sure why so many people are willing to queue for this. I am not going back for sure! However maybe the queue will lessen in the future and MAYBE you guys can check it out.
🙅 Thank you, next ✔️
🤷 Try if you are interested
💁 Bookmark this
Oriental Kopi @ Bugis Junction
200 Victoria St, #02-50, Singapore 188021
Daily 8am to 10pm
Walk-in only
Post a Comment