Long Queue for A Taste of Nostalgia: Wanglee Cafe’s Old-School Dishes

#favouriteitinerary Wanglee Cafe is a small but well-loved Nanyang-style kopitiam in Toa Payoh, where a queue had already started forming before 11 AM when we visited. The space is quite limited, so getting a seat can take some time, but the service is warm and efficient. With no service charge, it’s an affordable spot for a casual, nostalgic meal. We tried the chili ban mee, which came with handmade noodles, a poached egg, crispy anchovies, and minced meat. Despite its name, the spice level was actually quite mild, making it approachable even for those who aren’t into spicy food. The noodles had a nice bite, and mixing everything together created a well-balanced dish, though we wouldn’t have minded a stronger kick in the chili sauce. The ah ma nasi lemak was a simple, homely take on the classic dish. The coconut rice was fragrant, and it was served with a crispy chicken wing, fried anchovies, peanuts, a fried egg, and sambal. The sambal leaned on the sweeter side rather than spicy, and while the flavors were familiar and comforting, we felt a stronger, more robust sambal would have tied everything together better. For something light, we had the kaya butter toast set. The toast was crispy, with a layer of cold butter and house-made kaya that had a distinct green hue. The kaya was smooth with a subtle pandan aroma, though we personally prefer a richer, more intense kaya flavor. It was served with soft-boiled eggs on the side, making for a classic, no-frills breakfast set. To go with our meal, we tried the volcano kopi peng, which stood out for its towering, eye-catching presentation. While it looked impressive, the coffee itself was on the milder side rather than the strong, gao (thick) taste we were expecting. Overall, Wanglee Cafe offers a nostalgic kopitiam experience with simple, traditional flavors that older folks may appreciate. The long queues show its popularity, and with friendly service and no service charge, it’s a decent spot for those looking for familiar comfort food—just be prepared to wait if you’re visiting during peak hours. #citydaytours #afternoonteatime #thingstodo #myitinerary #localfood