Kopitiam replaces Lucky Plaza’s Jollibee with Tian Tian Chicken Rice & more

A new era has dawned within the space once occupied by Singapore’s first Jollibee outlet. One of Singapore’s largest kopitiam operators, Kimly Coffeeshop at Lucky Plaza is here to stay.

Featuring a vibrant environment with retro tiles and neon signs, the latest kopitiam had its grand opening on 10 May. Offering everything from steaming baskets of dim sum to refreshing cendol and more, Kimly Coffeeshop will be unveiling 12 stalls at their new Orchard outlet!

These are not your ordinary kopitiam stalls though.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

Topping the star-studded list is famous 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand hawker store, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

The upcoming branch at Lucky Plaza will be their second outlet after their original Maxwell store which boasts long queues and a 20-minute wait. Served with slices of crunchy cucumber and a side of zesty chilli sauce, its glistening cuts of meat come nestled on a bed of soft chicken rice.

For those with a taste for adventure, perhaps the Crystal Chicken Feet drenched in Original or punchy Thai-Style Sauce and Chicken Glizzard or Liver is perfect for you. Although prices at their second outlet haven’t been revealed, prices at Maxwell float at around S$5 or more.

Guess what, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has also been feted by celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain.

Ah B Bakery

Famed for their affordable halal-certified pastry shops dotted around Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Woodlands and Woodleigh, Ah B Bakery was founded in 1982. Their menu features a wide variety of muffins, danishes and buns.

Think freshly-baked Assorted Muffins (S$2.80) in sweet sweet flavours like Red Velvet Custard Muffin and Fresh Banana Muffin as well as Singapore-inspired Orh Nee and Ondeh Ondeh. Don’t miss out on their highly-raved Burnt Custard Danish (S$3.50) too! Overflowing with creamy custard, the buttery pastry features a caramelised crown and flaky melt-in-your-mouth layers.

The indulgence doesn’t stop here. Be sure to try Ah B Bakery’s Curry Potato Fried Pan (S$2.80), which is choke-full of savoury chunks of potato in curry gravy or the Chicken Char Siew Fried Pan (S$2.80) that is covered with sesame seeds and filled with tender chicken char siew.

Addictive or what?

Makan Melaka

Dessert lovers, this sedap store shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you. Beat the heat with Makan Melaka! Highly revered as a “must-try” outlet for all things cendol, the store (originally at Changi Village) has garnered some attention from local media, including The Straits Times, Suria and CNA’s 938 Radio Station.

Brimming with green cendol jelly in a generous bowl of shaved ice and gula melaka, their signature Traditional Cendol (S$2) is a refreshing dessert that will confirm make you go “SHIOK SIA“. How could I not mention the fan-favourite Goreng Pisang? You can get 8 pieces of this addictive snack that is fried to golden perfection for a mere S$3.

Their Ayam Goreng Berempah (S$5) is a definite hit too.

Experience the definition of ‘piquant’ with Makan Melaka’s power combination of sambal chilli, anchovies, egg and cucumber slices that adorn their fragrant basmati rice. The highlight of the dish is none other than the Ayam Goreng Berempah, which has a beautiful crisp that gives way to its juicy meat within.

Lion City Dim Sum

Craving some char siew bao? Get your fluffy fix at Lion City Dim Sum. Established in 2008, the stall is renowned for their 24 hour dim sum spot at Lao Pa Sat. Unfortunately, the new branch at Lucky Plaza isn’t open all day. Eh relax, here’s some good news.

For every S$10 spent, customers can redeem a piece of Peng Guan Ba Kwa for S$1.50 (U.P. S$2.50). So if you’re wondering what to splurge on, you may get loaded servings of Spinach Dumplings (3 pcs for S$2.80), savoury BBQ Pork Jerky Bao (5 pcs for S$6) and my personal favourite, Paper-wrapped Braised Chicken (1 pc for S$2).

This isn’t the end, okay. Among the remaining 8 stores, you will be shocked to find some recognisable household brands that have joined the list of Kimly Coffeeshop stalls at Lucky Plaza.

Hello Tenderbest and Lao Huo Tang! They need no introduction.

Aiya, let’s do a brief run through.

While celebrating Tenderfresh’s 45th Anniversary, have a sizzling good time with their aromatic Hotplate Pepper Rice (S$10.90) which comes with a choice of Prawn, Chicken, Lamb or Beef. The chain also has a newly-launched Rice Bowl range. This includes the Teriyaki Beef Rice Bowl (S$7.90) that is topped with sous vide egg and served with fresh corn and edamame beans.

At Lao Huo Tang, their exclusive Value Sets (from S$6.50) are an opportunity that can’t be missed. With prices depending on the soup you choose, the Value Set comes with a choice of White Rice or Pumpkin Rice with a FREE side of stir-fried cabbage. While the comforting Lotus Root Pork Ribs Soup Set is priced at S$6.50, the chim Ten Tonic Black Chicken Soup Set costs S$8.50.

Now that’s all said and done, was replacing Lucky Plaza’s Jollibee with Kimly Coffeeshop a good decision? I guess it’s time for you to find out.

SG Kopitiam — One-stop coffee shop with claypot white pepper fish head, kimchi stew & waffles