REVIEW: Good Nanyang-styled cafe in Toa Payoh Singapore: Wanglee Cafe 旺利茶室

Visited the newly opened Wanglee Cafe 旺利茶室, which launched in late August. This spot has a Nanyang kopitiam vibe, offering classic Singaporean and Malaysian dishes. The cafe offers a variety of traditional dishes, with highlights like chili pan mee, you mian soup, and kaya butter toast. Beyond what I tried, they also have other fan favorites such as economic bee hoon sets, porridge, and braised pork rice. Here’s a closer look at what I enjoyed during my visit:

Address: 92 Lor 4 Toa Payoh, #01-274, Singapore 310092

Opening Hours: 7 am–7 pm

Chili Pan Mee – Spicy Noodles Done Right

The chili pan mee at Wanglee Cafe did not disappoint. These dry spicy noodles were served with a perfectly poached egg, crisp vegetables, crunchy anchovies (ikan bilis), and savory minced pork. The noodles had a springy texture that added to the overall satisfaction of the dish. Each bite was a delightful mix of spicy and savory, and breaking the poached egg over the noodles gave it a rich, creamy touch. For fans of spicy food, this dish is a must-try!

You Mian Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

Next up was the you mian soup, a comforting clear broth-based noodle soup. This dish came with tender minced meat, vegetables, a poached egg, and crispy ikan bilis on top. While the broth was light and soothing, the anchovy (ikan bilis) flavor was quite prominent, which may be a bit strong for some. However, if you’re a fan of the bold, salty taste of anchovies, this would be a satisfying option.

Kaya Butter Toast – Sweet & Simple, but a Little Thin

Of course, no kopitiam experience is complete without kaya butter toast. Wanglee’s version came with crispy slices of toast slathered with a delicious spread of kaya (coconut jam) and butter. The sweetness of the kaya balanced beautifully with the richness of the butter. However, the toast slices were a bit too thin for my liking, which made the texture feel less substantial. A slightly thicker cut would have provided a heartier bite to go along with the rich spread.