The Malaysian Kopitiam Chain Lands in the North-East
Oriental Kopi, the Malaysian kopitiam chain known for its polo buns, egg tarts, and coffee, opened its second Singapore outlet at NEX in Serangoon. The outlet brings the brand's blend of Malaysian and Hong Kong cafe staples to the North-East Line, giving Serangoon residents a new breakfast and tea-time option inside the mall.
Oriental Kopi is part of the same group behind Oriental Pavilion, and the Singapore expansion has been quick - the first outlet opened to long queues, and the NEX opening follows within months. The chain pitches itself on affordable kopitiam fare made with a level of consistency you do not always get from independent coffee shops.
What to Order
The signature is the Polo Bun - a sweet, crisp-topped bun that cracks when you tear it, often eaten warm with a slab of butter. The Egg Tart is the other headline item, with a flaky pastry shell and a smooth, just-set custard. Both are the kind of thing you order two of, because one is never enough.
Beyond the bakery case, the menu covers the Malaysian kopitiam basics: kaya toast with butter, soft-boiled eggs, cheese toast, and a range of noodle and rice plates. Drinks span the usual Nanyang kopi and teh, plus yuan yang (coffee and tea mixed), Milo, and barley. Prices are heartland-level - you can have a toast set and a coffee for less than you would spend at a chain cafe.
Why NEX
NEX is one of Singapore's busiest heartland malls, sitting directly above Serangoon MRT interchange (North-East Line and Circle Line) with a catchment that covers Serangoon, Serangoon Gardens, Hougang, and the surrounding estates. For a kopitiam chain, that foot traffic is the draw - the same reason Chin Mee Chin Confectionery chose NEX for its first outlet outside Katong.
Practical Details
- Venue: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083 (Basement level)
- Nearest MRT: Serangoon (NE12 / CC13, direct connection)
- Mall hours: 10:30am to 10:30pm daily
- Website: orientalkopi.com.my
If you have been queuing at the first outlet, the NEX branch gives you a second shot. If you have never tried it, the polo bun is the order that explains the queue.
