Familiar with KL Traditional Chilli Ban Mee?
If so, then Old Street Cafe 老街咖啡店 at 548 MacPherson Road might catch your interest. I remember first trying them at MacPherson years back, and they have made a return further down the road.
This modest Nanyang-style cafe is a new setup pairing KL-style Chilli Ban Mee with Singaporean kopitiam culture.
It seems like these Nanyang-style coffee shops are getting traction, with brands like Bao Er Café,
Wanglee Café and Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe setting up branches, giving big boys like Yakun and Toast Box a run for their money.
Well, which do you prefer?
I want to support the underdogs or the new brands, and so made it a point to pay them a visit (anonymously, of course).
Old Street Cafe feels designed for regulars rather than destination diners, with the space being simple and functional.
People come in for a quick bite, families share toast and coffee, and delivery riders wait patiently near the counter.
It still centres on KL Traditional Chilli Ban Mee, with a wide range of versions that move from basic to premium.
Noodle dishes include Signature Traditional Chilli Ban Mee ($6.20), Minced Meat Chilli Ban Mee ($6.20), Hand Made Fishball Chilli Ban Mee ($6.20), Scallop Chilli Ban Mee ($8.50), Mixed Combo Chilli Ban Mee ($8.50), to even Iberico Pork Chilli Ban Mee ($10.50).
My Ban Mee came with noodles to be tossed in a chilli paste (the real highlight to me).
This was served separately in a container (I guess so that its easier to moderate spiciness), topped with minced meat, poached egg, meatballs, fried onions and ikan bilis.
It was served with a separate broth and some spinach on the side.
The noodles had a slightly springy texture and the chilli stayed more on the mild side than fiery, though it carried enough heat to be noticeable.
Traditional Nanyang dishes fill out the menu with Old Street Nasi Lemak ($6.20), Nonya Curry Chicken with bread or rice ($6.20), Nonya Laksa ($6.20), Old Street Prawn Noodle ($6.20), Dry Mee Siam ($6.20), and Stewed Pork Leg Rice ($6.20).
I asked for a recommendation, and I was told that the popular favourite was the Nonya Laksa ($6.20).
Ingredients like tau pok, fish cake, egg, and prawns were familiar and neatly done, soaking up the broth without turning greasy.
You may find their Nonya Laksa slightly lighter on the palate, even though it used coconut milk.
The spice level stayed measured, offering gentle warmth instead of a sharp chilli hit, and the aroma leaned more towards dried shrimp and mild curry notes than strong sambal punch. Easy to finish, and dependable.
Toast choices stay classic, such as Kaya with Butter ($2.50), Peanut Butter ($2.50), Tuna Mayo ($3.50), Otah ($4.00), and Luncheon Meat with Egg ($4.00).
The food at Old Street Cafe stays close to familiar local flavours, and the menu is clearly built for regular, everyday meals. Warm, filling, and easy to eat.
Old Street Cafe 老街咖啡店
548 MacPherson Road, Singapore 368227
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Bao Er Café (Fortune Centre)
Wanglee Café (Sunshine Plaza)
Bibik Violet (Temasek Shophouse)
Jie Bakery (Outram Road)
Food Principle 食德 (Alexandra Central)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
