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6 old-school eateries in Singapore you can eat at for nostalgic vibes

Dining like in the good ol’ days

By Tara Amelia Sharil - 

Credit: Courtesy of The Straits Times and CMG
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We live in a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in the mood for hawker fare or fine-dining cuisine, a hipster cafe to get an aesthetic shot for your next photo dump or a retro coffeeshop for the vibes, there’s always an eatery that fits the bill. Ahead, here are six old-school eateries in Singapore to check out if you’re in the mood for a throwback experience.

Old Chang Kee at Mackenzie Road

Adored by Singaporeans of all generations, Old Chang Kee has been a cherished establishment since its early years. While pockets of Old Chang Kee can be found throughout the country, its original store is located along Mackenzie Road—just look out for the enormous curry puff on the signboard. Though recently revamped, the 1950s spirit still lingers on as the wooden furnishings and vintage cutlery will take you back in time. With Mackenzie Road serving as its flagship store, you can also look forward to a wider selection of dishes on the menu, aside from its iconic snacks.

Credit: CMG

Hua Yu Wee

Drive past Hua Yu Wee and you might think the establishment is some sort of historic museum. Unlike many restaurants in Singapore, which are found within malls or in shophouses, Hua Yu Wee is a seafood restaurant located in a stand-alone two-storey bungalow in East Coast. Opened in the 1950s, the restaurant serves a wide array of Chinese seafood and zi char dishes, including over nine sets serving up to 10 people for groups to choose from. A quintessential spot for family dinners, with its wide selection of dishes and ample seating, Hua Yu Wee has served families in Singapore for decades. 

Credit: Courtesy of The Straits Times

Red Star Restaurant

Untouched since the ’70s, Red Star Restaurant has a unique charm that sets it apart from other dim sum restaurants. Located in Chinatown, the red carpet and tiled ceilings will have your grandmother reminiscing about her younger days. The cherry on top is the push-cart dim sum system, a rare service in Singapore. Flagging down a cart to see what is available for the day is all part of the Red Star experience.

Credit: Courtesy of The Business Times

Colbar Cafe

Colbar Cafe was established in 1953 at Portsdown Road, before relocating a few metres down to Whitchurch Road in 2003. Short for “colonial bar,” Colbar Cafe first served members of the British army with a taste of home before expanding its menu to offer Chinese delights while still sticking to its British roots. Though the menu has seen some tweaks over the years, the cafe’s interior has remained untouched, with the old-school square tiles and blue and white walls truly capturing the essence of the ’50s. 

Credit: CMG

Prince Coffee House

Opened in 1977, Prince Coffee House has served many famous customers over the years, including actors, lawyers, ministers, and former president Tony Tan. On the menu are simple Hainanese-Western classics such as its famous Oxtail Stew and Hainanese Pork Chop Rice. While tucking into your meal, do strike up a conversation with the warm and friendly owner, Uncle Jimmy. At Prince Coffee House, you are bound to have your bellies full and have a greater sense of the time that has passed.

Credit: CMG

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery opened its doors in 1925 as a bakery serving locals around the Joo Chiat area. It has since expanded to a breakfast spot serving old-school charcoal-grilled kaya toast, coffee, and Singaporean pastry delights. Chin Mee Chin closed in 2018 for renovations and reopened in 2021. The bakery’s interior still retains its rustic and traditional appeal while its baby blue exterior, combined with bold red lettering, gives the bakery a refreshed look great for your next Instagram post.

Credit: CMG

This article was first published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.

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