A century-old Katong kopitiam reborn: charcoal-toasted kaya buns, soft-boiled eggs and cream horns in a tiled heritage room. Closed Mondays, morning-to-afternoon only. Beloved by locals despite the tourist buzz.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon closed Tue 08:30-16:00 Wed 08:30-16:00 Thu 08:30-16:00 Fri 08:30-16:00 Sat 08:30-16:00 Sun 08:30-16:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Marine Parade MRT (TE26, Thomson-East Coast Line), ~8 min walk; or bus along East Coast Road |
| Time needed | 45 min-1 hour |
| Best time to go | Weekday morning right at opening (8:30am) before the queue and before buns sell out |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.7/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- What time does it close and do things sell out?
- It closes at 4pm but popular items, especially the cream horns and certain buns, sell out well before then. Come in the morning if you have your heart set on something specific.
- Is Chin Mee Chin still open? I saw 'closed' listings.
- It's open. Some directory listings still show the old 'closed' status from its 2018-2021 renovation hiatus. It reopened and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, now serving Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays.
- What should I order?
- The charcoal-toasted kaya bun with a thick slab of butter is the icon, paired with soft-boiled eggs and a kopi. Save room for a cream horn, the flaky pastry filled with fresh cream is the nostalgic hero here.
- Can I buy kaya to take home?
- Yes, they sell their house-made kaya and merchandise, especially since the anniversary. It makes a solid edible souvenir that survives a flight home better than the buns do.
- How do I get there without a car?
- The Thomson-East Coast Line's Marine Parade station put it within an 8-minute walk. Plenty of buses run along East Coast Road too. Parking in Katong is tight, so transit is the easier call.
- Is it halal?
- No, it's a traditional Chinese kopitiam serving pork and non-halal items. Kampong Glam's Malay-Muslim eateries are a better bet if you need halal, but for kaya toast culture this is a landmark.
- Is it worth the hype?
- For the heritage room, the charcoal toast and the sense of old Katong, yes. If you're expecting a cheap no-frills kopitiam, note prices crept up after the revamp. Locals still queue, which tells you plenty.
- Is there a queue?
- On weekends and holidays, yes, often out the door mid-morning. Weekday mornings are far calmer. It's self-seating and can feel cramped when full, so patience helps.
Nearby in Ask Singapore
- Katong-Joo ChiatNeighborhood0.32 km · 4 min walk
- East Coast Park BeachBeach1.07 km · 13 min walk
- Geylang Serai MarketMarket1.53 km · 19 min walk
- Old Airport Road Food CentreMarket2.02 km · 25 min walk
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork NoodleRestaurant4.6 km · 58 min walk
Where to stay near Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
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