Mr Wong Lock Seng’s father started Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee in Lau Pa Sat in 1964. Mr Wong Lock Seng took over the stall in 1997 and relocated the stall to Amoy Street Food Centre where it has been operating for the past 24 years. He currently runs the stall with his wife and son, who will be taking over the stall in the future.
Years of dedication has earned Mr Wong the praises of many satisfied customers. accolades and newspaper clippings adorn the stall, a testament to the stall’s popularity. It was even featured in Michelin Guide Singapore 2018.
This is what most customers order, Kopi C or Coffee C [S$1.10]. Mr Wong uses Carnation milk (unsweetened condensed milk) instead of the usual sweetened condensed milk. The caffeinated drink is served in retro brown rimed tea cup and saucer that have been used for more than three decades.
Even as a non-coffee drinker, I can appreciate the fragrant aroma of the Robusta coffee beans which are ground in-house. The unsweetened condensed milk gives the drink a slight creaminess without adding too many calories.
This is their signature kaya toast, which is known as 2 Bread Toast [S$1.80] here.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee is one of the few remaining hawker stalls that toast their bread over charcoal. This gives the bread a subtle smokiness and a crispy texture. Paired with slabs of creamy butter and homemade kaya, this is definitely one of the best kaya toast I have had in Singapore.
Besides kaya toast, this coffee stall is also famous for its 2 French Toast [S$3.50]. The egg-soaked bread is pan-fried till a beautiful golden color and served with a generous dollop of their homemade kaya. The French toast is not as eggy as I would have liked, but that homemade kaya more than makes up for it.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee’s homemade kaya is definitely the best kaya I have had so far. It is rich and creamy with strong pandan fragrance. I am not sure if they sell their kaya alone though.
There are not many hawker stalls with 50 years of history that has survived the test of time. You should definitely visit Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee for some good toast and coffee.
Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee
Address: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy Street Food Centre #02-95, Singapore 069111
Telephone: 97102907
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday & Saturday 5.30am – 3pm (closed on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays)