Bukit Panjang is far from my place, but travelling down to see Kim San Leng‘s newly renovated coffee shop made the journey all worth it. The well-established Kim San Leng at Bangkit has fast-forwarded their renovation and opened within the span of a month.
Situated in the middle of Pending Station and Bangkit Station is the 20 year-old coffeeshop that opens 24 hours daily. This location is a hot spot for athletic enthusiasts and the people who stay around Bukit Panjang because of its central location for a convenient meal near the parks.
For those who don’t know what Kim San Leng is, I’m sure you’ve visited at least one of their coffeeshops. Being one of the pioneer’s of coffeeshop chains in Singapore, they have 73 years of heritage and have expanded to more than 30 coffeeshops island-wide.
Not to mention, they are one of the most digitalised coffeeshops in Singapore, showing that they’re truly moving with the times. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve worked hard to keep up with modernised Singapore.
The reopening of Kim San Leng at Bangkit commenced on 2 Apr 2023.
The rest of the neighbourhood was clearly excited about the re-opening, with the snaking long queues at every nick and corner. Without prior media announcements, the 400-seater coffee shop was packed to the brims.
Newly revamped, the coffeeshop includes 5 new stalls with famous names like Garden Street Kway Chap, Meow Mee and King of Fried Rice. They had also changed out their tiles for green ones, symbolising being one with nature.
One of the familiar stalls would be Garden Street Kway Chap for sure. It’s famed for having long queues in Serangoon due to its popularity.
Opened since 1940, they’ve been passed down from generation to generation, and it’s now owned by the grandson, Jason— a pilot-turned-hawker.
We got the Kway Chap Set for 1 that contained a generous spread of pig stomach, pork belly, large intestines, fish cakes, braised eggs and tau pok. For an affordable price of S$5, you get a platter of ingredients that’ll fill you up good.
I have to admit that I’m not the largest fan when it comes to innards, but Garden Street Kway Chap cleaned the organs very thoroughly, eliminating any form of foul taste or smell!
Meow Mee is an adorable inclusion to the Bukit Panjang outlet as well. The store is a hot-favourite in Geylang that expanded and opened its doors to the west.
Interestingly, the owner comes from Sarawak and cooks up an authentic spread of kolo mee— with unique pairings!
Apart from the traditional offerings of char siew in kolo mee, there’s a Chicken Cutlet Kolo Mee (S$7) option if you deem fancy. Its offerings are rather simple, really, as you’ll get your protein choice along with red/white/black noodles tossed in fragrant shallot oil. I suggest trying out the red noodles— it’s a hybrid of shallot, lard oil, and char siew drippings, suitable for those who like a mix of flavours of sweet and savoury.
Some other well-liked inclusions at the newly re-opened coffeeshop are Koo Kee Yong Tau Foo Mee and Yishun’s Man Xiang Lor Mee.
If you thought that is all for Kim San Leng to offer, you’re wrong! Take a left turn and you’ll find a hidden favourite selling traditional handmade noodles. The uncle has been here since the start and making noodles has become his whole life.
When speaking to the owner of Kim San Leng, Andy, he mentioned that it was his duty to help with the livelihood of hawkers situated in his coffeeshops. If it’s not him who bridges the old with the digitalised age, then who will? It’s heartwarming to know that he looks out for them.
Well, come down over yourself to try out the myriad of delicious foods at Kim San Leng, Bukit Panjang. Have I mentioned they’re open for 24 hours yet?
Other articles you might like:
Ah Ma Jok: Traditional porridge with unique twist of flavours like kimchi & abalone at Selegie
Kim San Leng (Bukit Panjang)
259 Bukit Panjang Ring Road, Kim San Leng, #01-36, Singapore 670259
Kim San Leng (Bukit Panjang)
259 Bukit Panjang Ring Road, Kim San Leng, #01-36, Singapore 670259
