Sudden Closure Of Beloved 2nd-Gen Toa Payoh Drinks Stall Serving $1 Kopi Shocks Customers
The hawker stall, which regularly attracts long queues, is well-loved for its affordable and tasty brews. It will close shop in end April after over 30 years in biz.
For many, starting the day with a reliable cup of kopi or teh is an essential part of our routine. Which is why regulars of Seng Heng Coffee Stall were dismayed to learn that the popular drinks joint at Toa Payoh Lor 8 Market & Hawker Centre will be closed for good after tomorrow (April 30).
No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from 8days.sg.
1of9
The stall is run by married couple Vernice and Bernard, who inherited the biz from the former’s dad. We’re told the stall has been operating for about 35 years and have relocated a few times within the hawker centre.
News of their impending closure was first shared on Facebook hawker food groups, where netizens lamented the loss of their “favourite kopi stall in Toa Payoh”. This sparked many tribute posts, including this user, who praised the stall’s superb brew and warm service.
Others chimed in on why the stall is their go-to spot:
2of9
Hawkers declined to share reason for closure
When 8days.sg’s intern visited the stall on Saturday morning to find out more about the closure, the middle-aged hawkers politely declined to be interviewed, citing a desire to maintain a low profile.
Yolin Zhong with Bernard Tan and 3 others/Facebook
Although there were similar speculations shared by some regular customers she spoke with and in online discussions (see above FB post) about the reason for the stall closure, we were unable to verify the information.
3of9
Long queues in the morning
Regardless of the reason for its wind up, it’s clear that Seng Heng Coffee Stall is a favourite with many. During 8days.sg’s visit from 9am to 11am, the joint consistently had a queue of over a dozen customers. According to some regulars, these long lines are normal and not due to the impending closure. Typically, the queue subsides around lunch time, just before the stall closes at about 2pm.
Despite the long queue, our intern only waited for about 15 minutes for her orders. She observed Bernard taking orders while Vernice prepared the drinks, noting that both were friendly to customers.
With a handwritten sign at the stall declaring “We will post once we have a new stall”, it seems Vernice and Bernard are currently seeking a new location for Seng Heng Coffee Stall. Many of the regulars we’ve spoken to are happy to continue supporting the biz if they relocate to somewhere nearby. In the meantime, you can still pop by the stall tomorrow (its last day of operation) for your final cuppa.
4of9
Drinks starting from $1
At just $1, the Kopi O is slightly cheaper than most hawker stalls. In fact, all of their brewed beverages are affordable – Kopi and Teh are priced at $1.10, while Kopi C and Teh C go for $1.20.
5of9
Customer Chen, whose go-to order is the Kopi O, says he likes the coffee here because it’s freshly brewed. Other regulars also attest to the freshness of the brew, noting that the hawkers frequently prepare new batches due to the demand from the long queues.
Our intern ordered a few of their popular drinks to try:
6of9
Kopi O, $1
She found the Kopi O to be strong, smooth and full-bodied, with a pleasant bitterness and light, fragrant sweetness. This was her favourite out of the three beverages she tried.
7of9
Kopi, $1.10
Similar to the Kopi O, the milk coffee is also very fragrant and smooth, and she liked how the brew is richer than the average kopitiam-style kopi.
8of9
Teh C, $1.20
Compared to the coffees, our intern found the Teh C less impressive. The tea is pleasant and creamy, but nothing to shout about.
9of9
Seng Heng Coffee Stall’s last day of operation is on April 30. #01-73 Toa Payoh Lor 8 Market & Hawker Centre, 210 Toa Payoh Lor 8, S310210. Open 7am to 2pm.
Additional reporting by Chrisye Cheong
Photos: Chrisye Cheong, Fiona Kwek/Facebook, Yolin Zhong with 4 others/Facebook
I consent to the use of my personal data by Mediacorp and the Mediacorp group of companies (collectively “Mediacorp”) to send me notices, information, promotions and updates including marketing and advertising materials in relation to Mediacorp’s goods and services and those of third party organisations selected by Mediacorp, and for research and analysis, including surveys and polls.
Some say one of the owners, 23-year-old Max, looks like HK actor Nicholas Tse! 👀 Link in bio to read more
📍The BeefFellas,
Chinatown Complex, #B1-43,
335 Smith Street,
Singapore 050335
https://tinyurl.com/4ye32vy6
He runs the ngoh hiang biz with his mum! Link in bio to read more
📍Mum’s Ngoh Hiang Cafe
BIk 154, #01-442,
Serangoon North Ave 1,
Singapore 550154
https://tinyurl.com/pshd3yme
The couple‘s Xiao San Mian dish comprises 3 small bowls of lor mee, prawn noodles and laksa! Link in bio to read more
📍 Nanyang Spice
Sim Lim Square, #02-02
1 Rochor Canal Road
Singapore 188504
https://tinyurl.com/2w9fvfp9
Sonia Chew's fiancé had planned a different proposal Link in bio to read more
@soniachew @joakimgomez @averyaloysius @ohyushi #justswipelah #buzzswipe
https://tinyurl.com/4rtp4tjw
According to the hawker, there are multiple benefits to putting earthworms in laksa. “It lowers cholesterol and improves blood circulation,” he says. Link in bio to read more
📍 Nanyang Spice
Sim Lim Square, #02-02
1 Rochor Canal Road
Singapore 188504
https://tinyurl.com/2w9fvfp9
Their new stall sells bakes like shio pan and shokupan 🤤
📍 Dough
Bukit Timah Interim Market & Food Centre, #01-027
2A Jalan Seh Chuan
Singapore 599213
https://tinyurl.com/494uxd3h
Can we get a labubu too? 🤗
Link in our bio to read the full story.
https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/local/987-germaine-tan-labubu-christmas-tree-838256
Looks like she will be skipping such rides in the future.
To read the full story, click the link in our bio.
https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/girl-stunned-scary-rollercoaster-ride-838056
The hawker complains of poorer biz since moving to his new temporary stall location at Bukit Timah Interim Food Centre. Link in bio to read more
📍 Dough
Bukit Timah Interim Market & Food Centre, #01-027
2A Jalan Seh Chuan
Singapore 599213
https://tinyurl.com/494uxd3h
He sells very limited portions of fancy pastas like tagliatelle and gnocchi at night. Link in bio to read more
📍 Eightisfy Western
Maddox Canteen Bar
3752 Bukit Merah Central
Singapore 159848
https://tinyurl.com/yck6a5kx
You May Also Like
Content is loading...
This browser is no longer supported
We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with 8 Days to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.