Tian Kee & Co.

As continued from previous post. We were at Dakota Crescent estate and the last pic saw my colleague headed to block 12. Just what is there?




Tian Kee & Co.

Huh? Just WHAT is this place…?

**hipster post alert**

Apparently, this space used to be a provision shop (my mind flew back to images of money being kept in a pail overhead and the shopkeeper pulling it down with the tinkling of bells to get some change) and is converted into a cafe with a retro concept.

What a gem!


from the inside

A mish-mash of various old-skool furniture pieces and a re-upholstered sofa along the wall.


furniture

As old-skool as it can get. Check out the posters!


One end of the counter

The zinc cladding at the counter is a nice, rustic touch. The shopfront is merely a low wall with the roller shutters up.

No air-con here so the ample ventilation is much appreciated.


other end of the counter

Rusted signages. In all 4 local languages, mind you.

And those postcard-sized pictures that look like it dates back to the 50-60's... Aptly, they're about coffee.


behind the counter

Whimsical stuff that can easily induce some nostalgia.

The cartoon cardboard cut-outs, the Milo tin that has seen better days, the biscuit tins…

You can even see colourful soda in glass bottles in the foreground.


our drinks order


long black

Ahh… the typical kopi cup.


mocha latte


macchiato

I must have been soo delusioned by Starbucks' rendition of a macchiato (my to-go drink is the Caramel Macchiato) and was a tad crestfallen to be served this in that tiny espresso cup. Huhu.

But they use pretty good beans here. That's some darn nice coffee, I gotta admit.

In case you're wondering what's the difference between a latte and a macchiato in general, well here's a good graphic guide.

Well yeah, I either get served a small amount in an espresso cup or get a half-cup of drink. Go figure.

The also have some nice cakes and typical cafe foods like all-day breakfast and stuff. Their rainbow cheesecake looks really lovely (reminds me of paddle pop ice-cream).

All in all, it's a pretty great experience. Almost 90% of this place is really retro/antique. From the signboard, the kiddy ride outside (still functioning, mind you), the furniture & fittings, cutlery & crockery plus the bric-à-brac behind the counter. And not to mention the building and estate it's located in.

Oh did I mention its riverside location?


Tian Kee & Co
12 Dakota Crescent 
#01-48

Tue to Thu: 12pm – 9pm
Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm