Chong Wen Ge Cafe is one of our latest fave. From the location to the cafe decoration and food selection, it is going to attract. We were charmed by the entire concept. Moreover, there are many instagramable spot within the cafe. It has already lure many instagrammers to the cafe for a post on their feed.
This Peranakan cafe is located within the building that is part of part of Thiam Hock Keng temple complex. It is sharing the same building with the Singapore first Musical Box Museum and Peranakan Tiles gallery.
Each and every element within the cafe has Peranakan influence. The tables and chairs reminds me of my maternal grandparents former house. At Chong Wen Ge Cafe, there are both indoor and outdoor. With outdoor dinning in a pavilion. We thought this is an unique selling point at Chong Wen Ge.
Menu in Chong Wen Ge is atypical. Diners won’t find the standard cafe food such as Egg Ben and so on. Instead, diners are greeted with Peranakan fare. Some of the Mains available are Nonya Curry Chicken ($9.80), Nonya Laksa ($8.80), Nonya Mee Siam ($6.80) and more. The only not so Peranakan dish is Udon Mushroom Soup ($6.80).
Satay Bee Hoon ($8.80), an extremely rare find, especially for a cafe. Right away, without doubt, this is our must order. We like the lightly sweetish and yet highly fragrant peanut sauce. The dish is coupled with abundant ingredients such as thin pork slices, pig livers, kang kong, tau pau, and cuttlefish topped the surface of the dish. Instead of using cockles, fresh clams was provided. My only complaint about the dish was the bee hoon was not well drained after blanching. Hence it diluted the sauce a little.
*I revisited the cafe and tried the Nonya Curry Chicken, it was disappointing. It has strong coconut flavour but the spice was missing. The flavour did not immersed into the Chicken hence it was bland. It might be a good idea to marinate the chicken with the curry paste before cooking it.
We highly encourage diners to leave some stomach space for the Nonya Kueh. Ondeh Ondeh is the most popular kueh at the cafe as it is sold out daily. A pity some of the Ondeh Ondeh has more gula melaka, while others has less. Kueh Dadar is equally popular. Others selection includes Kueh Lapis, Kueh Salat, Kueh Koo and many more. Prices for the Nonya Kueh are either $1.50 per piece of $5 for 4 pieces.
A range of drinks such as traditional Kopi and Teh and also the commonly found Gourmet Tea and Espresso Coffee termed as Gourmet Coffee on the menu. Other Kopitiam drinks such as Lime Juice, Water Chestnut, Sour Plum, Rose Syrup, Bandung and Orange; all available at $1.80 each.
Last but not least, including the 2 signature drinks, the Teh-C Special ($5.50) and Peranakan Green ($5.50). The Peranakan Green is a fizzy melon soda with crunchy cucumber which I didn’t enjoy. It tasted very much like coloured soda with artificial flavouring. Pretty disappointing and was expensive.
NAHMJ Verdict
We perceived well of Chong Wen Ge Cafe. We like some of the food, the ambience and the concept.
In short, almost entirely, even though there are some room for improvement in the food. We are pretty sure in no time, the cafe shall be filled. Henceforth, do make your way their soon to uncover this culture gem.
Chong Wen Ge Cafe
168 Telok Ayer St Singapore 068619
Tel: +65 8688 3028
FB: https://www.facebook.com/chongwengecafe/
Menu: https://www.facebook.com/download/preview/1608743889439796
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 0730 to 1800; Saturday – Sunday 0900 to 1800
Getting There
By MRT:
- East-West line – Raffles Place station
- Downtown line – Telok Ayer station
By Bus:
- opposite GB Building along Cecil Street 57, 131, 167, 186, 700, 970, 971E (nearest bus stop to Telok Ayer Road)
- after Capital Tower along Robinson Road 10, 10e, 70, 75, 97, 100, 107, 128, 130, 162, 196, 196e
- at UIC Building along Shenton Way 10, 10e, 57, 70, 75, 97, 97e, 100, 106, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 186, 196, 196e
Rating: 8/10
*Updated after second visit on 30 Aug 2016.
Went there upon seeing so many reviews. Food was a disappointment and flavours were all wrong. The Udon was also extremely salty and the satay beehoon was so diluted. Had a sad lunch with my family as we thought we could have some good peranakan food in Singapore since we are Peranakans.
Hi Ophelia,
Thanks for your comment. I re-visited over the weekend and tried the Curry Chicken, I have the same comment. I didn’t find the Curry Chicken good. My maternal grandparents were Peranakans too. But at least, the Satay Mee Hoon was ok.
Cheers
Michelle (NAHMJ)