First visit to Tiong Hoe’s original outlet after its renovation. It’s now more spacious and can fit more tables in its cosy interior. The shelves of merchandise and the Chinese calligraphy banner (咖啡, or “coffee” in Chinese) still remain.

The smooth and robust 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 ($5.00) was as good as I remember it to be. The 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗸𝗲 ($8.50, from Keong Saik Bakery) was a revelation. The moist cake emitted fragrant, floral notes and had chewy attap chee (palm seeds) embedded within. Coupled with the shortbread cookie base, it created a delightful textural contrast.

@tionghoespecialtycoffee is still one of my favourite coffee spots.