In the article “The Lasts of the Old Shopping Mall Eateries”, we talked about the remaining of the family-run eateries in old shopping malls. Their home-style cooked food and competitive prices continue to attract a substantial crowd, although mostly from within their district or neighbourhood. These eateries have much, in terms of taste, atmosphere and memories, to offer. The next time you hunt for places to eat, give them a try. We would not be surprise if, after eating, you wonder why nobody had told you about it earlier.

Tony Cafe

#02-23 The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street

7.30am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 9am – 4.30pm (Sat)

They took over this shop lot 10 years ago, from the previous tenant whose name is Tony. Building a legacy was not their main concern and hence the name of eatery was left as Tony Cafe. They sell a modest range of chap chye peng that taste like your mother’s cooking (if your mother cooks reasonably well). But the highlight is their fried chicken rice, known only to their regulars. Available on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, the crispy and juicy fried chicken wings draws a long queue and is usually sold out by the end of lunch time. Business is so good that they enlist help from their family members just on these days.

Dor’s Nonya Place

#01-74 International Plaza, 10 Anson Road

7am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am – 2.30pm (Sat)

The owner, Ms Doris Tan’s mother is a Peranakan from Penang, hence you will find Penang style Nonya fare like Assam Laksa here. Besides that, they also sell Mee Siam, Mee Soto, Lontong, and in the morning, fried beehoon and peanut porridge. Like Tony Cafe, Dor’s also has special menu in the morning. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays she whips up a vanishing food, mee sua kor, but without the banned pig’s blood. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she offers the rare Rickshaw Noodle. The recipes, Ms Tan says, has been with her for 50 years, since she started learning cooking from her mother when she was 15.

Lin Heng Snack Bar

#01-18 Sultan Plaza, 100 Jalan Sultan

6am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 6am – 3pm (Sat)

The owner has been there for about 30 years, “even before my son was born” she says. The chap chye peng fare includes the must-haves like steamed egg and stir-fried bitter gourd, and the more unusual items like braised pig’s intestine and fish curry. They also offer a very tangy and robust fish head curry, which you will find many office tucking heartily.

Roti & Coffee Cafe

#01-10 Sultan Plaza, 100 Jalan Sultan

7am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 7am – 3pm (Sat)

You would not have notice them unless you happened to have errands to run at Sultan Plaza. They sell coffee and toast in the morning but in the afternoon, office workers from the buildings nearby would flock that place for their stewed pig trotter and soy sauce chicken rice or noodle. Both dishes are done old style – flavourful with no reservation on the condiments.

Puncak Muslim Food

#05-94 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road

11.30am – 9pm (Mon-Sun), Close on alternate Tuesday

The owner, Mr Alan Tan, entered the business with a Muslim partner about 30 years ago, which is why his Chinese cze cha dishes are certified halal. The muslims love them, partly also because Halal Chinese food is a rare treat in Singapore, as not many Chinese eateries are certified halal. Besides the usual sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, do try their Teochew horfun, which is fried with chai po (preserved raddish) and packs full of a wok-hei flavour.