Kopi Tiam, a local term for a coffee shop, is definitely not the typical sort of restaurant one normally finds in a hotel. Fronted by a quaint signboard and decorated with charming old-world furniture, this restaurant that is located in the prime area of Swissotel the Stamford , and is the perfect place to take in some delicious local food after a day of shopping. Mixing the modern with a touch of old-fashioned allure, Kopi Tiam offers a blast from the past in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.

• The Vibe
  The restaurant exudes the feel of a traditional kopitiam , with shelves decked with Milo tins and kettles, containers of colourful chopsticks and rustic wooden furniture. Further authenticating the ambience is the life-sized picture of the ubiquitous “ kopitiam uncle” making a coffee that adorns the back wall. With understated warmth, it is easy to relax and enjoy a meal in this modestly furnished dining space.

• The Food
  The menu of Kopi Tiam offers a smorgasbord of flavours and aromas, with expertly prepared dishes that are familiar to the local palate, and also exciting for the uninitiated. Do make a note to start your meal off with the Pan-fried Crayfish ($17). Lightly fried to the ideal texture, the crayfish is served in a delicious sesame sauce that is a unique twist from the usual. Also order the hot plate sliced beef ($15), which consists of thinly sliced pieces in a delectable peppery sauce, and comes served on a sizzling hot plate, with fragrant rice on the side.

  Get into your meal proper with the scrumptious Fried Butter Prawn ($17.50) that is also one of the most requested in Kopi Tiam. The buttery aroma of the sweet prawn flesh will make one relish every bite, and leave you craving for more. Another must-have item is the Fish-head Curry ($27). The curry is wonderfully thick and scented with a mélange of Indian spices, instantly gratifying with just the right amount of spiciness for those who like it hot, and yet manageable for those with a milder palate. On the downside, however, the red snapper, while fresh, could have come in a bigger portion.

  For those with a sweet tooth, do try the pisang goring , which is a platter of deep-fried bananas served with a dollop of home-made vanilla ice cream that simply melts in the mouth, and leaves a pleasant sweet aftertaste.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Kopi Tiam
While it is rather rare to find a hotel restaurant specializing in local food, Kopi Tiam manages to do this surprisingly well. The vibe felt here is one of versatility. It seems that Kopi Tiam can offer all the comforts of a restaurant and assisted with attentive service staff, while simultaneously not compromising on the taste and sheer satisfaction that only the familiarity of local food can provide. As a local myself, I can safely say that the chefs have succeeded in keeping the local cuisine in its true form, without compromising the quality and tastes for the sake of foreign preferences.