Having so loved the homecooked food put up at their yearly Chinese New Year parties, the owners (siblings Aaron and Olivia) of Old School Delights decided to take this love one step further, setting up this themed café two months ago. Its menu serves up 'retro' fare such as mee siam and laksa.
Visitors are welcomed to full-length chalkboards across the walls on both sides and wooden benches and tables, resembling that of old school classrooms back in the eighties (or even earlier). One would be overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia upon entering the premises.
Our lunch was started off with their Signature Pulut ($1.80 each), or more commonly known as Lemper Udang (correct me if I'm wrong). The spicy dried shrimp fillings gave the kick to this appetizer. Remember to try their otah too.
Mee Siam ($4.50) is reportedly the inspiration behind this café. Staying true to the 20-year-old home recipe passed down by the owners' grand-aunt, its gravy comprised 11 secret ingredients. Even if you are not a mee siam lover, try the OSD version and who knows you might just get hooked.
Another must-try here is the Laksa ($5.20). A popular dish rich in Peranakan culture, the bowl of laksa I had here was a winning combination flavoursome gravy, noodles and hearty servings of dried beancurd, fish cake and cockels among others. While less coconut milk was used, making it a more guilt-free indulgence for all.
There are four simple desserts on the menu: Chendol, Sago, Burbur Hitam and Red Bean Soup ($2.80 each).
For some reasons only Sago was available for the day, I gave it a try nevertheless.
Even though appearance wise it was just like our normal ice kachang without the colourful syrups, when taking in the first bite, started rolling in were the memories of the good old days when my mum would reward me for helping out with her house shores with 50 cents, which later would get me a bowl of ice kachang from the kopitiam across the street.
Many diners (including me) were seen disappointed when were told their best-selling Seriously Dark Choc Cake was sold out. (The lady in the backdrop probably shared the same sentiment. Just kidding...)
Apart from providing pleasure to the stomach, not on the café's menu was an extensive collection of retro toys which diners are encouraged to browse and make purchase. Some of these toys we grown-ups are all so familiar with include the Five Stones, Aeroplane Chess and Chatek. One of these would be sure to evoke fond memories of your childhood and awaken your inner child.
It doesn't matter when and where you had the last bowl of laksa from the pushcart uncle in your neighbourhood, come down here to Old School Delights and you can have all your old favourite dishes encored.
If you are a tertiary student, flash your student/matric card to enjoy 10% off total bill. Do note that this promotion is valid on weekdays, 3pm to 6pm only.
I would like to thank Yen of Vanilla Minuet who led me to the discovery of this place. You may check out her blog for more amazing photos on OSD.
HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY TO ALL CHILDREN AND THE CHILD IN YOU.
Old School Delights
215M Upper Thomson Road Singapore
Wed to Sun, 12pm – 11pm
6458 4518