Wanglee Cafe – Nostalgic Local Flavours at Toa Payoh

With so many Nanyang-style cafes popping up around Singapore, it’s clear we still have a deep love for our local dishes—kaya toast and nasi lemak. But let’s be real: with the heat these days, eating in a non-air-conditioned kopitiam can be a sweaty affair. That’s why Nanyang cafes like Wanglee Cafe are thriving—serving the same comfort food in a cozy, air-conditioned space that locals are happy to pay a little more for.

Even though I’ve opened three kopitiams in the past two years, I honestly feel Nanyang-style eateries are the way forward. If there’s a chance for me to start one in the future, I just might.

From Zi Char to Café: A Passion Project by 3 Brothers

Wanglee Cafe isn’t your average new café. It’s the latest venture by former Canton Paradise head chef Hoong Boon Foo, together with his two brothers who are seasoned zi char chefs. The brothers also run Wang Lee Seafood, a popular zi char stall nearby. Boon Foo himself used to helm Yu Huang Premium Seafood Soup in Taman Jurong, known for its elevated pao fan, before it closed earlier this year.

Their combined experience shows in the food—traditional Singaporean and Malaysian comfort dishes served affordably in a café setting.

My Visit to Wanglee Cafe

I went down to Wanglee Cafe at Toa Payoh during lunchtime and the queue was already snaking outside. Under the scorching sun, I was sweating buckets, but thankfully the line moved fast and I was seated within 30 minutes, enjoying both the food and the glorious air-con.

Their Chilli Pan Mee ($6.80) is the crowd favourite—and I totally get why. The handmade ban mian noodles are bouncy and cooked al dente, topped with house-made XO chilli, ikan bilis, minced meat, poached egg and tau kee. The chilli is made from five different types of chillies, XO sauce, hae bee, garlic, and sesame seeds—dry, punchy and perfectly balanced. It’s spicy enough for that shiok kick, but not overwhelming. Toss everything together and every bite bursts with texture and umami. Easily one of the better versions I’ve had in Singapore.

If you prefer something comforting, go for the Mee Hoon Kueh Soup ($5.80)—homemade dough pieces in a light, tasty broth.

Their Ah Ma Nasi Lemak ($6.80) is another popular choice. It comes with a crispy fried chicken wing, sunny-side-up egg, ikan bilis, peanuts and cucumber. While the rice could’ve been more lemak, the fried chicken wing stood out with its juicy, old-school flavour.

And don’t leave without trying the Kaya Butter Toast ($2.80). I love the contrast between the warm toast, cold salted butter and smooth house-made kaya. The kaya isn’t overly sweet and leans heavily on pandan aroma. I paired it with a cup of iced kopi (thanks to the killer weather), and it was the perfect tea break combo.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much—but Wanglee Cafe won me over. The food’s good, the setting’s comfortable, and it hits that sweet spot of nostalgic flavour with modern café vibes. I’ll definitely come back again—maybe earlier in the day, or just dapao if the queue is too crazy.