Many Singaporeans think about the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the fragrance of kaya toast with butter when we mention breakfast. It is also no surprise that Killiney Kopitiam with a long-standing history is one of Singaporeans’ to-go shops. However, how many of you actually know Killiney inside out? Here are a few fun facts about this home-grown business.
Its original name was not Killiney Kopitiam
The humble establishment was founded in 1919 by a Hainanese family from China and was formerly known as Kheng Hoe Heng Coffeeshop. Back in the days, the traditional charcoal-grilled toast as well as coffee and tea won the hearts of many, including that of regular customer, Mr Woon Tek Seng. Determined to preserve the Hainanese culture, he bought over the coffee shop in 1993 and renamed it “Killiney Kopitiam”.
You can make your own cup of lactobacilli-containing Killiney Café Au Lait at home
Made in Singapore, Killiney’s Café Au Lait comes with lactobacilli from Japan. This is the newest addition to Killiney’s existing range of products such as Killiney Kaya, Killiney Curry Paste and Killiney Teh Latte. Besides providing a kick of caffeine, it also claims to help boost immunity and general well-being. A packet of 15 sachets is retailing at $12.80.
Second generation business leader, Woon Tien Yuan was not handed the role right off the bat
After graduating from NUS Business School, Woon started off by managing the family’s art foundation, The Woon Brothers Foundation. He was discouraged by his father to join the company because of the multiple hardships which come with running F&B businesses. It was only after forming a joint venture with Hoow Foods and resolving issues with their instant coffee supplier back then did Woon formally take on the role as Director of Killiney Kopitiam.
You can enjoy Killiney Kopitiam even in the United States
Killiney Kopitiam made its debut in the United States in Palo Alto in August 2020. The owner, Ms Toh Steckler decided to venture into this business as she realised that she could not find authentic Singaporean food upon moving to the US in 2014. This idea of introducing Singaporean food to an unfamiliar crowd has seen huge success, as seen by the long lines. Ms Toh Steckler too has plans to expand to more locations within the US in the near future.
Killiney has once collaborated with Jaded Macarons to produce unique macaron flavours
Think White Coffee, Yuan Yang, Kaya Butter Toast, Soft Boiled Egg and… Laksa! These are iconic flavours which fans of Killiney will be familiar with, and you could enjoy them in the form of a dessert! It’s such a pity that they are no longer available.
