Wanglee Cafe - XO Chilli Pan Mee by Ex-Canton Paradise Chef

There’s something magical about finding a café that perfectly balances nostalgia with modern comfort. Wanglee Cafe at Toa Payoh Lorong 4 does exactly that—serving up soul-warming Nanyang kopitiam classics in a cozy, air-conditioned space that makes you feel like you’re at grandma’s house, minus the sweat.

Wanglee Cafe is helmed by three talented brothers: one former head chef from Canton Paradise and two seasoned zi char cooks who also run the popular Wang Lee Seafood nearby. After their previous venture, Yu Huang Premium Seafood Soup in Taman Jurong, closed due to rising rent costs, they pivoted to this Nanyang-style concept in June 2024.

Their combined culinary expertise shines through in every dish, bringing hotel-quality execution to humble hawker favorites.

The space features nostalgic touches like rooster bowls and Peranakan tiles, creating that authentic kopitiam charm. With about 8 tables inside and some outdoor seating, it’s intimate but can fill up quickly during peak hours. The air-conditioning is a godsend, especially when you consider that during lunchtime, queues can snake outside under the scorching sun—though thankfully, the line moves relatively fast.

Chilli Pan Mee ($6.80)

This is hands down the crowd favorite, and for good reason. The handmade ban mian noodles are bouncy and cooked perfectly al dente, topped with house-made XO chilli, ikan bilis, minced meat, poached egg, and tau kee. The chilli is crafted from five different types of chillies, XO sauce, hae bee, garlic, and sesame seeds—creating a dry, punchy, and perfectly balanced kick. It’s spicy enough to make you feel alive, but not so overwhelming that you’ll need a fire extinguisher. Breaking that poached egg and mixing everything together creates a creamy, umami-packed symphony in your bowl.

Kaya Butter Toast ($2.80)

The kaya here is house-made with a vibrant green hue, unlike the typical brown versions from chain establishments. The sweetness and coconut fragrance hit just the right notes. The toast comes crispy and golden, though I’ll echo what other reviewers have mentioned—a slightly thicker cut of bread would make this even more satisfying. Still, at $2.80, it’s a solid classic done well.

Century Egg Minced Pork Porridge ($3.80)

Comfort in a bowl. This humble dish is often underrated, but it’s the kind of meal that warms both your stomach and soul. At under $4, it’s also incredibly affordable for a filling breakfast or lunch option.

The Coffee

Here’s where Wanglee really surprised me. While most places stretch their brewed coffee to 80-100 cups, Wanglee only uses theirs for 50 cups and doesn’t let it sit for more than 30 minutes. The result? An incredibly fragrant, full-bodied kopi that tastes gao (thick) and never acidic. At $1.50-$2, this might be one of the best-value cups of coffee in the neighborhood.

Wanglee Cafe hits that sweet spot of nostalgic flavors with modern café vibes. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to, whether for a leisurely breakfast with excellent kopi or a satisfying lunch featuring that addictive Chilli Pan Mee.

The three brothers have created something special here—a space that respects traditional flavors while understanding what modern diners want (hello, air-conditioning!). Their zi char and hotel backgrounds clearly inform the quality and care put into each dish.

📍 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-274, Singapore 310092

⏰ Daily 7am - 7pm (Closed Thursdays)

📞 8731 5597