The Old Raffles Place

Collingwood’s direct antidote to hawker homesickness, this Johnston Street outpost delivers rare Singaporean comfort staples framed by retro kopitiam nostalgia. Vintage photos and Singaporean history span the walls, while the lady owner greets regulars with personal, maternal warmth. Homesick diners line up for the chye tow kueh—stir-fried carrot cake coated in dark sweet sauce that is notoriously hard to find across Melbourne. The kitchen turns out comforting chicken rice that routinely sells out, alongside saucy hor fun and soupy Singaporean-style Hokkien mee. Plates arrive generous and unapologetic, from salted fish fried rice to spice-dusted eggplant blanketed in crisp curry leaves, best enjoyed over a cold Tiger beer or a warm teh tarik.