Disappearing Trades

Must Do Experiences

• Taste freshly brewed Nanyang-style kopi with traditionalCondensed milk coffee in the same factory that’s been roasting since the 1950s

• Join the masters in roasting Arabica and Robusta beans over open fire and learn the secret blend ratios passed down through generations

• Help shape traditional roti prata dough and bake your own bread in a century-old wood-fired oven

• Sample local breakfast staples like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and pulled-tea kopi

Hidden Gems

• The factory’s hidden coffee bean storage vault holds beans aged up to 10 years for premium dark roast blends

• Witness the secret ‘knuckle test’ masters use to gauge bean roast doneness by touch alone

• The back room displays original 1960s-era roasting machines still in operation with vintage pressure gauges and wooden chaff collectors

What Makes it Special

• One of the last remaining traditional Nanyang coffee factories in Singapore still using open-fire roasting and sari-sari (loose-leaf) brewing methods

• The only tour in Singapore where you can learn bread-making in a century-old wooden oven used daily since the 1940s

• A hands-on experience led by third-generation artisans who’ve spent over 50 years perfecting their craft

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Mornings (9am-11am) offer the freshest aroma and busiest factory activity as the day’s first batches come off the roasters Visit during school holidays or weekends for larger groups but be aware crowd levels peak around 10:30am No rain-related disruptions — all activities are indoors with full climate control

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the golden-hour steam rising from freshly poured kopi near the open roasting window between 9:30-10:30am

• The wooden baking oven with its glowing embers offers dramatic lighting at 11am when the master pulls out hot loaves

• No flash photography inside the roasting area — the masters prefer natural light to judge bean color accurately

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Singaporeans value quiet politeness — avoid loud voices or disruptive behavior especially near active machinery When offered kopi or bread, accept with both hands as a sign of respect to the master artisans Tipping isn’t expected but handwritten thank-you notes left at the master station are heartwarming gestures locals appreciate

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Chinese New Year features limited-edition kaya-filled bread loaves with gold-dusted crusts made only during the 10-day festival

• Deepavali weekend includes special turmeric-infused bread baked in traditional clay ovens (limited to first 20 guests daily)

• Peak demand occurs during School Holiday Periods (June July December) — book at least 7 days ahead for weekend slots

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay behind the marked safety lines near the roasting vats — steam releases reach 120°C during bean agitation

• Allergen warning: The facility handles wheat, dairy, and peanuts — bring epinephrine if highly allergic

• Wash hands thoroughly before bakery demo — Singapore’s NEA requires strict hygiene in food production zones