The Killiney Kopitiam opened late last year in the cluster of inexpensive eateries on Lygon St near the corner of Queensbury St. Cold kopi on a hot day is divine and theirs is delicious. As a lover of the nasi lemak, I had to try the nasi lemak complete on my first visit. The curry is wonderful but very mild, as was the sambal. I was expecting a bit more chilli heat. I liked the fried fish and the generous amounts of anchovies and peanuts. My friends liked their dishes too.

Reviews have been mixed. Mochii eats and Who told u that are quite negative, while Couture foodie says it’s agreeable but not necessarily authentic. Eat drink and be merry and Oh so yammy are similarly ambivalent. The mildness of the food is evidently not impressing the ex-pats. Where’s the beef is cautiously optimistic but are excluded from much of the menu.

So Killiney seems like a Singaporean experience watered down for the locals but, in an area where where many international students live and eat, they’re risking disappointing a lot of customers. Where’s the beef also cautions about the limited accessibility. I wouldn’t be surprised if next time I go the heat has been turned up a little, as the feedback seems very consistent. It’s good enough to try again.