Service was soul-crushingly slow, but I actually want to go back to this retro Kopitiam?
qponx
2026-03-04
Discover Ciak Tiam, a retro Kopitiam with a stunning vintage Chinese mansion vibe. A heads-up: the service can be incredibly slow. However, the food might just make it worth the patience. The star of the show is the Nasi Curry Warisan, a rich and tender curry that redeems the long wait. Pro tip: enjoy the free, unlimited shrimp crackers and pickles while you wait! This spot offers delicious Peranakan classics that might just win you over.
Confession time! If my friend hadn't dragged me here, judging by the serving speed alone, I probably would have flipped the table and left. 🤦♀️
Located at Living World in Tangerang, this Kopitiam called Ciak Tiam... I got there at 3:30 PM, and the place wasn't even that crowded, right? But I ended up waiting from Chill to Anjay, it took almost an hour for the food to arrive[1]… Definitely a hell-level patience test.
But, I was surprisingly healed by a bowl of curry
Just when I was about to lose control of my facial expressions from hunger, the food finally arrived. Honestly, the ambiance is really nice, decorated like a traditional Chinese mansion from an old movie[2]. The mottled walls and vintage details instantly transport you back to Singapore decades ago, perfect for Nongkrong.
But that's not even the main point! The main point is that bowl of Nasi Curry Warisan[3]! The curry's aroma was so incredibly powerful—savory, fragrant, and rich, but not the kind of overpowering spice smell. The chicken was stewed until it was super tender, and the sauce had completely soaked into it. Paired with rice, Mantap! I instantly forgave the long wait right then and there.
My friend who went with me ordered the Nasi Goreng Kecombrang and Kwetiau Gosong[4]. I snuck a bite, and the wok hei (breath of the wok) was strong, and the flavor was on point too. Of course, you can't go to a Kopitiam without getting Kaya Toast[5], right? Paired with a cup of Kopi, that's the soul of the experience!
But don't rush over just yet, let me finish
Although the food is indeed delicious, and the high 4.8 rating on Google isn't fake, we have to be honest.
First of all, the portions are really on the small side[6]. For a girl like me, one main dish just felt like a base layer. Guys might need to order some extra snacks to feel full.
Secondly, you need to be smart when ordering! After all, this is a Kopitiam that specializes in Peranakan flavors, so I suggest everyone stick to their classic dishes[7], like curry, laksa, and toast. I glanced over at the next table, and they had ordered Nasi Lemak... their expressions seemed a bit hard to describe... you know what I mean.
Tips to avoid pitfalls & save money, you're welcome
- ✍️ Ordering Guide: First choice is Nasi Curry Warisan, you can't go wrong! If you want fried noodles/rice, go for Kwetiau Gosong.
- ⏰ Waiting Tip: This place is seriously slow with the food, so be mentally prepared. Don't go when you're super hungry, or you'll get hangry.
- 💰 Price Reference: It's about 125k per person[8], which is pretty reasonable for a place inside a mall.
- 🤫 Hidden Perk: Here's the best part! They have free shrimp crackers and pickles, and you can get unlimited refills[9]! While waiting for your food, you can go crazy on these snacks to fill your stomach a bit. The restaurant really gets it, haha.
- The old Chinese mansion decor, with weathered walls and vintage details, transports you to old-school Singapore [1]. The vibe is on point.
- The Nasi Curry Warisan's rich curry and tender chicken is so good, you'll forgive the slow service [2].
- Snack on free-flow prawn crackers and pickles [3] during the wait—a thoughtful touch
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