Lam Yeo Coffee Powder

The traditional coffee culture is one that has passed its heyday in Singapore. Increasingly, the younger generation choose to flock to chains such as Starbucks for their caffeine fix. Kopi O Siu Dai is quickly giving way to Non Fat Hazelnut Latte as the dominant choice of coffee beverage today.

The above example might be an exaggeration, but it certainly reflects the current trend we see today. Lam Yeo Coffee Powder is one of the last surviving family run traditional coffee roasters in Singapore. Traditionally, Singaporean coffee powder is differentiated only by price, as seen in the picture below. Each price contains a different blend of various coffee beans. Customers order it by just stating the weight they want and the price of the coffee beans. For example, "$10.50, 400 grams". This is the opposite of gourmet coffee beans which has names such as Arabica and Robusta. However, to adapt to the changing clientele, they have also included modern gourmet coffee in their variety of coffee beans offered.

Traditional Singapore blend of coffee 
Gourmet coffee sourced internationally 

The entire shop is steeped in history. At the front of the shop sits two large traditional grinders that have been used for decades, grinding coffee beans for loyal customers that have patronised the store.  The large signboard that hangs from the top of the shop is the original sign that was from 1959, when the business first started. The stains that mar the signboard serves as a reminder of the history the sign represents. From the early days of Singapore's independence to the modern society of today, the brand has lived through all of it.

The storefront with the sign and grinders in full view 

Close up of the signboard 

What is interesting to note is that the 3rd Generation of the family has already started participating in the business. 2nd Generation owner Mr Tan Bong Heong and his son, Mr Benny Tan now currently run the stall. This is heartening news especially in recent times where hawkers are finding it difficult to find successors due to the lack of interest from their children to take over the business. Thankfully, with Mr Benny Tan already involved in the business, we can be sure that this traditional coffee roaster shop will be here to stay for years to come.

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