BreadTalk is launching a cafe chain concept called Butter Bean in Singapore, with the first outlet opening at Funan Mall.
Centred around the traditional Singaporean Nanyang coffee concept, Butter Bean offers a menu of coffee-based beverages and reimagined Singaporean dishes made without pork or lard, including toasts, baked goods, mains and sandwiches.
“We aim to present traditional Nanyang Coffee in an engaging manner that appeals to the younger generation’s evolving lifestyle,” said Vincent Lim, regional GM at BreadTalk Group. “Our outlets are also designed as a social space centred on good vibes, conversations and connection.”
The Butter Bean at Funan Mall houses 45 seats and features yellow and marble interiors together with a ‘Cherry to Cup’ wall mural designed by 8EyedSpud. The store also offer contactless service where customers can order and pay by scanning a QR code.
The first new Butter Bean opens this Friday (August 28), followed by a second store at Vivo City next month.
A Singaporean coffee enthusiast told Inside Retail that Nanyang coffee might get a bad rep or sometimes be viewed as a cheaper coffee option because historically, not everyone had money or access to buy very expensive ingredients. Additions such as palm oil and sugars gave the Nanyang coffees a richer flavour and mouthfeel, creating the style of Kopi which Singaporeans love and grew up with.