Text by AKHIL JOONDEPH and AANYA KUMAR
Photos by AKHIL JOONDEPH
KILLINEY KOPITIAM SINGAPORE’S ICONIC COFFEE SHOP ARRIVES IN PALO ALTO
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INED WITH BRIGHTLY painted Kopitiam has expanded to nine countries walls and vibrant murals of Singa- with over 80 locations worldwide. pore’s Marina Bay, Killiney KopiMotivated by the lack of authentic tiam is downtown Palo Alto’s latest Singaporean cuisine in the Bay Area and trending cafe. The punnostalgic memories gent aromas of fresh of Killiney from her coffee, dried shrimp From early in my childhood, franchise and savory sauces waft childhood, Killiney owner and Singafrom the kitchen, enticpore native Amanda was my favorite place Toh Steckler made ing hungry customers. One of Singa- to go for comfort the decision to expore’s most well known pand the popular restaurant chains, Kill- food.” chain by opening — AMANDA TOH STECKLER, owner the Waverley Street iney Kopitiam opened its first United States location. location in Palo Alto in “From early in September. The business is over 100 years my childhood, Killiney was my favorite old, having established its first location on place to go for comfort food,” Steckler said. Killiney Road in Singapore in 1919, acWhile the restaurant was expectcording to its website. Since then, Killiney ed to open its doors in the spring, the
40 DECEMBER 2020
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A TASTE OF SINGAPORE — Killiney Kopitiam, located on Waverley Street in downtown Palo Alto serves authentic Singaporean food and drinks.
COVID-19 pandemic forced Steckler to delay its launch. However, despite the challenges of opening during this unprecedented time, the restaurant has boasted long lines since its opening in part due to online networking. “The power of social media is fantastic and the word quickly spread via Facebook and Instagram,” Steckler said. Waiting in line for a chance to try the restaurant’s renowned offerings, we had high expectations. We were pleasantly met by their bold, spicy and comforting Singaporean flavors and comfortable outdoor seating, and would gladly return. v
