V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
I didn’t expect to find a slice of nature and a tech-savvy dining experience rolled into one when I walked into the new Kopitiam at West Mall — but that’s exactly what greeted me.
The minute I stepped off the escalator to Level 4, my eyes were drawn to the dramatic rock wall feature at the entrance — a visual homage to Bukit Batok’s own Little Guilin.
It’s bold, peaceful and oddly calming for a food court. Think lush greenery, stone textures, and ambient lighting — a space that invites you to linger, not rush.
But what really sets this food court apart? Kimberly, a multilingual AI concierge who popped up on the sleek touchscreen display at the entrance.
“Hello! How can I help you today?” she asked in a pleasantly warm tone.
I was curious, so I tapped around. Kimberly could suggest stalls based on my preferences, recommend deals, and even direct me to available seats using a real-time heat-map system. For a weekend lunch crowd, that’s a blessing.
A Feast of Flavours
With 19 stalls covering everything from local staples to global cravings, I had a tough time picking what to eat.
I started off with something familiar: Hainanese chicken rice from Jubilee’s. Juicy, fragrant and not too oily — this was comfort food done right. The chilli had a solid kick too.
Next up, I tried the nasi padang from Warisan Nasi Padang. The beef rendang was tender and rich with spices, and the sambal had depth — smoky and slightly sweet. A side of sayur lodeh added the perfect balance.
Craving something spicier, I moved over to Xiao La Jiao, a Sichuan mala stall.
I went for a small portion, selecting lotus root, mushrooms and beef slices. The spice level? Not for the faint-hearted — but the numbing heat was authentic and addictive.
To cool down, I grabbed a Thai iced tea and some crispy Thai spring rolls from Telur Thai. The tea was sweet and creamy, and the rolls had that satisfying crunch with just the right amount of filling.
Had I come with friends, I’d have ordered a hotpot from Wu Da Lang Old Hot Pot, or perhaps tried the DIY sizzling plates at Pepper Lunch Express — a hit with the teens and families around me.
Design Meets Technology
The space doesn’t just look good — it works well. The seating is smartly arranged, and the heat-map system really helped me locate quieter corners when the lunch crowd thickened.
I spotted a few solo diners working on laptops in the nooks near the greenery, clearly enjoying the calming backdrop and free Wi-Fi.
Each stall had digital menu boards with bright, easy-to-read displays. Even older diners seemed to find it convenient. I overheard one uncle telling his wife: “Wah, like airport style leh!” — a compliment, I’d say.
It’s clear Kopitiam has put thought into the user experience. Behind the scenes, they’re using AI to monitor footfall and manage queues and cleanliness. I noticed staff clearing tables quickly and discreetly, even during the busy window from 12pm to 2pm.
Opening Weekend Buzz
I visited during the grand opening festivities (from 11 to 14 December), so there was an added dose of cheer. A lion dance had just wrapped up when I arrived, and a kompang performance added a multicultural touch.
Families were queuing up for balloon animals and quick games for prizes — I saw someone walk away with a blind-bag keychain and another with a vacuum flask.
Spending $8 or more earned you a scratch card — I didn’t win, but the kid next to me did. He was thrilled.
The Verdict
Kopitiam at West Mall is more than just a food court — it’s a reimagined community space. It pays tribute to the Bukit Batok neighbourhood’s natural beauty while offering convenience, variety, and a gentle embrace of technology.
Whether you’re a retiree grabbing kopi and kaya toast in a peaceful nook, a student hunting for Korean fried chicken, or a family exploring lunch options after a movie, there’s something for everyone.
As I finished my Thai milk tea and glanced once more at the Little Guilin rock wall, I realised — this isn’t just about food. It’s about place-making, connection, and making every meal a little more special.
Would I return? In a heartbeat. And next time, I’m bringing friends — we’re definitely doing hotpot.
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