Singapore: Enter Through the Cheese Shop

Kiss My Pans – 713 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C2
🌍 Country: Singapore
🔥 Must-try dish: White Carrot Cake
🎭 Dinner guests: Ace Avi, Pornstar Sam & Sundance Pati
🪑 Seating: Indoor Only
👍 The high: The two owners duo work the room and help guide everyone with the menu.
👎 The low: We managed with five people but the restaurant is small, and operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, so less people are safer if you want to ensure getting a table.  

Kiss My Pans brings bold flavors and vibrant energy to its cozy storefront on College Street, right in the heart of Little Italy. This unique space blends three distinct identities into one seamless experience: a cheese shop, a coffee shop, and an authentic Singaporean restaurant.

A Cheese Lover’s Haven
One-third of the space operates as a cheese shop, offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses alongside handcrafted wooden boards and accessories for your charcuterie night. Whether you’re building a charcuterie masterpiece or just indulging in quality cheese, this section caters to all dairy lovers.

A Taste of Singaporean Coffee Culture
Step into the coffee shop, or kopitiam, as it’s known in Singapore. More than just a place for a caffeine fix, it’s a cultural hub where locals gather for traditional kopi (coffee) and small, flavorful bites. This relaxed setting brings a slice of Singapore’s daily life to Toronto.

The Heart of It All: The Restaurant
Kiss My Pans serves up classic Singaporean dishes in a casual, self-serve setup. Diners order at the counter and pick up their plates when ready, with plenty of trays available to streamline the process. Despite juggling multiple roles, the restaurant maintains a clear focus: delivering an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

A Menu Packed with Bold Flavors
Singaporean cuisine seamlessly blends influences from Malay, Indian, Thai, and Chinese cooking. Expect fragrant curries, spice-marinated meats, and an abundance of fresh herbs. Every dish bursts with bold, layered flavors, making it impossible to go wrong when ordering.

Starters That Steal the Show
White Carrot Cake – Don’t let the name fool you—this is nothing like the sweet dessert. Instead, it’s a savory delight made from fried radish, eggs, onion, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce. The soft, scramble-like texture delivers a unique bite every time, especially when paired with the spicy sambal chili sauce. It was the table’s top pick for good reason.

Chicken Satay – This last-minute addition turned out to be a showstopper. Unlike the typical dry and bland skewers, Kiss My Pans’ satay stays moist and bursting with flavor—even without the accompanying peanut sauce. We could’ve easily ordered a second round just for another taste.

Mains: A Feast of Singaporean Staples
Beef Rendang – If you’re only trying one dish, let it be this one! This iconic “dry curry” slow-cooks beef in a thick, aromatic marinade, resulting in tender meat that melts like butter. The tangy lemongrass-infused flavors linger in the best way possible. Served with hard-boiled eggs, this dish creates a satisfying balance when mixed with rice.

Nasi Lemak with Otak Otak – Highly recommended by the owners, this dish stands out with its unique preparation. Wrapped in banana leaves, the fish gets steamed in a fragrant coconut milk marinade, served with spiced peanuts, anchovies, shrimp, and rice. Each bite brings an unexpected yet harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Tofu Laksa – This warm, comforting coconut milk-based curry soup came as a special that night. Thick noodles swim in a rich, aromatic broth, with tofu adding a soft, silky contrast. A subtle kick of spice gets mellowed by the coconut milk, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings.

Roti Prata with Curry Chicken – Tender chicken and potatoes soak in a spicy yet manageable curry sauce, best enjoyed with the flaky Singaporean flatbread. If you’re dining solo, this dish is a solid one-stop meal.

Char Kway Teow with Sambal – Calling all noodle lovers! Thick, flat rice noodles get wok-fried with shrimp, soy sauce, and bean sprouts for a dish that delivers on both taste and texture. Every bite includes the perfect ratio of noodles, protein, and veggies, making this an instant favorite.

The Verdict: A Must-Visit for Food Lovers
Kiss My Pans offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, a premium cheese selection, or an authentic Singaporean meal. The blend of café culture, artisanal cheese, and flavorful Southeast Asian dishes creates an unforgettable experience.

Weekends can get busy, so be prepared for a lineup—but trust us, it’s worth the wait! If you’re planning a visit, weekday dinners offer the best chance of snagging a table quickly.

Eat with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)

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