Singaporean food chain Old Chang Kee to make European debut in Covent Garden

Old Chang Kee, the Singaporean snack, food and beverage chain, is set to make its European debut in Covent Garden, London.

Shelley Sandzer, the specialist UK leisure property agency, has secured the 15A New Row site for Old Chang Kee.

The brand will open a 300 sq ft ground-floor outlet later this year, offering fast casual dining.

Designed by Q&A Interior Designers and DP Architects London, the interior will be inspired by a typical Singaporean kopitiam – an old-style Asian coffee shop – and feature displays of old Singaporean paraphernalia storytelling the heritage of the brand’s food.

Alongside its signature puffs, Old Chang Kee will offer a selection of Singaporean dishes such as Singapore chicken curry, laksa, and nasi lemak as well as finger food.

Established in 1956, the brand now has 78 Old Chang Kee quick service outlets and six outlets for their sister brand, Curry Times, in Singapore, as well as a presence in Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.

Tony Levine, leasing agent at Shelley Sandzer, said: “We are delighted to be a key part of Old Chang Kee’s expansion in the West and look forward to continue building a strong relationship as the brand grows within the UK.

“London boasts an eclectic mix of cuisines, and we are currently seeing a wave of successful far Eastern operators make their debut in the capital city. Old Chang Kee will benefit from London’s increasing popularity for East Asian flavours and booming quick service market.

“The famous brand also brings with it a strong reputation in Southeast Asia, providing them with a ready base of loyal expats, students and tourists.”

Sandra Leong, director of Old Chang Kee UK, added: “Our curry puffs have a rich heritage as early ‘fusion food’, and we are thrilled to bring them back to Britain along with the very best of our snacks and meals.

“Last year, we hosted a weekend pop-up in Kentish Town to whet Londoner’s appetites and we sold out in four hours each day. It was such an exciting introduction to one of Europe’s most popular cities, and we knew we had to find the perfect location for a permanent restaurant.

“Shelley Sandzer firmly delivered on our brief by securing the perfect site, and we can’t wait to launch our London flagship later this year.

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