52 Coffeeshop Sultan Plaza Review: A Hit-or-Miss Hub for Zi Char & Vietnamese Food
Located within the bustling ground floor of Sultan Plaza, 52 Coffeeshop presents itself as a typical, no-frills Singaporean coffee shop offering a variety of affordable eats. Home to a Zi Char stall that also serves Chongqing specialties and a separate Vietnamese stall, it promises a diverse culinary experience. However, a closer look at diner feedback reveals a journey of highs and lows, where your satisfaction might just depend on which stall you choose and what you order.
The Food: A Tale of Two Stalls
The primary offerings at 52 Coffeeshop come from two distinct kitchens: a Chinese Zi Char/Chongqing stall and a Vietnamese one. The experiences with each are notably different.
The Zi Char & Chongqing Stall: A Safe Bet
This stall appears to be the more consistent performer. Dishes like Sambal Fried Rice and Stir-fried Beef Hor Fun are praised for their “on point” flavour, though some might find them a bit on the oily side. For those seeking something with a bit more punch, the Chongqing offerings are a highlight. The Grilled Fish is noted for its reasonable price, and the Chongqing Chicken (likely La Zi Ji – spicy diced chicken) is considered decent. If you’re looking for a reliable, hearty meal, this stall seems to be the go-to choice.
The Vietnamese Stall: A Polarizing Experience
The Vietnamese food here is the source of the most divided opinions. On one hand, some patrons describe the food as “nice and yummy,” with a special mention of the Banh Mi (“sandwich”) and friendly service.
On the other hand, a deeply critical review paints a completely different picture, citing a “disgusting” experience. This diner reported that the cockles were not fresh and were overcooked, while the grilled prawns were mushy and had an off-smell. This significant inconsistency suggests a potential issue with the freshness of their seafood ingredients on certain days. Furthermore, a separate complaint of being overcharged—billed $9.20 for an item listed as $7 on the menu—with poor follow-up service, casts a shadow on the stall’s customer relations.
Please Note: One reviewer mentioned coming for a Thai stall, which has since closed down.
Analysis: A Classic Case of Inconsistency
52 Coffeeshop is a microcosm of the risks and rewards of dining at a multi-vendor establishment. The overall 4.1-star rating from a small sample of 10 reviews is respectable, but it masks the starkly different experiences diners have had.
The Zi Char stall delivers what you’d expect: familiar, flavourful dishes at a fair price, albeit with a tendency towards being greasy. It’s the dependable workhorse of the coffee shop.
The Vietnamese stall, however, is a gamble. While it’s capable of producing satisfying food that earns 5-star praise, the severe negative feedback regarding food quality and a serious service issue (overcharging) cannot be ignored. It seems that quality control, particularly with perishable seafood, may not be consistent. Potential customers should approach with caution, perhaps sticking to safer bets like the Banh Mi or assessing the look of the ingredients before ordering seafood. The overcharging incident is a reminder for all customers to double-check their bills.
What to Eat & Drink at 52 Coffeeshop
- From the Zi Char/Chongqing Stall:
- Grilled Fish: A reasonably priced option for a group.
- Stir-fried Beef Hor Fun: A classic Zi Char dish noted for its good taste.
- Sambal Fried Rice: A spicy and flavourful rice dish.
- From the Vietnamese Stall (with caution):
- Banh Mi: The Vietnamese sandwich seems to be a popular and well-regarded choice.
- Drinks:
- Expect the standard Singaporean coffee shop selection. Order a classic Kopi (local coffee with condensed milk), Teh (tea), or refreshing fruit juices like calamansi to cut through the oiliness of the food.
Location & Final Verdict
52 Coffeeshop
100 Jln Sultan, #01-05 Sultan Plaza, Singapore 199001
This coffee shop offers a convenient and affordable meal if you’re in the Sultan Plaza area. For a satisfying and low-risk meal, the Zi Char stall is your best bet. If you’re feeling adventurous and craving Vietnamese food, you might get lucky, but be mindful of the potential for inconsistency and be sure to verify your bill. 52 Coffeeshop is a place of contrasts—a reminder that in a food court setting, the quality can vary dramatically from one stall to the next.
