This year, Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, and in true creative style, Play Nation joined in the fun with a nostalgic pop-up stall at Marina Square. The pop-up features a range of kopitiam-inspired plushies, quirky collectibles, and other local treasures.
My son was the one who discovered it on Instagram and insisted we check it out. So off we went – and sure enough, as soon as we reached the foyer on Level 2, we were greeted by a charming, old-school kopitiam-themed setup that instantly transported us back in time.
What is a Kopitiam?
If you are not familiar with the term, kopitiam simply means coffee shop. “Kopi” is the Malay word for coffee, while “tiam” is Hokkien for shop. These kopitiams are more than just eateries – they are an integral part of Singapore’s culture, known for affordable local food and drinks like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and of course, the legendary kopi-o (black coffee). They are where people gather for breakfast, quick lunches, and lively conversations. Read here to learn the different type of Kopi!
Fun fact: The modern Kopitiam food court brand in Singapore took this beloved tradition and gave it a cleaner, air-conditioned twist, making hawker-style dining accessible in shopping malls and city centres.
The Exclusive Kopi & Toast Plush Collection
Play Nation’s pop-up takes inspiration directly from these nostalgic kopitiam mornings. Their Kopi & Toast Plush Collection features all-time breakfast favourites, including:
- Kaya Butter Toast
- Hard-Boiled Egg
- Soft-Boiled Eggs
There are also adorable plushies shaped like the classic long-spouted Kopi Kettle, a vintage porcelain Kopi Cup, and even seasoning essentials – a Soy Sauce Bottle and Pepper Bottle.
And because no Singaporean meal is complete without takeaway, you can get a Teh Bing (Iced Tea) Tote Bag to “dabao” (take away) your plushie haul. Too cute!
They sell the plushies individually, or you can grab themed bundles like:
- Classic Set: Kaya Butter Toast, Soft Boiled Eggs, and Kopi Cup.
- Egg Lover Set: Soft Boiled Eggs, Hard Boiled Egg, Soy Sauce and Pepper Bottles.
- Kopi Addict Set: Kopi Kettle, Kopi Cup, and Teh Bing Tote Bag.
- 8-pc Shiok Max Set (for the hardcore collectors!): All eight plush items plus a free mystery gift.
My son, for reasons only he understands, picked out the Soy Sauce Bottle plushie for his friend.
The Kopi Shop Experience
The experience of buying was just as fun as the plushies themselves. We ordered at the “serving counter” and watched the staff prepare our purchase as though it was an actual kopitiam order. Even though we only bought one plushie, we got to play along cracking the fake eggs, cook it, seasoning them with the soy sauce and pepper bottle plushies, before finally watching the staff carefully wrap our order in their signature Play Nation paper bag. Watch the Instagram video here.
It felt like reliving a kopitiam breakfast, but in the quirkiest, most playful way.
More Than Plushies
Besides the plushies, Play Nation also offers:
- Kopi & Toast Plush Keyring Blind Boxes (perfect for collectors who love surprises).
- Singapore Heritage Series building blocks, featuring mini versions of the city’s most iconic landmarks and others.
About Play Nation Singapore
If you are wondering who is behind this creativity, Play Nation is a popular Singaporean brand that blends fun, nostalgia, and community. Known for its game cafés (where you can enjoy endless board and console games with food and drinks), Play Nation has become a go-to hangout spot for students, families, and young adults. Their pop-ups and merchandise collections, like this Kopi Shop series, are all about celebrating local culture in a light-hearted way.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Play Nation’s Kopi Shop pop-up was short but sweet – a nostalgic blend of play and culture that made us smile. Whether you are a local looking for a quirky keepsake or a visitor wanting a piece of Singapore’s kopitiam culture to take home, this is one spot you won’t want to miss. But shame that the pop up stall had sadly over.