The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore

Keong Saik Road is home to many buzzworthy joints, and Kafe Utu is no exception. It's the first café in Singapore to offer a wide variety of African-inspired dishes such as the Swahili fish curry ($29). If Instagram is your main agenda, you’ll be glad to know that the café's wood and leather decor make a good rustic backdrop. It’s also got a rooftop lounge with views of the neighbouring shophouses and the CBD. Don’t miss out on the food, which is equally photogenic – highlights include the ricotta hotcake ($24), Tropical Cloud 9 ($18), and Uguisu ($7), a matcha latte made with matcha powder from Kyoto.

Although it’s a bit of a workout to get to Paaru, we promise that the café is worth the short hike. Stepping into Paaru feels as if time has stopped, and you have been transported into a space separate from reality. The café is decorated in the style of a traditional Japanese tea house, with wooden ceiling fixtures, a shoji door, and hanging paper lanterns to complete the look. Paaru’s shokupan is a must try – the soft, fluffy Japanese bread can be paired with homemade jam ($8), or poached or scrambled eggs (from $11). For a more filling dessert, try the french toast shokupan ($12) complete with cacao nibs, kuromitsu, and fresh cream.

If you thought the name was a misnomer at first, we don’t blame you. The Chye Seng Huat Hardware building was initially home to several metal and hardware companies in the past, and was taken up by coffee pioneers Papa Palheta to restore the building to its former glory and pay tribute to the hardware heritage of the site and vicinity. This two-storey art deco shophouse features a modern café on the first floor with a 360-degree-view of the bar so you can watch the baristas as they prepare beverages. The second floor operates as a school equipped with various coffee gadgets, apparatus, and machines so students can learn more about what goes into making a cup of coffee.

Chin Mee Chin has long been a breakfast institution. Breathing new life to this heritage business is the pastry chef Maxine Ngooi from the Ebb and Flow Group, who is also responsible for the sweet treats at Tigerlily Patisserie located just a few minutes away. Those craving for a taste of nostalgia will be happy to know that the menu, and even the interior, remains largely the same – a delightful showcase of childhood flavours and timeless bakes. Walking into the new Chin Mee Chin feels almost like entering a time capsule: those familiar with the original will recognise the old-world floor tiles, accompanied by similar dining tables and chairs. Outside, the new Chin Mee Chin also comes filled with more alfresco seatings, and even spots a colourful retro-style mural.

Located on the outskirts of Changi, this casual dining hotspot is a treasure trove of retro memorabilia. Think antique bicycles, vintage cameras and kerosene lamps. The restaurant itself is spacious and airy, flooded with natural light due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, while surrounding greenery provide ample opportunities for an outdoor shot. The menu includes sharing plates like har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken) ($16), crispy pork ribs ($22) and wagyu cubes ($26) which promises to be a hearty meal. 

Housed in the historic Alkaff Mansion, Wildseed Cafe (not to be confused with its other outlet at The Summerhouse in Seletar) is a beautiful, floral space that features indoor and alfresco dining spaces amid the lush surroundings of Telok Blangah Hill. If you can, get a table in the cafe's stunning outdoor conservatory. It's the perfect backdrop for photos (you've probably seen many photos of the conservatory on Instagram), as is the Mansion itself. It's the perfect pet-friendly escape from the city.

Mid-century modern interiors have been gaining traction over the past couple of years, and rightfully so. Well Collective uses this aesthetic to create an oasis that offers both a relaxed dining experience and a conducive environment for a productive afternoon. With beige walls, wood accents, and rounded windows and archways, the café has a homey vibe that is pleasing to the eye. Complementing the gorgeous interior is an all-inclusive menu that can be altered to suit your dietary preferences, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. A pet menu is also available for those who prefer working outside, but don’t wish to leave their furry friend all alone at home.

Dawn isn’t just any pretty cafe. They’ve got pretty darn good pastries too. Quickly becoming one of the more popular cafes that’s populating on our social media feeds, there’s that unfinished aesthetic and charm to it that draws the curious gaze of ongoing passerbys. This hole-in-a-wall is decked with beige derelict walls, alluring travertine tables and sleek wooden furnishings – strangely reminding us of a Daniel Arsham show. The beverage menu is straightforward as is, standard coffees brewed from single-origin coffee beans from El Salvador, a seasonal selection of slow pour coffees that showcase different tasting notes, cold brew tea, and home-made sodas.

Recharge with a coffee amidst the earth-toned, minimalist interiors of Homeground Coffee Roasters. The artisanal coffee shop serves great coffee and rotates the beans they use seasonally, so you’ll be able to try something different every time you visit. On offer at Homeground are drip coffee, espressos, lattes, and black coffee, as are tea cakes and pastries, if you’re feeling hungry.

If you are looking for a chill spot brimming with plenty of tranquil vibes and lush plants, head down to Knots Cafe & Living. The aesthetically pleasing store and ambience is sure to make you feel like you’re dining somewhere in Bali. Amidst the minimalist decor, the nature-themed space is also full of earthy tones and lush greenery all around. Decorated with steel frames, tiled floors and chandeliers, the cosy cafe is perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book or catch up with work. Aside from being a cafe, the place also doubles as a lifestyle store selling plants and furniture. If you have an eye on a table plant while having a serene brunch affair, you can purchase it along with other furniture items that surround you in the store.

From its high ceilings and concrete floors to its wooden-topped chairs and tables, Five Oars Coffee Roasters takes industrial-chic to a whole new level. Its food isn't shabby either: Valrhona chocolate pancakes ($20), mentaiko mac and cheese ($21.50), and chicken rosti ($17) are just some of the delectable dishes it has on the menu. And when you're done with your meal, the neon sign outside makes for the perfect backdrop to mark your visit. 

The original Hvala outlet is in Chijmes, a stylish teahouse which has transformed brewing Japanese tea into a true art. It has since expanded a ton, opening up additional stores in Somerset, Craig Road, and Beach Road too – but one thing’s for sure: it’s a reliable spot where you can order up a frothy cup of freshly whisked matcha. Order its range of straight matcha, which is simply matcha that’s been whisked with water – no milk. This way, you can taste the pure notes of each matcha type: some are more robust, while others have a lingering mellow profile. 

All Surrey Hills Grocer outlets boast an exquisite interior, but the outlet at Woodleigh takes the cake. The interior is decorated with lush greenery and a Mornington-inspired toy train that circles the café on suspended rail tracks. There is also a seating area that is designed to look like a train cabin with window views, perfect for a “scenic” photograph. Surrey Hills Grocer has also collaborated with Melbourne’s oldest pancake house, The Pancake Parlour, and features various pancake flavours on the menu. Try The Classic Stack ($20), and take a video of you pouring maple syrup on this three-tiered stack topped with butter and vanilla créme chantilly for the ‘gram.

Who says cafés need to serve Western food in order for them to be aesthetically pleasing? The previously unassuming little eatery has now been revamped into a cosy spot for customers to relax and enjoy one of its handmade baos. Chin Sin Huan’s new interior boasts tiled walls and floors adorned with different patterns, all unified by an emerald green grout. The simplicity of the tile design exudes a sense of modernity and freshness while paying homage to the establishment’s rich history. This design choice parallels Chin Sin Huan’s current owners’ commitment to honouring their grandfather’s beliefs and traditions, as well as preserving their heritage.

Much like its name, Muted keeps its store interior clean and sleek, staying true to the minimalist philosophies it embraces. The shop is decorated with salmon pink walls, rounded arches, and clean font choices, resembling the liminal spaces that recently gained popularity on TikTok. Overall, it’s a cosy and comfy space to savour a cup of gelato with your closest friends. Muted also opens till midnight, perfect for a late-night pick-me-up after a long, exhausting day.

If you frequent Orchard Central, chances are that you’ve noticed this café with two huge upturned tree trunks. Equate Coffee takes  a minimalistic approach to interior design –  its monochromatic colour scheme is broken only by the use of lush plants as its main source of decoration and colour throughout the café. Some of the tables are made of real wood with jagged edges, introducing a deviation from the typical minimalist aesthetic that still manages to uphold the clean and sleek aesthetic.

Escape to Paris without leaving Singapore at PS.Cafe’s new MBS outlet. The 86-seater space, outfitted in PS.Cafe’s signature black and white aesthetic, is inspired by Parisian cafe culture and features a dining space suspended over the Canal at the Shoppes, sheltered by parasols. In addition to classics like truffle shoestring fries ($18) and the PS. big breakfast ($29), you can look forward to several new additions to the menu, including buttermilk chicken nasi lemak ($26) and duck confit curry with crispy roti ($29). If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, the cafe’s classic range of desserts, such as the sticky date pudding ($15), are also on offer at the new outlet. On weekends, brunch specials will be available from 10.30am-4pm.

Café Margaret hails all the way from South Korea. As you enter the two-storey establishment, you’re greeted by a cottage core-esque interior decorated with cute teddy bears, vintage tea towels and fancy gold picture frames of old photographs – reminiscent of a quaint kitchen straight out of a nostalgic 1980s English cooking show or your beloved grandmother's cosy abode. Cafe Margaret's charming, otherworldly ambiance also makes it an ideal spot for gram-worthy snaps. Staying true to the Korean bakery café tradition, the bakes are lined up on inviting tables for all to choose from. Try their signature (and photogenic) Cube Pies – essentially 72 layers of pastry condensed into a cube shape with filled with flavoured cream.

As though its CHIJMES locale wasn't scenic enough, The Glasshouse presents an undeniably Insta-worthy spot with its floor-to-ceiling windows, lush potted plants and minimalist furnishings. The specialty coffee roaster also brings in filter blends (from $8) from famous roasteries around the world to accompany its classic toast offerings like the salmon sourdough toast ($20) and avocado dukkah ($20).

East Coast Commune is a charming café with an inviting interior that taps onto the surrounding landscape as design inspiration. Inside, the high-ceiling pitstop comes decked with rattan-backed chairs, wood-panelled counters, and potted foliage to echo the outdoors. A teal-white colour scheme and marine paintings by a local artist also help lend a tropical, seaside touch to the space. More than just a pretty space for the social media savvy, East Coast Commune is also a family-friendly spot with a play area for kids, a changing room for toddlers, and food for the young’uns.

Do not be fooled by the interior of this zen-like Japanese teahouse. The menu at this café is, in fact, largely dedicated to espresso-based brews. After all, this tranquil hideout, located in an industrial building at Jurong, is opened by Suzuki Gourmet Coffee, one of the oldest roastery on the island that has been around since 1979. Climb up to the second storey, push open a latticed sliding door, and enter a wood-clad space reminiscent of a chashitsu or traditional tearoom. Adding to its quiet allure are soothing details of bonsai plants and shishi-odoshi, a bamboo water fixture commonly found in Japanese gardens.

Inspired by the easy-breezy Melbournian cafés you find at every corner of Flinders, Bearded Bella's decor is simple and charming. Pastel pink walls, potted plants and a chic shophouse facade make it one for the 'gram. Menu offerings include braised beef cheeks ($24) and cold crab pasta ($20), while its coffee is made from beans roasted in-house by its owner – who just so happens to be an award-winning barista. Its cold brew ($12) even comes in a hip flask that you can take home.

The directions to Coexist Coffee Co might sound a little dubious, but those who are willing to make the journey will be greeted by a secret rooftop café. Unlike the dingy decor of the industrial locale, Coexist Coffee Co is a sun-strewn spot that exudes minimalist charm. The cafe recently reopened after closing for three months, and has ditched its signature half-white, half-red walls in favour of a restrained, industrial-chic aesthetic. Those willing to brave the heat can choose to head outdoors and dine at the rooftop patio, which comes with partial views of the greenery at Bukit Batok Nature Park.

The Great Mischief, previously nestled within The Great Madras in Little India, has reopened its doors at The National Gallery. Looking like a scene out of a Wes Anderson film, the restaurant boasts pastel-hued interior, gold accents, scallop chairs and terrazzo tables, a leap from the previous decor that had neon lights and turquoise tiles. The refreshed vibe has a good balance of heritage and modernity, mirroring the art gallery. The restaurant has a Catalan-inspired brunch menu including The Grande ($28), a classic big breakfast with pimento beans and feta cheese. For mains, they serve paella and wagyu rump. If you are heading down, try to snag a seat at one of their window nook booth seats. It offers a scenic view of the skyscrapers, perfect for couples on dates.

Stashed away in the lush hills of the Dempsey area is Mr Bucket’s first-ever factory and cafe, with stunning aesthetics at every turn. Visitors are treated to multi-sensory zones to experience and enjoy the cacao fruit from bean to bar – the space boasts build-your-own chocolate slab stations, indoor and outdoor dining experiences, and a chocolate dispensary. The spacious 5,000 square foot cafe also has dedicated viewing zones across the property so you’d be able to witness the enchanting bean-to-bar process. For an edible representation of the chocolate making process, try the Bean-to-Bar flight of sweet treats. Though chocolate's the star of the show, Mr Bucket also offers a brunch menu that includes savoury dishes.

There is a lot going on at Café de Nicole. Not only is it a café, but it's also a flower shop and is pet-friendly to boot. The multi-faceted locale is photo-worthy even from the outside, with its floral arch and glass shopfront. Indoors, twinkling chandeliers and hanging flower baskets add to its whimsical vibe. The dishes served at the café come with flowers picked fresh from the florist corner – there's the picture-perfect rose latte ($7.90), soufflé pancakes (from $15.90) and cheese filling ravioli ($13.90).   

Located in the lush Dempsey area, this particular Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet has a safari theme that sets it apart from its other outlets (and other cafés in Singapore, for that matter). The café is housed in a tent structure reminiscent of a safari outpost in Africa, and the interior decor and colour scheme similarly take inspiration from African culture. There is no air-conditioning in the main seating area, but ceiling fans keep the area well-ventilated. You’ll be able to indulge in Tiong Bahru Bakery classics like the kouign amann and almond croissant (both $6.60 each) amidst abundant greenery and a rustic ambience.

The Wired Monkey is your quintessential coffee house, complete with exposed brick walls and colourful graffiti art spray-painted on the side of the stairs. The café also features wood and metal accents, keeping the colour palette relatively simple with wood tones and black metal pipes and lampshades. Try its specialty coffees such as the cold brew (from $6.50), or more unique coffees like the French mint mocha ($7.50).

Platters of pastries and cakes tempt your taste buds as you enter Plain Vanilla Bakery. Plants line the cafe’s charming exterior, as do four teal-coloured bicycles parked outside, and bunches of dried flowers hang from the ceiling. The interiors, meanwhile, are airy and expansive. Order one of their signature cupcakes ($4.50 each), which come in flavours such as chocolate hazelnut, red velvet, and cookies and cream.

You’ve probably seen videos of Aoyama Flower Market Tea House and Haute Couture Café floating around on social media and wished you were in Japan enjoying these beautifully decorated cafés as well. Q Classified, one of the few floral cafés in Singapore, is your answer. The Orchard outlet features lavender hanging from the ceiling and a tasteful pink and white interior that creates a peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy a meal. Q Classified also offers a variety of desserts such as Dutch baby pancakes and croffles – tasty yet photogenic enough for the  perfect dessert photo in this beautiful floral café.

We may have a perpetual summer in Singapore, but this café at Maxwell Chambers offers an autumnal escape filled with sun-faded leaves. Stepping into Kreams Krafthouse feels like venturing into an indoor park; maple trees, in varying hues of orange and yellow, decorate the ceiling of its roomy interior. Settle down under the canopy of foliage and sip on aromatic brews best paired with some freshly baked scones. Beyond regular espresso-based drinks, highlights from this Korean-inspired café include the Dalgona Latte ($9.50), its version of the whipped coffee fad that has taken over social media.

Step into Café Monochrome, Singapore’s first 2D café inspired by the ones in South Korea. Immerse yourself in a living sketch with meticulously handcrafted drawings and matching cutlery. Indulge in their high tea set ($48), which includes assorted cakes, tarts, macarons, ice cream, and a pot of tea. The pastries are placed on a gorgeous three-tiered white dessert stand shaped like a carriage, seamlessly blending in with the monochromatic ambience, allowing the colourful desserts to stand out.

After a decade of slinging out tasty heart-warming fare, the Kovan stalwart has unveiled its latest transformation that draws from the same pages as its Holland Village outlet. Clean and minimalist come to mind when describing the Scandi-inspired interiors which make for cosy vibes and great photos. Order new dishes like the Tsukune Sando ($17) or the Spicy Tomato Crab Rigatoni ($20), or order one of their signatures, such as the Honey Paprika Crispy Wings ($13) or the hearty Lola's Breakfast ($20). In the sweets section, there are new creations such as the Lemon Basil Cheesecake ($8), Lychee Rosewater Cake ($7), and Strawberry Pistachio Tart ($9). The cafe also features a new seasonal single-origin coffee alongside its robust house blend of Brazilian and Indonesian beans (from $4). 

You've definitely seen this one on the 'gram. My Awesome Cafe's unique storefront has captivated many – the Chinese lettering proclaims itself as a medicinal hall, which was exactly what it used to be, and owner Franck Hardy stuck to the '80s Chinese theme, filling the interior with thrifted furniture and vintage dinnerware. Unfinished concrete walls and striking red lanterns complete the look, making this café the go-to location for photoshoots.