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The best cafés in Singapore for brunch sorted by neighbourhood

Our one-stop guide to all things brunch and coffee, sorted by neighbourhood at your fingertips

Written by
Kristie Teo
,
Huang Junyi
,
Eliza Juliet Tay
,
Fabian Loo
&
Dawson Tan
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Whether you're looking for the perfect Instagram shot, a new weekend brunch hangout, or a mean cup of joe, these cafés in Singapore deliver on all those fronts and more. Need more than one cup of coffee to rev your engines? Go café hopping in Tiong Bahru or pop into the various coffee shops along Amoy Street that keep the caffeine-hungry CBD folks going.

RECOMMENDED: The best cafés with free Wi-Fi and the best cafés for dessert

Tanjong Pagar

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  • Tanjong Pagar

Situated on Neil Road, this all-day coffee bar is all but typical. First off, the zen-inducing space is anchored by a multi-sensory garden installation that simulates the sensory experiences of forest bathing. The stylish 40-seater coffee bar offers a variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks (from $5.50), as well as freshly baked goods and light bites. There are also quirky blends such as the highly raved manuka miso honey latte ($7.50), refreshing dirty spiced lemonade ($7.50), sticky chai ($8) and the strangely whimsical strawberry pipagao latte (from $7.50) which seamlessly incorporates the use of the nostalgic Chinese herbal cough syrup. If you're feeling fancy, filter coffee featuring a rotating single-origin selection is also available.

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  • Tanjong Pagar

Rain or shine, it’s always cloudy at Cloud Coffee. Cloud Coffee doesn't just look pretty for pictures. For coffee, prices begin from $3 for a shot of house espresso using beans from Minas, Brazil – widely known to be pleasantly balanced with notes of cherry. There are also filter coffees that will be rotated on a monthly basis, so do check in with the baristas. But don’t leave without trying the fresh bakes made in-house. We enjoyed the fingerlings of moist lychee financier ($3) and a slab of surprisingly fluffy fudge-drizzled chocolate brownie ($6). Other treats on display include banana bread, cakes and cookies. 

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  • Tea rooms
  • Tanjong Pagar

Tea appreciation has seen a recent comeuppance and this spot's even been visited by Queen Elizabeth II. Sip on a wide range of fine teas varying from light to robust flavour profiles catered to your palate and pair them with traditional Chinese tea cakes and snacks. While you're emulating royalty, it doesn't hurt to know a little more about what's brewing in your pot and where it comes from. That's where Fund and his team at Tea Chapter shine as they impart useful knowledge during a tea appreciation session that you can book in advance. Perfect for a calm afternoon alone with a book or with your significant other.

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  • Tanjong Pagar

This cosy 70-seater three-storey shophouse sports an Instagrammable space that screams contemporary minimalism with retro wood and rattan finishings of a classic Hong-Kong style cha chaan tengBut the draw is definitely the piping hot buns coming out of the oven just about every fifteen minutes. Expect to sink your teeth into fluffy airy buns with sweet buttery 'pineapple resembling' top crust that has people forming snaking queues.

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  • Chinatown

Keong Saik Road may be synonymous with alcohol, but it’s sure able to cook up a fine cup of coffee. At Kafe Utu, you’ll be transported to Africa the moment you step foot into the coffeehouse due to its wood and leather furnishing and African-inspired paintings. The specialty house blend is called “Ubuntu” – a combination of coffee beans from Uganda, Mexico, and Brazil – whereby you could have it black ($4.50) or with some Hokkaido milk ($6). The food fare here is also excellent, too. Order up a Curried Avocado with Raw Garlic and Toast ($18) or try the Ricotta Hotcakes ($24) from the brunch menu.

 

Telok Ayer

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  • Cafés
  • Tanjong Pagar

Don't be fooled by first appearances, Maxi Coffee Bar is small – and for a reason. The popular coffee joint has always kept it cosy to encourage a sense of community among the customers. Nestled at the intersection of Club Street and Ann Siang Hill, the spot is a favourite for those in the area looking for their caffeine fix, and its selection does not disappoint. Besides the regular mainstays, Maxi Coffee Bar is also known for its Cereal Milk Latte. Menu-wise, the grilled cheese sammies are a hit with its customers. And there's variety too. Go for a classic French onion grilled cheese sandwich or choose a bacon-centric version. Our favourite is the kimchi grilled cheese sandwich which is the perfect combination of salty, buttery, spicy and tangy. 

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  • Tanjong Pagar

If you’re a fan of laid-back, Aussie-style café nosh, check out Sarnies. Opened by Australian Ben Lee, this sandwich shop lives up to its name with rustic ’wiches like roast chicken with house-cured bacon ($15) and tuna mayo with bell pepper, onions and coriander ($14.50). For heartier fare, check out its evening and weekend brunch menus, brimming with sinful options like truffle mash in bacon ($13) and churros with salted caramel sauce ($10). Top it off with Sarnies’ cuppas that have made it to Lonely Planet’s list of best coffees – choose from an exhaustive list of brews including flat whites, macchiatos and mochas.

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Café by day and cocktail bar by night, this outfit serves up brunch-style meals for the working crowd. Get some of the most affordable truffle fries around for only $5 a basket, and pair your meals with a cuppa or a glass of cold-pressed juice.

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  • Tanjong Pagar

It’s hard to get particularly excited over yet another vintage café, but we make exceptions for My Awesome Café on Telok Ayer. Located on the ground floor of what used to be the Telok Ayer Chung Hwa Free Clinic, My Awesome Café takes the retrospective-looking trend aesthetic and knocks it out of the ballpark with equal parts knack for sourcing and creative ingenuity. The food is pretty awesome too with salads, sandwiches and coffee available during the day and wines and platters taking over at night. 

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  • Tanjong Pagar

Swing by with a friend, and indulge in the outlet-exclusive Stanley Breakfast for Two ($46). The hearty brunch platter comes filled with fresh flavours of Israeli salad, smoked salmon or chicken ham, a basket of sourdough slices, eggs served two ways, and two cups of coffee. Guilt-free desserts can come in the form of an almond meal-based peanut butter slice ($6), keto-friendly balls ($3), gluten-free chocolate cake ($9), and more. And apart from the usual cuppa, the bar counter also blends up a range of nourishing smoothies and juices. Reach out for the immunity-boosting green juice ($12.50), a vibrant elixir made with fresh spirulina, celery, green apple, and lemon.

Duxton & Outram

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  • Outram

A Japanese-inspired cafe run by a husband and wife duo has popped up along Kampong Bahru Road. One foot in, the kissaten-like space feels rustic yet homely with its wooden and rattan textured furniture and vintage leather armchairs. At the back is a loft area that can accommodate larger groups. The menu follows the Japanese theme closely with a series of Japanese-inspired pasta, rice bowls, desserts, and a range of coffee and tea. Try the signature miso carbonara ($21) which arrives al dente with pan-fried pork jowl and ikura tossed in a  savoury-sweet sauce.

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  • Outram

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.

 

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  • Outram

This hot Neil Road joint appoints itself a 'gastro-café' to highlight its flavour-forward leanings. Rice and grain bowls ($19.50-$24) – topped with roast chicken, pulled pork, and thyme-seared wagyu – are Instagram favourites that taste as hearty as they photograph. Also enjoyable is the seafood linguine ($24), with al dente spools of bisque-coated pasta next to nubs of crabmeat and scallops. End off your meal here with a strawberry and elderflower sundae ($14), best paired with buttermilk waffles ($15) and a cup of coffee to kill the sugar.

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  • Raffles Place

Ciao, bella! There’s a new café hidden away along Craig Road. The comfortable space flooded in natural light serves brunch staples like avocado toast ($17) sprinkled with quinoa, feta and pomegranate as well as spiced scramble ($18), silky scrambled eggs topped with mushrooms and crispy kale. If it’s a cuppa you’re looking for, you’re at the right place. Co-owner Regina Tay is a National Barista Championship Winner and roasts the beans in-house in small batches.

Everton Park

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  • Cafés
  • Outram

Nylon Coffee Roasters opened its doors in 2012 and was one of the earliest boutique roasters in Singapore. They still remain a leading name when it comes to quality coffee here. Though the space is small, the joint has a loyal following of coffee drinkers who vouch that the coffee here is the best in town. Serving single origin coffee, the brand is passionate about sustainability and transparency – don't be afraid to ask where your coffee is from. Nylon also offers a filter coffee 'subscription' from $20 a month which delivers straight to your home. 

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  • Outram

Specialty coffee and artisanal bakes – that's all the reason you need to visit The Better Half. This quaint and cosy café in Everton Park is a true passion project by the approachable couple Jon and Hwee Ying, who first started their business online. Swing by their venue to try signature cakes like black sesame, carrot walnut, chamomile honey and coconut lavender, alongside well-crafted coffees. 

Tiong Bahru

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  • Tiong Bahru

Ciao, bella! There’s a new café hidden away along Craig Road. The comfortable space flooded in natural light serves brunch staples like avocado toast ($17) sprinkled with quinoa, feta and pomegranate as well as spiced scramble ($18), silky scrambled eggs topped with mushrooms and crispy kale. If it’s a cuppa you’re looking for, you’re at the right place. Co-owner Regina Tay is a National Barista Championship Winner and roasts the beans in-house in small batches.

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  • French
  • Tiong Bahru
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We're all guilty of it. Mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, double-tapping perfectly-styled #foodporn pics and putting the restaurant on our list of places to try, just because it looks good. It’s a strategy that brings in the crowd – so it’s understandable why the team behind Merci Marcel, which also runs Ô Comptoir and Ô Batignolles, has made this new French eatery as photogenic as possible. Potted plants line the rattan bar and there’s garden space out back that’s drenched in sunlight. In the day, expect ’grammable brunch requisites such as eggs benedict ($21) and French toast ($17) alongside more uncommon imports like marinated crab tartine ($19) and ravioles de royans ($18) – a must-order. 

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  • River Valley

Coffee-lovers might come for its rotating range of single-origin brews, but others drop by for its uncommonly good brunch classics. Get the marmite mushrooms ($19) for an uncommon dish, or the Common Man Veggie Wonderland ($26) for a well-balanced plate of organic free-range eggs, spinach, pesto tomatoes, avo, and halloumi. Filter coffee starts from $6.50, while espresso-based drinks start from $5. 

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  • Tanglin

Looking for pastries and sweets to complete your lunch? Check out Pantler, a quiet café along Telok Ayer. Helmed by Matthias Phua and chef Tomoharu Morita, both of whom came through the kitchens of Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Joël Robuchon Singapore, Pantler serves up cakes, sandwiches and pies made with carefully sourced ingredients from Japan and France. Try a cheesecake or cream puff for a taste of Pantler’s brand of delicate and refined pastries.

Orchard

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  • French
  • Orchard

After gaining much popularity after staging in Raeburn Park and Paragon, Le Matin Patisserie has opened its flagship in ION Orchard. The all-day dining concept by chef-owner Mohamed Al-Matin sets the stage for his largest menu yet; French-inspired pastries aside, shoppers can also look forward to an extended brunch and dinner menu. With the new opening comes a slew of new pastries, think roasted hay pecan tart ($9), kombu tart ($9) and sake lee and macadamia choux ($14). But of course, chef Matin’s almond croissant ($7.50) and kouign amann ($7.50) remain highly sought after in the line-up. Fans would also recognise the popular applewood smoked cruffin ($10) and the quirky sensation of the garlicky escargot-filled snail croissant ($13).

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  • Orchard

Need a place to sit down and chill after a shopping spree about town? This newly opened chic space might just be for you. Singapore’s popular homegrown fashion brand The Editor’s Market has opened a new flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre – complete with a chic little cafe tucked away inside. Called Cafe Found, the coffee joint is sleek-looking while having a white and minimalist touch all over, reminiscent of cafes in Korea. Decorated with hanging lights, tiled flooring, and a granite coffee counter, the cafe has a monochromatic palette that complements the slow living life that The Editor's Market aims to achieve.

 

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  • Orchard

Far from the glitz and glamour of Orchard Road's main shopping belt, The Community Coffee is quietly and steadily serving up great cuppas of drip coffees and espresso-based brews. Beans are sourced from small, sustainable farms in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Peru, and expertly roasted by a its team of experts and coffee enthusiasts. If you want to bring a taste of the coffee home, they also have an online shop where you can get specialty coffee beans and grounds. 

Oriole Coffee + Bar
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  • Orchard

Oriole Coffee + Bar is a cafe by day, bar with music by night with the highest standard and quality coffee from tree to cup. With house pour, wine, and beer, this bar promises a hearty lunch and dinners served daily. Of course, being a coffee bar, the joes are not to be missed – signature in-house cold-brewed coffee comes in black ($6), white ($7) or with MAD milk ($8), a non-dairy nut concoction of macadamias, almonds and dates. 

 

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  • Orchard

Marrakech heritage brand, Bacha Coffee opens its first international outlet right here in Singapore at ION Orchard. Hailing from the majestic Dar el Bacha palace, the coffee house takes notes from the palatial grounds vibrant warm hues, black and white chequered tile floors and intricate zellige mosaics that ooze understated elegance.

The Singapore café offers four categories of coffee: single origin, fine blended, fine flavoured and carbon dioxide decaffeinated coffee from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and beyond. You can purchase loose beans (from $11 per 100g) to brew at home or enjoy a pot of coffee (from $9) onsite with a serving of whipped Chantilly cream, steamed milk (or soy milk), raw sugar and cracked vanilla beans with a couple of croissants ($8 for two).

Katong & Joo Chiat

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  • Marine Parade

Occupying the iconic Red House in Katong, it's really hard to miss Micro Bakery. With the mission to serve delicious and hearty food and to provide a cosy space for people to take a break from the hustle, you'll feel comfortable right away at this café with its warm decor and the smell of freshly baked bread constantly in the air. Besides the breakfast options like the scrambled eggs tartine ($16) and Big Breakfast ($26), get some buns, cakes, sourdough loaves and even coffee to go. 

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A Katong freshface is newly-opened Café Natsu on the ground floor of Crane Joo Chiat, a stunning 1920s Peranakan heritage building. Drawing in crowds of hungry diners from all over the island, expect classic brunch items and satisfying sandos that highlight the ever-popular Wagyu ($30). A full-fledged dinner menu also makes it an all-day diner where you can slurp on fresh oysters ($26 for three) or toss-up some Wagyu tartare ($28). But the main card is none other than Wagyu again, there's the MBS 6+ slab of Wagyu, either the rib cap ($28 per 100g) or ribeye ($40 per 100g) for all you meat-loving folks out there.

 

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  • Marine Parade

There’s a magician in the house. Through cards, he can predict the future, will things to appear, and make others disappear. He can also brew up a mean cup of coffee. Meet Ashley Cho, the owner of Nimbus Cafe. He decided to combine his love for magic and food two to open a magic-themed café. Try the smashed avocado on sourdough toast ($18), dressed with aromatic dukkah and sunflower seeds for crunch and sharing plates of truffle fries ($12) and chicken wings (from $10) drizzled with honey butter – all paired with a side of magic card trick. 

 

Kallang & Jalan Besar

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  • Kallang

Lucid's interiors of grey and white tones make for an Instagrammable spot. But it's more than just a treat for the eyes. The minimalist hide-out also serves cups of quality brews by co-owner Andrea Tan, the first National Brewers’ Cup champion in Singapore. You’ll find coffee and a small selection of bakes are available, like espresso-based drinks (from $4) pulled from beans of medium-dark roast, with hints of chocolate and citrus, and bakes of brownies crowned with hazelnuts and fluer de sel ($4.50).

Chye Seng Huat Hardware
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  • Kallang

Follow the hipster past the huge covered metal gates and you’ll find Chye Seng Huat’s semi-secret (well, not so much anymore) compound in the Jalan Besar industrial zone. Headquarters of Third Wave coffee pioneers Papa Palheta, the two-storey coffee complex hides a coffee school and retail space on the second floor, while a full inventory of coffee gear dominates its ground floor café. Wait in line by the vinyl player piping Phoenix or The xx into the perpetually crowded space, and order an espresso made with its Nuts and Bolts or Terra Firma blends, or a procured single origin to drink in the café.

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  • Kallang

Minimalist cafés, with white-clad walls and simple decor, are a dime of the dozen in Singapore. But if there is any place that’s making this pared-down aesthetic feel fresh and exciting, it’s Daizu Cafe. It's a loft-style, two-storey space that lets in plenty of morning sunlight. Look forward to novel brunch offerings that fuse Japanese flavours with Western cooking techniques. Some highlights: unique creations of lemon miso eggs Benedict ($24), mixed chirashi salad ($18), mentaiko chicken dumplings ($10), and more. Sauces, from wasabi mayonnaise to curry aioli, are also made from scratch. 

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  • Kallang

Minimalist cafés, with white-clad walls and simple decor, are a dime of the dozen in Singapore. But if there is any place that’s making this pared-down aesthetic feel fresh and exciting, it’s Daizu Cafe. It's a loft-style, two-storey space that lets in plenty of morning sunlight. Look forward to novel brunch offerings that fuse Japanese flavours with Western cooking techniques. Some highlights: unique creations of lemon miso eggs Benedict ($24), mixed chirashi salad ($18), mentaiko chicken dumplings ($10), and more. Sauces, from wasabi mayonnaise to curry aioli, are also made from scratch. 

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  • Kallang

Just a stone's throw away from Old Hen Coffee Bar lies Old Hen Kitchen, serving up a brunch menu alongside its usual coffee and cake options. The open kitchen concept alongside the wooden furniture and little pockets of greenery creates a cozy familiar environment whether it be for a satisfying lunch or for a chill afternoon with a book in hand and coffee in the other. Aside from the usual café offerings, you can look forward to unique options such as the Mochi Pancake Stack ($15), Ahi Tuna Salad ($14), and the Chilli Crab Fries ($12). Of course you can’t forget their famous selections of cold brews – Black ($6), White ($6.50), Cold Dark Cocoa ($6.50), Cold Matcha Milk ($7), and the Cold Mocha ($7.50).

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  • Kallang

Another in the clutch of cafes on Rangoon Road in Farrer Park, Brunches Cafe is a vintage-themed spot serving all day breakfast, gourmet sandwiches and cafe standards. Their high tea set, with slices of cake, mini tarts and sliders, is limited to ten sets a day, and is served in a bird cage. Apart from brunch staples like the Eggs Benedict ($13.9), Brunches Cafe also serves vegetarian options such as the Truffle Infused Mushroom Fiesta ($12.90) and brioche french toast ($11.9). Diners can also buy the furniture that they sit on, or shop at the vintage retail corner. 

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  • Kallang

From the minimal interiors to the straightforward menu, Brawn & Brains’ unpretentiousness oozes an infectious quality. There’s no fancy latte art or overthought, intricate brunch menu to be had – just good, lovingly-brewed coffee using house-roasted beans (an espresso is $4) and classic, hearty brunch staples such as oven-baked molten eggs with smoked salmon, avocado, and melted cheese ($18.90), and a beef pastrami sandwich ($17). 

Temporarily closed until June 2023.

Raffles Place

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  • Raffles Place

Ceres Haus finds a nest on a second-floor shophouse on Circular Road. This hidden haven runs an all-day program: cafe by day; wine bar by night. Simply look out for an empty wine bottle hanging by the unassuming entrance and make your way up to a plywood door. During the day, the coffee menu is pretty minimalist with espresso-based drinks going from $4 and fresh bakes (from $5). The madeleines ($6) are baked upon order, a conscious decision made by owners Sarah and Aloysius to channel their efforts into the finer details in simplicity. Once nightfall, the lights are dimmed and the vibe turns amorous with natural wines available by the glass (from $16).

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  • Raffles Place

Just after a year of slinging out quality coffees in Joo Chiat, Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar is now open for dine-in at the spacious lobby of the UIC building. The classic Kohi pour (from $3.50) still remains a darker and much chocolatey roast which caters to most Singaporean palates. In the specialty filter coffee selection, there are single-origin beans (from $7) from Papua New Guinea to Colombia on rotation. The espresso bar also serves up trendier options such as the refreshingly minty Kohito ($7) and the oddly satisfying OJ Matcha ($7). While there aren't full-board meals served, the coffee bar offers quick bites and bakes such as ham and cheese croissants ($8.50), sea salt brownies, blueberry muffins, vanilla cranberry scones, and an assortment of savoury pies.

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  • Raffles Place

Quickly becoming one of the more popular cafés that’s populating our social media feeds, there’s that unfinished aesthetic and charm that draws the curious gaze of ongoing passersby. 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. But what keep us going back is the freshly baked goods. Our favourite happens to be the favourite apple crumb ($6). Try others like the sesame friand ($5), blueberry galette ($9), or Dawn’s humble chocolate chip cookie ($3.50).

PUNCH
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  • Raffles Place

PUNCH appeals to your senses even before the food arrives. Its interiors of mostly white furniture with dashes of marble and wood are perfect to up your Instagram game, while the open courtyard at the back of house offers a boost of Vitamin D, wooden benches, greenery and a glimpse into the kitchen. That is, if you can even find the opaque glass door of this signboard-less café. Skip the café-standard breakfast offerings of poached eggs with avocado ($15) or mushrooms ($15) and pick from the lunch menu, which boasts a – dare we say it – punchier line-up.

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  • Raffles Place

We may have a perpetual summer in Singapore, but this café at Maxwell Chambers offers an autumnal escape filled with sun-faded leaves. 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 Summer Latte ($10), where coffee comes served with a scoop of ice cream, and the Dalgona Latte ($8), its version of the whipped coffee fad that has taken over social media. Here, the drink comes topped with crunchy dalgona, a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee candy. Grab a bite of the sweet – caramel-like, but with slight bitter undertones – before it melts into the drink. 

City Hall

The Glasshouse: Specialty Cafe and Toast Bar
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  • Cafés
  • City Hall

Tucked away in Chijmes, The Glasshouse is a quiet escape from the bustle of city life right in the beating heart of City Hall. The café is flushed with natural light, with pops of green adding colour to the otherwise white and bare space. Spend a lazy afternoon reclining in one of its Cogswell chairs sipping on specialty coffees from a variety of roasters on a rotational basis alongside artisanal sourdough breads topped with smoked salmon, avocado and the like.

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  • City Hall

Already a formidable player on the local brunch scene, Dough is a Korean-inspired bakery and cafe situated in Chijmes. If you’re there for lunch, order one of their delicious mains – get a little bit of everything with the Dough platter ($28) or the torched wagyu beef cubes with mentaiko rice ($26). In addition to food, Dough also serves great coffee, house-fermented kombucha, and signature iced lattes (you can choose from coffee, tea, or matcha, which are all served with a dollop of cream cheese foam). Don’t sleep on their selection of bakes either – if you’re still feeling hungry, pick up one of their pastries or buns from their bakery, or get some to bring home.

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  • City Hall

Housed in a monochromatic glasshouse at South Beach Tower, the stylish joint gives off a sleek futuristic chashitsu (tea ceremony space) vibe that is perfect for your Instagram feed. Great for escaping the daily grind, this joint serves up serious coffees. Highlights include the Waga Waga Espresso ($4), Dirty Oat Matcha ($9) and the highly Instagramable Cloud Coffee Iced Cappuccino ($8). There are also light bites such as the creamy Waga Cheesecake ($15), handmade warabi mochi ($9) and an airy charcoal brioche with homemade Hokkaido azuki paste and a slab of Echire butter ($5). The outdoor section is also now pet-friendly so your furry pals can hang about.

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  • City Hall

Gather is opened by the team behind local favourites Punch and now-defunct Ronin. Unlike the latter's dark and broody vibe, Gather's sun-drenched interior is outfitted with marble tables and rattan-backed chairs – a nod to the building’s colonial past. The menu is concise, comprising different types of crêpe, or thin pancakes that come well-stuffed with sweet or savoury ingredients. Heed the advice of the waitstaff can get the Off The Bone ($18), with a winning combination of ham, gruyère, cheddar, and a runny egg in the middle, then end off with soft crêpes that come showered with sugar and lemon ($14). 

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  • City Hall

It’s not a large space over at Pinhole Coffee Bar. In fact, there’s just a handful of tables - alfresco and counter seats along the barista bar. It’s along Purvis Street, near Bugis and City Hall, so it’s perfect for nearby office workers to grab a quick morning joe - especially since it opens at 8am daily. Try the “Hello, Good Morning” ($7), a smorgasbord of their bestsellers. It’s served on a wooden tray, featuring a single shot espresso, 4oz white coffee and a cold brew tea that’s intended as a palate cleanser. 

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  • Japanese
  • City Hall

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. 

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Kurasu Singapore
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  • Cafés
  • Rochor

Kurasu which means 'to live' in Japanese is a specialty coffee cafe from Japan. Opened its first outlet in Kyoto, the well-received results propelled an overseas branch in Singapore. Known for its artisan coffee beans and roasting style from Japan, it has also partnered with Good Coffee to provide a subscription service where the coffee beans will be roasted by Japanese roasters on a monthly basis. This is to ensure authenticity and rich taste in their coffee, setting them apart from the conventional coffee cafes. Their aromatic Japanese coffees starts a new trend in town and is a must-try on our list. 

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  • City Hall

This boulangerie – which first opened its flagship store at its eponymous neighbourhood – set up by celebrity baker Gontran Cherrier together with the Spa Esprit Group, serves french artisanal breads, tarts and coffee. Savoury options like the Smoked Salmon Squid Ink Roll ($9.50) and Ham Focaccia ($10.50) are great for satisfying the peckish while sweet options like the ever-popular Almond Croissant ($4.80) and the sinful Kouign-Amann ($5) are not-to-be-missed especially when bought fresh off the oven. For heartier mains, visit its latest diner concept and indulge in plates of sourdough waffles ($21/$23) and rainbow rice bowls ($19). 

Rochor & Kampong Glam

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  • Rochor

This minimalist coffee bar and roastery has just the right laidback vibe to unwind with a book and freshly poured coffee. Treat your tastebuds to the rich flavours of roasted beans from Latin America, artisanal teas and chocolates from the likes of Fossa Chocolate. It goes without saying the coffees are made with care (from $4).

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Chinatown

From the creator of Strangers' Reunion and Curious Palette comes an all new open concept cafe. With large window panes and spacious seating area up to 60 seats, the modern looking cafe is drawing in tons of curious onlookers. Their must-try item will be the waffles with your own choice of ice-cream. Don't be fooled by the nondescript looking palette, priced at $12, the waffle taste like heaven on your tastebud with it being crisp on the outide and fluffy on the inside. 

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  • Rochor

Taking its name from the 18th century term for coffeehouses in London – noisy, men-only affairs which cost a penny to enter and where coffee was served up along with the latest news and gossip – this coffee joint, previously located in Joo Chiat, has moved to Bugis. Their new space is larger, and they've also expanded their menu. Try their Turkish Eggs ($14) or Mediterranean Breakfast ($22) for brunch, or choose from their range of small and large plates for dinner. 

 

  • Restaurants
  • French
  • Kallang
  • price 2 of 4

If you’re looking for reliable, unfussy all-day brunch, head to Tolido’s Espresso Nook. Crowd favourites here include their rosti with smoked bratwurst ($22) and pandan pancakes ($15). Coffee drinks here are rather more adventurous; though you’ll be able to get basics like a long black ($4.50) and a latte ($6), the cafe also serves less-common options like bulletproof coffee ($5.50) and peppermint mocha ($6.50).

Holland Village

  • Restaurants
  • Bukit Timah

If popular Toa Payoh ice cream café Creamier’s too inaccessible for your dessert fix, you’ll find an alternative in Sunday Folks, the brand’s breezier dessert bar at Chip Bee Garden. Bestsellers include earl grey lavender and sea salt gula Melaka ($8 each in cone/cup), but most will choose to have it served atop stacks of freshly made waffles. Popular options include the pistachio on waffles ($11.50) and dark chocolate Ferrero ($11.50). 

  • Restaurants
  • Bukit Timah

Bagel purveyor Two Men Bagel House needs no introduction. However, the menu at their Holland Village outlet features outlet exclusives that reinterpret familiar dishes into bagel sandwiches. A cheeseburger, for instance, is transformed into Smashe-d Double TT ($19.50), while the What She Order ($19.5) is inspired by fish and chips. Classic combinations like Lox (which is $18.50 and includes smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers) and the AvoBaco (avocado, bacon, egg, $17.50) are also available. Get some coffee (from $3.20) to accompany your bagel while you’re there too – Two Men Bagel House makes their coffee with beans from Melbourne coffee roastery St. Ali’s.

Hougang, Serangoon & Sengkang

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Sengkang

Along the Jalan Kayu stretch lies hearty brunch and coffee in the AM. Coffee (from $5) uses beans from Brazil with attentive baristas. The comprehensive list of beverages also has an artisanal range of matcha by Niko Neko and filter coffee. Brunch is an all-day affair with hearty plates influenced by European and Mediterranean cuisine. Definitely save space for dessert, there is a buttermilk waffle topped with a towering swirl of soft serve ($20). Go with the Kinako rice soft serve for a delightfully roasted blend of sweet and savoury expressions.

 

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  • Cafés
  • Hougang

Now, after a decade of slinging out tasty heart-warming fare, the 'backyard café' unveils its latest transformation that draws from the same pages as its second outlet in Holland Village. Clean and minimalist come to mind when describing the Scandi-inspired interiors which make for cosy vibes and great photos. And with the new space comes brand new plates of hearty nosh – think fluffy tamago tsukune sando ($17), spicy tomato crab rigatoni ($28), lemon basil cheesecake ($8) and lychee rosewater cake ($8.50). The cafe will also feature a new seasonal single-origin coffee alongside its robust house blend of Brazilian and Indonesian beans (from $5). And of course, familiar favourites still remain on the time-tested menu. 

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Amber Ember
  • Restaurants
  • Hougang

What the heck is a jaffle? According to the Australians – after all, it was conceived Down Under – it's named after the jaffle iron invented in 1949 and is basically a toasted sandwich. At Amber Ember, you can find a slice of this Australian gastronomy. This popular cafe has undergone a much-needed facelift. Transforming the dusty salmon pink walls to zen-inducing textured walls, this heartland nook is now channelling major bonseki – Japanese sand gardens – vibes, if you would. But when it comes to coffee, they don't play. Cuppas (start from a $2.50 espresso) are brewed from single-origin beans and filter coffee selections that rotate on a regular basis (start from $7). One thing that remains is the work-friendly space with free wifi – though the space gets pretty full during peak hours.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Serangoon

Dining at Chu and Co feels like entering someone’s private backyard. Potted plants and random tchotchkes are strewn across the adjacent outdoor patio, guests are happily sitting on the pavement sipping coffee, munching on fresh bakes and in deep conversation. Its highlight is definitely the warm bakes (both sweet and savoury) that are made fresh daily. We tried a whole range of sourdough buns – from cauliflower, cheese and pepper to the classic cinnamon buns, and even a black garlic and chocolate piece they were experimenting on – and that $5 to $6 price tag on the buns is well justified.

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  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Hougang

Start the morning off with freshly baked bread and viennoiseries such as almond-coconut croissants ($5.50), cardamom kouign-amann ($5.80), and gula Melaka caneles ($3). For lazy brunches, go with the fluffy scrambled eggs ($17.90) with beef sausage, comte cheese Croque Monsieur ($16.90) or the freshly baked ciabatta tartine ($16.90) with a moreish ragu of prized Morel, champignon, shiitake and maitake. Heartier plates include the juicy Wagyu onglet steak frites ($32), creamy chicken vin blanc ($25) and ocean trout ($25). Sweet tooths, an all-out dessert affair awaits you. There are freshly baked Gateaux (cakes) and Mignardise (bite-sized desserts), but it is the traditional French floating island ($12.50) submerged in creme Anglaise that deserves a shoutout.

Bishan & Yishun

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bishan

Opened by the people behind the Japanese-influenced eatery The Refinery, the same approach has also been imbued with the selection of food and drinks to present novel plates that are as comforting as they as creative. A freshly constructed sando, or sandwich, is the main draw here. Hot favourites are the teriyaki-glazed chicken ($15), pink-hued Angus striploin ($26), and the thick-cut Muar-style otah patty ($20). Complemented by a tea-skewed beverage program sees iced dirty matcha ($8) making an appearance on almost every table. Between its unusual offerings and stylish set-ups, Hello Arigato delivers a memorable mealtime experience that will leave you feeling impressed.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Serangoon

Add Apollo Coffe Bar to your café-hopping list the next time you’re visiting the hipster food enclave of Serangoon Gardens. It is opened by the same people behind Atlas Coffeehouse, Columbus Coffee Co, and Lunar Coffee Brewers, so you can expect good grub and brews. Try the special tofu hummus ($12.50) served with honeyed fried beancurd skin, or share the honey butter-coasted tatter tots ($12.50). Switch out your usual order of avocado toast with Apollo Coffee Bar’s umami-packed version, which comes with seaweed jam and topped with crispy kale ($18.50), or try other unique items include the farro risotto ($22) with miso bacon and oyster mushroom, pork and pear tartine ($19.50).

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  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bishan

Sibling café to Lunar Coffee Brewers and Atlas Coffeehouse, Columbus Coffee doesn’t disappoint with its minimalistic interior with accents of greenery and gold touches in a fairly spacious space. Known for its coffee, coffee fanatics will be able to choose between the ATLAS Blend and Nautica Blend for their espresso selection. Some dishes to keep a lookout for would be the creamy mushrooms on toasted sourdough ($14), Colombus' fried chicken burger and fries ($8), as well as the cereal prawn pasta ($19). Frequent café-goers would recognize some familiar crowd-favourites that are also available on the menu such as the butterscotch banana pancake ($18.50) and salmon soba noodles ($18).  

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Yishun

The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted Nanyang coffee first greets you as you approach the cafe bakery. Here, you've got waterfront views of the lush greenery and pastoral waters of Yishun pond. Expect unpretentious local coffee in both hot and cold styles (from $1.80). There's also a classic set with kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs made from fresh barn-laid eggs. This is a slice of paradise for early risers and breakfast goers but rise early you must because this heartland gem closes early at 2 in the afternoon.

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  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Ang Mo Kio

Nested in Sembawang Hills estate, this charming, quaint yet cosy café has been making waves ever since its debut on the local scene back in 2017. Coffee aromas fill the air as soon as you enter as speciality coffee is roasted in-house to produce quality coffee blends to offer black ($3.50), white ($4.50) and cold brews ($7). Known to serve up warm and comforting nosh, try the Smoked Pulled Pork and Scrambled Croissant ($19) and the Hearty Chicken Stew ($17).

Changi & East Coast

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Marine Parade

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. The concise menu features sourdough sandwiches, pasta, and sides of fries and granola. Unique to East Coast Commune is a selection of sourdough waffles. Try the savoury four cheese ($15), which comes with a base of rosemary-scented and caramelised shallot waffle, served with mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, cheddar, confit tomatoes, and pesto; or the fried chicken ($18) with roasted corn waffle. 

  • Restaurants
  • Bedok

This beachside outlet of PS.Cafe is a soothing, spacious, airy space with plenty of light to lend a touch of a tropical holiday vibe. And with its new waterfront location comes an exclusive seafood-focused menu – get the chargrilled octopus ($21), where pork is swapped for the tender octopus in a char siew-inspired dish; or slurp up some lemongrass mussel and clam spaghetti ($29.50). Of course, the ever-popular truffle shoestring fries ($16) and sticky date pudding ($15) are avaialble here as well.

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  • Cafés
  • Changi 

Hub and Spoke Cafe, located just off Terminal 2, offers a tranquil escape to unwind and grab a bite. But first, you’ll need to uncover this elusive spot. But it’s this hard-to-access address that provides the place with a serene, exclusive allure; the glasshouse-looking space lets in oodles of natural sunlight, and the breezy alfresco veranda comes flanked by plenty of fauna. Tip: look out for a self-watering green wall – adorned with luscious blooms – that makes for a great photo backdrop.

  • Restaurants
  • Changi 

Located in the outskirts of Changi, this not-so-hidden-gem surrounded by lush greenery is a blast to the past with a great variety of collectors’ treasures and vintage items on display. And we mean brightly coloured Vespas, antique bicycles and vinyl players that sit on shelves, immersing diners in nostalgia. Despite its ulu location, it’s worth a trip down if you’re in a big group as the café seats a whooping 300 people both in-house and at the outdoor al-fresco dining area.

Bukit Timah

  • Restaurants
  • Bukit Timah

Atlas Coffeehouse might be located in a quiet neighbourhood of Bukit Timah, but it still draws a healthy weekend crowd. Most are here for brunch, which serves hot-favourites that include smashed avo and watermelon ($19.50) and soft scrambled eggs over sourdough ($16.50). Make sure to put in an order of its pancake ($16.50/$18.50) earlier – each of these desserts takes up to 20 minutes to prepare. 

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bukit Timah

Located in KAP Mall, Yeast Side serves up coffee, brunch, and pastries during the daytime. Choose from one of their brunch plates – which include mentaiko mac & cheese ($19) and shakshuka ($16) – or order one of their pastries (the orange cacao danish, $6.50, is a great option) or sourdough loaves, along with a coffee (from $4). In the evening, brunch and pastries give way to hand-stretched sourdough pizzas (from $18 for a margherita pizza) and bar bites, which you can wash down with craft beer.

Bukit Merah

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bukit Merah

Hidden away under the void deck of an unassuming HDB in Bukit Merah is Rookie's Coffee Shop. This trendy six-seater alcove is plastered in muted colours contrasted with some brightly coloured furniture and lush green plant babies. Can't snag a seat indoors? Slug it out over the camper chairs and tables right outside to enjoy your cuppa – this laissez-faire seating arrangement is considered a trend these days. Coffee remains the focus as you can expect to find your standard pours served over the counter while the Aeropress option uses beans from Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya to offer a range of fruity to earthy flavour profiles.

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
  • Restaurants
  • Italian
  • Queenstown

Hidden away under the void deck of an unassuming HDB in Bukit Merah is Rookie's Coffee Shop. This trendy six-seater alcove is plastered in muted colours contrasted with some brightly coloured furniture and lush green plant babies. Can't snag a seat indoors? Slug it out over the camper chairs and tables right outside to enjoy your cuppa – this laissez-faire seating arrangement is considered a trend these days. Coffee remains the focus as you can expect to find your standard pours served over the counter while the Aeropress option uses beans from Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya to offer a range of fruity to earthy flavour profiles.

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  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bukit Merah

The Mill is an imposing structure that stands out for its gothic architecture and dramatic elements; tall columns, ornate tracery, and medieval corbels help set the scene for a transportive experience.

Come for views of the stunning exterior, but stay for some warm brews and bakes. Before leaving The Mill, head up to the second floor, and be greeted by a cosy alfresco hideout, where pots of green come accentuated by a backdrop of black buildings. The location is also home to an outlet of Alchemist, a homegrown coffee roastery. But unlike the typical sun-filled cafés, this particular drinking spot feels sleek and sexy. Dark and grungy, the grey-clad, industrial-chic space comes illuminated by warm downlight and chandeliers. Grab a seat by a plush leather banquette and enjoy a lean selection of espresso-based drinks, filter coffee, and baked treats. Options include mocha ($5.50) and pour-over ($6), best accompanied by flaky almond croissant ($4.50) or a buttery pistachio raspberry danish ($5.50).

Bedok

  • Restaurants
  • Bedok

It’s all about the beans at Dutch Colony Coffee Co. But you’ll want to balance out the caffeine with this quaint Siglap café’s breakfast and brunch menu. There are hearty platters with scrambled eggs, sausages and turkey bacon ($17), and house pancakes ($14) with seasonal berries. If the breakfast is enough to get you out of bed nice and early, the coffee will do an even better job. Dutch Colony expertly pours its brews (from $6.50) – you can choose either manual pour-over or by machine. Coffee aficionados can also look forward to its espresso flights (from $8).

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Bedok

From its high ceilings and concrete floors to its wooden-toped chairs and tables, miniature cactuses at each table and outdoor greenhouse-like seating area, Five Oars Coffee Roasters takes industrial-chic to a whole new level. Not only does its interior capture your eyes, this Melbourne-inspired café also has a vast array of brunch options available that's sure to satisfy your stomach. Think mentaiko mac and cheese, avocado grain bowls and fab coffee including a constantly rotating selection of filter brews.

Up for more café hopping?

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