Sip Sip

Most CBD cafés are built around the nine-to-five crowd. Sip Sip, however, is trying to be many things at once – and somehow, it works. Tucked within the OCBC Centre, this multi-concept eatery shifts effortlessly from a specialty coffee and brunch café by day to a lively cocktail bar after dark, while also carving out space for families through Little Sips, a monthly programme where kids can spend two hours immersed in storytelling, crafts and sensory play while parents enjoy a leisurely brunch.

The vibe

The space strikes a sweet balance between stylish and approachable. During brunch, the vibe is lively, with conversations bouncing between groups of friends perched on high counter seats and families comfortably settled into lower tables. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the café with natural light, while the outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot for people-watching along Chulia Street. This is also the perfect vantage point if your child is attending the Little Sips session.

Despite the different groups sharing the space, it never feels like they're competing with one another. Instead, Sip Sip has managed to create a neighbourhood café vibe right in the middle of the CBD – buzzy enough to feel energetic, but relaxed enough that you're never rushed through your meal.

The food 

The brunch menu blends familiar European comfort food with subtle Japanese influences. The standout has to be the butter-rich iron cast French toast ($18). Served piping hot in its skillet, it arrives with an audible sizzle and reveals layers of soft, custardy bread when cut into. 

The two-sheet lasagna ($22) offers something a little different from the usual towering slab. Instead, crisp sheets sandwich a generously seasoned filling with a gentle spicy kick. While the crunchy pasta provides an enjoyable textural contrast, we'd have preferred it just slightly less crisp to better complement the rich filling beneath. 

Don't overlook the Nori Cold Pasta ($22), either. Served chilled, the pasta is tossed in savoury seaweed and crowned with sweet prawn tartare, making for a refreshingly different take on brunch.

For the young diners, they can tuck into proper plates like oven baked salmon with homemade mashed potatoes ($16), crispy chicken and waffles ($15), pomodoro pasta ($8), and mac and cheese ($12), before rounding things off with fluffy pancakes ($7).

Prices lean towards the higher side, though the fusion dishes and comfortable setting make it easier to justify for a special brunch outing.

The Drinks 

On Singapore's sweltering afternoons, the refreshing Roman iced coffee ($7) is an instant winner. It's an Italian-style iced espresso with lemon and soda. And if you like orange with your chocolate, the orange cream cold foam ($7) is a bright, citrusy twist on the usual mocha drink.

Matcha lovers will also appreciate the café's flavoured matcha selection (from $7), including taro, tiramisu, strawberry and coconut – a fun way to switch things up if you're after something a little less conventional than your usual latte.

The drinks menu extends well beyond coffee too. Expect a concise selection of signature cocktails alongside wines, beers and highballs, making it easy to transition from a lazy brunch into afternoon drinks.

Time Out tip 

If you've got young children in tow, plan your visit around Little Sips. Held on selected Saturdays with two available sessions (from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm), the programme combines storytelling, crafts and sensory play for children aged three to eight, allowing parents to actually enjoy brunch while the little ones are happily occupied. 

Order any two brunch dishes and one child gets complimentary access to the two-hour session. Alternatively, families can book the Little Sips Pass ($38 per child), which includes the full two-hour programme, one kids' meal and one kids' drink. 

The next Little Sips is a National Day-themed one on August 15. Spaces are limited, so it's worth reserving your spot via Sip Sip's Instagram page ahead of time.