The best minimalist cafés in Singapore

The South Bridge Road resident charms passersby with their unconventional storefront with only their namesake – Dawn – beside the entrance. Inside, the unfinished aesthetic, beige derelict walls, alluring travertine tables and sleek wooden furnishings strangely remind us of a Daniel Arsham show. The coffee here is as straight up as the baristas – artisanal coffees brewed from single-origin coffee beans from El Salvador and a seasonal selection of slow-pour coffees. Get the freshly baked Blueberry Galette ($9) if you will – it's definitely a no-brainer.

Perhaps best known for possibly popularising jaffles – an Aussie dish – in Singapore, this minimalist 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.

Apart from their impressive line-up of Asian bowls designed by renowned chefs – think Bjorn Shen of Artichoke and Justin Hammond of Neon Pigeon – the minimalist lunch spot is perfect for a quick fuel up during lunch. Smooth creamy white walls, sleek lines juxtaposed with curves and subtle wooden accents –there really isn't anything that sticks out like a sore thumb. Time to show off your hip lunch spot – without tagging the location – on Instagram to tease your colleagues.

You'll probably see regulars staying around in the Serangoon Gardens swinging in and out for take-aways. But if you're thinking to visit, be prepared to rough it out on the gravel pavement (bring your own camping chair) as this crevice certainly does with just the necessary. Every session here feels like entering someone’s private backyard. Think potted plants and random tchotchkes strewn across the adjacent outdoor patio, people in merriment sipping coffee, munching on fresh bakes and in deep conversation.

Homegrown patisserie, Kki Sweets, has reopened after shuttering their outlet at the School of the Arts. It now has a new, minimalist space along Seah Street to call home, where husband-wife duo Kenneth Seah and Delphine Liau dreams up elegant, dainty, and picture-worthy desserts. Its pared-back aesthetics can even be found in the menu; it eschews imagery for imagination, leaving only coloured lines and a short list of ingredients to pique the interest.  

Don’t let the plain-looking interior fool you, the menu at Daizu Cafe is filled with colour and excitement. It fuses Japanese flavours and Western cooking techniques, resulting in unique brunch plates of lemon miso eggs Benedict ($24), garlic butter sakura ebi pasta ($16), truffle mentaiko bruschetta ($14), and more. Choose to grab a seat at its alfresco deck, or climb up to the cosy second storey space – both offering prime picture-taking spots for that quintessential #flatlay shot. 

There’s something soothing about Lucid’s monotone interior of grey and white. The appeal of the space is simple: white countertops, concrete flooring, and metallic accents turn every spot in the café into a 'grammable one. Its menu reflects the same minimalist philosophy as well – you’ll find only coffee and a small selection of bakes available in-store. Grab a cuppa, and dig into the Cloud Beta v0.1 ($9), an adorable cloud-looking cake that's prepared in limited quantities.

The space looks like the inside of a Kinfolk magazine. But beyond its stark white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, this minimalist coffee bar and roasters is known for its award-winning pours as well. It placed sixth in the World Brewers Cup in 2018, and has just the right laid-back 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 sweet treats from the likes of Fossa Chocolate.

Day drinking is embraced at this café-bar on Amoy Street. The minimalist space is a welcome respite from the bustle of the CBD with low-alcohol drinks that's perfect for sipping. Creations include one made with watermelon, bay leaf, and rose or another with pear, pink peppercorn, and chamomile. Filtered coffee and tea are also available for those looking for a caffeine fix, with a small selection of finger food that will help line your stomach.

Glyph is as minimalist as it gets with completely bare white walls and plenty of natural light. If you’re a fan of this aesthetic, come by this roastery for coffee and light bites, then proceed to take heaps of 'grammable pictures of yourself or your food within its clean and sleek space. Offering a small menu of beverages, its coffees are priced at $4.50 for black, $5.50 for white and $6 for cold brew, while teas start from $6. Blends are brought in from different countries regularly, and bakes are supplied daily from Carpenter & Cook.

As though its Chijmes locale wasn't scenic enough, The Glasshouse presents an undeniably Insta-worthy spot with sliding glassdoors, lush potted plants and minimalist furnishings. The specialty coffee roaster also brings in filter blends (from $7.50) from famous roasteries around the world to accompany its classic toast offerings like the salmon sourdough toast ($9) and avocado dukkah ($10). Filtered sunlight coming through also makes for the perfect food shot – #nofilter required. 

It might have taken over the space of a former factory that used to make corrugated cardboard, but its space has been transformed into a white-walled, high-ceiling, minimalist hang-out. Potted plants punctuate the space, adding a soothing pop of colour. But its the green kaya served here that you should be concerned about – made fresh daily without preservatives and additives, it is best enjoyed with a cup of kopi or teh and some soft boiled eggs.