The best themed cafés in Singapore

There is a charming, otherworldly quality to The Coastal Settlement. Perhaps it is the location (it’s located in a relatively remote area in Changi), or the decor, which has a vintage theme. The café is populated with antique furniture, old bicycles, vintage mirrors and household items, which lend the café an air of mystery. If the weather is good, find a seat outside. The vintage theme persists in the outdoor seating area, and you’ll have the additional benefit of being surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect escape from the city, and the food here also doesn’t disappoint – expect a wide variety of both Western and local dishes, such as wagyu cubes ($26), nasi lemak ($26), pizza (from $26), and assam fish head curry ($45). They also serve a very reasonably-priced afternoon tea ($19 per person) and brunch on weekends.

Who says you can’t experience fall in Singapore? At Café Kreams, autumn is the name of the game. There’s no mistaking the theme; fall foliage, in varying hues of brown, red, orange, and yellow, hangs abundantly from the ceiling. A similar colour scheme dominates the furnishings in the Korean café, which is located in Maxwell Chambers. Café Kreams serves coffee, pastries, brunch, mains, and desserts. In keeping with the theme, stay cosy by ordering a warm drink such as their signature dalgona coffee (from $9).

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.

Why have one and when you can have up to four themed corners for an Instagram-worthy brunch date? The new multi-theme hideaway nook at Changi Business Park draws in the crowds with a ladies-only floral-themed corner, a safari-themed dining area, a homey "living room", and an outdoor beer garden. Not just a feast for the eyes, the cafe also keeps bellies full with all-day brunch offerings, pastries, desserts and signature dishes such as the pink sugar bandung soufflé pancakes, and peri-peri chicken nasi lemak served with blue pea flower coconut rice and a side of belado chilli. There’s also a variety of artisanal coffees such as the red velvet latte, and craft beers on tap.

This aviation-themed café comes hidden within a plane hangar in the Seletar Aerospace district, complete with views of a runway and parked aeroplanes. During a time when travelling remains unlikely, Hangar66 Cafe offers a novel setting to satisfy those hungry for coffee – and adventure. Keeping up with the theme, the café takes flight with aeroplane parts that double as a communal table, a helicopter that’s anchoring the dining area, and a floor splashed with runway markings. But don’t expect your typical bland airline meal – Western-styled plates of grilled chicken ($14.66) and beef burgers ($18.66) are served with the chef's kiss here.

If you didn’t get your letter from Hogwarts, don’t feel too bummed out about it. Instead, you can live out the fantasy at Platform 1094. Though it’s not an official franchise of Harry Potter, the cafe is the first magic-themed one in Singapore. A nod to the famous wizarding world, it has a similar chandelier to the one in The Great Hall, as well as Harry Potter paraphernalia all around. Kickstart the day with Giant's Breakfast ($19), eggs on toasted sun-dried tomato bread slice, served with bacon, sausages, and salad. Then down non-alcoholic potions such as Mrs Lich's butterscotch ale ($10), or boozy poisons like Mr Lich's flaming brew ($17), which is a concoction of the platform's secret recipe, if you’re feeling adventurous.

For a slice of the Land of the Rising Sun, make your way to this train-themed cafe to soothe your wanderlust. Besides dishing out Japanese and Western-style fare, the cafe also houses a rail pass counter where you can buy train tickets for the JR lines, and a retail space for train-themed paraphernalia. For heartier meals, try the Watashino curry rice ($18) that's customisable with your choice of crispy chicken cutlet, stir-fry pork or fried oysters. Healthier options include the Kaisen avocado don ($18), a mix of salmon sashimi, Aomori scallops and avocado. Also, look out for the special menu that showcases food from a selected prefecture every month.