Cafes or coffee shops are like havens for both coffee connoisseurs and enthusiasts. They provide a breathing space where you can sniff the relaxing and motivating aroma of coffee grounds, a go-to spot after a morning run, a great place where you can enjoy good food for brunch, a space for students to study, and a hang-out place for an after-dinner catching up.
Kopitiams and the Rise of the Coffee Market in Singapore
Known as a melting pot-society of the most ancient civilizations in Asia, Singapore has a coffee market that is as rich as its history.
Kopi, a Malay term for ‘coffee’, and tiam, a Hokkien and Fujianese word for ‘shop’, Kopitiams have been around for some time. Tracing back, the first Kopitiam was established during the 19th century when the Chinese had to provide European traders a place where they could get a coffee fix. Today, coffee roasters and artisans in Singapore are like stars in the galaxy – they are everywhere.
Looking for a nice cafe in Singapore? With many options, what specialty coffee shop comes to mind when you want to get a dose of your favorite blend? If you want to go café hopping, let this article guide you in your search for the best place to get caffeinated.
Café Hopping: All-Day Breakfast, Alfresco Dining, And Quality Brews
1. Plain Vanilla Bakery
With its cozy, minimalist, white-and-wood interior, Plain Vanilla is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Singapore. It’s a spacious coffee house with a pet-friendly alfresco dining area where you can have the best of both worlds: indulge in good food and enjoy a freshly brewed caffeine boost.
Hot or iced? It’s all up to you. In their brunch menu, you can get the usual but filling serving of protein-packed Eggs Benedict ($22), Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough with Avocado ($20), or you can go with a comforting French Toast with Mixed Berries.
Prides itself for having a friendly laid-back staff, Plain Vanilla Bakery’s customer service is highly appreciated by frequent-goers. But they are not just friendly though – the baristas in this cafe are very precise and careful when it comes to coffee. Feel free to talk to them about your preferences as it may help them craft the best coffee suitable for your taste.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on holidays)
Location:
1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
2. Forty Hands
One of the pioneers in the coffee market in Singapore, the people behind the Forty Hands are dedicated to providing quality coffee blends and brews using their freshly roasted beans.
Placed under “Die, Die, Must Try” on their menu, Tar Sau Par or Red Bean Bun is considered to be one of the best in Singapore. If you like to have fun with your drink, their Iced Bubble Coffee is a perfect treat.
Had enough of the East Coast Park? Visit their Tiong Bahru branch, where you can spend a weekend chill afternoon.
Opening hours:
7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Location:
226 East Coast Road, Singapore, 428923
3. Columbus Coffee Co.
Want some coffee but also in the mood for soba noodles? Get both of your faves at Columbus Coffee Co.. Ideal for a weekend chill, Columbus Coffee Co offers a bowl of Salmon Soba Noodles at $18 per serving.
For bread lovers, they have an All Day Menu that includes Mushrooms on Sourdough ($14 basic) and Hummus and Mushroom Pita.
Now for the drink, their Columbus Selection has an interesting line-up: Cosmos (Black Cold Brew, $7), Milky Way (White Cold Brew, $7), and for matcha lovers, Matcha Warrior (Matcha Cold Brew, $7) is a must-try!
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location:
220 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574352
4. Five Oars Coffee Roasters
Home for coffee aficionados, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is dedicated to sharing every flavor and aroma with its patrons. This Melbourne-inspired coffee house will surely satisfy your eyes and the gram from wooden-topped tables and chairs, high-ceiling, small cactuses to big accent plants.
But Five Oars Coffee Roasters is not just famous for its aesthetically pleasing interior but also known for having a wide selection of drinks — coffee, tea, craft beer, and kombucha, plus their satisfying dishes – all made from scratch.
Love to have bits of seafood for brunch? FOCR’s Crab Scramble – homemade sourdough, topped with creamy scrambled eggs, crab meat, avocado, ebiko, feta, and togarashi, is fairly priced at $23.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on special holidays)
Location:
8 Marina View, #01-01, Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
5. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
One of the successful cafes in Singapore, Dutch Colony Coffee has five branches around the country that serves high-quality coffee and tea. Included in their espresso-based line-up are Piccolo Latte ($4.5), Macchiato ($4), and Flat White ($5.5).
If you’re a morning person, you’ll love their Hearty Breakfast Platter ($19) packed with artisanal beef sausage, turkey bacon, confit mushrooms, avocado, sweet potato lyonnaise, mesclun salad, tomato, eggs, and choice of sourdough or waffle.
Want lighter breakfast? Go for their Guac on Toast – sourdough, guacamole, cherry tomatoes, soft poached eggs, feta cheese, and shiso sprouts.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
1 Tampines Walk #01-K8 Singapore 528523
6. Populus Coffee and Food Co. – Grain bowls/buttermilk waffles
Have you heard about The Populus Scrambled? If not, then maybe, it’s time to give it a try. With just $19, you’ll get soft creamy scrambled eggs, fresh herb melange, marinated feta, nicely done back bacon paired with a toasted croissant.
Populus Coffee and Food Co. is among the well-known cafes in Singapore that serve an all-day brunch menu, perfect for people with a big appetite. As for the drinks, the options are almost endless. From the classic blends, cold brew to artisanal tea, there is a drink for every mood and vibe.
Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
7. Coexist Coffee Co.
Coexist Coffee Co. is where coffee aficionados and foodies coexist. With a variety of options included in their all-day breakfast and brunch menu, you’ll have a hard time choosing among their specialty coffee and their hearty dishes. Get a dose of healthy fat with their Smoked Salmon Toast priced at $16. For non-heavy-eaters, you may opt to pair the iced coffee blend of your choice with their Truffle Fries ($8).
If you’re looking for a quiet and quaint spot that can almost pass as your hideout (it’s a rooftop cafe, you know) Coexist Coffee Co will surely not disappoint.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday:: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
48 Hillview Ter, #08-00, Singapore 669269
8. Two Cranes Cafe
There’s no doubt Korean culture is a huge hit globally, which led to Korean BBQ restaurants popping like mushrooms left and right. Now, the distinct flavors of Korean culinary are no longer a stranger in people’s taste buds.
Two Cranes Cafe, a minimalistic Korean-fusion cafe, is just one of the cafes in Singapore that has foreign influence to it. From their Jjangmyeon ($10), Beef Bulgogi Toast ($15) that comes with poached egg and salad, Kimchi Fried Rice ($10) to Spicy Chicken Stew ($13.5) served with crab sticks, baked beans, luncheon meat, noodles, veggies, and rice cakes, you’ll have a short experience of the trendy K-culture vibe.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Location:
Hougang Street 21, #01-291, BLK 211, Singapore 530211
9.Rise and Grind Coffee Co.
Aiming to bring great tasting coffee and delicious food, Rise and Grind Coffee Co. is not only a nook for coffee aficionados but home to people who love indulging in a hearty brunch. For instance, their Pulled Pork Benedict will not only satisfy your buds but will also fill you up for a couple of hours. A must-try? Most definitely!
Another Australian-inspired cafe, this coffee shop offers a variety of dishes you can devour at any time of the day. For appetizers, they got Sweet Potato Fries ($8.9), Onion Rings ($7.9), Crispy Wings in Lemongrass Ginger Glaze ($9.9), and Spicy Buffalo Wings ($9.9).
On for a heavy lunch? Their Signature Chicken Chop Series is incredibly good but won’t make you go bankrupt. Hickory BBQ Chicken Chop ($12.9), juicy grilled chicken in tangy bbq sauce, with garden salad and french friends on the side, is a crowd’s favorite.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location:
681 Punggol Dr., #01-06, Oasis Terraces, Singapore 820681
10. Nasty Cookie Factory
Located in a quiet neighborhood, Nasty Cookie Factory is a cafe that will grant your sweet tooth’s wish. Unlike other cafes in Singapore that showcase their toned-down minimalist interior, Nasty Cookie Factory will make you feel like you’re inside a cartoon series. With its popping yet surprisingly relaxing teal paint on walls, you got yourself a great backdrop for your Instagram feed.
Nasty Cookie Factory is, of course, famous for its gourmet cookies ranging from the classic Chocolate Chip Cookie ($4.20), Churros Apple Pie ($5.50), Dark Choc Chip ($4.20), Biscoff ($4.90), to Oh! Smore ($5.50).
Get the most of their sweet treats and satisfy your sweet tooth with a box of 6 cookies for only $30.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Location:
1 Kaki Bukit View, #01-02, Singapore 415941
11. The Glass House
Dainty white interior with a light and airy vibe, plus a wide collection of plants that enhances the warmth of natural materials, The Glass House can set your mood and relax your mind to prepare you for the day.
Imagine holding a cup of their Black Coffee ($5), or their Single Origin Chocolate Drink called Semai (67% dark, $7.5), while you enjoy the outside view. If you’re not a coffee person, you can try their cold-pressed juices in Watermelon or Orange at $7 per glass.
Pair your drink with any of their gourmet sandwiches. Consider getting a serving of their Classic Salmon Toast ($15), Beef Brisket Banhmi Sandwich ($17), Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($15), or go for a simple Egg and Avocado Toast for $15.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 7:00 am
Location:
Caldwell House, 30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996
12. Good Bites
A combination of Western and Asian cuisines, Good Bite is home to quality drinks and dishes that won’t break the bank. With Alfresco dining, marble tables, and velvet chair, this cafe excels both in giving you delicious treats and an aesthetic vibe to your feed. With their huge serving of pasta dishes, main courses, fried chicken meal, and hearty burger sets, you’ll leave the place with your tummy and taste buds well-pleased.
If you’ve been drinking hot coffee the past few days and want something cool this time, Good Bites offers the best frappes. The crowd’s favorite among the five variants are Banana Choco Frappe and Caramel Cookie Frappe, both at $9.99 each.
Want some pasta? Their Thai Basil Pasta ($12.99), Pad Thai Pasta ($12.99), Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Seafood Pasta ($12.99), Thai Green Curry Pasta ($12.99), Turkey and Bacon Pasta Aglio Olio ($12.99) and their Creamy Pasta ($12.99) aren’t just appetizing in photographs but are actually rich and flavorful.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 am
Location:
5 Bishan Street 14, #03-01, Singapore 579783
13. For the People
Do you find the aroma of coffee grounds motivating? Look no further.
For the People is among the cafes in Singapore that offer a spacious and cozy place for students who are running after their school deadlines. Aside from its Instagrammable minimalist charm, this cafe has all the things you need to enjoy reviewing or writing your thesis: plugs for your laptop, good coffee, and filling savory treats.
For the People has the usual brunch fare that would not only satisfy your craving but also fuel your brain. Have an Iced Long Black ($5) to keep you awake, and pair it with their Big Chick Sandwich ($18) to keep your brain going.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
11 Hamilton Rd, #01-00, Singapore 209182
14. East Coast Commune
For the days when you want to have good servings of hearty sandwiches, East Coast Commune is a place to be.
Having a healthy Smoked Barramundi Sandwich, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and D, sodium, and potassium, is worth the dime. To add, Barramundi fish has relatively low chemicals like mercury.
For $17, you’ll have a smoked barramundi, ponzu kangkong, roasted garlic, chive cream cheese, pickled shallot, sourdough and salad with Yuzu vinaigrette. To complete the meal, treat yourself with a cup of Iced White to wash out any aftertaste from the savory sandwich.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
1000 ECP, #01-03, Singapore 449876
15. Little Rogue Coffee – soft scrambled eggs
On to another spacious brunch cafe, Little Rogue Coffee is also known for its minimalist beauty and mouth-watering dishes that are comforting enough to set you up in the mood.
Whether you are going to the cafe to work, to study, just spending an hour or two to hang out or you simply want to have a “me time” on a weekend, it’s one of the cafes in Singapore that can give you a warm and revitalizing vibe.
Little Rogue’s Soft Scrambled Eggs & Ikura ($16) that has Eggs, Ikura, Truffle Cream and Chives, is like having something usual but with a twist–a very delectable twist. Top off your whole LRC experience with a cup of hot Piccolo Latte before you head home.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Location:
336 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437109
16. FatCat Ice Cream Bar – salted caramel sauce
Just by looking at the name, you’ll know right away that FatCat Ice Cream Bar is here for some sweet treats. And when you finally have the chance to scan through their in house menu, you’ll feel the fun and excitement of choosing which sweet syrup to drizzle on your waffles.
Pick between their extra crispy and light gourmet Charcoal Waffle ($6.50) or their buttery and light Brown Butter Waffle ($5.50), then choose which sauce would suit your taste: Salted Caramel Sauce or Dried Lavender Sauce. With Charcoal Waffle, you get the chance to experience their Salted Egg Sauce, while with Brown Butter Waffle, you can have your comforting Chocolate Sauce.
Tough right? Well, take comfort with the fact that you can add a scoop or two of their homemade ice cream in both waffles.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location:
416 Bedok North Ave 2, #01-25, Singapore 460416
17. Chez Suzette – Avocado Toast
Home away from home–that’s how Chez Suzzete wants their customers to feel whenever they will visit their coffee shop. Joining the other cafes in Singapore with a homey vibe, minimalist interior design, artistic and chic furniture, Chez Suzette promises to give nothing but the best customer service and variety of food to choose from.
From their savory meals, freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee to their hand-picked French wine and other non-alcoholic beverages, what Chez Suzette has to offer is top-tier and tempting.
Start your good stay with a serving of Escargots a la Bourguignnone – a french take on half a dozen snails baked in garlic-herb butter. Not a fan of snails? You can never go wrong with a Traditional French Onion Soup served with Comte chees toast for $16. For the main course, have a filling Beef Lasagna for $24.
Opening hours:
Sunday and Monday: 9:00 am to 5:00 am
Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Location:
5 Teck Lim Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088383
18. Bearded Bella
With a straightforward goal, Bearded Bella’s message to their customers is simple: enjoy the good life. And how else would a coffee lover and a foodie make the most out of their free time? Whether you are on for a cuppa coffee or tea, or you are coming from a long day of work and want to some pick-me-up meal, Bearded Bella’s kitchen is open all day.
In the mood for croissants? Packed with silky scrambled eggs, crab meat, asparagus, chili oil, and pepper relish, Their Crab Croissant ($24) will put every seafood lover on cloud nine. Up for a hot drink? Made with single-origin chocolates by Monsieur Truffle Melbourne, look up for the Dominican Republic 72% ($7.5) in their menu for that silky, creamy hot drink with notes of hazelnut.
Want to bring home some single-origin coffee beans? Take Honduras Caballero #4 ($17) or the Kenya AB Ruarai ($17).
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
8 Craig Rd, Singapore 089668
19. Neptune
With its simple, trending, warm and welcoming vibe, some locals are naming Stamping Ground Coffee House as one of the most famous cafes in the East. Unfortunately, the cafe had to close down. Luckily, there are many equally worthy and fun cafe options on the East Coast Road for the neighborhood to enjoy.
Neptune, for instance, is among the cafes in Singapore that is worth noting. With its eye-catching yet relaxing muted green and brown exterior and interior, this coffee house is a sure eye-catcher. But more than the picturesque design, they are known and loved because of their Japanese Inspired Dishes that won’t disappoint your hungry stomach.
If you’re going to grab some brunch, their Pork Nikomi and Friend Rice will surely save you from hunger. Considered as comfort food for Japanese, you’ll taste the goodness of truffle fried rice with yolk, with pork and daikon (radish) stew in one go for $25.90.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location:
237 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428930
20. SYIP
Completing the list of the hip cafes in Singapore, SYIP is known for its minimalist yet stylish design. For the food, this coffee shop is loved for their Creamy Scrambled Eggs Croissant ($16) and Tiramisu ($17).
SYIP, pronounced as “sip” wants its customers to savor every sip. Whether it’s coffee or tea, the intention is to make you happy. The idea behind SYIP came from two sisters who wanted to create a minimalist concept coffee house so people would have a place to go when they want to celebrate or even when things get rough.
For $20, you can get a Wagyu Beef full meal packed with Japanese rice, furikake, pickled radish, cherry tomatoes, and a 65-degree egg. Go big, or go home, SYIP Big Breakfast ($18) – sourdough, scrambled eggs, maple syrup glazed bacon, sauteed mushrooms, tater tots, mesclun greens, cherry tomatoes – is the perfect way to start a long day.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday:9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location:
79 Owen Rd, Singapore 218895
21. Free the Robot
Just like other cafes in Singapore, the name Free the Robot wasn’t born out of an overnight brainstorming session. It was, however, born out of a situation that inspired the owners to break the routine, to do something different, and to be adventurous.
Except for the food and drinks, other things about this cafe revolve around the word “free”. For instance, the quirky mural on their wall was done by their free-hand artist from Germany. The black and white shop design with a touch of red is no doubt appealing to the young professionals who are looking for a space to share, or the younger generation who need to complete some paperwork.
Whatever your case, having a BIg Brekky ($25) – a heavy breakfast meal that has streaky bacon, smoked sausage, scrambled eggs, grilled portobello, confit tomatoes, mesclun salad, and multigrain bread – in this robot-themed cafe is one of a kind experience that you would want to do over again.
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Friday 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 9:30 pm
22. The Coffee Academics
The Coffee Academics is like a dream come true for young working professionals and diligent students who want to inhale all the motivating aroma of ground coffee before they even start working on their respective tasks or goals.
A tired brain can’t work on an empty stomach. So naturally, you’ll crave something that’s filling and appetizing at the same time. Well, this cafe’s all-day breakfast selection will let you choose from its vast array of good dishes to try.
For a complete meal, The Academic Breakfast ($28) is simply the breakfast for champions. Enjoy a set of Spiced Herb Bratwurst, maple bacon, homemade baked beans, sauteed mushrooms, halloumi cheese, cherry tomatoes, and eggs of your choice, served with brioche toast and seasonal greens.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location:
6 Scotts Rd, #02 – 01 / 02, Singapore 228209
23. Open Farm Community
Serving their customers with dishes (with vegan and gluten-free options) made from fresh ingredients, Open Farm Community is among the cafes in Singapore that offer a farm-to-table concept that has become a hit for their health-conscious cafe goers.
But what sets this cafe apart is its vision to help people understand the importance and the impact of urban farming in the country and how it strengthens people’s respect and understanding of the food being served.
For weekend goers, you may start your meal with a snack, which can be a serving of Toasted Foccacia ($10) or Sweet Corn Soup ($14). For non-vegetarian customers, you can have a serving of their Carbonara – contains thick-cut pork belly, onsen egg, bacon, and black pepper – for $28.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am 3:30 pm; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819
24. Palais Renaissance PS.Cafe
Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Palais Renaissance PS. Cafe features a beautiful design and architectural details that make both its indoor and outdoor spaces stand out. From coffee, freshly pressed juice, crushed fruits sodas, kombucha, floats, ice cream shakes, to fine wines, this cafe has an equivalent drink for every mood.
But Palais Renaissance PS.Cafe isn’t just about hot or cold drinks, they are also the first cafe to introduce the Truffle Fries to the market. Aside from that, they also have a wide selection of high-quality dishes for all ages.
Spaghetti Bolognese ($27) is perfect for the days when you want a hearty meal that’s not too heavy but won’t leave you hungry. For mains, you may choose between Chorizo Chilli Hash and Poached Egg ($29) or PS. Classic Benedict ($26).
Opening hours:
Monday: 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 to 10:00 pm
Location:
390 Orchard Rd, #02 – 09A, Singapore 238871
25. Wakey Wakey
With creamy coffee, great ambiance, unique vintage furniture, and good food, Wakey Wakey is appreciated and admired by the neighborhood. If you’re in the mood to try different blends and brews, they have something for every preference and taste bud.
Perfect for an after-dinner dessert and coffee treat, Wakey Wakey’s cake selection will make it a bit hard for you to choose which slice to take. When in doubt, a slice of chocolate cake will always be the safest bet.
Not in the mood for cake? Waffles are also their thing. You may have fruity Apple Crumble Waffles ($15) or play safe with a basic Buttler Milk Waffles with maple syrup and fresh fruits ($12).
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location:
302 Beach Rd, 05 The Concourse, #01-04, Singapore 199600
Finding the right cafe for every mood
Americano, Robusta, and Machiatto – these are just a few names that would make one crave a nice brew. Whether you love to have a hot cup or some ice blend, or you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, going to a cafe to spend your “me” time, or bringing your friends with you for some catching up, can surely boost your overall mood and well-being.
Key Takeaways:
- Cafes or coffee shops are like havens for both coffee connoisseurs and enthusiasts: a breathing space where you can sniff the relaxing and motivating aroma of coffee grounds
- Tracing back, the first Kopitiam was established during the 19th century, when the Chinese had to provide the European traders a place where they could get a coffee fix.
- Kopi, a Malay term for ‘coffee’, and tiam, a Hokkien and Fujianese word for ‘shop’, Kopitiams have been around for some time.
- Feel free to talk to the barista about your preferences as it may help them craft the best coffee suitable for your taste.
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