The best breakfast spots in Singapore worth rising early for

For a truly authentic and unpretentious Singaporean breakfast, head to Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre for a taste of one of the city’s most lauded nasi lemak stalls. A favourite among locals in the area, Aliff Nasi Lemak elevates a hawker classic with simplicity. Its signature is the use of basmati rice, which, unlike the usual jasmine rice, is light, fluffy, and less cloying. The rice is fragrant with a subtle hint of coconut and pandan, forming the perfect base for a medley of crispy and flavourful accompaniments like begedil, fried chicken wing or otah. Don’t miss out on the stall’s popular goreng pisang while you’re there.

A beloved breakfast institution at Bugis, YY Kafei Dian offers a nostalgic taste of Singapore’s traditional morning fare. The star here is the kaya bun, featuring house-made fluffy buns toasted until beautifully charred and crisp on the outside. It’s generously spread with creamy kaya and a thick slab of cold butter. Along with this breakfast classic, the joint also serves comforting plates of local zi char dishes, including chicken rice and fried bee hoon, perfect for those looking for a more substantial meal.

YY Kafei Dian
Address: 37 Beach Road, 01-01, S(189678)

Visit Sin Ming Roti Prata for its crispy and chewy coin prata. These small, buttery rounds are pan-fried until crispy and flaky on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside. These bite-sized treats are best enjoyed with its fish or chicken curry. A range of pratas are available, stuffed with multiple fillings including egg, garlic, and cheese mushroom.

Sin Ming Roti Prata
Address: 24 Sin Ming Road, 01-51, S(570024)

You may find an intimidating line at this Cheng San market stalwart but trust us, it’s worth the wait. A versatile and customisable breakfast option, Teochew porridge is often considered a comforting dish. Ann Hoo’s dishes are as heartening. Here, tuck into dishes such as bak chor, cai poh omelette,  pork belly and hae bi hiam.   

Ann Hoo Teochew Porridge
Address: 527 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 01-126/127 Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre, S(560527)

Queues must be braved for this Geylang stalwart. Summoning a snaking line from the time it raises its shutters, Sungei Road Laksa brings diners in thanks to its rich coconut gravy unique to the stall. Spicy and savoury, a bowl of morning laksa kicks you right awake. That’s not all; bouncy noodles, beansprouts, and cockles complement every bite. 

Sungei Road Laksa
Address: 27 Jalan Berseh, 01-100, S(200027)

If you have gone through your list of must-try kaya toasts around the island–this nostalgic spot deserves extra attention and repeat visits. From its rustic tiled walls to old-school titbit containers and a lingering charcoal aroma, Heap Seng Leong is where time stands still. The full set menu comes with kaya and butter slabbed on charcoal grilled toast, half-boiled eggs, and a drink of choice, including the Kopi Gu You. For the uninitiated, it is a slab of butter dropped into local kopi.      

Read more: Why Heap Seng Leong is a go-to breakfast spot for chef Willin Low

Heap Seng Leong
Address: 10 North Bridge Road, 01-5109, S(190010), +65 6292 2368

Tiong Bahru isn’t shy of breakfast spots. Take a walk through Tiong Bahru Market at 7am on the weekend, and you’ll see tables of steamed rice cakes topped with chye poh (preserved radish). Perhaps one of the reasons behind Jian Bo Shui Kueh's loyal fanbase is its consistency and distinctive, house-made chilli. As they say, we Singaporeans love our spice. 

Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, 02-05, S(168898), +65 6753 7588, multiple locations

Iconic to the streets of Joo Chiat, Mr and Mrs Mohgan has been at the forefront of incontestable prata plates in the neighbourhood. Each prata is served piping hot off the grill, so you can expect to tuck into perfectly crispy and charred pieces that boast the perfect balance of chewiness and fluffiness.

Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Address: 300 Joo Chiat Road, Tin Yeang Restaurant, S(427551)

Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, this unassuming hawker stall is actually one of Hougang’s most well kept secret, but not anymore. Like every good dish, it deserves to be shared. Drawing long queues, the oyster plate is coated with pork lard, with plump and fresh oysters completing the crispy flavourful egg. 

Hougang Oyster Omelette and Fried Kway Teow
Address: 435A Hougang Avenue 8, S(531435)

Featuring yellow mee, a boiled egg, beansprouts, and tau kwa drenched in their signature sauce, Afandi Hawa is Haig Road Market and Food Centre’s star. It’s irresistible gravy is thanks to the sweet potato puree, shrimp, flower crab, and mutton, making it a savoury breakfast staple. 

Afandi Hawa and Family Mee Rebus
Address: 14 Haig Road, 01-21, S(430014)

The bastion of nasi padangs stalls in Singapore, Hjh Maimunah sees snaking queues daily. A feast is always in order when making a visit to the stall, where it’s signature beef rendang, paru belado (beef lungs), and ayam kalio are definite musts on your breakfast table.

Hjh Maimunah
Address: 11 Jalan Pisang, S(199078), +65 6297 4294

Serving up authentic South Indian food, Murugan Idli Shop is frequented by true fans of idli from all over Singapore. This snowy white South Indian breakfast item is often enjoyed with chutney. At Murugan Idli, there are various chutney offerings such as mint, coriander and groundnut. The eatery also has an enticing selection of dosai, in case you want an extra dish for the table to share.

Murugan Idli Shop
Address: 76 Syed Alwi Road, S(207660)

This famed East Coast prawn noodle spot has garnered a loyal following of diners, and for good reason. A bowl of noodles comes with a generous topping of succulent prawns, your choice of noodles, and a delicious, thick broth. For traditionalists, this is a bowl of classic prawn noodles done right. 

Beach Road Prawn Noodle House
Address: 370 East Coast Road, S(428981)

For healthier picks

This Australian-inspired healthy cafe strives to make healthy food look and taste good. The cafe sources the finest produce and superfoods to accommodate all sorts of dietary requirements. Its breakfast menu includes the red shakshouka, a spicy Mediterranean red sauce with poached eggs, feta, and sourdough; cream cheese smoked salmon with cucumber, onion, capers with danish rye multigrain toast, and a baked chia parfait, a (definitely) healthy bowl layered with handpicked superfoods topped with greek yoghurt and fresh berries. 

Carrotsticks & Cravings
Address: Multiple locations, 7 Rodyk Street, 01-34, S(238215), +65 8128 9362

This isn’t just any regular granola spot in the country. Yes, you'll find granola grains on the menu, but at Dearborn, it’s all handcrafted. Baked fresh, the café’s granola collection features enticing flavours, including the grand dame: strawberry macadamia, a fragrant mix of macadamia and organic strawberries among other ingredients. A granola bowl at Dearborn consists of the mix of your choice and a generous dollop of either Greek or coconut vanilla bean yoghurt, both a fitting compliment for crispy and crunchy granola.  

Dearborn
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, New Bahru, 03-04, S(239351)

Read more: How I’m Making It: Dearborn’s chef-owner Christopher Kong is building a brand that goes beyond serving granola

There’s no denying that Instagrammable cafés in Singapore remain as popular as ever. Whether boasts gorgeous interiors or beautifully decorated pastries, such cafes in Singapore draw a constant stream of customers. One such café is Mondays, which offers an all-day breakfast menu that caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Vegetarian classics on the menu include oat berries and açai bowls with toasted granola and tropical fruits. Finish your meal with one of the café’s speciality canelés, each filled with cream cheese matcha, valrhona chocolate, or eve raspberry truffle among other signature flavours. 

Mondays
Address: 8 Jalan Klapa, S(199320), +65 9114 1479

Oatberry is the perfect spot for gluten-free granola and refreshing açai for when you’re looking for a consciously healthy meal in the morning. You can customise the bowl with your choice of granola and either milk, yoghurt, or vegan ice cream. There are also smoothie cups available, each blended with fruits, seeds, and leafy greens. 

Oatberry
Address: 6 Scotts Road B1-K1 Scotts Square, S(228209), +65 6962 1345

For a hearty meal

For the purist, Micro Bakery is a neighbourhood gem that champions artisanal quality and small-batch baking. Located in a charming red-brick house in Katong, this cafe uses a 16-hour slow fermentation and bold-baking method to achieve its coveted dark, caramelised sourdough crust. While famed for its bread, we recommend stopping for their signature tartines, such as the savoury Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tartine, or opting for the seasonal Persimmon Tartine for a unique balance of sweet and tangy flavours.

Perfectly blending two cultures, Seng House is a lauded cafe in Tanjong Katong known for its exceptional Hainanese-Western fusion concept. This venue successfully marries traditional local dishes with Australian-inspired brunch flair. The spacious venue boasts a pet-friendly outdoor terrace, making it a great destination for a leisurely weekend morning. We suggest starting with their unique fusion mains, renowned for their generous portions, before winding down with a quality espresso.

Situated in a striking cobalt-blue shophouse on Telok Ayer Street, All Hands offers a vibrant, fusion approach to morning fare. This stylish cafe focuses heavily on the versatile Japanese shokupan (milk bread), using it as a base for inventive toppings. We recommend trying their signature combination of kaya custard with snow-shaved butter and eggs for a modern take on a local classic, or opting for their Asian-inspired pasta dishes after 11am.  

This is not your average breakfast spot; it’s a destination for true bread and pastry aficionados. Tucked away in a serene corner of Bukit Pasoh (and being neighbours with Tatler Singapore), Baker’s Bench Bakery is an artisanal space dedicated to freshly baked goods. Everything here is handcrafted, from the naturally leavened loaves to the pastries. Some standouts include the flaky twice-baked hazelnut croissants and the morning buns, which are topped with cinnamon sugar and perfectly spiced.

Savour hearty brunch fare at Common Man Coffee Roasters. Indulge in the Common Man full breakfast, a plate brimming with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, chorizo baked beans and more. For something lighter, go for the umami mushroom avocado toast that’s topped with red onion pickle and togarashi (Japanese spice blend). 

Common Man Coffee Roasters (Multiple locations) 
Address: 22 Martin Road, 01-00, S(239058)

Breakfast Grill’s loaded sammies are quite possibly the best way to start an indulgent weekend brunch. This East Coast haunt serves everything from a classic grilled cheese to a five-spiced deep-fried chicken thigh with cheesy jalapeno cheetos and house-made garlic aioli. Other options include sammies with bacon, tofu, fish, and portobello mushrooms. 

Breakfast Grill
Address: 380 East Coast Road, S(428986), +65 8612 8807

A concept run by the popular Merci Marcel, French Fold offers crepes and galettes to hungry early risers. Stop by to savour one of its many galette options, including one with chiffonade of ham, organic egg sunny side up, over sautéed mushrooms, and comté cheese. From the crepe section, choose from its many sweet possibilities, such as a homemade hazelnut spread with any gelato scoop of choice from Birds of Paradise. 

French Fold Telok Ayer
Address: 204 Telok Ayer Street, S(068640), +65 6970 7626

Stumbling upon Choupinette in the morning is like finding the right spot on your pillow in the evenings. The French cafe sits in the Bukit Timah enclave, offering flaky and savoury pastries that are freshly baked daily. From the display case, grab the chocolate donuts, a crowd favourite that’s often snapped up in a flash. For a heavier meal, opt for the classic bacon and eggs, a fluffy and creamy quiche of the day, or a stacked sandwich. Drink options include espresso, macchiato, and latte. 

Choupinette
Address: 607 Bukit Timah Road, S(269708), +65 6466 0613

At Air, mornings are taken very seriously. Its new breakfast concept, Sunrise, invites guests to start their day on a tasty note—and this can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. If you’re dining indoors, the breakfast selection includes a creamy, tangy base yoghurt topped with crunchy granola, fragrant pandan honey, and jam; a fresh fruit plate; and a crispy croquette with a sunny-side-up egg, chilli jam, and calamansi créme fraîche. As for drinks, there are options such as pour-over coffee, loose-leaf tea, and citrusy morning cocktails. 

For those who want to relax on the law outdoors, indulge in a decadent chocolate babka, a soft and pillowy kenari nut sticky bun with caramelised kenari nuts and sticky, buttery glaze, or a smooth and delicate calamansi lime bar. Pair these bites with a refreshingly tangy kombucha or one of Antidote’s cold-pressed juices for your daily dose of nutrients. 

Air CCCC
Address: 25B Dempsey Road, S(249670), +65 8228 1528

Rangoon Road’s resident vintage cafe displays pre-loved trinkets for sale across its walls, making it a unique dining experience that offers a shopping section. Just like its sizeable collection of vintage articles, its breakfast menu is no different. Options include granola bowls, açai bowls, pancakes, French toast, omelettes and more. Brunches also lets you create your own breakfast spread, where you choose from sunny side up, scrambled, or poached. Add your choice of sides like portobello mushroom, bacon. and ham for a nice finish.

Brunches Cafe
Address: 96 Rangoon Road, S(218381), +65 8685 8488

With an ambience that includes cascading vines from a sunlit roof, breakfast at Punch is best for slow weekend mornings. Punch’s sandwiches pack quite a punch, generously sized with ingredients like egg, ham, watercress, and corned beef. For those who love their eggs in the mornings, poached eggs are Punch’s go-to offering. These are often paired with smoked salmon, melted cheese, and sliced avocados among other sides. The drink menu includes hot cuppas of chamomile tea, chai lattes, and Punch's very special orange and minted mocha.  

Punch
Address: 32 North Canal Road, S(059288)

A short walk from Kampung Gelam is All Things Delicious, nestled away in a charming shophouse with quaint decor. The Muslim-friendly bakery cafe doesn’t shy away from a bold menu full of international choices: mushroom and kale stuffed pita, steak with hash potatoes, and shakshouka, a North African stew of peppers, tomatoes, mild spices, poached eggs and a dollop of crème fraîche served with focaccia. End off the meal with the café’s signature handmade gula melaka scones, a cult favourite made with unrefined coconut palm sugar that’s extra indulgent. 

All Things Delicious
Address: 34 Arab Street, 01-01, S(199733), +65 6291 4252

Gather at Raffles Hotel has earned quite a following among breakfast and brunch lovers around the island. Stop by in the mornings and you’ll see why it upholds its reputation as one of Singapore’s best crêperies. The café’s signature savoury galettes include a dish with ham, gruyere, cheddar and egg. Another selection to try is its crispy crepe with slow-cooked minced veal, beef and pork bolognese, topped with an oozy egg in the middle. For caffeine options, Gather’s coffee beans are sourced from Melbourne, Australia, adding a special touch to custom blend espresso-based cuppas.

Gather
Address: Raffles Hotel Arcade #01-12, 328 North Bridge Road, S(188719)

For well-brewed coffee

Pop into Brawn & Brains on a weekend morning and you will likely witness a crowd. The café's freshly brewed coffee is what draws loyal customers, especially caffeine lovers eager for morning fuel. The café sources its beans from Central America so expect high-quality coffee with well-balanced acidity in classic selections such as the flat white, long black and more.

Brawn & Brains
Address: Multiple locations, 218 East Coast Road, S(428916)

Tolido’s Espresso Nook sure knows how to brew a mean cup of joe. Some of its most popular drinks include the caramel latte, caramel mocha and spiced chai latte. Its well-loved Cafe Con Miel cup has also been featured in the Melbourne Brunch Festival, which includes espresso, milk, victorian honey and cinnamon. Although only available for the period of the festival, Tolido’s has already established itself as one of Singapore’s most well-loved coffee spots, evident from the long line of customers that stretch beyond its front door on weekends.

Tolido’s Espresso Nook
Address: 462 Crawford Lane, 01-63, S(190462), +65 6293 0382

With a name inspired by the cheekiness of the founder’s little children, the coffee is sure to be a hit among those sworn into parenthood. The coffee beans selection includes fruity options from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. A perfect blend of nutty and fruity, Little Rogue’s specialty coffee is definitely worth a visit. 

Little Rogue Coffee
Address: 27 Yong Siak Street, S(168654), +65 8918 3648

For the serious coffee connoisseur, Apartment Coffee offers a minimalist sanctuary that strips away all pretense to focus solely on the perfect brew. Voted one of Asia’s best, this café champions the speciality coffee experience with a meticulous focus on clean brews and lighter roasts. While food options are intentionally limited, the focus here is the ritual: an immaculate cup of coffee served in a beautiful, quiet space designed for contemplation, making it the perfect refined start to your day.

A cult favourite that defines the “tiny but mighty” coffee experience, Maxi Coffee Bar is the ideal choice for a quick, potent caffeine hit alongside unique comfort food. This tiny, perpetually busy shophouse spot is celebrated for its highly addictive Cereal Milk Cold Brew, offering a nostalgic twist on your morning fix. The food menu is equally beloved for its “weirdly addictive” offerings like gourmet toasties, making it the perfect high-quality grab-and-go start to a busy morning in the city.

For breakfast to go

For a truly under-the-radar experience that speaks to the savviest of palates, head to 174Bingo, an intimate bakery-café nestled in Joo Chiat. A place that prides itself on community and craftsmanship, the space draws visitors in with its warm wooden furnishings and raw textures—which feels more like a friend’s living room than a commercial cafe. The menu includes hot sandwiches and sweet treats like the cult favourite Two Best Friends Go To NYC—a layered pastry topped with popcorn custard, whipped cream, fresh buttered corn off the cob and a corn cake crumble.

Located in the heart of the CBD, Korio has cultivated a cult following for its artisanal donuts and legendary breakfast sandwiches. This is not the place for a sprawling brunch but rather for a quick, impactful and deeply satisfying breakfast on the go. The menu is small but focused menu, with each item meticulously crafted to deliver a powerful punch of flavour and texture. Loyal fans can’t get enough of their hearty sandwiches (with that signature cheese pull) in flavours such as Breakfast Egg and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Mushroom Melt and more. 

Only opened three days a week, this breakfast spot are for those with a purpose. From 3.30am when most of our island is asleep, Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake is abuzz as early birds brave the wee hours for min jiang kueh. Offering six flavours, the peanut pancake is undoubtedly the stall’s most famous. Shared in a rectangular slice, it is filled with crushed peanuts and sugar for the perfect morning jolt. 

Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake
Address: 48A Tanglin Halt Road, S(148813)

Looking for some breakfast grub to enjoy on the go? Two Men Bagel House offers freshly baked bagels daily. Hand-rolled, boiled, and baked, these dense and chewy bagels come in a variety of flavours such as plain, sesame, onion, and garlic. For a brilliant way to kickstart your morning, have your bagel stuffed with some smoked salmon and scallion cream cheese.  

Two Men Bagel House
Address: Multiple locations, 16 Enggor Street, 01-12 Icon Village Altez, S(079717), +65 6509 4125

No one does baked goods quite like Mother Dough Bakery here in Singapore. Since 2017, the bakery has pledged itself to bake bread and pastries using artisanal techniques with emphasis on flavour and quality ingredients. Freshly baked each morning, its almond croissants, dark chocolate sea salt cookies, sourdough bread, and cakes are among the most popular items on the menu. 

Mother Dough Bakery
Address: 3 Jalan Kledek, S(199259), +65 6909 6604

This lively, sandwich café is always full because although you can find avocado and bread everywhere these days, this is one of the central business district’s most popular stops. At The Sandwich Shop, its sandwiches take centre stage, with a range of flavours such as chicken and mango chutney, smoked turkey, and smoked salmon with avocado. It also has a wide selection of salads including the popular pasta and Greek salad. Want something warm? Go for the grilled sandwiches or choose from clam chowder or roasted pumpkin soup in its soup collection.  

The Sandwich Shop
Address: 16 Collyer Quay, 01-04/05, S(049318), +65 6536 5141

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