Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)
Cover Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)
Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)

Whether you’re carving out a few minutes from your morning commute or setting aside an afternoon for catch-ups over a cuppa, don’t miss these cafés in Singapore that are definitely worth the visit

Like clockwork, a string of cafés slinging everything from pastries and coffee, to delectable desserts and interesting re-interpretations of viennoiserie classics are joining Singapore’s collection of well-loved spots for relaxing day outs. The list gets increasingly more exciting by the month, accruing new favourite haunts across the island.

And because we Singaporeans revel in always trying something new, this list includes every up and coming café worth paying a visit to.

In case you missed it: Pierre Hermé set to open pâtisserie in Resorts World Sentosa


April 2025

1. Drips x Sakanoue

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The signature blackforest Kakigori (Photo: Instagram/ @sakanouecafe_sg)
Above The signature blackforest Kakigori (Photo: Instagram/ @sakanouecafe_sg)
The signature blackforest Kakigori (Photo: Instagram/ @sakanouecafe_sg)

Popular Japanese shaved ice brand Sakanoue has teamed up with homegrown Drips Bakery Café to bring premium pure Kuramoto ice from Kanazawa, Japan, to the cafe’s Tiong Bahru outlet. What makes the dessert so special is the ice prepared over a 72-hour ice freezing process, resulting in a fluffy texture paired with light and fruity flavours.

Other enticing flavours include cheese, pistachio chocolate, lemon mascarpone, and raw honey from Kofu, Yamanashi. The signature black forest kakigori is a flavour exclusive to Singapore, inspired by Drips Bakery’s signature black forest cake. It is a decadent combination of cream cheese, dark chocolate, tea caramel, branded cherries and cinnamon cookie crumbles. 

Drips x Sakanoue
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, 01-05, S(160082)

2. Blue Bottle Coffee

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Coffee selections at Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)
Above Coffee selections at Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)
Coffee selections at Blue Bottle Coffee (Photo: Facebook/ Blue Bottle Coffee)

We’ve been eagerly expecting the arrival of cult famous coffee chain Blue Bottle Coffee in Singapore. Founded in San Francisco by ex-musician James Freeman in 2002, he gathered Japanese influences in roasting and brewing its coffee drinks, and popular brews consist of an intense, bold cold brew; a velvety smooth latte, and the creamy and grassy matcha. For light bites, opt for the coconut kouign-amann, a sweet and buttery pastry topped with freshly grated coconut or a kaya-infused canelé. 

Blue Bottle Coffee
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, 01-01 Lumine, Raffles City, S(179103)

3. Nitty Gritty

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Photo 1 of 2 Hainanese Chicken Grits (Photo: Nitty Gritty)
Photo 2 of 2 Duck Waffles: Dawn Edition (Photo: Nitty Gritty)
Hainanese Chicken Grits (Photo: Nitty Gritty)
Duck Waffles: Dawn Edition (Photo: Nitty Gritty)

At Nitty Gritty, American-Singaporean soul food takes centre stage. Chef-founder Matthew Bradley blends the bold, vibrant flavours of both cuisines to offer a fresh take on the local dining scene—one that’s equal parts daring and comforting. Take the reimagined Hainanese chicken rice, for example, elevated with a Western kick thanks to a spicy Tabasco-infused chilli sauce. Or the standout duck waffles: crispy duck served atop a light, airy Belgian cloud waffle, crowned with a fried egg and drizzled with housemade cherry espresso sauce.

Nitty Gritty
Address: 21 Teo Hong Road, 01-01, S(088331), +65 9637 5884

4. Twist & Buckle

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Hong Kong’s first authentic churro shop is now in Singapore (Photo: Instagram/ @twistandbucklesg)
Above Hong Kong’s first authentic churro shop is now in Singapore (Photo: Instagram/ @twistandbucklesg)
Hong Kong’s first authentic churro shop is now in Singapore (Photo: Instagram/ @twistandbucklesg)

Hong Kong-famous contemporary churreria Twist and Buckle was founded by two best friends who sought to pay homage to their favourite childhood snack. It has since achieved its stamp of authenticity by using the best ingredients that are freshly made and cinnamon-dusted with a crisp, doughy, and piping hot finish. Apart from the original regular churros, the lineup of glazed options includes pistachio crunch, orh nee, matcha chocolate and hazelnut sauce.   

Twist and Buckle
Address: 238 Thomson Road, 01-26A Velocity@Novena Square, S(307683)

5. Boronas

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Pan de la casa (Photo: Instagram/ @boronas.sg)
Above Pan de la casa (Photo: Instagram/ @boronas.sg)
Pan de la casa (Photo: Instagram/ @boronas.sg)

Latido’s chef Fernando Arévalo has singled out his restaurant’s famous house rye bread (pan de la casa) and made it the star of Boronas. Apart from the sweet, savoury-glazed pan de la casa lining its shelves, other menu items include La Mañanera, a Latin American breakfast staple of sweet corn arepa with egg and avocado. On the drink menu is the chispa de panela, a traditional lime-based drink with coconut and palm sugar. 

Boronas
Address: 8 Marina View, 02-16 Asia Square Tower 1, S(018960), +65 8961 8191


March 2025

6. 2050 Coffee

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2050 Coffee is a sustainability-focused café sourcing ethically from farms (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)
Above 2050 Coffee is a sustainability-focused café sourcing ethically from farms (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)
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Coffee served through tap dispensers (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)
Above Coffee served through tap dispensers (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)
2050 Coffee is a sustainability-focused café sourcing ethically from farms (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)
Coffee served through tap dispensers (Photo: Instagram/ @2050.coffeesg)

Predictions indicate that half of the land used for Arabica coffee could become unusable by 2050. Therefore, by partnering with farms that practice regenerative agriculture methods, 2050 Coffee looks to refute the prophecy in full force. The café, hailing from Kyoto, is the first international outpost designed with futuristic concrete grey walls and light-up counters. What’s in store for coffee addicts is a variety of batch brews served on tap. There are four profiles to choose from, including a buttery and nutty 2050 house blend and the Ethiopia natural, a refreshing blend with passionfruit and cardamom notes. 

2050 Coffee
Address: 267 Beach Road, 01-01, S(199545)

7. Yuen Yeung

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Classic Grand Slam w Brown Sugar Milk Snow with taro cubes, sweet potato balls, grass jelly, pearls, and ice cream (Photo: Instagram/ @breaaad.pitt)
Above Classic Grand Slam w Brown Sugar Milk Snow with taro cubes, sweet potato balls, grass jelly, pearls, and ice cream (Photo: Instagram/ @breaaad.pitt)
Classic Grand Slam w Brown Sugar Milk Snow with taro cubes, sweet potato balls, grass jelly, pearls, and ice cream (Photo: Instagram/ @breaaad.pitt)

Specialising in tong sui (a Chinese sweet soup or broth), Yuen Yeung offers both traditional and modern desserts, ranging from milk puddings to tangyuan-infused bowls. The freshly ground tangyuan with black sesame paste is a particular standout: a deep and nutty bowl with just the right amount of bitterness and chewy tangyuan. For something more indulgent, the housemade taro paste rice mochi and black rice with milk snow are good bowls to combat the Singapore heat. 

Yuen Yeung
Address: 43 Neil Road, S(088825)

8. Tina’s Café

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Orh nee toast (Photo: Instagram/ @foodforfoong)
Above Orh nee toast (Photo: Instagram/ @foodforfoong)
Orh nee toast (Photo: Instagram/ @foodforfoong)

Opened by the folks behind Edith Patisserie, Tina’s Café is a tribute to the founder Shaun’s late mother Tina, serving Nanyang-style favourites with a homely charm. The faint whiff of freshly brewed coffee and toasted slices of bread immediately welcomes diners, an anticipation for classic local breakfast sets to enjoy. Notably, several toasts are a blast from the past, with fillings like orh nee and kaya that make a great pair with the café’s strong and aromatic kopi. Heavier options include breakfast platters with eggs as the star ingredient, complemented with your choice of side–bacon, ham, or sausage. You can also find cakes and pastries from Edith Patisserie, like lychee rose and yuzu osmanthus slices.

Tina’s Café
Address: Block 5 Everton Park, 01-22, S(080005)

9. Lantine

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Rock roasted milk tea, latte, and taro mochi at Lantine (Photo: Instagram/ @dessert._.sg)
Above Rock roasted milk tea, latte, and taro mochi at Lantine (Photo: Instagram/ @dessert._.sg)
Rock roasted milk tea, latte, and taro mochi at Lantine (Photo: Instagram/ @dessert._.sg)

Located along Rangoon Road, Lantine is a dessert café serving up Chinese-inspired desserts. The menu includes selections of desserts and drinks that come with a modern twist to traditional Guangzhou delicacies. Take for example the strawberry souffle, a melt-in-your-mouth dish complemented with a generous amount of strawberries, whipped cream, and chestnut pearls. The goji berry and red date roasted milk tea offers that something special, balancing tart, sour, and herbal notes with the sweet and robust flavour of milk tea.

Lantine
Address: 103 Rangoon Road, 01-01, S(218386)

10. To:You

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Pastry selections at To:You (Photo: Facebook/ To You Singapore)
Above Pastry selections at To:You (Photo: Facebook/ To You Singapore)
Pastry selections at To:You (Photo: Facebook/ To You Singapore)

The kind of café you can cosy up in with a book, a friend, or a pet, To:You café’s ambience is akin to home. Its all-day brunch menu features various sandos generously layered with thick slabs of fillings–mentaiko tamago–sandwiched together with larger-than-life fluffy bread. The tamago is deep-fried in a panki layer, adding a crunchy dimension to the otherwise chewy bite. The pastry selections consist of soft and moist, citrusy madeleines with pistachio or matcha, whereas the dark matcha brownie offers something decadent. The café’s array of signature coffee includes a cuppa infused with guava puree, guava juice, soda, and espresso.

To:You
Address: 90 Jalan Senang, S(418461)


January & February 2025

11. Borderless Coffee

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Borderless Coffee sources its speciality green coffee from Curate Coffee Roasters (Photo: Borderless Coffee Co.)
Above Borderless Coffee sources its speciality green coffee from Curate Coffee Roasters (Photo: Borderless Coffee Co.)
Borderless Coffee sources its speciality green coffee from Curate Coffee Roasters (Photo: Borderless Coffee Co.)

Hidden on the second floor within a shophouse in Tanjong Pagar, Borderless Coffee is a stylishly homely café with a serious attitude to coffee. Speciality green coffee is carefully sourced from Curate Coffee Roasters, offering the perfect balance of flavour. The menu includes nutty and sweet white coffee, boasting orange, chocolate and marzipan notes; black coffee brewed with Ethiopia Guji beans, offering beautiful tangerine, plum, and caramel notes; and grassy and creamy matcha latte brewed with ceremonial grade ajisai matcha to please green tea lovers.

Borderless Coffee
Address: 65a Tanjong Pagar Road, S(088486), +65 8893 4638

12. Corner Corner

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Caramel pudding–a kissaten classic–paired with Corner Corner’s pour over coffee (Photo: Instagram/ @corner__corner)
Above Caramel pudding–a kissaten classic–paired with Corner Corner’s pour over coffee (Photo: Instagram/ @corner__corner)
Caramel pudding–a kissaten classic–paired with Corner Corner’s pour over coffee (Photo: Instagram/ @corner__corner)

Duxton Road’s newest addition is an intimate and moody Japanese kissaten, serving up specialty coffee and artisanal teas. The philosophy of this cosy space blends vintage vinyl melodies and a freshly brewed coffee experience for a truly serene coffee-drinking atmosphere. Here, enjoy the coffee of the day, that currently features a medium-dark roast that is redolent of dark chocolate, berries, and cacao; grassy, nutty, and umami kukicha tea; or chat up the friendly baristas for seasonal pour-overs. Keep in mind that the space only opens during weekdays, so don't go showing up expecting a cuppa over the weekends.    

Corner Corner
Address: 16 Duxton Road, S(089482)

13. AP Café

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Photo 1 of 3 Interior of the café (Photo: Audemars Piguet)
Photo 2 of 3 Gula Melaka Pain Suisse (Photo: Audemars Piguet)
Photo 3 of 3 Golden Roesti (Photo: Audemars Piguet)
Interior of the café (Photo: Audemars Piguet)
Gula Melaka Pain Suisse (Photo: Audemars Piguet)
Golden Roesti (Photo: Audemars Piguet)

Capitalising on the ongoing collaboration of luxury fashion and dining, AP Café is Swiss watch brand’s Audemars Piguet’s foray into the field. Housed in the storied Raffles Hotel, AP Café takes the sophisticated Swiss café to the next level with its marbled tables and arched-accented ceilings. It’s almost all Swiss pastries and delicacies at the café, where the ornate Golden Roesti features bite-sized, savoury fried potato cakes wrapped in gold leaf and topped with caviar. Yet, diners can expect to find Singaporean elements in its sweet treats–Gula Melaka Pain Suisse with palm sugar custard cream. 

AP Café
Address: 1 Beach Road, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Bar and Billiard Room, S(189673), +65 3129 2087   

14. Average Service

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Embark on a communal adventure at Average Service (Photo: Instagram / @average_service)
Above Embark on a communal adventure at Average Service (Photo: Instagram / @average_service)
Embark on a communal adventure at Average Service (Photo: Instagram / @average_service)

Average Service may be new, but it has already established a fan club of its own. Its charm offensive begins with stylish blue interiors, geometric furniture, and of course, exceptional brunch staples, pastas, pastries, and great brews. Unlike what its name suggests, the café’s menu is far from average, featuring the rich and savoury Mentai Handkerchief pasta made with in-house mental sauce and bacon. For brews, the Espresso Coke comes with a blend of Coke Zero and espresso–definitely not your average cuppa. 

Average Service
Address: 315 Jalan Besar, S(208973)

15. Audi x Burnt Ends Bakery

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The currywurst hotdog (Photo: Audi Singapore)
Above The currywurst hotdog (Photo: Audi Singapore)
The currywurst hotdog (Photo: Audi Singapore)

Chef-owner Dave Pynt has an eye for carving out some of the most exciting café concepts. Hoisting Burnt Ends Bakery at Dempsey to local café stardom, his second outlet forms an unlikely friendship with car manufacturer Audi. Inspired by Audi’s German heritage, the bakery at the Audi House of Progress serves up a sweet, ketchup-based currywurst hotdog and crunchy Bavarian beer-battered waffles. There is also an interactive coffee brew bar showcasing different brewing techniques for their filter coffee for coffee enthusiasts to take down notes. 

Burnt Ends Bakery
Address: 18 Cross Street, S(048423)

16. Paul Le Café

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An espresso shot (Photo: Instagram / @paulbakerysg)
Above An espresso shot (Photo: Instagram / @paulbakerysg)
An espresso shot (Photo: Instagram / @paulbakerysg)

Serving rich and aromatic coffee, the ubiquitous Paul Le Café is what springs to mind when one says “French coffee”. Expanding its reach, the new café at Robinson Road brings its excellent coffee to the heart of Singapore's central business district. The café exclusively serves 100 per cent Arabica beans from sustainable farms, ensuring quality cuppas. If you’re craving something sweet or savoury to accompany your drink, don’t fret–its popular viennoiserie and patisserie are still up for grabs. 

Paul Le Café
Address: 8 Robinson Road, 01-01, S(048544)


November & December 2024

17. Homm Dessert

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The Thai Tea Bingsu was the first recipe which truly defined Homm Dessert (Photo: Instagram / @homm_dessert_sg)
Above The Thai Tea Bingsu was the first recipe which truly defined Homm Dessert (Photo: Instagram / @homm_dessert_sg)
The Thai Tea Bingsu was the first recipe which truly defined Homm Dessert (Photo: Instagram / @homm_dessert_sg)

There’s yet another new kid on the block at Raffles City, and this time, it is Melbourne-based Thai dessert café Homm Dessert. Homm, meaning “sweet-smelling” in Thai and colloquially as “to share” in northern Thailand, presents bingsu and shokupan desserts with an innovative Thai spin. The iconic Thai milk tea is reimagined into a signature of Thai tea avalanche bingo. It arrives as a block of frosty Thai milk tea-flavoured ice shavings topped with whipped cream cheese, crunchy crumble, and Thai tea gelato. Accompaniments of grass jelly cubes, condensed milk, and Thai tea sauce are served on the side for extra flavour and texture. There are also shokupan selections infused with a housemade panda kaya and pain perdu stuffed with taro, salted egg, or Thai tea.

Homm Dessert
Address: Pagoda Street, 73, S(059232), +65 6908 3316

18. Nibbies

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Food and drink spread at Nibbies (Photo: Instagram/ @nibbies.sg)
Above Food and drink spread at Nibbies (Photo: Instagram/ @nibbies.sg)
Food and drink spread at Nibbies (Photo: Instagram/ @nibbies.sg)

Quietly tucked away on the second floor of a Telok Ayer shophouse, Nibbies is somewhat of a hidden gem. Its interior is Japanese-inspired, with wood-framed windows and both floor and table seating depending on how hardy your knees are. Like the ambience and interiors, the cosy café serves a Japanese-inspired line-up, including a fluffy, umami-packed Tamago Sandwich and a savoury Gyukatsu Sando. Drinks include a grassy Ube Matcha and an aromatic yuzu espresso tonic. 

Nibbies 
Address: 181A Telok Ayer Street, S(068629), +65 8281 6324

19. The Rare Honey Company

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It’s all about honey at The Rare Honey Company (Photo: Facebook / The Rare Honey Company)
Above It’s all about honey at The Rare Honey Company (Photo: Facebook / The Rare Honey Company)
It’s all about honey at The Rare Honey Company (Photo: Facebook / The Rare Honey Company)

Direct from Western Australia, The Rare Honey Company is Down Under’s sweetest gift to Singapore. Its 100 per cent pure, raw, and unprocessed honey is carefully sourced from Australia’s native forests and is the foundation for many of the café’s menu items. Adding a natural sweetness to its drinks, the creamy Honey Oat Iced Latte is worth making a beeline for. To appease the visual creatures lurking on your socials, opt for a Honeycomb Latte, adorned with a honeycomb stick resting on top. The dessert menu is equally tempting, featuring a sweet and zesty Honey Lemon Cheesecake or the gluten-free banana pudding. You can also take home honey spreads and jars for spreading on toast and the occasional drizzle over anything at home.

The Rare Honey Company
Address: 19 Joo Chiat Place, 01-00, S(427748), +65 8907 9034

20. Joji’s Sandwich Parlour

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The Reuben (Photo: Facebook / Joji’s Diner)
Above The Reuben (Photo: Facebook / Joji’s Diner)
The Reuben (Photo: Facebook / Joji’s Diner)

From the same folks behind Joji’s Diner comes Joji’s Sandwich Parlour, equally poised to be a Serangoon favourite. The American diner charm is kept intact at this sandwich-focused café, albeit with a twist of grunge being adorned with skateboards and vintage posters. And while its predecessor is famous for its breakfast offering, Joji’s Sandwich Parlour is all about bringing hearty sandwiches around the clock. A must-try is the Classic Reuben, starring a generous amount of a 14-day brined Black Angus beef brisket, yellow mustard, sauerkraut, and sliced cheese slapped between your choice of sourdough or focaccia. Accompany your sandwich with a choice of two sides ranging from potato hash and fries to pasta salad and grilled corn kernels. 

Joji’s Sandwich Parlour
Address: 536 Upper Serangoon Road, S(534551), +65 9100 9030

21. Sláinte

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The Boxty (Photo: Instagram / @slaintebyolivia)
Above The Boxty (Photo: Instagram / @slaintebyolivia)
The Boxty (Photo: Instagram / @slaintebyolivia)

This isn’t your ordinary dining spot. A cosy café in the day and a sophisticated whiskey bar by night, Sláinte offers the best of both worlds. Decked in rich brown and neutral hues, the space is your daytime stop for comforting breakfast items and applewood charcoal-grilled dishes. The Boxty, in particular, is an Irish potato pancake served with crispy bacon, eggs, and crème fraîche; giving anything crispy on the outside with soft fluffy interiors a run for their money. For seafood lovers, look no further than the flame-kissed Spanish octopus leg with saffron mashed potatoes and fried onions.

Sláinte
Address: 290 Orchard Road, 04-09, S(238859), +65 8044 3479


October 2024

22. Queic by Olivia

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Quiec by Olivia’s signature cheesecquiec with savory-sweet blend of cream cheese and blue cheese with a caramelized scorched top and a crunchy almond sable base (Photo: Queic by Olivia)
Above Quiec by Olivia’s signature cheesecquiec with savory-sweet blend of cream cheese and blue cheese with a caramelized scorched top and a crunchy almond sable base (Photo: Queic by Olivia)
Quiec by Olivia’s signature cheesecquiec with savory-sweet blend of cream cheese and blue cheese with a caramelized scorched top and a crunchy almond sable base (Photo: Queic by Olivia)

If Basque-style burnt cheesecakes are your vocation, then a visit to Queic by Olivia is in order. Offering a range of cheesecakes, the café opens its doors in the swanky Orchard road and is the perfect stopover on a day out. Its interior is a pop of yellow and white geometric shapes, a salute to the colours of the cheesecake, a fitting atmosphere to savour the Signature Olivia, the café’s charm offensive. The slice is thick with luscious blue cheese cream with a crumbly almond sable crust base. Not convinced yet? You can never go wrong with the Basque Burnt Cheesecake, the café’s revered classic with its distinctive burnt facade.

Queic by Olivia
Address: 6 Scotts Rd, #B1 - 25, S(228209)

23. Huize van Wely

Tables are expected to be in high demand at Huize van Wely, Raffles Hotel’s newest celebrity entry. The Dutch patisserie and chocolatier commands reverence in the realm of confectionery thanks to its century-long legacy. Not to mention its signature Champagnecake, a sinful almond sponge cake featuring layers of white chocolate, Moët and Chandon champagne cream ganache, and covered in marzipan and a delicate dark chocolate shell. If you’re one for gifting, select some favourites from the variety of chocolate bonbons, or bouchées. If it all gets a little too decadent, diners may also opt for ice cream, cakes, fine wines, champagne, and cocktails.

Huize van Wely
Address: 3 Seah Street, #01-02, S(188379)

24. PPP Coffee

A unique coffee experience, PPP Coffee is New Bahru’s people-centric café, driven by the belief that coffee brings people together. Among its signatures, the Kyoto grape cold brew is a must-try, consisting of Ethiopia Suke Quto, soda water, and Kyoho grape syrup. Another crowd favourite is the Ethiopia Koke Shalaye, a flowery, citrusy, sweet blend for the perfect start to your mornings. Sustainably sourced and meticulously roasted, the café’s seasonal single origin coffees are always a crowd favourite.

PPP Coffee
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-06 New Bahru, S(239351)

25. Good Boy George

Named after a beloved golden retriever, Good Boy George is Robertson Quay’s latest gem. Blending art, culture, and community, the pet-friendly café is what founders Wei and Merlin envision for a community-driven space topped with good food and welcoming good furry boys and girls. Pop by the café at any hour and there will be something to suit your palate, including a duck fat potato Rosti for breakfast, truffle mushroom pasta for lunch, and beef bolognese for dinner.

Good Boy George
Address: 7 Rodyk Street, #01-28, S(238215)

26. Eden Café

This café may just boast one of Singapore’s best terrace views. Located in the scenic Jurong Lake Gardens, grab a bite under the watchful eye of the Chinese Garden’s Cloud Pagoda and you’ll see what we mean. Enjoy the stunning view with a menu inspired by local and Western flavours, from creamy avocado and buttermilk cod fish pasta to the curry cream pasta–there is an option for every craving.

Eden Café
Address: 70B Yuan Ching Road 01-04, Jurong Lake Garden, S(619629)


September 2024

27. Lucine by Luna

You’re going to want to brave the queues for this. Lucine by Luna is, you guessed it, Luna’s newest arrival in the café scene. The homegrown patisserie, famous for its visually appealing cakes and pastries, is expanding its horizons with Lucine, now serving up exclusive hot savoury plates (a selection of toasted sourdough and brioche sandwiches) alongside its signature sweets. Think panko-crusted tofu cutlet topped with sriracha mayo and juicy minced beef and onions. Salad fans may opt for Lucine’s unusual salad concoction, featuring crispy panko-crusted eggplant fritters with fresh lettuce, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and hard-boiled egg.

For dessert, a pink flower-shaped cake featuring strawberry elderflower yoghurt mousse, strawberry curd, and rose sponge takes the cake, literally. And when there is pink, blue naturally springs into action. And for Lucine, it’s in the form of a tart topped with soft blue Chantilly cream, hiding a refreshing rock melon curd beneath the surface.

Lucine by Luna
Address: 111 Somerset Road, #01-06 TripleOne Somerset, S(238164)

28. Coffeehouse by Kobashi

Artisanal sourdough creations are the crowning glory at this minimalist coffee house. A venture brought to life by home-grown bakery Kobashi, the hole in the wall café offers baked goods and hearty brunch plates that pack a serious punch. What stands out from the former is the sourdo’nut, a signature (and well-loved) pastry of the café that is handcrafted in small batches to ensure that every bake comes out the oven fresh and delectable. The sourdough donut comes in many different fillings, including a pistachio raspberry and caramelised white chocolate banana for fruit and chocolate fanatics alike. If you’re looking for a heavier meal, go for the juicy buttermilk chicken thigh purple cabbage slaw and pickled cucumber. With a name–Kobashi–that represents the five senses, it’s a guaranteed perceptive feast no matter the time of day.

Coffeehouse by Kobashi
Address: 79 South Bridge Road, S(058709)

29. Lean & Rich Bakery

Artisanal bread and pastries at Lean & Rich Bakery are a romantic experience, blending classic French viennoiseries and head baker Hong Ui-chang’s commitment to the meticulous processes of baking. A former head baker at famed American bakery, Tartine in Seoul, Hong is regarded for his mastery of sourdough and laminated pastries, mixing four different types of flour into his dough. Rest assured that every bread and pastry is freshly made, baked across three batches in the morning for optimal quality control. Split into two types of bakes: lean dough and rich dough, the former is made using flour, water, salt, and yeast, producing a lighter bake including rye bread and the gorgonzola pecan sandwich. For the latter, eggs, butter, sugar, and milk are added to the mixture to create flaky viennoiserie.

Lean & Rich Bakery
Address: 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #01-14, S(239917)

30. Torori Tenshi No Warabi Mochi

Warabimochi devotees have yet another spot to visit this month. With roots in Osaka, Japan, Torori Tenshi No Warabi Mochi boasts 14 warabimochi drinks with flavours including strawberry, mango, peach, kuromitsu (Japanese sugar syrup), chocolate, and matcha. Fruity drinks come with a choice of base: milk, yoghurt, or soda. And of course, the main event of any sip, each beverage houses chewy warabimochi bits that rival the boba pearls of bubble tea. For traditionalists, try the café’s teapot sets, the original method of enjoying warabimochi. Dusted with kinako (soybean powder) and drizzled with black sugar syrup, Torori Tenshi is where you’d want to be when searching for a serene afternoon.

Torori Tenshi No Warabi Mochi
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-100/101, S(098585)

31. Big Short Coffee

Practitioners of molecular gastronomy, Big Short Coffee is the mad scientist of the local coffee scene. Its experiments feature new techniques in preparation, transformation, and presentation of a dynamic seasonal menu. Take, for instance, the Young Harry, a cold brew jasmine tea blend with raw fresh coconut water, roasted pistachio cream, and cornflowers; and Bus Uncle, consisting of cold brew osmanthus tea with watermelon, coastal wildflower rare honey, and pick peppercorn and ginger bubbles. Boasting something new, something exciting, and something you’ll want to drink, Big Short Coffee is nothing short of enticing. Our hypothesis? Daily exposure to its drinks leads to increased levels of happiness.

Big Short Coffee
Address: 2 Fowlie Road, #01-01, S(428505), +65 9170 9788


August 2024

32. Hazukido

Embodying the shokunin (craftsman) spirit of Japan, Hazukido’s Japanese-style croissants are a force to be reckoned with. The Taiwan brand is known for its innovative interpretations of the classic French viennoiserie, infusing a taste of the East into this predominantly western pastry. Using the highest quality ingredients, fillings include taro and pudding, brown sugar mochi, and premium durian custard, encapsulated in a buttery, flaky croissant.

Hazukido
Address: 391 Orchard Road, B1-29 Ngee Ann City, S(238872)

33. Caracara

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Photo 1 of 2 Owned by the people behind furniture manufacturing company, Falcon Incorporation, the furniture at the café are for sale. All you have to do is ask (Photo: Caracara)
Photo 2 of 2 Caracara's distinctive coffee beans are a crowd favourite, embracing notes of grapes and rum (Photo: Caracara)

This Japanese-inspired café is named after a genus of social birds in the falcon family that can be spotted in groups (perhaps the café’s vision for a bright, bustling future). Owned by the people behind furniture manufacturing company, Falcon Incorporation; known for projects at Mondrian Singapore Duxton and Oakwood Studios Singapore, this café is stylishly designed with unique wooden furniture and has become a bit of a hot topic within the Neil Road enclave. The charm offensive begins with its furniture, available for purchase by diners. A further advantage, apart from inventive sandos and donburis, lies in its coffee–the Aurora beans is a distinctive choice on the menu, combining tasting notes of grapes and rum.

Caracara
Address: 77 Neil Road, S(088903), +65 8852 7166

34. Two Men Bagel House

The activists behind the bagel revolution in Singapore has launched a new concept at Lorong Telok, a stone’s throw away from Boat Quay. The retro-inspired café houses just a handful of small stools outside, reminiscent of an old-school takeout store. The menu includes unusually named selections only locals will appreciate, including The East Coast Plan, comprising Spam, fried egg, and spicy ketchup wrapped in bread, and the Fountain of Wealth, a bun loaded with sweet cream cheese, garlic butter, and parsley stuffed in a bun.

Two Men Bagel House Alley Bay
Address: 21 Lorong Telok, 01-00, S(049033), +65 8025 0433

35. Skosh

If you’re suddenly struck with the particular urge for modern Japanese bites, Skosh is very much the place to be. The Japandi-style café blends modern casual dishes with Japanese influences, resulting in an extensive menu fit for all. Find a taste of Japan in a taco shell filled with aburi Norwegian salmon, ikura, black squid ink tobiko, and flying fish roe–one of the many fillings to choose from.

Skosh
Address: 80 Bencoolen Street, 01-15, S(189655), +65 8025 6578

36. Small Batch

Hatched by the folks behind the likes of Tipo Pasta Bar and The Great Mischief, Small Batch prides itself with its commitment to natural produce. Think in-house sourdough, fresh pasta, and bakes set in the company of a rustic and tropical ambience. A perfect destination for a lazy afternoon, munch on finger food such as chips and tater tots if you’re feeling peckish. For those looking for a heavier meal, a key feature of the café is the Build-Your-Own-Board concept, allowing diners to customise a meal from a selection of categories including bakery items, fruits and greens, eggs, protein, and dairy, great for groups with differing individual preferences.

Small Batch
Address: 1H Cluny Road, 01-K1, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, S(259604)


July 2024

37. June Coffee

The East Coast has long been teeming with cafés, with June Coffee as its newest resident, opened by the same folks behind September Coffee over at South Bridge Road. Serving up hearty Italian eats with a Korean-inspired twist, the earthly, wood-walled (and did we mention pet-friendly) café is where you’d want to head for coffee and brunch.

Menu highlights include the original French toast, featuring a fluffy slice of pan-fried, egg-drenched brioche, toasted to perfection and served alongside honey and butter. If you prefer something more hearty, opt for one of the many pasta selections, including the gochujang pasta or a vegetarian-friendly truffle mushroom pappardelle. The café also does not shy away from matcha, with options like the classic matcha latte to the flashier kinako matcha, consisting of layers of matcha, fresh milk, kinako, and sea salt foam.

June Coffee
Address: 49 East Coast Road, S(428768)

38. Coi Je Cafe

Chinatown’s newest café entry brings a slice of Hong Kong to our shores. Its cha chaan teng (the epitome of Hong Kong East-meets-West culture cafes) concept is reminiscent of retro Hong Kong vibes, decorated with vintage-designed food posters against a strikingly orange backdrop. Mains include double cheese baked mixed vegetables, coconut curry beef rice, and tomato-baked pork chop rice. For more adventurous palates, be sure to taste the fried pig intestine rice roll. With milk tea seen as a way of life as far as the Hong Kong tea culture goes, Coi Je Cafe serves up an adorable rendition of the drink topped with a teddy bear-shaped ice cube.

Coi Je Cafe
Address: 6 Upper Cross Street

39. The Telegraph

Tatler Asia
Above A selection of pasta mains at The Telegraph

According to hearsay, The Telegraph is one of Bugis’s best-kept secrets, and fittingly so–its under-the-radar presence makes for a great spot to slip into for the afternoon. Away from the otherwise bustling surrounding streets, have some well-deserved “me-time” with some light antipasti and crisp salads. Pasta aficionados with a gargantuan appetite may choose from among the cafe’s extensive pasta selection: fruitti di mare, squid ink, truffle prawn Alfredo, truffle capellini, they have it all. End the meal with an aromatic cup of coffee, which consists of a medium roast by Browns Mill Organic from Allpress Espresso.

The Telegraph
Address: 124 Beach Road, 01-07 Guoco Midtown, S(189771)

40. Butter tgt

Once a home-based business, Youkneadcakes has expanded from its humble beginnings, transforming into Butter tgt, a cosy cafe along Duxton Road. Clean and minimalist with accents of greenery, it’s almost as if you’re over at a friend’s place enjoying a warm afternoon bake. As soon you arrive, make a beeline to the bakery’s signature: baked-to-order Madeleines, and sourdough bread. You’ll also find house-made granola with Greek yoghurt and fresh fruits, perfect to combat the hot weather.

Butter tgt
Address: 76A Duxton Road, S(089535)

41. Greybox Coffee

Hailing from China, Greybox Coffee debuts its premium, award-winning coffee in UE Square, bringing its diverse menu of fusion artisanal flavours closer to all of us caffeine addicts. Their signature blend, the Geisha Blend, is a medium roast coffee with tinges of tangerine, floral, and fruit candy. For pastries, choose from a flaky croissant, cinnamon swirl, and canelé among other selections.

Greybox Coffee
Address: UE Square 01-12, 81 Clemenceau Avenue, S(239917)

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