You can measure a city’s pulse by its coffee. In Singapore, that pulse beats in many rhythms. It’s the clink of a ceramic spoon against a thick cup in a kopitiam. It’s the hiss of a steam wand in a bustling brunch cafe. And sometimes, it’s the quiet, deliberate pour of hot water over coffee grounds in a place where the drink is treated not just as a commodity, but as a craft.
Over the last decade, Singapore’s coffee scene has transformed. A quiet revolution has taken place, moving beyond the familiar kopi o kosong to embrace a world of single origins, meticulous brewing methods, and roasters who treat their beans like a chef treats their produce, often building direct relationships with coffee farms. This shift reflects broader changes in the global coffee industry, marked by the rise of third wave coffee—a movement that emphasizes artisanal quality, transparency, and craftsmanship.
Specialty coffee in Singapore has flourished as part of this third wave, with local cafes and roasters contributing to the evolution of the coffee industry. Additionally, Japanese coffee culture has influenced Singapore’s specialty coffee scene, bringing a focus on precision, aesthetics, and a deep appreciation for the art of brewing. Many of Singapore’s best coffee spots are centrally located, making them easily accessible to both locals and visitors. Most cafes also pay close attention to opening hours to accommodate the busy lifestyles of coffee lovers.
This isn’t a list of every cafe. It’s a walk through four places that, in their own way, define the story of modern coffee in Singapore. Each one offers a different answer to the simple question: where do we go for a good cup? Whether you’re after top notch coffee or a spot to enjoy good food alongside your brew, these places set the standard in Southeast Asia’s vibrant coffee scene. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a bakery next door offering fresh baked goods to complement your drink. For easy navigation, you can find all these spots on Google Maps, ensuring your coffee adventure is seamless and satisfying.
Apartment Coffee – Precision Meets Calm
A Space for Contemplation
Walking into Apartment Coffee on Selegie Road feels like pressing a pause button on the city. The space is relentlessly minimalist—white walls, clean lines, and a flood of natural light. It feels less like a commercial shop and more like a gallery or a friend’s thoughtfully designed home. The air is quiet, punctuated only by the low hum of conversation and the gentle sounds of coffee being made. This is a place built for focus, both for the barista and for the person drinking.
Clarity in a Cup
Apartment is known for its dedication to light-roasted, single-origin coffees. The goal here is clarity. The coffee isn’t meant to be a dark, bitter jolt; it’s meant to express the unique character of its origin—the soil, the altitude, the processing. It’s about tasting the fruit, the florals, the subtle notes of a specific harvest from Colombia, Ethiopia, or Costa Rica.
On the menu, Apartment Coffee offers a curated selection of filter coffees, with a focus on high-quality, single-origin brews that appeal to those seeking a refined, brewed coffee experience.
My filter coffee arrives in a simple glass carafe with a small ceramic cup. The barista tells me a little about the beans—where they’re from, what flavours to expect. The liquid is a pale, translucent brown, almost like tea. The first sip is clean and bright, with bright acidic notes and a lingering sweetness. It’s a cup that asks you to slow down and pay attention. It doesn’t shout for your attention; it quietly earns it. This is a coffee place that represents the pinnacle of modern craftsmanship.
- Location: 139 Selegie Road, Singapore
- Price Range: $7 – $10 for a filter coffee
- What It Is: A minimalist sanctuary for experiencing the nuanced world of light-roast specialty coffee.
Nylon Coffee Roasters – The Purist’s Pioneer
The Heart of the Neighbourhood
Tucked away in the quiet, old-world housing estate of Everton Park, Nylon Coffee Roasters feels like the origin point of Singapore’s specialty coffee story. It’s a tiny space, more of a standing-room-only counter than a cafe—a true hole in the wall spot beloved by coffee purists. There are a few benches outside, but most people are there for one thing: the coffee. For over a decade, Nylon has been a pilgrimage site for purists.
A Mission of Transparency
Founded by Dennis Tang and Jia Min Lee, Nylon was built on a passion for sourcing. They travel to farms, build relationships with producers, and bring back beans they believe in. That commitment is tasted in every cup. They roast their own coffee beans in small batches, emphasizing freshness and quality, with a focus on consistency and honouring the work of the farmer.
Their menu is simple: black, white, or pour-over. Ordering a pour-over here is a lesson in purity. The brew is crisp, clean, and direct. There’s no fancy latte art or elaborate brunch menu to distract you. It’s just about the unadorned flavour of meticulously sourced and roasted beans. Drinking a coffee from Nylon feels like listening to an artist’s early, unproduced demo—raw, honest, and full of soul. It’s the best cafe for coffee for those who want to taste the foundation of the movement.
- Location: 4 Everton Park, #01-40, Singapore
- Price Range: $4 – $6 for a coffee
- What It Is: A foundational specialty roaster dedicated to ethical sourcing and pure, unadulterated coffee flavour.
Common Man Coffee Roasters – Where Craft Meets Comfort
The All-Day Institution
If Nylon is the quiet pioneer, Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) is the vibrant, bustling hub that brought specialty coffee to the mainstream. Part roaster, part brunch institution, CMCR created a space where a perfectly pulled espresso could coexist with a hearty, delicious breakfast. As one of the good cafes in Singapore, it is known for its quality coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Their flagship outlet on Martin Road is almost always full, a testament to their successful formula.
More Than Just Coffee
The atmosphere is bright, loud, and energetic. It’s a place for meeting friends, for working lunches, for weekend gatherings. But beneath the lively cafe culture lies a serious dedication to coffee. CMCR roasts its own beans and trains its baristas extensively. The quality remains consistently high, whether you’re having a simple flat white, a specialty white coffee, a refreshing iced latte, or a piccolo latte crafted with care, as well as a complex single-origin espresso.
Common Man Coffee Roasters is also known for its extensive menu, catering to a wide range of tastes with both classic and creative brunch options alongside their specialty coffee. Their espresso blends are balanced and approachable, designed to be delicious both on their own and with milk. My flat white is always a reliable pleasure—creamy, rich, with notes of chocolate and nuts. It’s a comforting, satisfying cup that doesn’t require deep contemplation to enjoy. CMCR proved that the best coffee in Singapore could be both high-quality and accessible, creating a welcoming space for everyone from the coffee nerd to the casual brunch-goer.
- Location: Multiple outlets, including 22 Martin Road, Singapore
- Price Range: $6 – $8 for a coffee; $20 – $30 for brunch
- What It Is: A lifestyle cafe and roastery that perfectly blends high-quality coffee with a vibrant brunch scene.
Alchemist – Everyday Perfection, by Design
The Modernist Approach
Alchemist has become one of the most recognizable names in Singapore’s coffee scene, known for its striking, minimalist outlets and its focus on accessible excellence. From their original tiny shop in the Khong Guan Building to their flagship at The Heeren, which features a spacious interior that enhances the airy and inviting atmosphere, Alchemist combines a strong design ethos with a simple, well-executed coffee menu. The café layout includes bar counter seats, allowing customers to observe the baristas at work and engage directly with the coffee-making process.
Simplicity, Done Well
The model is built around doing a few things exceptionally well. The menu is lean: black, white, and filter. There are no complicated syrups or toppings. The focus is on the quality of their house-roasted beans, which are specialty beans sourced for their high standards of flavor and craftsmanship, and the skill of the baristas. Their spaces are often architectural marvels—concrete counters, sleek metal finishes, and an almost futuristic aesthetic.
This combination of modern branding and technical precision has resonated with a new generation of coffee drinkers. An iced white from Alchemist on a hot day is a simple pleasure. For those seeking something more refreshing, Alchemist also offers black cold brew, cold brew, and espresso tonic, each highlighting unique flavor profiles and innovative preparation. It’s strong, creamy, and consistently good. Alchemist represents the next wave of Singaporean coffee—design-forward, efficient, and grounded in the belief that a great cup of coffee should be an everyday ritual, not a rare treat.
- Location: Multiple outlets, including The Heeren, 260 Orchard Road
- Price Range: $5 – $7 for a coffee
- What It Is: A design-led coffee brand roasting its own beans and serving accessible specialty coffee in stylish, modern spaces.
Best Cafes in Singapore
Coffee Cafes
Singapore’s coffee cafes are vibrant hubs where specialty coffee culture thrives. Many of these establishments are primarily coffee-focused, dedicating their menus and expertise to the craft of specialty coffee. These cafes offer expertly crafted brews using single origin beans, creating a haven for coffee lovers seeking quality and atmosphere.
Coffee Beans
The best cafes in Singapore pride themselves on sourcing and roasting premium coffee beans. Each specialty coffee place in Singapore takes pride in sourcing and roasting premium beans to deliver exceptional flavor. From single origin to carefully curated coffee blends, these beans form the foundation of every exceptional cup served.
Coffee Bar
Coffee bars in Singapore provide an intimate setting where baristas showcase their craft. Many coffee bars also feature a retail space where customers can purchase coffee beans and related products. With a focus on precision and quality, these bars serve everything from espresso-based drinks to innovative filter coffee, catering to discerning palates.
Baristart Coffee
Barrister Coffee is a term sometimes confused with barista but evokes the image of a skilled coffee professional. In Singapore’s specialty coffee scene, the expertise of baristas ensures each cup is brewed to perfection, elevating the coffee experience.
Others
Bearded Bella
Bearded Bella is a cozy specialty coffee spot in Tanjong Pagar known for its expertly crafted espresso-based drinks and inviting atmosphere. Coffee lovers appreciate their smooth, rich blends roasted in-house, making it a must-visit for those seeking quality and comfort. Their usual selection includes expertly brewed espresso, flat whites, and filter coffee, often highlighted by notes of dark chocolate that add depth to each cup. They also serve a popular matcha latte, catering to non-coffee drinkers and those looking for a trendy, visually appealing specialty beverage.Bee Hoe Coffee
Nestled near Joo Chiat, Bee Hoe Coffee offers a peaceful retreat with great coffee brewed from carefully sourced beans. Their menu features a variety of espresso-based drinks and cold brews, as well as white coffees known for their creamy texture and smooth flavor, perfect for both casual sippers and dedicated aficionados. Bee Hoe Coffee consistently delivers a decent coffee experience that keeps locals coming back for more.Coffee Shop
Singapore also cherishes its traditional coffee shops, offering a nostalgic alternative to modern cafes. These kopitiams serve up classic local brews like kopi o and teh tarik, brewed strong and sweet just the way many locals love them. Places like Bee Hoe Coffee near Joo Chiat and the bustling Maxwell Food Centre provide authentic, no-frills coffee experiences steeped in heritage.These traditional spots are where the city’s heart beats loudest, with the clatter of cups and lively chatter creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Community coffee shops in Chinatown, for example, foster neighborhood connections and highlight artisanal craftsmanship by serving single-origin beans roasted in-house. For those who want to savor the roots of Singapore’s coffee culture, these kopitiams offer a comforting, timeless charm alongside their rich, robust coffee.So many selections for Good Coffee and Best Cafes in singapore
There are many excellent coffee selections available in Singapore. Some of the notable ones include Dutch Colony in East Coast, Dough Supply Co, Waterloo Coffee, Super Nova, Kings Cart Coffee, State of Affairs, Old Hen Coffee Bar, Maxi Coffee Bar, Five Oars Coffee Roasters, Homeground Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee.Singaporeans are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee, with a diverse range of specialty coffee places catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a strong espresso, a creamy iced latte, or a unique blend, the city offers something for every coffee lover.A Final Thought on Coffee in Singapore
These four places tell a story. From the quiet dedication of Nylon to the contemplative calm of Apartment, the bustling community of Common Man, and the modern polish of Alchemist, they show the different ways Singapore has embraced coffee.
There is a coffee place for every need: a cup to analyze, a cup to comfort, a cup to socialize over, and a cup to fuel your day. Together, they form the backbone of a scene that is no longer just emerging, but has truly arrived. They are where Singapore gets its caffeine fix, but they are also where we find a moment of quiet, a burst of flavour, and a connection to a craft that is both global and deeply personal.
