Author’s Note:
This article was first published in November. After rereading it, I decided to give it a refresh to make it easier and more enjoyable to read. Hope you enjoy it!
Singapore’s cafe scene has transformed from traditional kopi and kaya toast kopitiams into a vibrant specialty coffee hub. The city boasts award-winning roasters, Instagram-worthy brunch spots, and beautiful cafes with unique interiors and inviting atmospheres. Whether you’re a coffee lover hunting for the perfect pour-over or craving brunch dishes like ricottamisu hot cake, Singapore offers diverse experiences to delight your taste buds.
The variety of cafes in Singapore means you’ll find everything from minimalist spaces serving iced matcha latte to bustling brunch cafes dishing up maple glazed bacon. This fusion of local flavours with international coffee traditions has made Singapore one of Asia’s premier coffee destinations.
For Coffee Lovers: Specialty Coffee and Iconic Cafes in Singapore
Singapore’s specialty coffee culture blends traditional kopi with third-wave coffee principles, focusing on single-origin coffee beans, artisanal brewing, and precise preparation. Neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Tanjong Pagar, Jalan Besar, and Katong each offer distinct cafe personalities, from heritage charm to business district energy.
Many cafes feature floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor seating, and earthy tones with wooden furniture, creating relaxed, homely atmospheres perfect for coffee enthusiasts and casual meals alike. The tropical climate makes cold brew and iced coffee year-round favourites.
Nylon Coffee Roasters: Flat White Excellence
Tanjong Pagar’s Nylon Coffee Roasters is legendary among coffee lovers for its expertly crafted flat whites. Their in-house roasting of premium single-origin coffee beans ensures complex flavours, from chocolatey to bright fruity notes, complemented by velvety microfoam. The intimate shophouse setting offers a true coffee shop experience for enthusiasts seeking excellent coffee.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware: Industrial Heritage Meets Coffee Innovation
Set in a refurbished hardware store, Chye Seng Huat Hardware combines industrial aesthetics with specialty coffee mastery. Their cold brew taps serve smooth, low-acid coffees extracted over 12-24 hours, perfect for Singapore’s climate. The roastery transparency and hearty food menu featuring classic breakfast staples and grilled meats make it a destination for both coffee and food lovers.
Flip Coffee Roasters and Hidden Gems for Coffee Purists
Singapore’s hidden gems like Flip Coffee Roasters focus on coffee craftsmanship over ambiance, offering rotating single-origin beans with detailed tasting notes. These small-batch roasters cater to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of freshly brewed coffee and filter coffee methods.
Narrative Coffee Stand: Sommelier-Level Coffee
Near City Hall, Narrative Coffee Stand offers a sommelier approach to coffee, with baristas describing flavour profiles like fine wines. Their pour-over and espresso selections highlight the natural sweetness and complexity of premium coffee beans, making it a must-visit for serious coffee lovers.
Round Boy Roasters: Passionate and Welcoming
Round Boy Roasters in Bukit Merah embodies the neighbourhood coffee shop ideal, with house-roasted beans balancing accessibility and complexity. Their friendly approach and retail offerings make it a favourite among coffee enthusiasts seeking quality brews and a homely atmosphere.
Best Cafes: Instagram-Worthy Brunch and Sweet Treats
Singapore’s best cafes combine visual appeal with culinary excellence. Plated desserts, such as pistachio cream-filled pastries and vanilla cream tarts, are crafted to delight without being overly sweet. Brunch menus offer both sweet and savoury options, including french toast with maple syrup, soft scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon.
Common Man Coffee Roasters: Brioche French Toast and Big Breakfast
At Martin Road, Common Man Coffee Roasters is famed for its brioche french toast topped with caramelised bananas and maple syrup, alongside a big breakfast featuring turkey bacon, sausages, and classic breakfast staples. Their specialty coffee perfectly complements the brunch dishes, making it a top spot among the best cafes in Singapore.
The Populus: Industrial Chic and Comfort Food
Duxton’s The Populus offers hearty brunch dishes like the Populus Scramble with soft scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and feta. The house-roasted coffee program pairs beautifully with their diverse menu of grilled cheese, pasta dishes, and grilled meats, all served in a spacious cafe with warm, soft lighting.
Bakery Cafes and Dessert Havens
Singapore’s bakery cafes, like Alice Boulangerie, are renowned for French butter-rich pastries, sourdough bread, and seasonal sweet treats. Signature items include pain au chocolat, sourdough donuts with unique fillings, and plated desserts that balance flavour and aesthetics.
Alice Boulangerie: French Pastries and Innovative Bakes
Alice Boulangerie stands out for its delicate croissants, pistachio cream-filled pastries, and brunch dishes infused with local flavours. The bakery cafe’s food menu offers both sweet treats and savoury options, attracting coffee lovers who appreciate quality brews alongside their meals.
Gelato Messina: Australian Gelato with Local Flavours
Gelato Messina’s Telok Ayer outlet offers over 40 premium gelato flavours, including kaya toast and teh tarik-inspired creations. Their creamy, dense gelato provides a refreshing drink alternative and a sweet treat that complements Singapore’s cafe scene.
East Coast Cafes: Relaxed Vibes and Spacious Settings
The east coast neighbourhoods like Katong and Marine Parade feature cafes with outdoor seating, spacious layouts, and family-friendly atmospheres. These cafes focus on consistent quality, serving brunch dishes like soft scrambled eggs, fried chicken, and rice bowls, alongside specialty coffee.
PS. Cafe Katong: Pet-Friendly and Family-Oriented
PS. Cafe Katong is known for its pet-friendly outdoor terrace and sophisticated brunch menu, balancing classic and innovative dishes. The spacious cafe is ideal for casual meals and relaxing over freshly brewed coffee.
The Coastal Settlement: Resort-Like Ambience
Located in Changi, The Coastal Settlement offers a homely atmosphere with lush greenery and a menu featuring classic breakfast staples, grilled meats, and pasta dishes. The outdoor seating and relaxed pace make it a favourite among locals seeking a casual meal.
Singapore Cafes: Diverse Neighbourhood Experiences
From the efficient, quick grab and go coffee shops in the Central Business District to the heritage-rich cafes in Tiong Bahru, Singapore cafes cater to every preference. The CBD offers quick coffee options like Double Shot Coffee and Maxi Coffee Bar, while Tiong Bahru blends history with specialty coffee culture.
Double Shot Coffee: CBD’s Quick Coffee Fix
Double Shot Coffee serves excellent coffee with efficient service, catering to busy professionals seeking quality brews during their workday. Their cold brew and filter coffee options are popular for a refreshing drink on the go.
Maxi Coffee Bar: Sidewalk Coffee Culture
Maxi Coffee Bar offers innovative drinks like cereal milk cold brew and sidewalk bench seating, perfect for people-watching and enjoying a casual coffee break in the heart of the business district.
Monk’s Brew Club: A Unique Addition to Singapore’s Cafe Scene
Monk’s Brew Club in Joo Chiat offers a multi-purpose space with a diverse brunch menu featuring classic breakfast staples, pasta dishes, and specialty coffee. The cozy environment with soft lighting and wooden furniture makes it a great spot for coffee lovers and casual diners alike.
Planning Your Best Cafe Singapore Experience
Singapore’s excellent MRT system and neighbourhood clustering make cafe hopping convenient. Combining specialty coffee mornings, brunch afternoons, and dessert evenings creates a fulfilling cafe adventure. Timing your visits during quieter periods enhances the experience, allowing for personalised service and better appreciation of quality brews and food.
Explore these beautiful cafes with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor seating, and earthy tones, and savour the rich local flavours blended with international coffee culture. Your perfect cup of freshly brewed coffee and memorable brunch dishes await in the best cafes in Singapore.
The combination of quality, variety, and genuine hospitality means every visit holds a little surprise and a lot of satisfaction. It is those perfect coffee moments that make exploring Singapore cafes so special and a must-do for anyone wanting to truly experience this amazing city! Ready to keep your cafe adventure going? You can wander through The Quiet Alleys of Fortune Centre Food Places: A Guide to Its Izakayas or get your caffeine fix with Where Singapore Gets Its Caffeine Fix: The City’s Best Coffee Singapore Spots.
