Who remembers a decade ago when cafe hopping in Singapore blew up? Since then, new and snazzy cafes have been popping up on every corner. Today, you can find a cafe on almost every block and even in heartland areas as eager foodies flock to them to enjoy their aesthetic backdrops and menu offerings.
Whether it’s to impress your next Tinder date or to enjoy a hearty Sunday brunch with your friends, here are the best cafes in Singapore that you should definitely check out this weekend!
The Ritual
The Bukit Timah neighbourhood is no stranger to aesthetic cafes and good food, and the Ritual provides a good argument for our “West Side, Best Side” friends. You’ll probably notice some similar themes with Botany here as they are co-owned by the same owners. Step into lush greenery, clean white walls, and tons of natural light. With typical cafe offerings, the thing that makes the Ritual worth a visit is the beautiful interior.
Location:
383 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259727
Opening hours:
8am to 6.30pm
Botany
Botany’s prime location is half the battle won when deciding on a place to dine. Located in the idyllic Robertson Quay, their alfresco dining area provides a lot of shade and the perfect backdrop for a main character selfie as you sip your coffee. From brunch staples like Avocado Toast to Chicken Congee to satisfy your home-cooked meal cravings, you’re never out of options at Botany. Plus, the place opens late, so there’s ample time to snooze your morning away.
Location:
86 Robertson Quay
Opening hours:
9am to 10pm (Weekdays)
8.30am to 10pm (Weekends)
French Fold
A relatively new concept and sister cafe to Merci Marcel, French Fold is a specialty cafe serving up crepes and galettes in an adorable setting. Their outlets in Telok Ayer and Palais Renaissance are an aesthetic dream in shades of green and hanging potted plants. Named after the bread making technique – the “French Fold” – the creperie offers the classic French fare. From cold cuts and artisanal cheeses to hearty burgers, you’ll definitely have to try one of their 29 signature galettes and crepes. Don’t be fooled by its appearance, these flat French-style pancakes are quite filling and can be shared between 2 people.
Locations:
- 204 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068640
- 390 Orchard Rd, #01-02 Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
Opening hours: 8am to 10.30pm daily
Alchemist
If you’re going to make your weekend mornings doing nothing but sipping good coffee, why not do it within a building that looks as if it’s Batman’s lair? The Mill is a gothic building located in an industrial area, and home to Alchemist, a specialty coffee shop. Much like its name, the “coffee scientists” here come up with exciting roasts all the time. Expect hints of citrusy earl grey, chocolate, to the even more peculiar pink guava and muscat grapes in your morning cuppa before you head off to work. For those who aren’t lucky enough to work in the surrounding industrial estate, Alchemist also has other locations in Tanjong Pagar, Raffles, Orchard and Tai Seng. Otherwise, you could always purchase a bag of your favourite coffee beans for those remote worker bees.
Locations:
- Khong Guan Building (2 Mactaggart Rd, Singapore 368079)
- International Plaza (10 Anson Rd, #01-34, Singapore 079903)
- Hong Leong Building (16 Raffles Quay, #01-08, Singapore 048581)
- Design Orchard (250 Orchard Rd, #03-01, Singapore 238905)
- The Mill (5 Jalan Kilang, #02-02, Singapore 159405)
- Change Alley Mall (30 Raffles Place, #B1-11, Singapore 048622)
Coexist Coffee Co.
Coexist Coffee Co. is a cafe that is hard to miss if you’re on the #foodtok algorithm on TikTok. Doubling as an IG-worthy aesthetic cafe and a show of patriotism, the Hillview outlet boasts a deep red and white interior that’s perfect for that empty cafe shot. If you manage to catch the space during off peak hours, that is. Just a short walk from Bukit Batok Nature Reserve, this is the cafe to get a guilt-free apres-hike grub. If you’re just there to admire the pretty interior design and eat good food, there is the Coexist Coffee House x Bar in central Keong Saik Road and the Coffee University x Roastery in the east.
Locations:
- 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-02, Singapore 089109 (Coffee House x Bar)
- 48 Hillview Terrace, #08-00, S669269 (Coffee House)
- 11 Eunos Road 8, #01-02, S408601 (Coffee University x Roastery)
Hvala
While waiting for Japan’s borders to open, head down to Hvala for a taste of Kyoto and matcha desserts. Within the last few years, they have opened multiple stores in the central area, including CHJIMES, Somerset, Craig Road and Beach Road, each serving up Japanese desserts and drinks like lattes, mochi and waffles. Hvala is probably the best place to go for all things matcha, and they recently introduced a vegan menu for those who’re seeking a delicious alternative.
Locations:
30 Victoria St, #01-04/05, Singapore 187996
111 Somerset Road, #01-10 Singapore 238164
40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678
267 Beach Road, Singapore 199545
Opening hours:
12 to 9.30pm daily
BrotherBird
Speaking of rich, creamy, and mouthwatering soft serve, it’s hard not to include BrotherBird Coffeehouse in the list. Located in a humble little shophouse on Bali Lane, this place is bustling with foodies on the weekends. Previously, the place was occupied by Stateland Cafe before a major rebrand into the minimalist cafe we all know and love today. Their extensive menu offerings include brunch staples like Eggs Benedict, to pastas, and pancakes for the ones with a sweet tooth. Definitely give the croissants and soft serve a try – it’s worth cheating on your diet, we promise.
Locations:
32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189868 (Coffeehouse)
114 Lavender St, #01-05, Singapore 338729 (Milk and Croissants)
Opening hours:
10am to 6pm (Wed to Sun)
10am to 4pm (Mon to Tues)
Pancake Place
If you’re feeling adventurous, Pancake Place serves dishes that are quirkier than its name. And no, they don’t just make normal pancakes. The Muslim-owned cafe is known for their halal dishes and range of premium pancakes that somehow just work. Savouries include Lemak Duck, Grilled Tiger Prawn, and even a Chilli Beef & Sausage pancake that gives you the best of both worlds so you don’t have to order a dessert after. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should skip dessert. Their sweets are as zany as they are delectable – go for the smores or tiramisu and you won’t regret it.
Location:
56 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198904
Opening hours:
12 to 3.15pm, 5 to 9.15pm daily
Found Café
Found Cafe is unlike your usual neighbourhood cafe, in the fact that it’s found (pun intended) within the stylish The Editor’s Market store in Ngee Ann City. The place is the retailer’s own speciality brand and has a wide range of coffees sourced from local brands, and sweet and savoury pastries going for under $10 so you don’t have to break the bank. Expect a bit of a wait during peak hours as the minimalist space fills up fast, but we can totally see why.
Location:
391 Orchard Road, B1-16 to 24, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: 10am to 9.30pm daily