These are some of the best cafes and coffee shops in Singapore.
Finding a satisfying barista-made coffee in Singapore in a non-branded coffee shop has never been easy, but a recent flurry of new venues means there is finally some choice, and some great places to meet friends and workers.
The humble kopitiam (the local word for coffee shop) which is a combination of Malay – kopi, meaning coffee and Hokkein meaning shop has been a part of Singaporean life for decades. But today (well actually some years ago) the modern coffee shop has moved in, and as Singapore has grown into the modern metropolis it is today, so the coffee shops have advanced and improved.
These days Singaporeans are spoiled for choice when searching for a good brew. Lets face it, the right coffee shop can add something to your life on a daily basis.
Founded in Hong Kong in 2010, these people take coffee seriously. The slick company was founded by Jennifer Liu who felt Asia was ready for a serious coffee commitment – turns out she was spot on.
The outlet I visited is located in Singapore on Scotts Road. This modern coffee shop has its own coffee menu which includes espressos, cappuccinos, lates, hot chocolates and everything else, as well as some gourmet daily specials, which are pretty fabulous. The location is perfect if you are on a shopping spree, and how can you not be at some stage when visiting Singapore?
There are multiple coffee machines, and multiple roasting machines where baristas are on hand making coffee concoctions right in front of you. There are also various beans to select from sourced globally.
The modern, clean food menu is pretty fabulous and sophisticated too and includes brunch specials from eggs to smashed avocado and granola. Be warned on weekends you will have to que.
The pretty interiors here are perfect for instagram. And a quick look on their feed will give you their best dishes and a look at their interiors.
This chic coffee shop is for those with a sweet tooth, as it is renowned for the best waffles and soft serve on the island. Soft serve flavours are creative and a little decadent and include Dark Chocolate, Earl Grey Lavender and caramel sea salt. The lemon lavender cake is gorgeously decadent. The food menu is large and diverse, but be prepared to que if you want to eat in.
Australians flock to this trendy coffee shop bordering Chinatown, as it is run by Daren Farr who opened it in 2014. Farr was head chef at the original Tetsuyas in Rozelle, named one of Australias best for too many years to mention. The name is from the German word for local, and it is all about local people, food and ingredients. There is everything from grain bowls to salads, burgers and pastas and meats for dinner. There are great vegetarian dishes, and a fun selection of locally branded bags and t-shirts for purchase.
The industrial setting here of concrete floors, slate counters and tiles makes this the ideal stop on a sweltering Singapore day. The vibe is a touch Japanese, and certainly streamlined and slick. The venue opened in 2011, in the CBD and now has multiple outlets.
They also specialise in cold brews, and claim to be the pioneer of them in this part of the world, but their regal hot coffee is as velvety as you like. There is great food, and equally great coffee. There are now 15 outlets around Singapore. Rangoon Road is out favourite.
Coffee man Roasters is one go Singapore’s great coffee success stories. They roast their own beans and they are sold all over the island, (www.commoncofeeroasters.com).
Originally in Robertson Quay, the upmarket trendy chic-canteen setting here of tumbling plants, earthy wood and rattan is the ideal setting to enjoy the clean, healthy and diverse food such as scrambled eggs with kale.
The menu on offer has gone up a few notches since the appointment of Australian chef Evan Hayter of Margaret River’s Arimia. The coffee menu is equally interesting, but be warned, you will have to question.
Birds Of A Feather
Yes, this is a restaurant, a damn fine sizzling Sichuan affair in an uber modern modernised shop-house setting. But if a great Asian meal (lunch or dinner) followed by sensational coffee is your thing, then this is it.
The fair is more like art, with spectacularly presented dishes designed beautifully created and curated. And the restaurant itself is full of tropical greenery hanging from the ceiling and dripping over tables.Crowd tends to be hung and trendy – so dress well to dine and drink here.
Glasshouse
Possibly one of the most instagrammable venues on this list, this casual eatery can feel like a Singapore secret the firs time you discover it in the grounds of Chimes, a former convent. The coffee is locally roasted beans, and they are damn fine at any time of the day. Menu is simple, and packed with fresh ingredients. There are sandwiches, cakes and elegantly presented dishes.
Sarnies.
If you’ve been away from Australia too long, this rustic, relaxed cafe might just feel a bit like something in Bondi or the Melbourne laneways. Even the name is as Australian as it gets. The coffee is strong, and favoured by business executives on week days, and locals, many ex-pats on weekends.
The setting is casual with natural lighting and an outdoor area.
Plain Vanilla Bakery
Sitting here you can forget you are in Singapore. Kids and grown ups love the cup-cakes and desserts and this seemingly local neigbourhood cafe. With bikes outside for hire, and plants on the pavement, the minimalist interiors include marble bench tops, grey walls, share tables and a relaxed place to read the paper and enjoy a quality coffee. Everything seems home made, and the place is always busy. You cannot leave without trying a desert as all are a delight.
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