Following the waves of cafe booms in Singapore, countless cafe guides have been written on this emerging cafe trend with no set criteria. Some cafes might have excellent food and amazing ambience, but ultimately coffee that tastes like brown crayon water, and it’s really hard to decide what is a ‘good’ cafe without agreeing on one consistent criteria.
In this caffeine-fueled article, I’ll be presenting my guide based on one factor only: how good the coffee is. New cafes are popping up daily as well, but most will probably be using bean suppliers from either Nylon Coffee Roasters, Common Man Coffee Roasters, Liberty Coffee, Papa Palheta or Dutch Colony. Cafes under the same company will be grouped together, since the coffee blend and roasting standard is almost identical.
As with all foods and beverages, different people will have their own preference of coffee, but I will try to present the individual coffee flavours at each cafe so you can decide what you like. In the end, you will have to decide what type of taste you prefer but most Singaporeans at this stage of our coffee culture go for a more balanced, easy drinking variety of coffee with milk.
A great guide for getting new cafe ideas, this is for the Singapore cafe-hoppers.
1. Nylon Coffee Roasters
A simple small cafe born out of only 1 reason: a passion for coffee. Nylon Coffee Roasters sources their coffee from all over the world and roasts and brews their own amazing coffee not just based on their preferences, but also by experimenting objectively. The espresso blend changes seasonally, while packed beans are available for purchase. While I was there, I had the Four Chairs blend which was a 50-50 mix of Nicaragua and El Salvador beans for a sweet, well-balanced finish with notes of black berries.
After speaking to countless professional baristas, Nylon is easily the most well-recognised and highly recommended cafe for coffee in Singapore amongst the professionals — their hardcore pursuit to produce the best coffee is all the reason coffee connoisseurs need to patronise this outfit.
4 Everton Park, #01-40, Singapore 080004
+65 6220 2330
Wed to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4.30pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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2. Symmetry
Symmetry is a cafe by day and restaurant bar by night that also pays homage to classical French cuisine. As a third wave cafe believing in artisanal coffee and food, Symmetry employs a professional roaster in Senoko, where coffee beans are medium roasted once a week.
The house espresso blend is derived from Guatamala, Papa New Guinea and Brazil. The result is a coffee with flavours that are nutty, chocolatey and full-bodied.
9 Jalan Kubor, #01-01, Singapore 199206
+65 6291 9901
Mon: 11am – 9pm
Tue to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
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3. Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Bar
Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Bar is probably the most well-known indie cafe (yes, the irony) in Singapore. It resides within Chye Seng Huat Hardware building. This concept bar provides a one of its kind coffee experience with a 360-degree view of the bar. Watch and interact with the baristas as they meticulously prepare your beverage with all sorts of bean varieties and brewing methods that can be customised to any customer’s preference — if you know what flavours you like, you can get it here.
Definitely check out their cold brews, like the White Cold Brew Coffee (S$8.50) and Nitro Black Matter (S$7.50). You can even get an Espresso Flight for S$9.80.
150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
+65 6299 4321
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm
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4. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Dutch Colony Coffee Co.‘s Dutch blend ristretto has a citrus-like acidity, is full-bodied, slightly nutty and has a smooth velvety finish. Being coffee suppliers with freshly roasted beans, Dutch Colony also has seasonal single-origin coffees at the outlet which can be prepared in various brewing methods of your choice. Their bottled cold brew coffees is also something to look out for, coming in sweetened and unsweetened states.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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5. Toby’s Estate
Toby’s Estate believes in using unwashed or natural coffee, also known as dry processing, as it lifts the aromas without stripping off the flavours unlike wet processing.
The house blend at Toby’s Estate uses the Rodyk Blend, a 5 bean mix of Costa Rica, Uganda, Panama, Brazil and Ethiopia beans.
The Mocha ($5.80) is a hot favourite you have to try, using real Ghana Red Chocolate melted with the ristretto. Also check out their signature Cold Brew (S$5), made with their African Mist blend.
8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216
+65 6636 7629
Daily: 7.30am – 5pm
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5. Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters sources their green coffee beans from all over the world. They work closely with growers then roast the coffee beans locally.
Their Filter Coffees include the Slow Brew (S$7), Fast Brew (S$7) and Cold Brew (S$8.50), while lovers of Espresso can delight themselves with variations such as Black (S$5.50 / S$6.50), White (S$6.50 / S$7.50) and Mocha (S$7 / S$8).
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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6. Yellow Cup Coffee
A Hawaiian coffee concept, Yellow Cup Coffee boasts single origin coffees from Ethiopia, Uganda, El Salvador, Indonesia, Nicaragua , Brazil and even Hawaii. While I was there, I tried the Nicaragua, which was smooth, simple with a sweet hint of maple syrup and butterscotch, and the Sumatra Long Berry, which was heavier in profile, spices and herbs, sweet tobacco and dark caramel.
As with many other cafes, the beans rotate regularly too.
36 Beach Road, Singapore 189766
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
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7. Highlander Coffee
Highlander Coffee‘s vision is to build a great coffee company that shares the passion for gourmet coffee with anyone who wants to learn.
Highlander Coffee owns their own factory in Singapore, where they roast and pack their self-sourced supply of beans, as well as sell various coffee making equipment. The house blend uses the Quattro, a mix of Brazilian, Ethiopian, Columbian and Sumatra beans.
A balanced coffee when paired with milk; nutty and smooth with a sweet malt finish. Consistency is key to Highlander’s success, from the evenly roasted beans to the well-trained baristas making the coffee.
49 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169362
+65 6223 7102
Mon to Fri: 9am – 4pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
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8. Sarnies
Sarnies is a Sydney-inspired cafe which use double ristrettos in its coffee brews imported from Australia, resulting in a more intense flavour.
The Latte (S$5.50) is a Guatemalan blend that features sweet, bright and fruity notes. Give it a swirl through your palate and you will notice a roasted dark, nutty and bitter yet enjoyable aftertaste.
Something else really interesting to try is their Orange Mocha (S$7) — it is prepared by soaking orange peels in the coffee to give off a slight tang. The concoction is a little more intense, mixed with beans that complement the chocolate, orange peel and espresso shot. It has a velvety body, notes of dark chocolate and a hint of citrus, making it an exciting brew with an interesting piquancy.
136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601
+65 8284 2146
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 3.30pm
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9. Dapper Coffee
A little cosy spot hidden atop the stretch of shop houses on Amoy Street, Dapper Coffee is definitely a coffee cafe that you have to check out. Unique and quirky, the menu’s experimental take on classic coffees is fascinating.
The Earl Grey Yuan Yang (S$8) is highly recommended, made with earl grey milk and shaken espresso. Instagram-worthy and cold, the Earl Grey Yuan-Yang is your go-to mid-afternoon chill drink.
Also opt for their Flavour Add Ons, with options such as Vanilla (S$1), Bitter Mocha (S$1), Cinnamon Caramel (S$1) and Salted Gula Melaka (S$2).
73A Amoy Street, Second Floor, Singapore 069892
+65 8742 8908
Mon to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
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10. Strangers at Work
Strangers at Work, an offshoot of Strangers’ Reunion, offers various filter brews which all bring out different strengths of a coffee.
Choose from beverages like Espresso (S$3.80), Piccolo Latte (S$4.30) and Magic (S$5.30), which is made with double ristretto and milk.
Why not both quench your thirst and beat the heat with one of their cold coffees? Try the White Magic (S$6.90), Iced Mocha (S$7) or even their Ice Cream Mocha (S$8.10) to be delightfully refreshed.
11 Collyer Quay, The Arcade, #01-21, Singapore 049317
+65 6238 1068
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
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11. Atlas Coffeehouse
Opened by the folks behind the now defunct Assembly Coffee, Atlas Coffeehouse prides itself in presenting artisanal java for the masses. As quoted by them: “Trust Coffee. It never fails to make the day better!”. Indeed, even cold coffee has never broken my heart, unlike my cold ex.
Aside from the classics like an Affogato (S$7.60), Einspanner (S$7.60) and Mocha (S$7.70), at Atlas Coffeehouse, you can also get their filter coffees from different countries, such as Kirimahiga AA (S$8.60) from Kenya and Haru Suke (S$8.10) from Ethiopia.
6 Duke’s Road, Singapore 268886
+65 6314 2674
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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12. Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar
Opened by a true native Melbournian who craved the authentic coffee culture back home, Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar aims to bring the ultimate Melbourne coffee experience to Singapore.
Beans are roasted on-site from some of the best socially responsible independent farms, with seasonal green beans sourced from all over the world.
The house Espresso (S$4.50) is a handpicked blend by Jimmy Monkey’s experienced barista, or occasionally from single origin beans for more distinct characteristics.
Check out their unique flavoured Cold Brews in variations like Salted Caramel (S$8.50) and Gula Melaka (S$8.50).
9 One-north Gateway, One-North Residences, #01-51, Singapore 138643
+65 6777 8470
Daily: 8am – 4pm
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13. Tolido’s Espresso Nook
Tolido’s Espresso Nook has one of the most intricate looking coffee arts I’ve seen, way more complicated than the typical heart or leaf art — this shows very good control over the temperature of the coffee and milk.
Their signature coffees include the Sea Salt Caramel Latte (S$6.50), Sea Salt Caramel Mocha (S$7), Peppermint Mocha (S$6.50), Orange Mocha (S$6.50) and more. They even have a Bailey’s Coffee (S$8.50) for lovers of alcohol and caffeine!
462 Crawford Lane, #01-63, Singapore 190462
+65 6293 0382
Thu to Tue: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Wed
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14. The Providore
The Providore is a local grocery store cafe concept, selling packed merchandise and also serving as a deli cafe at Mandarin Gallery amongst other branches. The Machine Brewed coffees (S$5 / S$6.50) are roasted and blended by Melbourne coffee roaster Brother Basil & Co. Choose from drinks like a Long Black, Cappuccino, Piccolo Latte and Mocha.
The thick Hot Chocolate (S$7.50) is another sinful alternative The Providore is famed for.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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15. Flock Cafe
Flock Cafe, which has been in operation in Tiong Bahru since 2012, offers a neat selection of coffee. Opt for a classic Single Espresso (S$3.50) or Piccolo (S$4), or choose to grab a sweeter option such as the Banana Caramel Latte (S$6.50), Hazelnut Latte (S$6.50) or Orange Cinnamon Mocha (S$6.50).
You can get the above beverages iced at an additional S$1. Plus, all their coffees are available with soy, almond or oat milk, for just S$0.50 more.
78 Moh Guan Terrace, Tiong Bahru Estate, #01-25, Singapore 162078
+65 6536 3938
Daily: 8am – 8.30pm
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16. Necessary Provisions
A casual joint in the neighbourhood area, Necessary Provisions lets friends and family enjoy honest, simple food with excellent coffee and tea.
Necessary Provision’s coffee beans are sourced from coffee estates around the world and are then roasted in-house. They focus on producing the best flavours by cupping and tasting several blends seasonally to evolve the house blend. Their coffee, made from Single Origins from Smitten Coffee, include the Espresso (S$4.50), Americano (S$5 for hot, S$6 for cold), Cafe Latte (S$6 for hot, S$6.50 for cold) and Mocha (S$7 for hot, S$8 for cold).
91 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Place, #01-01, Singapore 247918
+65 8148 7765
Daily: 8am – 5pm
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17. Percolate
Percolate uses seasonal coffee beans from selected local and international coffee roasters. Their coffee selections are refreshed weekly, with coffee from roasters like April Coffee in Denmark, Friedhats in the Netherlands and Cru Cafe in the United Kingdom.
At this cozy cafe in Bedok, try all sorts of delicious coffees, like Thai Coco Black, Espresso Milkshake, Coconut Latte, Ginger Latte and even an Iced Boba Latte.
136 Bedok North Ave 3, #01-152, Singapore 460136
+65 8259 0316
Daily: 9am – 7pm
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18. Oriole Coffee + Bar
One of the pioneers of third wave coffee movement in Singapore since 2008, Oriole Coffee + Bar is a place where coffee enthusiasts gather to enjoy the brew, to learn about the bean from one another and to inspire a love for coffee and the good life.
At Oriole Coffee + Bar, the essence of the perfect coffee experience boils down to the dedication of its roasters and baristas. Only after meticulous and careful consideration do coffees feature in Oriole Coffee’s line-up of espressos and filter coffees.
Oriole’s Signature Coffee, Taisho, is a must-try. Named after an era in Japan that is believed to be when cold coffee was popularised, this in-house cold brew is steeped overnight in low temperature water in order to for it to be of the desired taste and flavour.
A Taisho Black costs S$7.50 while Taisho White comes in at S$8.50. The Taisho Float (S$10.50), on the other hand, is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can’t decide on what to get? Why not opt for the Taisho Tasting Flight (S$11), where you can experience 3 variations at once?
96 Somerset Road, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, #01-01, Singapore 238163
+65 6238 8348
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
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19. Baristart Coffee
Baristart Coffee is no stranger to the local coffee scene. Originating from Hokkaido, Japan, this concept cafe uses important Hokkaido milk and BIEI Jersey milk from Brown Jersey Cows to ensure the highest quality of its drinks.
Their selection of Black coffees range from the standard Espresso (S$3.50) to the unique Lemonade Espresso (S$7.50). As for their White coffees, you can choose from Hokkaido BIEI Jersey milk, soy milk or oat milk to be added. Options include the Flat White (S$6.70), Piccolo (S$5.50) and Flavoured Latte (S$7.50 for hot, S$8 for iced), available in the flavours of Caramel, Vanilla and Honey.
65 Tras Street, Singapore 079004
+65 6904 3168
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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20. % Arabica
Arabica, otherwise known as the coffee cafe chain with a percentage symbol as its main branding icon, is known for its minimalist decor and stark white interiors. This coffee brand from Kyoto, Japan, has 6 outlets in Singapore, including the bustling [email protected] mall and Arab Street.
Try their Caffe Latte Hot Single Origin (S$7) or their Americano Hot % Blend (S$6). They even have a Spanish Latte (S$7.80 for hot, S$9 for iced) and Kyoto Latte (S$7.80 for hot, S$9 for iced) for a taste of different cultures.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
21. Thus Coffee
Located in Sembawang Hills, Thus Coffee roasts and served specialty coffee in Singapore. Estabished in 2017, this humble cafe serves delectable mains and desserts, on top of its roasted coffees.
Here, you can enjoy a simple Espresso for S$3.50, or opt for a Long Black (S$4.50 for hot, S$5.50 for iced). Alternatively, they also have a Filter Coffee for S$6. Why not check out their White coffees, such as the Piccolo (S$4.50), Mocha (S$6 for hot, S$7 for iced) and Green Shot (S$6.50 for hot, S$7.50 for iced)?
4 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577723
+65 9363 6380
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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22. Bearded Bella
The popular Bearded Bella, located along Craig Road in Tanjong Pagar, has a range of coffees that will be sure to awaken you and pump you full of energy. Their hot coffees start from S$4.50, with options like the Black Coffee (S$5 / S$5.50 / S$6), Espresso (S$4.50 for single, S$5 for double) and Filter Brew (S$9.50 for hot, S$8.50 for cold).
You can even get a unique Coffee Slushie (S$8) here, something that you may not often encounter in local coffee cafes!
8 Craig Road, Singapore 089668
+65 9880 0775
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 5pm
Fri & Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Sun: 7.30am – 6pm
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23. SYIP
SYIP (pronounced ‘sip’) is a minimalist cafe in Owen Road where you can sip (no pun intended) on a good cuppa coffee while relaxing in their uncluttered, spacious cafe.
Definitely give their signature SYIP Black Coffee (Iced) (S$7.02) and SYIP White Coffee (Iced) (S$7.56) a go, or enjoy the Espresso Cream Latte (S$5.40) for a creamy delight. Other standard caffeinated drinks include the Hot Black (S$4.86), Hot White (S$5.94) and Hot Mocha (S$7.02).
79 Owen Road, Singapore 218895
+65 8770 9079
Daily: 9am – 6pm
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