10 best Halal cafes in Singapore to espresso your love for coffee

Nothing screams ‘Singaporean’ more than cafe hopping. Think about it — you know at least 1 person who has talked about all the beautiful, vibe-y cafes they’ve been to. I don’t know about you, but I get supremely jealous. I want to do some cafe hopping, explore every alley and corner of Singapore… but I’m lazy. I don’t want to travel hours from the comfort of my bed, just to go to some mediocre coffee spot. That, and the added challenge of finding a place that’s Halal-certified. I’m sure many of you feel this way, which is why I have curated my list of 10 best Halal-certified cafes in Singapore!

This list will not just focus on coffee, but on what makes each spot unique. My main issue with most cafes is that they serve mediocre food with a side of really strong coffee and/or tea. This list features delectable food alongside their really strong coffee. After trying several of the spots mentioned in this list, it’s no exaggeration to say I’ll be awake till Christmas. Next year.

At the end, I’ll go into detail on deciding which spot is the best for your situation. Also, every cafe here is MUIS Halal-certified.

1. Summer Folk Cafe & Steakhouse

Within Guoco Midtown on Beach Road is this lovely cafe filled with warmth. Summer Folk Cafe & Steakhouse is the perfect spot for a friend group or family to hang out and enjoy a lovely meal.

By the cashier, they even give out free Pokémon cards! They have all sorts of yummy drinks, cakes and awesome snacks to try out. But after 5pm, like a princess in a Disney movie, it transforms into a steakhouse.

Some dishes I’d recommend are the Cold Crab Angel Pasta (S$16.80) and the SF Meat Platter (S$118.80). With how hot Singapore normally is, you probably want something cold and refreshing, perfect for the SG climate.

Now, while the SF meat platter is a bit pricey, its portions and flavours will easily leave 3 people satisfied. Trust me, my friends and I have put it to the test. If you’re looking to treat yourself, the SF meat platter will definitely fit the bill.

Signature highlights: Cold Crab Angel Pasta, SF Meat Platter

Price range: S$16.80 –  S$25 per pax

124 Beach Road, Guoco Midtown, #01-06 Singapore 189771
+65 8810 1239
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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2. Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant

Perhaps you’re looking for something with more gravitas. A bit of history with a splash of style. Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant at Marina Square is one such place. With an interior that screams fancy and views that will leave your jaw on the glossy floors. The outdoor eating area even has a view of Marina Bay Sands and The Esplanade. Talk about a double feature.

When I went there with my friends, it literally felt like going to that one rich family during visiting on Hari Raya. Beautiful tables with a deep brown varnish, colourful tablecloths with intricate Turkish art, and even couches that might knock you out the moment you take a seat. Luckily, their coffee and tea will prevent that from happening.

Now, let’s talk food. I can recommend 2 classics: Chicken Shish Kebab (S$22.50) and Baklava (S$9.80). What better to judge than the fundamentals? The chicken shish kebab was balanced, nicely seasoned and filling. With the amount of different things on your plate, every bite is slightly different from the last.

The baklava is also something special. Layers of buttery, thin filo pastry that stack together and bond into a rich, buttery bite. The pistachio filling is also extremely nutty and evenly distributed throughout. The syrup is then soaked into each layer, making it a decadent affair. The perfect end to an arguably healthy meal.

Signature highlights: Chicken Shish Kebab, Baklava

Price range: S$8.80 –  S$32.50 per pax

6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, #03-129A, Singapore 039594
+65 6291 1433
Mon-Fri: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
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3. Citrus By The Pool

Maybe you wanna go for a resort vibe. A place where you can meander near a pool while sipping a flat white and eating a scrumptious lunch. Citrus By The Pool at Woodlands Swimming Complex is such a place. A spot known for its western fusion and vibrant decor, this entrant is one of the more wallet-friendly options as well.

While some might not consider this place a cafe per se, I think it fits the vibe to a T. It’s relaxing, casual and the perfect place to catch up with your pals. I happened to have visited this spot, albeit hesitantly. The only reason I don’t go to Citrus more often is that it’s in Woodlands, and I live in Pasir Ris.

‘A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.’ This phrase perfectly represents Citrus by the Pool. You can get their refreshing Thai Mango Salad (S$6.90), piled high with crunchy, tart mango shreds and dressed with their spiced sauce. Or maybe you want a taste of Italy with a local twist. Their Tom Yum Pasta (S$15.00) features clams, a juicy prawn in the centre, and a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Simple but effective to fill you up.

Signature highlights: Thai Mango Salad, Tom Yum Pasta

Price range: S$6.90 – S$20 per pax

3 Woodlands Street 13, Woodlands Swimming Complex, Singapore 738600
+65 8969 6567
Daily: 11am – 5am
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4. Good Bites

Maybe a resort just isn’t enough for you. How about a straight-up beach? With palm trees and adorable beach chairs? Good Bites at Bishan Sports Hall will make you feel phantom sand between your toes. You can expect all sorts of Western fusion food with yummy sweet treats to cool you down on a hot day.

While the savoury dishes at Good Bites are definitely good, their sweet treats and drinks are definitely great. When you’re there, you really feel the warmth and breeze of a beach. There’s a sense of comfort that surrounds the place, like the feeling you get when you lay down a mat on sand and sit alongside your friends and family. Enjoying the waves together and basking in the sun.

Firstly, the Fried Chicken and Waffles (S$17.50). Here’s what makes it special: the waffle is crunchy on the outside and amazingly fluffy on the inside. It also has this flaky lace of crisp waffle batter that is so satisfying. It is then topped with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

I also really enjoyed the Premium Iced Tea (S$10.50). As you can see above, the front 2 drinks are 2 of the 3 different teas you can get. One is lychee, and the other is raspberry. Regardless of the flavour, the drinks are sweet, slightly bitter from the tea and amazingly refreshing.

Signature highlights: Fried Chicken and Waffles, Premium Iced Tea

Price range: S$10.50 – S$17.50 per pax

5 Bishan Street 14, ActiveSG Bishan Sport Hall, #03-01, Singapore 579783
+65 8969 6422
Mon to Fri: 11am – 5am
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5am
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5. All Things Delicious

The name really sets a high bar for their food. How can all things be delicious? Well, I went down 3 years ago to find out, and it’s amazing to see All Things Delicious at Kampong Gelam is still doing very well.

I’m pretty sure almost every Malay person born in the 2000s has heard of this place. Which is why I want to spread the love for all our fellow foodies. From their quaint and elevated decor, to their variety of foods from different regions of the world, All Things Delicious really do their best to make all their dishes delicious.

With all the rich dishes I’ve been featuring, maybe let’s take a break. Bites that can keep you energised throughout the day but still carry flavour and satisfaction. All of that describes a dish that’s literally called Nourishing Breakfast (S$23.90). Placed across the plate are meaty, succulent crab cakes. They sit atop a bed of salad that is soaked in a tangy dressing, with a creamy poached egg on top.

Maybe you need something more meaty? For my gym bros out there, I give you the Steak and Hash Potatoes (S$26.90). This is a no-nonsense dish designed to fuel and empower you. The steaks are tender and salted to perfection. The potatoes are fluffy with a fragrance of thyme and rosemary.

Signature highlights: Nourishing Breakfast, Steak and Hash Potatoes

Price range: S$12.90 – S26.90 per pax

34 Arab Street, #01-01, Singapore 199733
+65 6291 4252
Daily: 8am – 10pm
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11 must-try Halal-certified spots in Singapore

6. Kazo

Let’s travel a little. How about Taiwan? In their bustling streets and their hectic malls, you’ll find Kazo. Luckily for us, though, they have opened several outlets right here in Singapore. They are famous for their kazu kazu, a cream-filled pastry that is both rich yet light.

Another reason for putting this on the list is the fact that they have multiple outlets, making it easily accessible for all my foodie friends. While they are known for their sweet treats, I wanted to feature a dish I rarely see.

The Croque Madame (S$15.90) is something I’ve always wanted to try, but could never find one that was Halal. It features 2 thick slices of toasted sandwich bread, filled with sautéed mushrooms, chicken ham and a thick layer of cheese. That’s not all! The top of the sandwich is a thick, caramelised crust of béchamel. What makes it a madame, though, is the fried runny egg on top. This is definitely a heavy brunch item that will knock you out.

Signature highlights: Kazu Kazu, Croque Madame

Price range: S$10.90 – S17.90 per pax

For a list of locations and opening hours, refer here.
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7. Anna’s Sourdough

I don’t know about all of you, but during 2020, everyone was trying to make their own sourdough for some reason. I have tried it, and it turns out terrible every single time. Which is why Anna’s Sourdough at Punggol Waterway is so popular. Wannabe bakers like myself can have a taste of the very best sourdough in Singapore at Anna’s Sourdough. On top of that, the decor and design of the place are just plain old awesome.

Brick walls, wood furniture and plants everywhere – Anna’s Sourdough feels like a homely cottage with a fireplace puffing smoke. The entire room feels like you’re in an oven. A comforting, soothing oven with AC.

Surely at a bakery you just order bread, right? Well, yes and no. As much as I love bread, especially sourdough, you need to dip, sandwich or wrap something with it. Personally, nothing can beat a whimsical and gigantic bread bowl. Their Velvety Mushroom Stroganoff Sourdough Bread Bowl (S$16) is filled with a creamy, elevated mushroom soup that blends well with the tangy and acidic sourdough bread bowl. To cut the richness, take a bite of their refreshing salad.

Signature highlights:  Velvety Mushroom Stroganoff Sourdough Bread Bowl

Price range: S$9 – S$26 per pax

681 Punggol Drive, Oasis Terraces, #01-04, Singapore 820681
+65 6966 7503
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 10pm
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8. Eden Cafe

This might sound odd, but how about a taste of home? Most of the cafes I’ve mentioned have a lot of Western fusion food. While they also serve such dishes, Eden Cafe at Chinese Gardens mainly specialises in Singaporean, nonya-style cooking.

Traditional Singapore flavours while being surrounded by the flora and fauna of Singapore sounds perfect if you’re feeling particularly patriotic that day. With how open the area is, you get to enjoy the fresh air, luscious gardens and the pleasant interior of Eden as well. What’s a nice view without something to snack on?

Start with something light with their Kaya Toast Set (S$6.90) that comes with 2 kaya toasts, perfectly soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee. A tried-and-true classic baked into the Singaporean experience. For something more filling, get a spoonful of the Eden Laksa with Prawn (S$8.90). A coconutty and rich bowl of laksa that is filled with prawns, tau pok , and many other toppings – all of which cost less than S$10. You can’t compete with those prices.

Signature highlights: Kaya Toast Set, Eden Laksa with Prawn

Price range: S$6.90 – S$8.90 per pax

70B Yuan Ching Road, #01-04, Singapore 619629
+65 9863 0516
Mon to Thu: 9am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 10pm
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9. Coba Coba

All those fancy-looking spots might get overwhelming after a while. How about something more familiar and easy? Coba Coba at Yishun might be a comfort for you. Sometimes I just want a nice coffee, a decent meal without needing to dress up. A classic kopitiam-style spot like this is the definition of casual.

Located in the heartlands, you will quickly find yourself surrounded by neighbours, kids after school and food riders taking a lunch break. Despite the simplicity of Coba Coba, the decor is still very nice. Simple wooden furniture, warm lighting and an overall kampung ambience that warms the soul.

A classic spot should serve classic food. Their Nasi Ambeng (S$13++) will definitely satisfy you. Like most nasi padang spots, you can select a variety of classic Malay dishes to eat along with your rice. The spices for each lauk are intense, so I suggest ordering an ice limau to cut through all the richness.

Signature highlights: Nasi Ambeng

Price range: S$12 – S$18 per pax

156 Yishun Street 11, #01-106, Singapore 760156
+65 6382 2622
Daily: 7.30am – 7pm
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10. The Tree Cafe

And last but definitely not least, The Tree Cafe. Located at multiple outlets across Singapore, this cafe serves as a simple spot to chat, study and hang out all while getting satisfying food. In secondary school, I would go to their Downtown East outlet all the time. They have since moved to Pasir Ris Mall and continue to serve their field-tested dishes.

If the name wasn’t clear, they love the colour green. I can attest that every one of their outlets, even the former Downtown East outlet, had a tree nearby. It’s a cosy spot every time, and the spaces often feel open.

The two dishes I’d often get are the Chic & Waffles (S$11.50) and Crispy Chicken Curry (S$11). The chic and waffles are a perfect blend of sweet and salty. The chicken is nicely seasoned and crunchy, while the waffles are fluffy. The crispy chicken curry is rich and savoury. The curry has a slight spice, and the soft-boiled egg makes the rice bowl very saucy.

Signature highlights: Chic & Waffles, Crispy Chicken Curry

Price range: S$10.50 – S$13 per pax

For a list of locations and opening hours, refer here.
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How to choose a Halal-certified cafe in Singapore?

There are so many to choose from, aren’t there? So let me make it easier for you! Let’s start with something casual. I’d suggest Coba Coba, as nothing is more casual and chill than a kopitiam. If you want something easily accessible, I’d say The Tree Cafe and Kazo are two options that are located within malls and also don’t compromise on flavour.

Now, for more atas options, or maybe spots to impress your friends, I recommend going to either Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant, Summer Folk Cafe & Steakhouse or Eden Cafe. Regardless of your choice, you can’t go wrong with any of these spots, and maybe even use this list as an itinerary for a day of cafe hopping!

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