I absolutely love coffee. However, sometimes it costs me a whopping $7 (!!) just to get a good cup of flat white to recharge or perk-me- up. As you can guess, my coffee addiction isn’t very healthy for my wallet.
I know that in Singapore especially, it’s not difficult to get a cup of coffee for cheap. BUT, I’m on the hunt for more atas coffee choices that are reasonably priced, because let’s face it, sometimes Mondays need a lot more than a Kopi O.
Here’s a list of 10 coffee stops in Singapore where you can get a quality cup of joe for less than $4.50.
1. Old Hen Coffee Bar
The pioneers of the Instagram-worthy cold brew, Old Hen Coffee Bar is a humble abode at Farrer Park MRT for coffee drinkers. Reasonably priced for its unbeatable taste, grab a cup of 3oz White ($4) or a Single/Double Espresso ($3/$3.50).
If you are in the mood for something more atas, get the Creamy White Cold Brew ($6.50) and a slice of Thai Milk Tea Pound Cake ($3), perfect for an afternoon tea fix.
Old Hen Coffee Bar: 88 Rangoon Road, #01-03, Singapore 218374; 127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931 | Tel: +65 6341 5458 | Opening Hours: (Mon, Wed – Fri) 12pm – 10pm, (Sat) 10am – 6.30pm, (Sun) 10am – 10pm | Facebook
2. Brawn & Brains
Known for its casual and cozy ambience, Brawn & Brains serves various coffee choices with Whites for $4.50 and Espressos for $2.80.
You can choose between the Single Origin (organic beans brewed to offer a hint of aromatic vanilla) or the House Blend Pen & Pencil, which use beans from Africa that offer a nutty and slightly chocolate-y taste.
Since it is quite a walk from the nearest MRT station (Paya Lebar), I would say that it is a better option for brunch and afternoon tea gatherings rather than a grab and go coffee.
Brawn & Brains: 100 Guillemard Road, #01-02 Singapore Badminton Hall, Singapore 399718 | Tel: +65 6348 0501 | Opening Hours: (Tues – Fri) 8.30am – 6pm, (Sat – Sun) 9.30am – 6pm | Facebook
3. Ronin
You definitely can’t step into Ronin and not grab a cup of coffee. The Single Shot Espresso ($3.50) is nutty, strong and tangy – the answer to a slow, rainy afternoon.
The Lattes & Cappuccinos ($5) are admittedly $0.50 more but are so smooth and easy on the palate that I have to say that it’s the most comforting cup of coffee I have ever had.
The dim lights and dark-wood outfitted space creates a laid-back environment for an afternoon chat or serves as a productive workspace.
Ronin: 17 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059660 | Opening Hours: (Daily) 8am – 6pm | Facebook
4. Alchemist
Situated at a corner unit of International Plaza in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, its white-washed walls and minimalist decor makes it easy to miss. However, the aroma of the strong coffee will lure any dedicated coffee addict right to its doorstep.
Get a cup of the bold, full bodied and (thankfully) not bitter Espresso($3.50) or a cup of the White or Black ($4.50) just before work or during lunch time. Drop by this hassle-free coffee post for a quick coffee fix if you work in the Tanjong Pagar vicinity.
Alchemist: 10 Anson Road, #01-34 International Plaza, Singapore 079903 | Opening Hours: (Mon – Fri) 8am – 4pm | Facebook
5. Good Morning Nanyang Coffee
I have to include the option of local kopi and teh in my list as some places around Singapore actually offer really good quality brews! With Good Morning Nanyang Coffee outlets located conveniently in town or the CBD area, you can get a good old Black Traditional Coffee brewed fresh from a coffee sock.
Don’t forget to order the regular Ciabatta Kaya Toast ($2.50) to go with it – creating the best breakfast combination to start off your day.
Good Morning Nanyang Coffee: 32 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069115; 14 Scotts Road, #02-23 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213; 75 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059234 | Opening Hours: Maxwell Chambers, Far East Plaza, Pagoda Street
6. Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop
Not forgetting this unique cup of cheaply-priced Kopi Gu You ($1.10) – a good sized slab of butter into a piping hot cup of kopi and you’ve got yourself a pick-me-up that is way creamier than your usual cup of White.
Although it may not be the place for a grab and go coffee, Heap Seng Leong is worth a visit to take a step away from the hustle and bustle of modernity. Come sip on coffee, enjoy simple flavours and grab a good ol’ hearty meal on a laid-back morning.
Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop: 10 N Bridge Rd, #01-5109, Singapore 190010 | Opening Hours: (Daily) 8am – 4pm
7. Sarnies
It would not be a complete coffee list without Sarnies – these guys really know their coffee. With each espresso-based drink served with a double ristretto shot, the Guatemalan blend isn’t too strong, offering a sweet and fruity taste that left me with a nutty and slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Macchiato or Italiano ($4.50) were a welcome change from my usual Lattes and Cappuccinos. Sarnies is perfect for a grab and go coffee option if you work near Telok Ayer, or as a dining place after work with a newly revamped dinner menu and secret alcoholic coffee choice.
Sarnies: 136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601 | Tel: +65 6224 6091 | Opening Hours: (Mon & Tues) 7.30am – 10.30pm, (Wed – Fri) 7.30am – 12midnight, (Sat & Sun) 8.30am – 4pm | Facebook
8. Bread Yard
With the One-North district bustling with new offices and business in action, Bread Yard offers a simple coffee choice to any office worker. Latte & Cappuccinos go at $4.50, while a good cup of Espresso is priced at only $3 and an Iced Long Black goes for $4.
The coffee however, wasn’t the highlight for me – you MUST try the pastries and bread!
Bread Yard: 1 Fusionopolis Pl, Fusionopolis One, Singapore 138522 | Tel: +65 9773 5318 | Opening Hours: (Mon – Fri) 8am – 7.30pm, (Sat) 9am – 2.30pm | Facebook
9. Percolate Coffee
Percolate Coffee offers East workers and coffee addicts a cosy hangout place and a satisfying coffee fix on a day off or over the weekends. With coffee beans from the renowned Nylon Coffee Roasters, you can get your pick of a quality White at $4 from this cafe in Bedok.
Whites are available in sizes 3oz ($4), 5oz ($4.50), or 7oz ($5) and Blacks are available in Single Shot ($3.50)/ Double Shot Espressos ($4) and Long Blacks ($4). Be sure to check out their special coconut-inspired drinks if you’re not in the mood for coffee.
Percolate Coffee: 136 Bedok North Ave 3 #01-152, Singapore 460136 | Tel: +65 8259 0316 | Opening Hours: (Mon) 10.30am – 9.30pm, (Wed – Fri) 10.30am – 9.30pm, (Sat & Sun) 9am – 9.30pm | Facebook
10. McCafe
I know what you’re thinking – McCafe? Really?
Well, McCafe recently launched its version of Lattes and Cappuccinos priced at a very wallet-friendly price of $3. The artisan coffee choices have been specially curated and serve as the perfect top-up to any breakfast choice or as a grab and go option.
With so many outlets all around Singapore, this could be your best go-to option yet. Plus, do we ever really say no to McDonald’s?
McCafe: Various Outlets in Singapore
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