Joe. Go juice. Rocket fuel. Brew. Caffeine fix. Mum's best friend. Whatever you call it, there's no denying that we have a special (if somewhat co-dependent) relationship with coffee...
Coffee. It’s a simple, yet necessary ritual. We’re putting it right up there with meditation and blissful facials, and it definitely makes for a daily mum-time moment. So there’s always something thrilling about finding a new coffee spot! One of our biggest joys of living in Singapore? Brilliant new coffee shops and cafes popping up all the time. Yay! However, not all coffee is created equal, so we’ve put a list together of what we deem the best coffee in Singapore, so you can get your hit of caffeine all over town…
The best coffee shops in Singapore to get your caffeine fix
1. % Arabica
Coffee aficionados in Singapore went absolutely cray when this popular Japanese coffee chain opened its first outlet here, and rightfully so. % Arabica prides itself in quality coffee beans that are harvested from its farm in Hawaii, furthering the brand’s philosophy of making the best coffee possible. We recommend the Spanish latte, which is super strong and will keep you bright-eyed and raring to go after a quick sip. Plus, the minimalist decor makes it a perfect place for your coffee ‘gram – yes, there is such a thing!
% Arabica, outlets in Arab Street, 313@Somerset, Chip Bee Gardens, and Jewel Changi Airport
2. Baker & Cook
Like a big pair of knickers, coffee at Baker & Cook can best be described as comfortable. It’s nice knowing that when you visit any of its outlets, you’re going to get a reliably decent cup of coffee that isn’t too strong. It uses Allpress beans and every cup of coffee is served with a tasty little square of brownie (hot tip: never let the kids get wind of this, otherwise you will forevermore be handing over your brownie to the mini dictators).
Baker & Cook, various locations in Singapore
3. Atlas Coffeehouse
These guys take coffee very seriously and you can taste it. Atlas Coffeehouse is a big believer in speciality coffee and is constantly honing its craft. Visit Atlas Coffeehouse on a weekend and you’ll usually find a queue of eager coffee drinkers snaking out the door. Mid-week though, the vibe is relaxed and tables are more easily scored. Must-tries from the brunch menu include pancakes and mushrooms on toast.
Atlas Coffeehouse, 6 Duke’s Road, Singapore 268886
4. Kith Cafe
A group of people living in the same area and forming a culture with a common language, customs, economy, etc… This is how the dictionary defines Kith. We’ll add to some of the best coffee in Singapore. When you see a Kith Cafe, you know you’re going to get a deliciously sweet and rich brew. And now it’s got outlets across the island, so you’re covered wherever you go. The cafe also does a mean bacon, egg, and cheddar toastie (diet starts tomorrow).
Kith Cafe, multiple locations across Singapore
5. Plain Vanilla
Ain’t nothing plain about this place. Primarily a bakery, expect a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s just so pretty! The philosophy behind Plain Vanilla is to take baking back t0 basics, but in the best way, using the best ingredients. Its approach to coffee is the same. It’s a rich, creamy unpretentious brew and we definitely approve.
Plain Vanilla, locations including Tiong Bahru, Cluny Court, and ION Orchard
6. Forty Hands
Forty Hands uses delish Common Man Coffee Roasters coffee. It really hits the spot if you’re after a beautifully strong caffeine hit. This is considered the original home of coffee in Tiong Bahru and is well worth a visit. The food menu will make you salivate, with healthy but delicious fare like broccolini quinoa salad and smashed avo on toast. Treat yourself to a slice of cake, too. You deserve it.
Forty Hands, 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078 and 226 East Coast Road, Singapore 428923
7. Tiong Bahru Bakery
A visit to Tiong Bahru Bakery is like a little slice of happiness. Add in a cup of its yummo coffee and it’s a perfect way to start the day. The whole team takes pride in making an outstanding cup of coffee and for the uninitiated, the bakery’s got a nifty diagram of the various coffee types stuck on the wall (we’ve recently been introduced to the joy of the ‘Magic’ – give it a try next time you’re there). It goes without saying that this place does ah-mazing baked goods. Pick of the bunch is the hard-to-say but oh-so-easy-to-eat Kouign Amann.
Tiong Bahru Bakery, various locations across Singapore
8. Little Farms Bistro
Sweet, smooth and creamy is how we’d describe a coffee at the Little Farms Bistro. This cute series of neighbourhood stores has a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and its coffee is no exception – it uses Allpress beans and also offers dairy-free milk options
Little Farms Bistro, Katong Point, 451 Joo Chiat Road #01-04, Singapore 427664
9. Free the Robot
Free the Robot is located in prime hipster territory. If you’re after a side of atmosphere with your coffee, head to Free the Robot in Telok Ayer and hang out with Bailey the dog and his humans. The coffee is totally drinkable (not too strong, not too hot, just right) and the location is perfect for a wander after your caffeine hit.
Free the Robot, 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
10. Jewel Coffee
Make no bones about these beans – they’re sourced from all over the world and new blends are constantly added to its impressive selection. Jewel Coffee makes our list because this is drinkable – nay, delicious – coffee that’s available in various outlets across our fair island. You can even get a decent cup of joe at the airport now!
Jewel Coffee, several locations in Singapore
11. Open Farm Community
Ahhh… open space. Fresh air. A garden. A playground. Hell, there’s even a couple of bunnies and a posse of chickens! Coffee at Open Farm Community is from the very reliable Common Man Coffee Roasters, so you know it’s going to be good. The baristas here take care to make a creamy cup of joe and you can even opt for their house-made almond milk! The coffee is good, the setting is delightful, and that sandpit gives you at least 15 minutes to sup your lovely latte in peace.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
12. Elixir Boutique Roasters
If you’re hankering for a strong caffeine boost that transports you to the laneways of Melbourne, then add this new cafe to your must-visit list. We’re talking full-bodied and bold flavours, plus a want-it-all food menu to enjoy alongside your coffee. If a great-tasting cup of rocket fuel isn’t enough of an incentive to visit Elixir Boutique Roasters, then perhaps the coffee-centric cocktails are! We could drink a gallon of the Killer Queen – fact.
Elixir Boutique Roasters, 10 Jalan Serene, #01-03A/04, Singapore 258748
13. Jimmy Monkey
The delightful Jimmy Monkey was borne out of a desire to re-create the feel of a Melbourne cafe right here in Singapore. Job done! Jimmy Monkey serves up some of the best coffee in Singapore and that’s in part thanks to Singapore’s first Slayer Espresso machine (not sure what that is, but we’re impressed nonetheless). After you’ve downed one or two flat whites, we highly recommend the soft boiled eggs with Vegemite and cheese soldiers or The Hulk (it’s up there as the best avocado on toast in Singapore).
Jimmy Monkey, One-North Residences, 9 One-North Gateway #01-51, Singapore 138643 and Park Place Residences at PLQ, 2 Paya Lebar Road #01-10, Singapore 409053
14. Common Man Coffee Roasters
This coffee store has been the top supplier of coffee beans to other cafes, so it only makes sense to feature it in this list! Its philosophy of bringing delicious, quality roasted coffee to caffeine addicts is a humble statement – its coffee is just out of this world. Aromatic, light, strong yet bright… if you’re a coffee connoisseur, you would know what we’re talking about. Its outlet in Stanley Street sells doughnuts too, if you’re looking for something sweet to pair your coffee with. Joe and dough, such a perfect combo.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, branches at Martin Road, Joo Chiat, and Stanley Street
15. Chye Seng Huat Hardware
How good is it when you can have a delicious coffee in a beautiful setting? Double win! Chye Seng Huat Hardware serves up delicious coffee, which it rotates seasonally based on what’s available in growing regions along the coffee belt. The shop is situated inside several old metal and hardware companies, giving it an industrial yet welcoming vibe. To top it off, the menu is delish, with lots of innovative dishes. Our current fave is the charred cauliflower salad. Healthy food heaven in a bowl.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
16. Bacha Coffee
If you have an afternoon off from work and the kids – rare, we know – gather up your friends and head down to this coffee boutique in ION Orchard. It boasts more than 200 single-origin coffees, flavoured coffees, fine blended coffees, and even naturally decaffeinated coffees… It’s the caffeine equivalent of TWG Tea, we reckon. Spend some time soaking in the opulence of the cafe and enjoying a good, strong brew. You can also grab a few bags of coffee beans to take home or gift them to your friends.
Bacha Coffee, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #01-15/16, Singapore 238801
17. The Coffee Academics
Hong Kong’s famous hip coffeehouse has been serving the best coffee since 2012, all thanks to its top-quality coffee beans sourced from the world over. The Coffee Academics has been the recipient of many international accolades in the professional coffee industry, so you know this brand means business.
The Coffee Academics, outlets including Scotts Square, 313@Somerset, and Marina Bay Financial Centre
Hello, hey Joe, enjoy your cuppa coffee, yo!
