Singapore’s café scene blends rich local flavors with global trends. From aromatic kopi to specialty brews, the city offers something for every taste. This updated list highlights must-visit spots, curated by experts and locals alike.
Whether you crave minimalist spaces or lively brunch hubs, our recommendations cover diverse styles. We’ve tested each location for quality, ensuring you get an authentic experience. International chains and hidden gems both make the cut.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s coffee culture mixes tradition and modern trends
- Expert-tested selections for 2025
- Includes specialty roasters and global brands
- Variety of atmospheres, from cozy to vibrant
- Locally approved choices for every preference
Why Singapore’s Coffee Scene Stands Out
With over 40 micro-roasteries, the city has become Asia’s specialty coffee hub. Cafés here blend global techniques with local creativity, offering everything from Japanese-inspired lattes to Australian-style flat whites.
A Hub for Specialty Coffee and Global Flavors
Singapore thrives as a crossroads for coffee roasters worldwide. Nylon Coffee, for example, visits farms annually to ensure ethical sourcing. Their dedication to coffee beans of single-origin sets a gold standard.
Hybrid concepts like %Arabica merge Japanese precision with Singaporean flair. Meanwhile, Baristart Coffee serves Hokkaido milk lattes—a creamy nod to global flavors.
From Local Roasters to International Blends
The city’s 2024 openings, like Big Short Coffee, highlight seasonal menus. Maxi Coffee Bar even crafts cereal milk drinks—proof of its playful innovation.
“Singapore’s scene is unmatched because it respects tradition while embracing trends,” notes a local barista. Whether you seek rare origins or Instagram-worthy brews, there’s a cup for every palate.
Nylon Coffee Roasters: The Gold Standard
At the heart of Singapore’s specialty scene, Nylon Coffee Roasters sets the benchmark. This Everton Park spot near Chinatown thrives on precision, offering a no-frills experience focused purely on quality. Their 12-seat setup ensures an intimate vibe, where every sip feels exclusive.
Single-Origin Beans and Farm-Direct Relationships
Nylon’s coffee beans come straight from farms in Ethiopia, Colombia, and beyond. They visit growers annually, building farm-direct relationships that guarantee freshness. Rotating single-origin selections mean regulars always discover new flavors.
Insider tip: Try the Oat Milk White ($6)—a creamy twist on their classic brew. Pair it with treats from the adjacent bakery, as Nylon focuses solely on drinks.
Location and Opening Hours
Plan your visit around time-sensitive crowds. Weekdays (Wed-Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM) are quieter, while Saturdays draw 30-minute queues. Weekends open at 9 AM, closing by 4:30 PM.
In 2025, Nylon will launch a bean subscription service, letting fans brew their cup coffee at home. For now, savor the experience in their tiny, mighty space.
Common Man Coffee Roasters: Sustainability Meets Flavor
Sustainability takes center stage at Common Man Coffee Roasters, where flavor meets conscience. This homegrown brand champions ethically sourced beans, earning Rainforest Alliance certification for its eco-friendly practices. Each sip supports farmers and forests alike.
Ethically Sourced Beans and Brunch Pairings
Their house-smoked salmon stars in the CMCR Breakfast ($28), a brunch favorite. Pair it with their Cold Brew ($8.50++), blending Brazilian and Guatemalan beans for a smooth finish. Seasonal menu updates keep regulars coming back.
Multiple Locations Across Singapore
Weekdays see 70% capacity, but Sundays demand patience—2-hour waits are common. The flagship Martin Road spot opens at 7:30 AM daily. For waterfront views, visit the Quayside Isle outlet.
| Location | Hours |
|---|---|
| Martin Road | 7:30 AM–6 PM (Daily) |
| Quayside Isle | 8 AM–5 PM (Weekends until 6 PM) |
| Joo Chiat | 7 AM–5 PM (Closed Tuesdays) |
| Tanjong Pagar | 8 AM–4 PM (Weekdays only) |
Aspiring baristas can join their training academy, mastering everything from pour-overs to latte art. Whether you’re here for the selection or the vibe, Common Man delivers on every front.
Homeground Coffee Roasters: Minimalist Excellence
Industrial charm and flawless brews define Homeground Coffee Roasters’ appeal. This minimalist cafe near Tai Seng MRT station balances sleek design with expert craftsmanship. Custom siphon bars and exposed concrete walls create an urban oasis for serious coffee lovers.
Chinatown’s hidden gem
Their Gesha Coffee Flower ($8++) steals the show with floral jasmine notes. For a local twist, pair the Lollipop Blend espresso with kaya toast—a match made in heaven. Portions here are generous; the Big Breakfast platter easily feeds two.
Must-try dishes
Beyond drinks, their food menu shines with avocado smash and truffle scrambled eggs. Free monthly brewing workshops attract aspiring baristas. Plan visits around closures (Wednesdays) and arrive early—seats fill fast.
- Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (5-minute walk)
- Parking: Limited lots nearby; ride-shares recommended
Maxi Coffee Bar: Ann Siang Hill’s Cozy Spot
Tucked along Ann Siang Hill, Maxi Coffee Bar charms visitors with playful twists on classic drinks. Its snug space and creative menu make it a must-visit for those exploring Singapore’s vibrant café scene.
Seasonal Menus and Cereal Milk Latte
The Iced Cereal Milk Latte ($7.50) is a star here—sweet, nostalgic, and utterly shareable. Winter 2025 introduces a spiced pumpkin latte, blending warmth with inventive flair. Menus rotate quarterly, ensuring regulars always find something new.
Quaint Ambiance and Instagram-Worthy Tables
Blue-checkered tables have become TikTok landmarks, drawing crowds for photo ops. Alfresco seating welcomes pets, while the indoor nooks offer quiet retreats. Nearby, Club Street’s murals add color to your post-café stroll.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday–Sunday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday (Cocktail Night) | 6 PM–9 PM |
Pro tip: Visit between 2 PM–3 PM on weekdays for shorter waits. Thursdays feature cocktail collaborations—perfect for winding down after work.
Apartment Coffee: Bugis’ Crowd-Puller
Bugis’ Apartment Coffee proves that great flavor needs no fancy frills. This compact spot focuses solely on expertly crafted drinks, attracting purists who appreciate uncomplicated excellence. Their no-food policy keeps the spotlight on their carefully curated selection of beans.
No-frills, high-quality brews
Try their coffee omakase ($25), a tasting flight featuring three single-origin pour-overs. The baristas excel with both V60 and Aeropress methods—ask for recommendations based on your preferred intensity. Regulars swear by the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe’s blueberry notes.
Bring your own keep-cup for a $0.50 discount, aligning with their sustainability ethos. While they don’t serve food, nearby bakeries like Tiong Bahru provide perfect pastry pairings.
Weekend crowds and pro tips
Weekends see 45-minute waits by 11 AM. Follow @apartmentcoffee on Instagram for real-time queue updates. Weekdays after 2 PM offer quieter visits.
- Parking: Bugis+ mall (5-minute walk)
- Hours: Daily 10 AM–6 PM
- Must-try: Seasonal single-origin espresso shots
This coffee shop exemplifies Singapore’s love for quality over quantity. Every element, from the minimalist decor to the precise brewing, serves the ultimate goal: an unforgettable cup.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware: Industrial-Chic Brews
A former hardware store now brews some of Singapore’s most inventive drinks. Chye Seng Huat Hardware retains its original signage and exposed pipes, blending nostalgia with modern craftsmanship. The space buzzes with energy, from the clatter of cups to the aroma of freshly ground beans.
PPP Coffee’s Flagship Café
PPP Coffee roasts beans in-house using a vintage Probat machine from the 1950s. Their slow drip coffee rotates monthly, featuring single-origin picks like Guatemalan Antigua ($10+). The bar team tweaks brew ratios daily, ensuring each cup meets their exacting standards.
Slow Drip Coffee and Brunch Favorites
Pair your drink with the Buttermilk Waffles ($18), topped with coffee ice cream and caramelized bananas. The all-day brunch menu includes kimchi scrambled eggs and truffle fries. Portions are generous—ideal for sharing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 150 Tyrwhitt Road |
| Hours | 8:30 AM–10 PM (Daily) |
| Evening Cocktails | 5 PM–10 PM (Try the Espresso Martini) |
Photography is welcome, but flash is banned during peak hours (11 AM–2 PM). Visit weekdays for quieter moments, or join the lively weekend crowd for a taste of Singapore’s vibrant café culture.
Baristart Coffee: Taste of Hokkaido
A taste of Japan’s northern island comes alive at Baristart Coffee. Their Wisma Atria outlet imports rare Biei Jersey Milk—a creamier alternative from brown cows that produce just 1% of Japan’s dairy. This dedication to premium ingredients defines their Japanese-inspired drinks.
Biei Jersey Milk Lattes
The Biei Milk Latte ($6.70++) showcases velvety texture with natural sweetness. Choose between two blends: Shiro Kuma (lighter, floral notes) or Kuro Kuma (bold, chocolate undertones). Limited-edition sakura lattes arrive each March-April, featuring cherry blossom-infused milk.
Cream Puffs and Perfect Pairings
Their signature Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($5.80 each) balance airy choux with rich custard. For an ideal match, try the hojicha latte—roasted green tea cuts through the sweetness. Six-puff bundles ($30) make great gifts.
- Halal-certified: Rare for Japanese chains, appealing to diverse diners
- Seasonal rotations: Winter brings spiced drinks; summer features shaved ice
- Location tip: Weekday afternoons offer shortest waits at the Level 4 outlet
Discover more about their Hokkaido-inspired menu and why this selection stands out in Singapore’s crowded café scene.
Best Coffee Shops for Brunch Lovers
Morning cravings meet artisanal excellence at these brunch-focused spots. Whether you’re after smoky meats or velvety lattes, Singapore’s cafés deliver on flavor and flair.
Glasshouse: Specialty Brews with Hearty Plates
Near Outram Park, Glasshouse pairs single-origin pour-overs with robust dishes. Their smoked duck breast sandwich ($22) features house-made cherry compote—a sweet-savory standout. Vegetarians rave about the beetroot latte, a vibrant twist on espresso.
Portions here rival Common Man Coffee Roasters, but with a cozier vibe. Weekends see a 17% surcharge, so weekdays offer better value. Doors open daily at 8 AM.
Bearded Bella: CBD’s Breakfast Haven
In the heart of the business district, Bearded Bella serves award-winning flat whites ($6.50) alongside generous breakfast platters. Their corn fritters with poached eggs ($18++) draw crowds by 7:30 AM.
“The secret? A custom blend of Ethiopian and Colombian beans—balanced for brunch pairings.”
| Feature | Glasshouse | Bearded Bella |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Dish | Smoked Duck Sandwich | Corn Fritters |
| Must-Try Drink | Beetroot Latte | Flat White |
| Weekend Surcharge | 17% | 17% |
Both spots prioritize quality, but Bearded Bella edges ahead for quick CBD access. Glasshouse wins on seasonal creativity. Whichever you choose, arrive early—these seats fill fast.
Pro Tips for Visiting Singapore’s Coffee Shops
Smart planning enhances every café visit in Singapore’s bustling scene. Whether you’re a local or traveler, these hacks help you skip lines and savor top brews.
Timing Is Everything
Weekend peak hours (11AM–2PM) pack cafés like Apartment Coffee and Common Man. For quieter visits, weekdays after 3 PM are ideal. GrabFood pickup cuts wait times at busy spots like Maxi Coffee Bar.
Free tastings add value: PPP Coffee hosts monthly cuppings. Check their Instagram for event dates.
Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
From $4 kopi to $18 Gesha pour-overs, options suit every wallet. Compare:
| Option | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon Coffee (White) | $5 | Budget-friendly quality |
| %Arabica Latte | $8.90 | Splurge-worthy luxury |
| Local Kopi | $4 | Traditional flavor |
Parking tip: CBD rates average $4/hour. Ride-shares or MTR save costs. For café-hopping, walk from Chinatown to Ann Siang Hill—a 10-minute route passing 5 top spots.
Conclusion
Singapore’s vibrant scene cements its status as Asia’s coffee capital. From hidden roasteries to high-tech brew bars, every corner offers a unique cup. This list highlights standout spots, but the adventure doesn’t end here.
Venture beyond downtown to discover gems like Tiong Hoe in Queenstown. Watch for emerging trends, like AI-powered brewing systems, reshaping how we enjoy our daily dose.
For real-time updates, follow @sgcoffeecommunity. Found a favorite not on our list? Share your top picks below—we’re always exploring!
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s always a new flavor waiting. Cheers to your next great visit.