Are you someone who jumps out of the bed with vigorous gusto the second you hear your alarm buzz? Do you like getting a head start on your day before the masses descend upon the streets? Unfortunately for early risers, the gears of the city usually start grinding only later in the day.
So, if you happen to fancy a hot breakfast without wanting to prepare it yourself, you may think you’re out of luck. Thankfully, there are some cafés that open when the proverbial rooster crows: here is a guide to 28 cafés in Singapore that open early for breakfast before 10am.
When we think of breakfast spots in Singapore, it is easy to conjure up the image of freshly baked goods from our neighbourhood boulangerie. However, when you are trying to rid yourself from the stupor of sleep, sometimes you just covet biting into a piping hot meal. No matter how marvellous an iteration of toast with spread you have, the comfort of having a warm dish to rejuvenate your empty stomach is an incomparable luxury
While many hardworking hawkers start the day before dawn, this guide caters to those who prefer, or are looking for the occasional western-styled breakfast treat. With work and school monopolising most of our days, not many of us will be willing to elbow our way through the weekend crowd to get our brunch fare fix. To circumvent that, a more viable option is to visit a café for breakfast during the early hours of the morning. Thus what we want to help you with today is not just provide a list of any breakfast places, but more specifically that of elusive cafés that open their doors at dawn.
ATLAS COFFEEHOUSE
One of the best cafes for breakfast in Singapore, Atlas Coffeehouse continues to regale with its focus on precision, seasonality and quality in all aspects of their operations. Post-renovation, Atlas still retains its iconic chill industrial vibe and its perpetual comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee. Known for serving up mean brunch fares and an even meaner cup of joe, Atlas is the place to be if you want a rustic and honest breakfast without jostling with the interminable CBD crowd.
6 Duke’s Road
Singapore 268886
Tel: +65 6314 2674
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens
A familiar sight in several estates, passers-by can identify Baker & Cook from the shelves of golden loaves that adorn its warmly lit interiors. Morning is the best time to visit for a simple reason: the bread is fresh from the oven. If you want to take away bread, this is prime time to do so. If you wish to have a hot meal instead, go for menu items with a bread base for an optimal sampling of the chain’s signature sourdough bread.
77 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288951
Tel: +65 6469 8834
Sun to Thu: 7am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
BREAD & HEARTH
Fans of European-styled bread should pop by Bread & Hearth to sample their extensive bread selection. Featuring age-old European bread-making techniques, you will be ensured of quality loaves made not just with careful rigour but with heartfelt passion as well. The dine-in options are no less excellent, with many menu items accompanied by their bread creations. We suggest trying their Legendary Croissant; it really lives up to its namesake as one of the best croissants in Singapore!
18 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089125
Tel: +65 6534 7800
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Confused as to how a hardware store made it into our guide? Despite its handle, CSHH is one of the most popular coffee shops in Singapore and is famed for its brew and its nonchalant industrial-chic vibe.
Visiting early means not only do you get a rare chance to pick your ideal seating spot in this popular haunt, but you also get the luxury of lounging with breakfast and coffee before the crowd descends.
Better yet, if you have a competitive streak, try your hand at the retro arcade boxes – what better way to start your morning than to get that adrenaline pumping!
150 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207563
Tel: +65 6396 0609
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Lavender
COMMON MAN STAN
A well-loved spot by the CBD crowd, Common Man is the place to grab a coffee at if you need that extra pick-me-up. What allows Common Man to thrive despite the competition is how much attention is paid not only to the quality of brews offered but to the food prepared as well.
With its popularity, good luck trying to find a seat – yes, even if you are willing to dine al fresco in this weather – during lunch. Thus to avoid the lunch rush, the early bird really does get the hearty breakfast and coffee combo!
11/12 Stanley Street
Singapore 068730
Tel: +65 6877 4855
Daily: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
CRAFTSMEN SPECIALITY COFFEE
Well-loved for its delectable selection of sweet and savoury waffles, Craftsmen is a popular place for café lovers to unwind at. Having as much pride in their food as their coffee, the vast array of dishes is freshly made with care on the premises, infusing the space with a delightful scent of sweetness that is characteristic of the chain’s hearty breakfast fare. The generous portions served makes this not just a choice spot for working adults looking for some pre-work nourishment, but also families sharing the platters over lively and animated conversations.
2 First Street
Siglap V, #01-01
Singapore 458278
Tel: +65 9658 0769
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/DaPaoloGastronomia/
DA PAOLO GASTRONOMIA
Some of you may recognise the Da Paolo Group from its Italian food fame, but the focus of our attention here is on one of its multiple spinoff concepts: Da Paolo Gastronomia. This gourmet deli cum café offers patrons a convenient option for freshly made European-inspired food at all hours of the day. Whether you prefer a DIY bowl or you want a grab-and-go alternative, Da Paolo Gastronomia caters to your brisk lifestyle without making you settle for a lesser compromise.
2 Bayfront Avenue
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #01-87
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7161
Sun to Thu: 8am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station:
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Sometimes all you need in the burgeoning hours of the morning is a friendly smile and a kind voice to set the right tone for the rest of your day. With a brand motto of “Brewing Moments, Inspiring Relationships”, Dutch Colony Coffee Co. interweaves amiability and excellence in their products offered and services rendered. For epicureans with a predilection for the sweeter things in life, their House Pancakes is a saccharine treat that is as exquisite in taste as its appearance.
113 Frankel Avenue
Singapore 458230
Tel: +65 6448 5852
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
FREE THE ROBOT
Behind an unremarkable door along the Telok Ayer stretch is a quaint robot-themed café. Slipping under the radar of most of the CBD population, Free the Robot serves up adorably named and charming food at much more wallet-friendly prices than many of the other dining spots in the vicinity.
For under S$20, you can indulge in a substantial Big Brekky that is sure to subsist you (at least until lunch hour). For those of you who are a tad mournful at needing to have your first meal of the day alone, get a B.A.E. (bacon and eggs) to accompany you instead!
118 Telok Ayer
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Tue to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 5.30pm
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
Photo Credit: https://www.foodforthought.com.sg/
FOOD FOR TOTS CAFÉ
Found amidst the lush greenery of Singapore Botanic Garden’s Jacob Ballas Children Garden, this nature-themed café is the ideal spot for families looking to bond over an early meal. The newest concept of the Food For Thought group, this café features multiple eco-friendly installations and hosts weekly activities for children. With an interactive area and a picturesque view of the gardens just beyond, parents can idle with a mix of local and western breakfast options while their little ones gambol about the intimate space.
1H, Cluny Road
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, #01-K1
Singapore 259604
Tel: +65 6338 4848
Tue to Sun: 9am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens
Created as a neighbourhood café serving caffeine junkies in the Tiong Bahru area, Forty Hands Café continues to dole out consistent cups of coffee and scrumptious food nine years down the road. With their all-day offerings, morning folks will no longer need to lament at a restricted menu; if you want a cheese-drenched burger at 9 in the morning, you get to have precisely that! The brand is vegan/vegetarian-friendly as well – if a menu item catches your eye, the kitchen is able to convert it into a version suitable for your dietary restrictions.
78 Yong Siak Street
Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 7.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Group Therapy lives up to its moniker, providing a comfortable space befitting for the gathering of souls away from the daily rush characteristic of the CBD. Dining among the cosy couches and pastoral charm may seem more suited for an evening’s reprieve instead. However, for those looking to catch a breather before a hectic day, having an extensive pick of western dishes available in the laidback ambience and casual rhythm of the space is more than welcomed.
30 East Coast Road
Katong V, #01-11
Singapore 428571
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Dakota
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
JONES THE GROCER
An Australian-based speciality grocery and café, Jones the Grocer caters to the abundant brunch crowd that populates the area with accessible gourmet brunch fare. The dual space of the establishment means that you get a pleasant experience of dining in view of the fine produce used in the creation of your meals. The tall windows and bright interior is especially alluring in the morning light, with dawn break casting a hue of warm gold on your tables of meticulously curated dishes.
9D Dempsey Road
Dempsey Hill, #03-03/04
Singapore 247697
Tel: +65 6476 1518
Sun to Sat: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
KITH CAFÉ
One of the most successful cafe chains in Singapore, Kith Café has expanded its empire to many outlets across the island, most of which open at an early enough hour to cater to those looking to enjoy the luxury of a kitchen-made breakfast. While the fare offered is mostly routine café food, Kith does not shy away from its offerings and is instead proud to offer honest and warm food. If you want breakfast food that is familiar and reinvigorating, Kith is an easy and accessible option that does not disappoint.
9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk, #01-44/45
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6333 4438
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
If you are looking for a temporary escape from the daily grind of your routine, Knots Café and Living is a gorgeously decorated place that is suggestive of a whimsical garden getaway. Located in Paya Lebar, visitors will be greeted by a shelf of beaming Jellycat plushies before entering a space draped in greenery and complemented by warm wooden furnishings. Besides the usual breakfast fare, the café offers more robust options like the Leg of Lamb and French Toast with a side of popcorn chicken.
160 Paya Lebar Rd
Orion @ Paya Lebar, #01-07
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Macpherson
OBERSTRASSE
Oberstrasse, or Upper Street for those of us unfamiliar with German, is an industrial-styled café found in Kitchener Complex along the café-lined district of Lavender. Well-known for its affordable all-day brunch offering, regulars have been applauding the café’s consistent food quality since its inception. For morning folks looking to satiate their appetites in a homely and non-intrusive environment, give Oberstrasse a visit. You may just revise your new favourite spot to grab your morning coffee at!
809 French Road
Kitchener Complex, #01-50
Singapore 200809
Tel: +65 9652 5336
Tue to Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Lavender
An unassuming coffee place found along Upper Thomson, One Man Coffee is a tiny space that is easy for passers-by to miss. Past the doors, however, you will find a cordial café spot that will cater to all your breakfast options. Need a cuppa before you are functional for the day? OMC’s blends are aromatic and smooth for easy drinking, but pack quite a punch! Craving for some brunch food but tired of the typical variants? OMC’s offerings include a unique touch that is sure to perk up your palate for the day! We suggest trying their Pomegranate Chicken Salad – the tangy dressing really livens up what is otherwise a tame dish.
215R Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 9658 1685
Sun & Mon, Wed to Sat: 9am – 5pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Marymount
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Nestled along the busy Somerset stretch, Oriole Coffee + Bar is one of the few places that offer up a proper menu of breakfast items before the surrounding malls open. Customers looking for a pre-shopping or work meal can expect a healthy serving of their choice breakfast item alongside a lusciously smooth cup of joe. For those with a more moderate appetite, we suggest sharing the dishes; you don’t want to induce a premature food coma this early in the day, do you?
96 Somerset Road
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, #01-01
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset
PENNY UNIVERSITY
A popular hangout spot in the east, Penny University is one of the few Halal cafés in Singapore that have persisted through the years. You can find a constant flow of customers at all hours of the day, most of whom are after the establishment’s lengthy brunch menu. For those looking for a heavier meal choice to subsist through the remainder of the day, their customer favourite of Full English Breakfast is a sizable number that will placate even the most voracious of appetites.
402 East Coast Road
Singapore 428997
Tel: +65 6345 9055
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos
Located in the compound of Bukit Timah Saddle Club, the aptly named Riders Café is a fetching eatery the exudes an old-world charm redolent of English establishments of decades yonder.
Located on a verdant plot, it is easy to forget that you are still within the confines of Singapore when reclining with your drinks on the patio. The assortment of food available includes intricately prepared dishes featuring ingredients that complement the place’s English influence. Moreover, the occasional glimpse of budding equestrians and their horse companions ambling in the yard in the morning does make seem like you are residing in the English countryside!
51 Fairways Drive
Singapore 286965
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Sun to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue
SARNIES
Open from the bright and early hour of 7.30am, Sarnies is another CBD spot that seeks to bring a hint of homemade comfort to the population in the area. Notable for their speciality beans, regulars have long associated the lingering aroma of roasted beans to be an immutable part of their experience here. With such attention to detail paid to the coffee-making process, many working professionals elect to get their morning brew here. Their bites are no less coveted, with folks appreciative of the simple customisability of the brand’s multiple breakfast options.
136 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068601
Tel: +65 6224 6091
Mon & Tue: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Wed to Fri: 7.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/SlappyCakesSG/
SLAPPY CAKES
With a tagline like Pancakes+Drinks+Fun!, it is no surprise that you can expect nothing short of an eating experience filled with playful cheer at Slappy Cakes. This family-friendly chain encourages its patrons to explore their culinary talents by customising and cooking your own pancake creations. On slow mornings, this DIY food-themed activity is perfect for livening up the start of your days. For those who lack culinary finesse, don’t worry; just pick from the hefty list of delicious breakfast fare ranging from the classic toast dishes to savoury waffles.
26 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa, #01-29
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6795 0779
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
THE BOOK CAFÉ
A superb spot for fellow bibliophiles, The Book Café is one of the few longstanding book-themed cafés that has endured past the capricious shifting of café trends. With an astounding few hundred copies of diverse reading materials available, it is easy to lose oneself in the ebb and flow of the texts away from the bustle of the city beyond the worlds. Dining here allows you to unwind with a warm breakfast meal during the quiet hours of the morning, and the plush seaters make it easy to feel at home with a new book friend by your side.
20 Martin Road
Seng Kee Building, #01-02
Singapore 239070
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
Dedicated to serving mouthwatering brunch food at all hours of the day, this Halal-friendly cafe hits all the right notes for a successful café: a tantalising list of breakfast fare, delightfully smooth coffee blends, and a casual relaxed vibe that is prime for prolonged periods of spirited conversations. What is special about the food here is how the kitchen tries to incorporate a mix of sweet, sour, and salty into all their dishes. The next time you get to sample the menu, see if you can identify the sources of these distinct flavour profiles!
66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Mon, Wed, Thu & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Bendemeer
THE PROVIDORE
With multiple branches island wide, The Providore is a trusty choice for those looking for a wholesome breakfast option. Although their breakfast menu may seem plain at first glance, most of the items feature recipes inspired by the produce available in their grocery and deli concepts. The core of these dishes lies not in the elaborate embellishments that lesser places will lean on as a crutch. Instead, diners can expect the focus to remain on the simple but vibrant flavours courtesy of the quality of ingredients used.
7 Raffles Place
Singapore 048625
Tel: +65 6533 1352
Mon to Sat: 8am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Another gem found in the café enclave of Lavender, Two Bakers offers French and fusion-inspired fare. Unlike the static menu of many of its counterparts, Two Bakers has a continually evolving list the features seasonal ingredients alongside some noteworthy fusion creations. Those who wish to have a breakfast experience that deviates from the normal café fare can choose from its menu of unusual culinary innovations. Some of our favourites include the exquisitely fluffy Pandan Pancakes and the piquant flavours of the Aburi Salmon Crepe.
88 Horne Road
Singapore 209083
Tel: +65 6293 0329
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bendemeer
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Wild Honey has cemented itself as Singapore’s resident gourmet breakfast café following on its continued success over the years. Featuring an enormous menu dedicated solely to breakfast and brunch offerings, Wild Honey does not only have an ordinary something for any potential customer – it has an exquisite answer to any traditional brunch cravings you may have. Whether you want to go for a classic European fare of poached eggs on toast or the more intriguing Tunisian with it bold spices, you can be assured of starting your day off on the right foot with Wild Honey’s impeccable execution.
6 Scotts Road
Scotts Square, #03-01
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Sun to Thu: 9am – 8.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 9,30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Please note that for cafés that have multiple outlets, not all of them may open before 10am. Please check their individual opening hours before you pop by for a visit!