World famous coffee chain, % Arabica Singapore is opening its 6th outlet at Marina Bay Sands.

% Arabica will be taking over the former space vacated by homegrown bakery and cafe chain, Awfully Chocolate and it will be a takeaway-only concept which is expected to open in end Jan 2023.

Hailing from Kyoto, the renowned coffee chain is the latest coffee shop to open at MBS, joining JJ Lin’s Miracle Coffee.

The coffee brand prides itself for its use of quality coffee beans which are harvested from their own farm in Hawaii as well as sourced from various places around the world.

A piping hot cup of their classic Cafe Latte is great for days when you need a shot of energy or a morning perk-me-up. Aromatic with a slightly nutty taste, % Arabica’s Cafe Latte had a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that was soothed by the mellow creaminess of the milk.

Another popular drink at % Arabica which pairs excellently with their food menu is the Matcha Latte (S$8.60 for short, S$9.60 for tall). Smooth and earthy with a distinct matcha flavour, the Matcha Latte nailed the matcha to milk ratio and the bitter notes of the matcha harmonised perfectly with the full-bodied milk. This is easily one of the best matcha lattes you can get in Singapore.

Other than its original outlet at Arab Street, % Arabica Singapore currently also has other outlets at 313 @ Somerset shopping mall, Chip Bee Gardens near Holland Village, Jewel Changi Airport, as well another takeout kiosk at CapitaSpring building.

% Arabica Marina Bay Sands
#01-75/76, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Ave, S018956.

Coffee aficionados in Singapore went absolutely crazy when popular Japanese coffee shop % Arabica opened its first store in Singapore at Arab Street last year.

Since then, the renowned coffee chain that hails from Kyoto, Japan has opened another 2 outlets in Singapore at 313@Somerset and Chip Bee Gardens.

While % Arabica is known for its stellar cups of coffee, the brand’s venture at Chip Bee Gardens has introduced a food section to their menu so you can enjoy some scrumptious nosh that pairs perfectly with their soothing cups of coffee. This is also the only % Arabica outlet in the world to have a food menu.

From hearty bowls of Shiso Pasta to their outrageously juicy Beef Katsu Sando, here is what you can expect from % Arabica at Chip Bee Gardens.

Like all their other outlets, the Japanese coffee shop is decked out in its signature clean and minimalistic white interior. The shop space is also more spacious as compared to their first store at Arab Street and it has both air-conditioned seating as well as an al fresco area.

The food menu for % Arabica at Chip Bee Gardens has been specially curated by Michelin starred chef Chen Lanshu, named Veuve Clicquot Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2014, as part of S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Every dish she has presented in this ensemble has been carefully considered and crafted to pair well with % Arabica’s skillfully brewed cuppas, so you know that you’ll be in for a treat.

SWEET PEA SALAD

If you want something light and refreshing to munch on while you enjoy your freshly brewed coffee, you can opt to get the Sweet Pea Salad (S$16). The simply put together salad comes with sweet peas, tangy feta cheese and juicy guava that is finished off with a spritz of olive oil.

HOMEMADE YOGHURT WITH FRESH BERRIES & FRUITS

Diners who enjoy something on the creamier side can go for the Homemade Yoghurt with Fresh Berries & Fruits (S$18). This comes with a generous serving of smooth Swiss yoghurt that is topped with crunchy organic nuts, cereal with fresh kiwi and plump kiwi, blueberries, raspberries and bananas.

The combination, while simple, is wholesome and packed with plenty of nutrients, making it a great option for breakfast or a healthy snack.

GRAIN PORRIDGE MAISON

For a heartier meal option to start off your day with, we recommend getting % Arabica’s Grain Porridge Maison (S$20). The set features a bowl filled with a mix of freshly cooked oatmeal, corn and tri-coloured quinoa.

We love how diners are given the choice of being able to customise their porridge however they like with the provided condiments. Each bowl of porridge comes accompanied with a tray of pinch bowls containing hot milk foam, homemade raisins and your choice of Okinawa dark brown sugar or bacon salt.

BEEF KATSU SANDO 

We promise you that you won’t regret getting the Beef Katsu Sando (S$32) from % Arabica. Period.

The dish features a meaty slab of Japanese Wagyu tenderloin that is deep-fried to give it a crisp golden brown exterior. This is then wedged between two pieces of lightly toasted bread and enhanced with a dash of mustard and ketchup so as not to overwhelm the natural flavours of the beef.

Lusciously juicy and packed full of umami, the beef, despite being very thick, was extremely tender. While this dish is one of the pricier items on the menu, rest assured that it is well worth every cent.

FEDELINI WITH SHISO PASTA 

Earthy and nutty with a slight citrus taste, The Fedelini with Shiso Pasta (S$24) is great for pasta lovers who want something that is light and not too cloying or heavy on the palate.

Here, al dente pasta is cooked with luxurious Echiré butter, extra virgin oil and a lavish helping of Green shiso. The pasta is then finished off with some crunchy pinenuts for texture. While the dish uses a simple amount of ingredients, each and every component is of top-notch quality and comes together perfectly to create a blend of flavours and textures you will definitely enjoy.

CROQUE MADAME 

We love a dense, chewy piece of sourdough with a crisp, crackly crust and the ones used for % Arabica’s Croque Madame (S$22) ticks off all the right boxes.

Sandwiched between two thick slices of their fragrant sourdough toast is a layer of salty Serrano ham and gruyère cheese. This is finished off with a runny free-range hen’s egg that is gingerly perched atop the toast. Slice into the egg yolk and allow it to be soaked up by the bread, helping to meld all the various elements of the dish together.

CAFE LATTE (HOT & ICED) 

Of course, how could we miss out on % Arabica’s coffee? The brand prides itself for its use of quality coffee beans which are harvested from their own farm in Hawaii as well as sourced from various places around the world.

A piping hot cup of their classic Cafe Latte (S$7 for short, S$8 for tall) is great for days when you need a shot of energy or a morning perk-me-up. Aromatic with a slightly nutty taste, % Arabica’s Cafe Latte had a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that was soothed by the mellow creaminess of the milk.

For a rendition that will help you beat Singapore’s sweltering heat, you can also opt to get the Iced version of it for S$8.

SPANISH LATTE (HOT & ICED)

Coffee fanatics who prefer having their coffee a little on the sweeter side will love the Spanish Latte (S$7.8 for short, S$9 for tall), which was actually first created in % Arabica Kuwait. The drink comprises sweetened condensed milk that is balanced with the bitterness of the coffee.

MATCHA LATTE 

Another popular drink at % Arabica which pairs excellently with their food menu is the Matcha Latte (S$8.60 for short, S$9.60 for tall). Smooth and earthy with a distinct matcha flavour, the Matcha Latte nailed the matcha to milk ratio and the bitter notes of the matcha harmonised perfectly with the full-bodied milk. This is easily one of the best matcha lattes you can get in Singapore.

They also have an iced version (S$9.60) for people who prefer their drinks cold.

% Arabica Chip Bee Gardens 
44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-58
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6261 4516
Sun to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post was brought to you by % Arabica. 

Singaporeans are no stranger to cafes – new cafes pop up almost every week and each cafe has its own unique charm. There are so many cafes now it’s hard to keep track of them and what’s more of a dilemma is which cafe to patronise first!

If you’re vying for a new social media upload or you’re just someone who can appreciate beautiful interiors and decor, here’s a list of 23 minimalist & Instagram-worth cafes in Singapore that could make it to your main. Cafes are not always just about the food, huh? Check out our list below!

% ARABICA

When % Arabica announced its arrival in Singapore, the internet went nuts about this popular cafe chain from Kyoto.

Taking up a corner shop space, the shop is decked out in their signature minimalist white interior that is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Serving up their speciality blends and single-origin coffees, we predict long queues for the next few days. Or months.

% Arabica Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

APARTMENT COFFEE

Located in Lavender Street, this all-white cafe with woody accents aims to be a “home” to those who savour their coffee. The cafe has simple bar-top seats and a few cosy cushioned benches for those who prefer something to lean back on while drinking their cuppas.

This is a cafe for friends, conversations and really somewhere you can feel comfortable!

Apartment Coffee
161 Lavender Street, #01-12
Singapore 338750
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

ALCHEMIST

Nestled in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory is Alchemist. Decked in a minimalistic interior with marble furniture and blue countertops, they house a roastery and dining area for you to chill with your cup of joe! You can snack on their baked goods too.

Here at Alchemist, each cuppa is carefully and lovingly prepared. They are definitely one of the better coffee shops out there, with their cosy ambience being a plus point. If you are looking for a great pick-me-up, this is the place to visit!

Alchemist
2 Mactaggart Rd
#01-01 Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

AMBER EMBER

A 10-minute walk from Serangoon MRT, this cosy cafe is relatively new but have already made a name for themselves, not just for their quirky food options and delicious coffee but also their wonderfully decorated exterior and interior. If you scroll through their location tag, you’ll see their iconic exterior that looks like a hidden kiosk. Definitely a cafe to check out!

Amber Ember
730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Tue to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Instagram

ATLAS COFFEEHOUSE

Newly revamped and redecorated, Atlas Coffeehouse now boasts a more colourful decor yet still keeping with a minimalist-industrial vibe. They are popular for their wonderful brunch plates and signature coffee blends, but their interior is definitely something else you can appreciate while you’re here!

It’s perfect for brunch before a nice stroll through the Botanic Gardens since it’s a short bus ride or walk away!

Atlas Coffeehouse
6 Duke’s Road
Singapore 268886
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

BANCHONG CAFÉ

If you enjoy local food a little more than cafe nosh, head over to the all-white industrial-vibe cafe Banchong for some Singaporean favourites. The cafe is surrounded by white-metal grill walls that add to the industrial aesthetic and has Scandinavian-like decor. It’s a unique place to get a cup of kopi and toast for breakfast!

Banchong Café
1 Kallang Junction
Vanguard Campus
Singapore 339263
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 6pm
(Closed Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

BRAWN & BRAINS

Tucked away in the iconic former Singapore Badminton Hall, Brawn & Brains provides a nice and fresh twist to the older surrounding buildings. The clean interior of the cafe allows for ample natural light to stream in – making great Insta-worthy moments.

Also, for avid coffee lovers out there, they have a great house blend called Pen & Pencil, using beans from Ethiopia, Columbia and Brazil. They also have another great single-origin coffee – Nicaragua Jinotega, which is a fair trade organic bean rich with a hint of aromatic vanilla.

Brawn & Brains
100 Guillemard Road
#01-02 Singpore Badminton Hall
Singapore 399718
Tel: +65 6348 8892
Tue to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Instagram

CULTURES SPECIALTY COFFEE

Tucked away in The Sail @ Marina Bay, Cultures Specialty Coffee is located conveniently in the bustling walkway of Raffles Place MRT where it is frequented by hordes of hungry office workers in need of a cuppa. They don a chic industrial vibe with granite-themed decor and furniture. It’s a cosy space that’s perfect for the ‘gram, complete with a coffee cup in hand.

Cultures Specialty Coffee
The Sail @ Marina Bay
2 Marina Blvd, #B1-04
Singapore 018987
Mon to Fri: 7.45am – 6pm
(Closed on Weekends)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is a Melbourne-style café with an alfresco-like feel. It has a nice rustic and botanical, yet chic, interior fitted with several tropical plants.

You’ll feel like you’re in Bali or Australia when you visit for some brunch food or just a simple cup of coffee to start your day. Their service is impeccable too – feel free to speak to any of their friendly staff when you’re there!

Five Oars Coffee Roasters
39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GLASSHOUSE

The Glasshouse Specialty Coffee & Toast Bar is a new standalone cafe in CHIJMES that, as its name suggests, serves up a range of speciality coffees from your humble latte to some pretty neat hand-dripped brews to a myriad of hearty toasts.

The cafe is a hit among those in search of some respite from the bustling city. Filled with plants, lots of natural sunlight and good vibes, there is no way anyone would doubt this spot as a haven to retreat to for a nice coffee on a lazy afternoon.

The Glasshouse
30 Victoria Street
#01-K11 CHIJMES
Singapore 187996
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

GLYPH SUPPLY CO.

This all-white cafe could be your new favourite cafe in town – it’s Glyph Supply Co. It’s a minimalist’s dream, decked in white walls and simple decor. They serve up some delicious coffee and pastries so you could spend your entire morning sipping away watching as bustling crowds pass by the roads of Orchard Road.

Glyph Supply Co
111 Somerset Road, #01-06
Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Instagram

GRIDS & CIRCLES

Grids & Circles is a huge 3-storey cafe serving up some healthy mains. They have a simple Scandinavian-like interior with beautiful artworks hung up around the cosy space, accented with little bottles of dried blooms. It’s a great place to catch up with old friends or even host a special celebration with their workshop and event spaces.

Grids & Circles
200 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058749
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

HEI KIM CAFE

Nestled in the far East of Singapore, Hei Kim Cafe is a clean and beautifully decorated cafe, furnished with marble tables and wooden decor. The cafe also doubles as a small retail space alongside serving coffee and yummy brunch items, selling all sorts of knick-knacks and handcrafted items.

Hei Kim Cafe
285 Changi Road
Singapore 419764
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

HOMEGROUND COFFEE ROASTERS

A popular coffee shop in the east of Singapore is Homeground Coffee Roasters. The space is pretty small, no more than a 15-seater. However, its clean interior, embellished with dried flowers and wooden furnishings have garnered quite the fanfare amongst the Instagram cafe hoppers. Their coffee and pastries are delicious too, so that’s a big plus!

Homeground Coffee Roasters
475 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427682
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

KURASU

Originating from Kyoto, this is the Japanese brand’s first venture in Singapore and the cafe is sharing the venue with District6, a co-working office space. Their minimalistic design, fragrant coffee aroma and soothing ambience draw in many creatives and individuals who are able to enjoy some alone time or to catch up on work.

Serving speciality coffee from selected roasters around Japan and Matcha Latte, this is one destination you have to stop by for a morning pick-me-up.

Kurasu Singapore
331 North Bridge Road
#02-01, Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Opened by the same team behind Atlas Coffeehouse and the now-defunct Assembly Coffee is Lunar Coffee Brewers. Situated in Downtown Gallery, the cafe seeks to provide a space where you can escape from the pressures of everyday life with comfort food and speciality coffee.

It has a gorgeous marble theme finished with blue embellishments and accents of gold. It’s perfect to snap a quick photo with your lunch buddies or colleagues and an even more pretty background for your #instafood shot!

Lunar Coffee Brewers
#01-49 Downtown Gallery
6 Shenton Way
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Closed: Sun
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

NARRATIVE COFFEE STAND

Previously known as Dancing Goat Specialty Coffee, this coffee shop is not exactly new but it has since been rebranded as Narrative Coffee Stand. Located on the ground floor of Bras Basah Complex, the coffee shop sports a Kinfolk-esque interior with some bar seats and communal seating. Serving cuppas and even Matcha or Hojicha lattes, it’s a must-visit when you’re in the area.

Narrative Coffee Stand
231 Bain Street
#01-05 Bras Basah Complex
Singapore 180231
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 6pm
Sat, Sun and PH: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Their methodology at Omotesando Koffee lies in two things: their signature cube-framed bar which houses their baristas as well as their precise approach to brewing coffee. Beans from Melbourne are roasted in Kyoto by the Ogawa Coffee Roasters, with each blend following specific steps for brewing to bring out the best flavours.

Their Iced Cappucino is also their most Instagrammed drink, the top being like big puffy bubbles dusted with cocoa powder. Definitely picture-perfect!

Omotesando Koffee Singapore
6 Shenton Way, #04-09
The Work Project Downtown,
Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068809
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

OUR SECOND HOME

Hidden away in the sustainable clothing store, Our Second Nature, is their cafe serving up coffee and some sweet treats. Decked in rustic wooden decor, the beautiful store boasts a comforting vibe – perfect for a midday respite. They serve some handcrafted bakes alongside their coffee brews, so you can sip away without a care in the world and perhaps a cookie in hand.

Our Second Home
43 Jln Merah Saga, #01-66
Singapore 278115
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

PACAMARA BOUTIQUE COFFEE ROASTERS

One of the “OG” cafes in Singapore, it definitely deserves a spot on our list for its simple yet gorgeous interior.

Its space is bright and clean; sleek lamps hang from the ceiling, shining down on the longitudinal wooden tables. Sunlight streams in through the huge panelled windows and fills the space with warmth. Sitting at the corner of the cafe is a rack of merchandise neatly displayed and ready for purchase – from filters to drippers, you are free to bring home a piece of Pacamara.

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio/Marymount

PLATFORM.

Hidden away in the cafe-filled streets of Telok Ayer is Platform., a new minimalist modern cafe & bar serving cocktails, mocktails, filter coffee and some light bites. It is quite a refreshing concept, backed by a beautifully decorated interior.

If you’re a thirsty tippler searching for some drinks, or if you want to spend a few hours relaxing while sipping on a good cuppa, Platform. might be up your alley.

Platform.
#01-01 Amoy Street
Singapore 069854
Tel: +65 8280 0292
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 4pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

THE KINS’ SPECIALTY COFFEE

The Kins’ Specialty Coffee might be a familiar name if you’ve been following the Burnt Cheesecake trend. The cafe dons a minimalistic set-up, with a hand-painted mural indoors, giving us slight beach vibes with their wooden interior and decor. Their cosy space has both outdoor and indoor seating. It’s quite a great place to relax over a cup of coffee and some brunch nosh.

The Kins’ Specialty Coffee
2 Jalan Mat Jambol
The Bijou, #01-08/9
Singapore 119554
Daily: 11am -9pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)

TWENTY EIGHT CAFE

The cafe has an industrial-chic vibe with white and wooden decor, accented by hanging bulbs and large tropical potted plants.

Focusing on speciality coffee and brunch items, Twenty Eight Cafe is an excellent choice for freelancers and students studying at the campuses nearby as the work-friendly cafe is equipped with many charging ports.

Twenty Eight Cafe
28 Wilkie Road
Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9720 2828
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: Instagram

SANITY COFFEE

Opened by SuperStar Season 2 runner up Chen Diya, Sanity Coffee is a quaint and cosy coffee shop squirrelled away in the Esplanade Mall. It has a modern yet wooden-industrial vibe with the high bar stool counters that will tingle your Instagram senses. It does have very few seats so you might have to grab, snap and take your cuppa to-go!

Sanity Coffee
8 Raffles Avenue
#02-19 Esplanade Mall
Singapore 039802
Tue to Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/Promenade

We first announced the news of % Arabica opening in Singapore back in August last year and we are happy to report that the wait is finally over.

The ever so popular Kyoto coffee chain % Arabica has finally opened their doors in Singapore at Arab Street! And at a pretty apt location we’d say. Striving to let people “see the world through coffee” as their philosophy, they have currently 36 stores in 10 countries.

Taking up a corner shop space, the coffee shop is decked out in their signature minimalist white interior that is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Serving up their specialty blends and single-origin coffees, we predict long queues for the next few days. Or months.

% Arabica prides themselves in quality coffee beans that are harvested from their own farm in Hawaii as well as sourced from around the world. Our blend Caffe Latte (S$7) in short was aromatic from perfectly roasted beans which were soothed by the mellow creaminess of the milk. There was a pleasant bitter aftertaste that was not too overwhelming on the palate too.

Next up was a very photogenic iced Matcha Latte (S$9.60) that had a beautiful gradient against the cup bearing their iconic % emblem. Earthy and smooth, % Arabica nailed the matcha to milk ratio, with the full-bodied milk harmonizing with the bitter notes of matcha.

Fans of % Arabica will be pleased to know that apart from an in-house coffee roaster where you can purchase their freshly roasted beans, you can also get your hands on a range of the brand’s merchandise as well.

% Arabica Coffee Singapore has also announced the opening of two other outlets in Singapore at Chip Bee Gardens and 313@Somerset.

% Arabica Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

% Arabica Coffee, famous coffee shop from Kyoto, is finally opening its first outlet in Singapore.

Given how Singaporeans are such caffeine addicts, there is certainly no shortage of cafes and coffee bars dedicated to offering high quality brews. As we see more Japanese concepts—Kurasu Singapore and Omotesando Koffee—opening up one after another, we are more than excited for the addition of % Arabica Coffee right here in Singapore.

According to % Arabica Coffee’s Instagram account on 12 June 2019, the first outlet at Arab Street will be ready by next week. % Arabica Coffee Singapore has also announced the opening of two other outlets at Chip Bee Gardens and 313@Somerset.

You can have a taste of their signature brews at (place) when % Arabica Coffee Singapore officially opens to the public.

This coffee shop is the brainchild of Kenneth Shoji, who worked with head barista Junichi Yamaguchi—champion of the Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship in Tokyo—to make % Arabica Coffee the world-class brand it is today.

Watch this space as we bring you the latest news of the opening of % Arabica Coffee Singapore.

% Arabica Coffee Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Lavender