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

There are so many great cafes in the East, especially in Katong and Joo Chiat.

The Eastern part of Singapore has all along been well known for housing some of the best-hidden food gems and it is little wonder why it is always so packed during the weekends.

More often than not, this area gets instantly recognized for its deep Peranakan roots, but if you were to spend a day exploring the quaint neighbourhood, you’ll start to realize that there is more to Katong and Joo Chiat than its history. In fact, walk down any street within the area and you’ll start to see the growth of a budding cafe culture.

To help you explore Katong and Joo Chiat better the next time you’re in the area, here are 11 cafes to visit for that needed caffeine fix.

Avenue Cafe

Established by a group of interior designers, Avenue Cafe aims to combine furniture shopping with cafe allure to bring you a different kind of in-house experience.

Here, you’ll get a chance to experiment with some of the furniture which is sold in the cafe while having a chat with a friend over a cup of coffee. The cafe is also known for its hot dogs which have flavours inspired by five different countries – China, Germany, Korea, Mexico and Singapore.

454 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427667
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holiday: 10am – 12am
Nearest station: Dakota

Baker’s Well

Since they opened in 2004, Baker’s Well has been producing humble homemade baked goods, which have been prepared and packed with love. From muffins to cakes and cookies, each product is baked with precision and quality ingredients for the best taste.

Plus, no worries about the calories here – their muffins are made with no butter and less sugar!

35 East Coast Road Singapore 428754
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Brawn and Brains Coffee

Brawn and Brains Coffee

Founded in 2013, Brawn & Brains Coffee has since grown from a tiny coffee shop to a bonafide cafe with two outlets under their belt.

Their most recently opened outlet in the Katong area features a new coffee and food menu that uses different brewing methods for a good cup of Joe, as well as fresh yet simple ingredients to create hearty comfort food.

218 East Coast Road Singapore 428916
Tue to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 8.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Café De Nicole

Café De Nicole

This floral shop and cafe is an Instagrammable pet-friendly joint that allows you to enjoy a good cup of coffee alongside furry friends, as well as their friendly resident house cat who is aptly named ‘Lao Ban’!

In addition to their wide variety of food, Café De Nicole is also widely known for their aesthetically pleasing drinks like the colour-changing Mermaid Tears, and their sweet Souffle Pancakes.

224 Telok Kurau Road #01-01 Singapore 423836
Tue to Fri: 9am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest station: Kembangan or Eunos

Photo Credit: Choice Cuts Goods + Café

Choice Cuts Goods + Café

Known as a lifestyle concept shop, cafe and bar, Choice Cuts offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy speciality coffee, craft beers and light snacks while browsing through the selection of vinyl records, hip hop inspired lifestyle products, accessories and streetwear brands.

Each cup of speciality coffee comes in a hand-stamped takeaway cup and is made from a blend of the finest beans from Brazil, Honduras, and Ethiopia.

451 Joo Chiat Road #01-07
Katong Point Singapore 427664
Tue to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm C
losed on Mondays
Nearest station: Dakota

Photo Credit: Forty Hands

Forty Hands

Having successfully run their flagship branch in Tiong Bahru, Forty Hands moved East and have been serving satisfied Easties since they opened their second outlet early last year.

Alongside signature favourites, the outlet in the Katong area has given Forty Hands an opportunity to reinvent their menu through an exploration of their kopitiam roots to create new dishes for brunch like the Stinky Har Cheong Gai Waffle, served with shrimp paste batter-fried chicken, sambal maple syrup and a sunny side up fried egg.

226 East Coast Road
Singapore 428923
Daily: 7.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Gobi Desserts

Get ready to go on a gastronomical journey at this aesthetically pleasing cafe which serves lovingly-made bite-sized desserts. And, if you are a big fan of Souffles, Gobi Desserts has got you covered with their selection of gorgeous, flavoured souffle!

350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
Mon to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 7am – 10pm
Nearest station: Dakota

Group Therapy Katong

If travelling to Duxton isn’t ideal for you, perhaps the outlet at Katong would make a more enticing place for you to have brunch with your loved ones.

Located within Katong V, Group Therapy Katong brings a casual and approachable concept that fits in perfectly with the laidback feel of the area. In addition to their comfortable seating, the cafe also has an all-day menu which features some breakfast classics, mains and homemade desserts!

30 East Coast Road
#01-11
Katong V
Singapore 428751
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Homeground Coffee Roasters

Homeground Coffee Roasters

Having only had an online shop previously, Homeground Coffee Roasters has since grown into a physical shop that now roasts their coffee fresh for customers!

Besides their freshly brewed beverages, they also have food available such as open-faced toasts, seasonal cakes, and bagels. One item to try on the menu is their take on a local breakfast favourite, the Level Up Kaya Toast (S$8), that is served with a 63 degrees sous vide egg on the side!

475 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427682
Thu to Tue: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays
Nearest station: Dakota

Photo Credit: Penny University

Penny University

Motivated to bring artisanal coffee to the East Coast, Penny University has been the Mecca for coffee lovers since 2012, with their freshly roasted speciality coffee.

Here, you’ll not only find a wide offering of beverages but also an extensive variety of food available. From brunch to dinner or just desserts, anytime is the right time to unwind and enjoy good company at this cafe.

402 East Coast Road
Singapore 428997
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Sinpopo Brand

From the team which brought you Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand takes you back in time with their nostalgic retro vibes which are evident in their rustic furniture and old-school music.

The menu has also been crafted to offer locally-inspired food such as the Babi Toast (S$7), the house special Nasi Lemak for Two (S$25), and the Orange Kaya Pisang Creme Brûlée (S$7).

458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Mon to Thu & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest station: Dakota