In the super fast-paced rat race in Singapore, it’s getting increasingly difficult to have more alone-time. It’s super hard just to get a few hours to ourselves, yet even then, we might have other priorities outside of work, school and all.

Here’s a list of cafes you can visit if you want to take a short breather from life. They’re quiet and perfect for being alone while sipping on a hot drink, watching as life passes you by even just for an hour or two.

AMBER EMBER

This cosy cafe is relatively new but has already made a name for themselves, not just for their quirky food options and delicious coffee but also their wonderfully decorated exterior and interior. A cup of their freshly-brewed coffee is the perfect accompaniment for a book or just to watch a show on your smartphone.

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

COOK & TRAS SOCIAL LIBRARY

This elegant cafe doubles as a hidden book cafe. Just stepping into the space makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a library lounge in old London. Decorated with warm amber lights and beautiful wooden furnishing, all you need to do is grab a book, some cocktails or their all-day dining dishes, and you’ll be set for a few hours of me-time.

Cook & Tras Social Library
2 Cook Street
Singapore 078857
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GATHER THE MISFITS

Taking over the now-defunct CPlus+ is the extremely Instagrammable cafe – Gather The Misfits. They bring interesting toastie flavours to the table, along with a myriad of coffee selections, drink choices and pastries.

Their space is cosy, homely and comfortable. It’s perfect for catching up on some studying, work or just to relax and rewind after a stressful week.

Gather The Misfits
217 Rangoon Road
Singapore 218457
Tel: +65 9298 7291
Mon, Wed to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Farrer Park/Boon Keng

GLYPH SUPPLY CO

This minimalist cafe in the heart of Orchard Road is clean, quiet and serves great coffee. They’ve even added some house-fermented Kombucha to their list of handcrafted beverages! If you’re looking to spend the afternoon people-watching, reading or even just chatting with a pal, head over to Glyph Supply Co.

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

HVALA

What says “zen” better than a Japanese matcha cafe? Hvala’s newer outlet at TripleOne Somerset boasts a pristine layout, resembling a zen Japanese garden. It’s a great place to read, scroll through social media or just relax while sipping on a matcha or hojicha latte. They also have a great range of Japanese-inspired desserts to munch on while you rewind.

Hvala
111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

JING SI BOOKS & CAFE

A cafe dedicated to Shih Cheng Yen, a nun, who also goes by the name “Jing Si”. The name means “silent contemplation”, and her books and works aim to inspire goodness and kindness in whoever reads them. The cafe has a quiet, warm and zen vibe where you can read and sip on a drink in peace.

Jing Si Books & Cafe
134 Geylang East Avenue 1
Singapore 380134
Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Aljunied/Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Instagram

KATASUMI KOOHII

This Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired cafe is a quaint little hidden gem nestled in Bukit Pasoh. They serve a variety of chiffon cakes, bakes and coffee. They provide a nice cosy space for patrons to just sit and relax, maybe even with a book in hand as the day passes.

Katasumi Koohii
25 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089839
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

KURASU

Hailing from Kyoto, this quiet cafe is tucked away in Odeon Towers. They don a minimalistic setting and serve fragrant coffee and a great matcha latte. Surrounded by glass walls, you can watch as cars and people zoom by as you enjoy your cuppa. Whether you’re there alone or you bring a friend, it’s a wonderful place for some quiet time.

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

Photo Credit: Instagram

MELLOWER COFFEE

This Shanghai-originated cafe has grown in popularity in Singapore, with its first Global Flagship store located in Bugis, an area known to be a cafe hotspot. It has a spacious wood-themed layout but yet maintains a calming, quiet ambience. We recommend their cold brews to accompany you for the afternoon.

Mellower Coffee
108 Middle Road, #01-01
Singapore 188967
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE BOOK CAFE

It is a great chill-out place where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee, read a book, and watch the world go by. The food there is pretty affordable too! Besides having a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, the cafe also has plenty of power-points for folks who are on their laptops.

The Book Cafe
20 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6887 5430
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight

After a night out of relentless tippling, perhaps one of the most comforting things to wake up to is a full English-style breakfast. Yes, we’re talking about to full monty here featuring nothing short of a few bangers (sausages), bacon, baked beans, toast, mushrooms, eggs and tomato.

It’s all fried, it’s messy but more importantly, the combination makes for one heck of a delicious mess. Whether you’re looking to treat a hangover or simply to eat your weight the way the Brits do, then here are the best places in Singapore to get the full breakfast works.

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is a Melbourne-style café in Singapore. Their coffee beans are sourced from Ethiopia and Brazil and their extensive menu features value-for-money brunch fare and substantial meals at night.

Featuring a separate day and evening menu that features anything from a hearty big breakfast to beef tartare, Five Oars Coffee Roasters surely has something for everyone. They also serve craft beers on tap, including Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Tuatara Helluva Helles Lager!

6 Upper E Coast Rd, Singapore 455200

PLATFORM 1094

A dining experience that promises nothing short of a magical and mystical, Harry Potter-themed cafe, Platform 1094—brought to you by the good folks at Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL)—offers a stunning line-up of brunch options during the weekend.

Tuck into the hearty Giant’s Breakfast that sees a monster-sized portion of truffle-infused scrambled eggs on a toasted English muffin, roasted pumpkin, bacon-wrapped pineapple, oxford sausages and homemade sun-dried tomato.

1094 Serangoon Road
Singapore 328192
Tel: +65 6204 6003
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Boon Keng

WILD HONEY

A wildly popular all-day breakfast spot in Singapore, Wild Honey is famed for its menu of breakfasts from different parts of the world.

The Delancey (S$24)—Pastrami Benedict on a sesame bagel—is an excellent choice. We also love the New York Smoked Fish & Bagel Platter (S$60++ for 2 pax, S$100 for 4 pax), but truly, if you’re looking to go home stuffed, then the English is a solid option.

333A Orchard Road
#03-01/02 Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 3900
Mon to Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

6 Scotts Road
#03-01 Scotts Square
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Sun to Thu: 9am – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

FRESH FRUITS LAB

Besides being decked out in pastel-coloured walls that make for pretty ace Instagram shots, Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is a hot spot for lovers of innovative cafe fare that pack major flavour.

On weekends, FFL is a popular spot for brunch. The cafe sees a full house every Saturday and Sunday, and it is little surprise that many come for their outrageously good and affordable brunch offerings. Boasting perhaps one of the yummiest scrambled eggs around, FFL’s Messy Breakfast is a must-try.

351 Changi Road
Lor Marzuki
Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Kembangan

KITH CAFE

Perhaps one of the few homegrown cafes that saw rapid expansion is Kith Cafe. It’s everywhere now and for good reason. Their menu offerings are stellar and their coffee is simply solid. For the full works, order up the Kith Breakfast that promises nothing short of satisfaction in the form of griddle-fried treats.

Kith Cafe has several outlets, check them out here.

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or a hearty breakfast to indulge in during the weekends with your family or friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in the heart of town for you to have a memorable morning breakfast.

One of their highly recommended dishes is the Fully Loaded that will surely, well, leave you loaded and fuelled. Choose how you would like your eggs to be cooked, and have them with 2 types of meat, maple-glazed bacon, roasted potatoes, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked bean and multigrain toast. There is also a gluten-free option for their multigrain toast!

96 Somerset Road
#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

Despite being labelled as an IT-focused mall, the newly-reopened Funan is home to a myriad of new F&B concepts and stores. From bubble tea to protein bowls and ice cream, Funan is quite the budding hot spot in Singapore.

From the same people who brought us Chye Seng Huat Hardware, PPP Coffee (previously known as Papa Palheta) has opened in the revamped Funan. Serving up an extensive range of single-origin filter coffees, pastries and other signature brews, it’s a great place to stop by if you need a quick pick-me-up.

Nestled in the centre of Funan, PPP Coffee is one great place to grab a quick cuppa after a scrumptious lunch at the many new F&B shops at the refurbished mall. Just walking up to the cafe, we were greeted by the strong aroma of freshly brewed espresso.

We ordered a refreshing Iced White (S$7), made with their signature Throwback Blend of coffee beans. It contains beans from India and Columbia, giving it a rich dark chocolate and hazelnut note.

The coffee was very smooth and not acidic at all. The blend would appeal to those who love their coffee heavy bodied and on the bitter side.

We also enjoyed a Lemon Meringue Tart (S$7) and were pleasantly surprised by the tart as the curd was zesty and vibrant despite looking a little pale. The crunchy tart base and the petite meringue topping chased the acidic tang of the lemon curd perfectly.

Other than just western pastries, PPP Coffee serves up some colourful kuehs, honouring its Singaporean roots. Some kuehs you can expect are the ever-popular Ang Ku Kueh (S$2.50) and their signature Coffee-Infused Gula Melaka Ondeh Ondeh (S$1.20).

107 North Bridge Road
Funan, #02-19
Singapore 179105
Tel: +65 6299 4321
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Nestled in the rows of busy shophouses at Pasir Panjang is 91PP, aptly named after the street it is on – 91 Pasir Panjang. It may seem unsuspecting but the many office-wear clad customers tell a different story.

91PP dishes out affordable lunch options for its hungry patrons such as their Meal Prep bowls and Pasta, and they are all under S$10! They also operate on a cashless system where you order your food on a mobile app, so there’s no need to bring along your wallets too.

At 91PP, they have an extensive selection of proteins, grains and other veggies and toppings for your Meal Prep bowl. Choose between two sizes—Small (S$6.80) or Medium (S$8.50)—before you add your toppings.

We chose to have their daily special, which was Baked Dory Fillet at the time. We also added a Hard Boiled Egg, Halved Avocado and their Mushroom Medley to a bed of Organic Red & Brown Rice.

The ingredients were all pretty fresh and paired well with one another. The Baked Dory Fillet was a tad salty on its own, but with the accompaniment of the rice, we didn’t have any qualms.

We also tried the Mentaiko Soft Shell Crab Pasta (S$8.90). Despite being relatively affordable, we definitely preferred this over our meal prep bowl. In Singapore’s cafe scene, a plate of good pasta below S$10 is a rare find.

We loved the generous amounts of garlic. It was slightly spiced, but not overwhelmingly so such that milder spice junkies wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.

The star of the show was the big portion of soft shell crab that was generously drizzled with a creamy mentaiko sauce. It was crispy and had a slightly sweet taste, not overpowered by the sauce it was coated in.

91PP serves up other popular items such as Mentaiko or Truffle Fries (S$6.90) and affordable wraps such as their Tenderloin & Cheese Wrap (S$4.50). Did we mention they have warm lava cakes too?

91PP
91 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118512
Tel: +65 9295 0512
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Panjang

Newly opened in Tanjong Katong is quaint little cafe, 6 Letter Coffee. The cosy cafe occupies a storefront near Tanjong Katong Girls’ School—a stone’s throw away from Dakota MRT Station. They even have a nail salon at the back of the cafe if you’re wanting a manicure after indulging in some food and coffee.

Serving up a variety of all-day breakfast and brunch menu items, along with other mains and desserts, this new cafe might just be your new favourite spot to relax and unwind. Here’s what we tried and our take on this new coffee stop!

The cafe had a nice calming ambience and the aroma of coffee hit us the moment we opened their doors.

We had their Cappuccino (S$5) first and were delighted at how flavourful the coffee was. The coffee had a hint of bitterness, but it wasn’t too overpowering. The lingering note was that of dark chocolate with little to no acidity. It was a very pleasant cup of coffee and we didn’t even need to ask for sugar!

Next up at the table was their Avocado & Egg Toast (S$7), featuring an onsen egg and avocado mash on sourdough. The egg was runny and gooey, providing the toast with a rich layer of yolk.

We also managed to sample their Arabiki Sausage and Pancakes (S$12). We were left a tad disappointed because while the pancakes didn’t lack in flavour, they were dense and we needed a little extra maple syrup to boost the taste. The sausages were actually pretty flavourful too, but we felt the proportion of sausages to pancakes were quite imbalanced.

Seeing as how 6 Letter Coffee is still freshly opened, we could understand them still getting used to working around the kitchen. We did like their coffee very much and we hope they could improve their mains while still in their opening phase.

6 Letter Coffee
259 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437047
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Updated on 9 Nov 2020

Tucked away in The Herencia at Kim Yam Road is Kura that serves up delectable Japanese pastries at reasonable prices. Even so, they don’t compromise on quality and offer up some mouthwatering cakes.

Kura shares the space with cafe and bar, In Bad Co, with a small glass display of their multi-coloured confections. With offices and residential areas nearby, we’re sure it will be an up-and-coming place for desserts in no time.

The shared cafe space between Kura and In Bad Co. has a rustic, almost industrial-like setting. Kura’s colourful cake display, taking its place in the back of the cafe space, is visible just upon entering.

Firstly, we tasted the Strawberry Shortcake (S$4.5). It was a simple sponge cake and cream with strawberries dotted through it. The seemingly simple slice of cake turned out to be so delicious, with a consistency that rivalled that of a cheesecake. It was simple and executed to the tee.

Kura’s Lemon Tart (S$7.5) is one we would never forget. Despite being a rather petite pastry, it packed a very big punch. Made with a vibrant lemon curd center and toasted sweet meringue, it definitely tasted as good as it looked. The pastry crust was a tad bit soft  (probably from the curd’s moisture) but it didn’t really affect the overall plate.

Life gave Kura lemons and they definitely did a great job with them.

Last to grace our palettes was Kura’s Tiramisu (S$8), a mix of coffee-soaked sponge and mascarpone cream sitting inside a mini dark chocolate cup. The mascarpone filling was light – not too creamy nor heavy. We finished this in mere minutes.

When Kura first started in 2019, they had quite a selection of desserts that were under S$5. Unfortunately, they’ve increased their prices by quite a bit since then and most of the desserts are priced between S$7.5 – S$9. That being said, there are still a few options that are priced under S$5 and they include Carrot Cake (S$4), Chocolate Pound Cake (S$4), Strawberry Shortcake (S$4.5), and Uji Triple Match Tart (S$4.6)

Kura Singapore
46 Kim Yam Road
The Herencia
Singapore 239351
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning
(There’s a two-way shuttle bus from Somerset MRT to The Herencia)

Conveniently located right opposite Pasir Panjang MRT at the Bijou is another new cafe, The Kins’ Specialty Coffee. Serving up an array of coffee, all-day brunch and other mains, they could be your new spot for a mid-day cuppa during lunch. They are currently in their soft launch phase, so all their food items are 20% off until mid-June!

In addition to their menu of hot food, they serve up a unique treat that isn’t normally found in dessert menus around Singapore: Burnt Cheesecake. Trust us when we say it’s worth the trip down for that alone.

First up for us was the petite White (S$4 for 3oz, single shot). The coffee had a floral note and a very smooth mouthfeel. It didn’t leave a lingering bitterness on the tongue; a very pleasant start to the morning.

Kins’ Scrambled Egg on Croissant with Smoked Duck Shavings (S$14) is one of the items on their all-day brunch menu selection. The croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky, complementing the fluffy scramble sitting on it. The smoked duck was an interesting savoury addition to the croissant.

We also ordered the Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$16) from their mains selection. They had sold out of their salad that normally accompanies their Fish & Chips, so we were offered wedges in replacement.

The highlight of the dish was the creamy tartar sauce that went very well with the various fried foods on our plate. Though, one gripe we had was that the fish to batter ratio was skewed towards the batter side.

Saving the best for last, we tasted Kins’ Specialty Coffee’s signature dessert, the Burnt Cheesecake (S$7.50). It was served with a little sweet cream on the side, but it didn’t really need the cream at all.

The cheesecake was rich, creamy and oh-so-satisfying. It was the perfect way to end the meal. The middle of the cake was almost custard-like, while the edges of the cake being more firm like a traditional baked cheesecake.

The burnt cheesecake resembled something like a cross between a no-bake and a baked cake – surely something new to Singapore’s cafe scene.

The Kins’ Specialty Coffee dons a minimalist set-up, giving us slight beach vibes with their wooden interior and decor. Their cosy space has both outdoor and indoor seating.

Overall, we feel that while the mains were tasty, they could be improved. However, the Burnt Cheesecake is one that’s definitely worth the calories!

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

When King Albert’s Park is mentioned, people normally think of the good ol’ days when McDonalds occupied the area. However, now, the place has been completely revamped into an up-and-coming mall space.

Just a walk through King Albert’s Park Mall, you will see several cafes and restaurants, including a new cinema. One such place that caught our eye was the sleek and simple Camaca cafe.

Camaca is a sugar-free dessert cafe, serving up indulgent treats that come without the guilt, along with a wide selection of single-origin coffees.

We ordered the Roasted Oolong Tea gelato (S$4.80++) and were pleasantly surprised by how creamy and flavourful the ice cream was even though it is sugar-free! The deceiving giant macarons on display were actually just packaging for the gelato inside.

The staff explained this keeps the gelato from turning too icy, hence maintaining a smooth texture. They even have a special machine to “de-shell” their gelato and to churn it out in a swirl after. One gripe we had was that it started to melt very quickly after it was served, but it was satisfying nonetheless!

Their gelato features all-natural flavours such as Pomelo Tea, Lychee Rose and even Musang King Durian. You can choose to have your gelato with an add-on of waffles (S$10.00) as well.

Camaca also serves a selection of pastries, and we managed to try their popular Vanilla Cheese Roll (S$4.00++), served with a splash of berry coulis.

It was truly one of the softest roll cakes we have ever tried—the texture of the cake and cream felt like cloud on our tongues. It was mildly sweet, with specks of vanilla bean running through the cream.

Lastly, we tried their Camaca SG Limited blend in the form of a Cappuccino (S$5.50++). It had a well-balanced flavour with hints of acidity and a lingering bitter note. The blend consists of 5 different beans from various origins including Ethiopia and Columbia.

They do serve up more varieties of single-origin coffees with other more unique tasting notes. Their staff were more than happy to explain the tasting notes of each of the bean varieties when we asked. They don’t provide any sugar with their coffee but you can request for some syrup!

Located just a stone’s throw away from King Albert’s Park MRT, Camaca is a great place to fight the increasingly warm weather with their gelato or to simply enjoy some cake and coffee. Keep an eye out for their bright green signboard; it’s hard to miss.

Camaca
9 King Albert Park #01-11 / #01-12
Singapore 598332
Tel: +65 6904 3811
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: King Albert’s Park

Many cafés in Singapore deliver in terms of aesthetics but we dare say that finding one that boasts marvellous interiors and brilliantly fuses the best of two very different cuisines is on a whole different level.

Helmed by the team behind Birds Of A Feather over at Amoy Street, Halcyon & Crane is a new café that recently opened up in The Paragon, Singapore, whose menu focuses on Modern-European dishes with a touch of Sichuan flavours. Most of their dishes feature a myriad of Szechuan spices and while rich, aromatic and authentic in flavour, Halcyon & Crane keep their dishes fairly healthy with the use of wholesome grains and fresh fruits.

Hankering for a memorable brunch in the heart of town? Here’s why you should make sure to pay Halcyon & Crane a visit the next time you are in the area.

Situated on the third storey of Orchard Paragon, Halcyon & Crane is decked out in minimalist furnishings with modern industrial touches that are both picture-perfect and cosy.

The area is separated into two—one is an open space with cosy seats that can seat approximately 50 people while the other features bar seats.

Coffee is serious business here at Halcyon & Crane. Their coffee beans are specially selected before going through the process of blending and roasting, resulting in coffee that is smooth, rich and fragrant.

We opted for a cup of Flat White (S$6)—a classic if you are looking for a drink to sip on while getting some work done.

One of the dishes in their all-day menu would be the Pistachio & Apple Birches Muesli (S$17). Essentially fresh fruits, pistachio and red quinoa serves atop a blend made using overnight oats, yoghurt and apple, we thought it was extremely well-executed.

For something heartier and more substantial, the H&C Big Breakfast (S$24) would go highly recommended. Served with Sichuan-style pancake, sautéed mushrooms, a side of bamboo shoot salad, potatoes, pork sausages and crisp bacon, there is indeed a lot going on in a single dish but boy we aren’t complaining.

Every element was carried out with much thought put into it such that we simply cannot choose a favourite.

Coated with a piquant seasoning made using Sichuan peppercorn and chilli oil, the potatoes had a distinct ma la flavour—while it didn’t have the mouth-numbing kick, the authenticity of the Sichuanese flavours was nonetheless impressive.

Another item on the menu you can look forward to would be the Cured Sausage Shakshuka (S$20). Typically, shakshuka dishes are made using poached eggs in a sauce comprising tomatoes, chilli, peppers and onions but Halcyon & Crane’s rendition has boldly infused Sichuan flavours into it.

Dig in to find pieces of spicy cured sausages and mix it together with the sauce, which is imbued with a strong Sichuan peppercorn kick.

Boasting a neat and aesthetically-pleasing interior, amazing service and delectable grub that is a notch above the rest, Halcyon & Crane is a café in town that we’d see ourselves returning to and one that you must try especially if you happen to be in the area.

Halcyon & Crane
The Paragon #03-09
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 9727 5121
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard MRT

One of Singaporeans’ favourite pastimes is cafe hopping. We are always on the hunt for new aesthetic cafes to satisfy our craving for artisanal bakes and tasty food, solid cuppas as well as a reason to update our Instagram accounts. But despite our love for cafes, we tend to stick to the ones that are located in more accessible areas, rarely venturing into unfamiliar territory.

However, little does anyone know that there are actually some pretty good cafes tucked away in far-flung corners of Singapore that deserve way more recognition than they are getting. Here, we have 10 ulu cafes in Singapore if you ever want time away from the world.

BOYLE’S COFFEE 

Bukit Timah Plaza is a pretty run-down mall that many people do not take a second glance at. However, the place is stuffed with hidden gems, and one of them is Boyle’s Coffee. Boyle’s Coffee is a small, artisanal coffee shop which sells great coffee and delicious light bites for when you’re feeling a bit peckish.

They sell some of the best cappuccinos that we have ever tried from a cafe. We also love their signature Espresso as well as their Yuzu Latte. For light bites, we recommend their Ham and Grilled cheese Sandwich which goes really well with the coffee. For the sweet tooth, you can try their Butter and Jam Toast and Sticky Buns.

L1-CS1 Bukit Timah Plaza
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
Singapore 588996
Mon to Thu: 9.30am – 9pm
Fri: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

CHOCK FULL OF BEANS 

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Changi Village right next to the hawker centre is Chock Full Of Beans, and many people agree that this place is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a good place for brunch.

Some must-try items here are their hearty Chock Full of Big Breakfast as well as their Eggs Benedict. For drinks, we recommend you order one of the 3D latte art drinks, they’re insanely adorable and great for the gram too!

Blk 4 Changi Village Road #01-2090
Tel: +65 62148839
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 10.15pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 10.15pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

 COMMON CHEFS CAFE AND BAKERY 

When one asks for cafe recommendations, they would usually not expect to get one from Sembawang. Common Chefs Cafe and Bakery is one of those rare places, and it’s a good excuse for you to travel to the Northern part of Singapore.

They offer a wide range of western dishes, drinks and desserts at pretty affordable prices. We love their Single Cheese Burger, and we love the versatility of being able to choose what kind of meat we want for our patty. For dessert, do try out their customizable dessert waffles for a sweet treat.

8 Jalan Legundi, #01-13
Singapore 759274
Tel: +65 66591208
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sembawang and Yishun

Photo Credit: Flickr 

CREAMIER GILLMAN BARRACKS

Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffees main goal is to make artisanal ice creams and coffees affordable luxuries for everyone. Tucked away in Gillman Barracks, Creamier is surrounded by lush greenery and makes for a picturesque place to escape for a day to have some alone time or to spend time with a loved one.

They rotate their selection of 18 mouthwatering ice cream flavours so there is always something interesting to try. Their ice cream is also produced onsite using premium ingredients from around the world, so you know you are always getting the best quality ice cream available.

Blk 5A Lock Road
Gillman Barracks
Singapore 108927
Tel: +65 62621087
Tue to Thu: 1pm – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Labrador Park

Photo Credit: Jubilee Coffee House

JUBILEE COFFEE HOUSE 

Changi Point is in the middle of nowhere for some of us, but its a place with a number of unique hidden gems, with one of them being Jubilee Coffee House. You rarely see eateries located inside an old-fashioned Bungalow, and that is one thing that makes Jubilee Coffee House so special.

This retro coffee house has an extensive menu with both western and fusion dishes. Some interesting things here to try are their Thin Crust Otah Pizza and their Ter Kar Bee Hoon. For dessert, we recommend their Tofu Cheese Cake and Jubilee Classic Cake.

580 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508516
Tel: +65 65430060
Mon – Thu: 10.30am – 1am
Sat/PH Eve: 9.30am – 1am
Sun/PH: 9.30am – 10.30am
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

SCHMEAR

Schmear at Quayside Isle was opened by a New Yorker who wanted to share his passion for bagels, and if you’re craving for some freshly baked New York-style bagels and some over-the-top meat platters, this is the place to be at.

Their best selling item on the menu has to be, of course, their hand-rolled NY bagels. You can choose to either personalise your own bagel with various toppings or go for their scrumptious options such as The New Yorker and The Central Park.

31 Ocean Way
#01-03 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 92362876
Wed to Mon: 8am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Harborfront

SOEK SENG 1954 BICYCLE CAFE

Tucked far away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe. The owner of this quaint place is a passionate vintage bicycle collector who proudly displays his beautiful vintage bicycles for all to see all around the cafe.

Their menu is a combination of local, western and Japanese mains that are mostly below $20. Some of our favourites here would have to be their Katsu Don as well as their Ayam Panggang.

#01-01 Maj Aviation Building
80 Seletar Aeropsace View
SIngapore 797563
Tel: +65 66596124
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)

THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT 

The coastal settlement is a large, spacious cafe that can accommodate up to 300 people. This beautiful, rustic gem is a great place to head to if you want to go somewhere to get away from the hectic city life.

Their brunch menu is available on weekends and public holidays from 11am to 4pm, with some of their popular items being their Big Breakfast and Eggs Benedict. We also enjoyed their roasted chicken and truffle fries as well as their truffle mushroom fettuccine.

200 Netheravon Road
(Near Changi Village)
Tel: +65 64750200
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 9.45pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

WHISK AND PADDLE

Whisk and Paddle is definitely one of the more popular places to go to for food if you’re in Punggol, and even if you don’t live in Punggol, its worth a travel down.

If you love breakfast food, this is a great place to go to. They serve delicious breakfast dishes such as classic Eggs Benedict. If you want something to share around with friends, you can always opt for a main like their popular Ham & Pineapple Pizza. Do try their very famous Mac and Cheese as well if you love all things creamy and cheesy!

10 Tebing Lane, #01-01
Tue to Fri: 3.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Riviera (Punggol LRT)

WILDSEED CAFE AND BAR 

Who knew that a place called Seletar Aerospace Park could be home to a cluster of great dining areas? One of our favourites here would definitely have to be Wildseed Cafe and Bar, which is a beautiful cafe with a farm-to-table concept that serves hearty lunch and brunch in the day and turns into a casual bar with an amazing grill selection in the evening.

Their mouth-watering Wagyu Beef Burger is definitely a hot favourite here, and we feel that it goes really well with their all-time popular Avocado Shake. For dessert, do try The Highland Pancakes for a satisfying sweet treat.

3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of Ph: 9am – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol

Tucked away at Upper Serangoon Road next to the old Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre is newly-opened, Amber Ember.

Exuding a simple yet charming vibe, the interior is decked out in marble and wooden furnishings that are neatly decorated with potted plants and paintings, making it a nice place to retreat to and a great place for photos too.

Here, they sell a variety of brunch-style fare such as jaffles (a type of toastie that bears no similarity to a waffle), scrambled eggs on toast and coffee, but with an added twist that differs slightly to your average cafe food.

Starting our cafe trip off on a proper note, we ordered ourselves the White (S$5)—which is essentially a flat white. Amber Ember uses coffee beans from Cata coffee, which are freshly roasted daily and pack a robust, chocolatey note that is both incredibly aromatic and well-balanced.

Having heard so much about their fried chicken, we decided to order up the Amber’s Fried Chicken (AFC) (S$10). The chicken was decently crispy, however, the meat lacked a certain succulence to it and the drums were not as meaty as we would’ve liked. The saving grace, however, was their house-made blue cheese sauce and sriracha.

We also tried their Asian ‘Risotto’ (S$10), which was pretty much a fancy bowl of Chinese porridge that had been embellished with a variety of ingredients. We really enjoyed this dish and found it really comforting and satisfying.

The risotto had bits of braised pulled pork, fried shallots, garlic and a runny egg. We were a tad bit disappointed with the runny egg, which did not turn out as runny as described on the menu.

When we heard that they had a dish called Fu Yong Eggs (S$11), we were expecting a  modern rendition of the popular zi char dish. However, to our surprise, it was simply scrambled eggs and sauteéd mushrooms on a piece of sourdough.

Finally, we had the main thing that we came here for—Jaffles!

Out of the many options they had, we opted for their K-Pork Jaffles (S$10). The pork in the jaffles was slightly tangy due to the gochujang sauce used, but what surprised us was the purple sweet potato mash that came with it that was both sweet and deliciously creamy.

Amber Ember
730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Mon, Wed & Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon