The coffee scene in Singapore has been thriving, especially with the entrance of many third-wave cafés. And it doesn’t show signs of stopping any time soon. This is good news for coffee aficionados as this means that there’s always a new place to get your caffeine fix.

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.

We started off our day with a White (S$4.50). Delightfully smooth and nutty, it had a mellow acidity towards the end with some fruity tones. It was pretty clean on the palate too!

For espresso, Columbian beans from Nylon Coffee Roasters are currently served.

To accompany our cuppa, we got a Raspberry Chocolate Scone (S$3) that was warmed up upon order. Despite being a tad dry for our liking, the scone was crumbly and had pockets of melty decadent dark chocolate pieces and raspberry swirls.

Apart coffee and a selection of tea, Narrative Coffee Stand has a daily line-up of fresh bakes such as brownies, muffins and cinnamon for you to choose from too.

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

There is something so incredibly satisfying about a place that is minimalistically furnished, so you could imagine our excitement when we discovered Apartment Coffee at 161 Lavender Street in Singapore.

Apartment Coffee is a minimalist’s dream, with a beautiful, clean interior that is decorated with Scandinavian-style furniture.

This little cafe specialises in homebrewed coffees that are made on the spot right in front of you, and it is a great place if you just want to retreat from the rest of the world and have a bit of alone time with a cuppa.

The inspiration behind Apartment Coffee came from the owner’s desire to create an inviting space where people could feel at home as well as to connect with other people who appreciate and love coffee. 

The first thing you notice when you step into Apartment Coffee is how blindingly white and clean the whole place is. From the ceiling to the walls and the floors, everything is just white. The shop is also cleanly furnished with simple wood pieces and a long white counter.

The staff here were incredibly friendly and welcomed us with large smiles and cheery greetings. Definitely made the environment a more pleasant one.

Their menu is a simple one, yet they have quite a range of interesting drinks for you to enjoy.

For their coffee, they use a Synesso Hand Built Espresso Machine. They also use the very best seasonal coffee beans that vary throughout the year.

We tried their Columbia El Mirador (S$4.50) made into a Latte, which was a fragrant, smooth cup of goodness that had notes of roasted grapes, currant and graham crackers.

We also decided to get a cup of their Madagascar Mava (S$7.50), which was an interesting take on your usual hot chocolate. This smooth blend had notes of orange, malt and roasted nuts, and it left a unique, tangy aftertaste in our mouths.

We are absolutely in love with this simple yet gorgeous cafe and we will definitely be coming back here for some great coffee and the amazing ambience.

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

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/10/apartment-coffee-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/12/the-glasshouse-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/12/the-glasshouse-singapore/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2017 07:57:33 +0000 Editorial http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=153405 Continue reading →]]>

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 opened not too long ago and has been 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.

Start your day right, or end it on a (caffeine) high—it’s up to you. But take it from us, there is probably nowhere in the city that boasts a better ambience than that of The Glasshouse at CHIJMES.

Housed in a standalone glass structure that resembles that of a greenhouse, sporting floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of lush greenery, The Glasshouse provides some much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a haven where one can simply lounge about, sip on a coffee and grab a bite.

The Glasshouse menu is a simple one—mainly hot and cold beverages, a few different types of toast and some pastries to go with your coffee.

For the avocado fanatics, be sure to try their Avocado Toast (S$7). As humble (and small) as this avocado-on-toast looks, it actually makes for a pretty substantial breakfast given the fair amount of carbs and fats in it.

Perhaps one of the more intriguing qualities of this particular item is their use of Dukkah. For the uninitiated, Dukkah is an Egyptian condiment that consists of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices.

Whether you are an avid cafe hopper, coffee aficionado or simply someone in search of a new hangout spot within the city, we are sure that you will find just what you’re looking for at Glasshouse. 

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

Singapore’s cafe scene is booming, to say the least, and it is only growing more rampant with new cafes sprouting out everywhere. Yet, satisfying as artisanal coffee may be, a simple cuppa from a cafe often comes with a hefty price attached to it. It is during times like these that we are immensely thankful for establishments like Hangar Coffee Express.

Tucked away in Maxwell food centre, this new coffee shop is bent on serving up quality brews at slightly more affordable prices. Have you ever had a brewed flat white, let alone a macchiato or even a mocha at a hawker centre? Probably not, but now you can. Priding themselves with being the only hawker drink stall to have a LaMarzocco espresso machine, what you can expect—whether you’re a coffee aficionado or not—is a perfect shot of espresso every time.

The Hangar Coffee Express aims to bring the Melbourne-style café experience to office executives and tourists alike. They officially open for business today so if you happen to be around the area, you know where to get your caffeine fix!

Hangar Coffee Express only uses 100% Arabica beans sourced from the best estates in the world and are all roasted in small batches every week by its sister café, The Hangar. This week’s beans are from Sipirok, North Sumatra.

A pioneer of the café culture, The Hangar Coffee Express aims to sell quality artisanal coffee at affordable prices. You can get an espresso for S$3 and a flat white for S$4. For the non-coffee drinkers, you will be happy to know that speciality teas from A.Muse Projects and a homemade chai latte are also available—and are just as affordable.

Coffee Express is open every weekday from 8am to 5pm and in the future on weekend mornings as well.

Hangar Coffee Express
Maxwell Food Centre
1 Kadayanallur Street
Singapore 069184
Tel: +65 6291 0127
Daily: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photos are credited to Hangar Coffee Express. 

The Wired Monkey is a new speciality coffee shop nestled just off Little India along Dunlop Street. Besides serving up amazing coffee, they also have some interesting food offerings that delve away from your typical cafe fare.

Their Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and their banana cake is the perfect accompaniment for your freshly brewed coffee. The Wired Monkey uses a blend of coffee from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, a veteran in Singapore’s coffee scene.

If you’re tired, The Wired Monkey is, without a doubt, an excellent place to get wired.

If you happen to be a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, then the Falafel Burger (S$12) should be right up your alley.

This unconventional cafe item consists of a deep-fried patty made primarily from chickpeas and is stacked with kale, a refreshing tomato compote and tzatziki (a common Greek sauce made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and sometimes mint).The dish comes served with thick, crispy wedges of sweet potato fries.

For coffee aficionados who adore the robust, medium-bodied blends that come from Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee, you will be happy to know that The Wired Monkey sources their blends from them. So you can expect to always have a solid brew to go along with their tantalising array of dishes.

The Wired Monkey
5 Dunlop Street, #01-00
Singapore 209335
Tel: +65 9022 0194
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Little India

All photos are credited to The Wired Monkey SG.

Fuglen Coffee Tokyo—a popular coffee shop from Tokyo and Oslo—will be having a pop-up in Singapore at The Glasshouse: Speciality Coffee & Toast Bar located at Chijmes from 07 November to 03 December 2017.

This pop-up concept is a collaborative effort between speciality coffee e-tailer Cafebond.com and Fuglen Coffee Tokyo. During the month-long pop-up, coffee enthusiasts will be able to enjoy 3 origins of freshly roasted coffee that are all specially air-flown weekly from their main coffee roastery in Tokyo.

For those of you who love a good brew, this pop-up’s for you!

Fuglen first opened in Oslo, Norway in 1963 as Kaffe Fuglen and has since evolved in a unique way to better fit the demands of a growing society. It was only back in 2012 that Fuglen opened its first overseas outpost in Shibuya—Fuglen Coffee Tokyo.

This humble coffee shop now serves as a place where people can revel in the taste of Oslo with its Nordic style light roast as well as other spectacular brews such as the 3 origins that will be available at the month-long pop-up.

The 3 origins you can enjoy at the pop-up star include the Duromina Cooperative from Ethiopia, that boasts sweet notes of sparkling blood orange, the AA Ndaroini from Kenya, famous for its complex floral notes and lastly, the Dhilgee Lot 2 (Banko Fufuate) from Ethiopia, a coffee gown in the Kochere region of Ethiopia which undergoes a strict grading and quality control process prior to being shipped. Flavour notes to be expected from this particular brew comprise citrus and nectarine.

The Glasshouse cafe will be serving Duromina Cooperative in both filter and espresso brewing methods, while AA Ndaroini and Dhilgee Lot 2 (Banko Fufuate) will be only be brewed as filters, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy the exact same offerings that are currently being served at Fuglen Coffee Tokyo.

For coffee enthusiasts or simply those of you who enjoy a good brew, grab your chance to participate in the Fugle Coffee Tokyo coffee cupping sessions, an opportunity for you to explore the various tastes and aromas of different brews. It will be conducted by the Cafebond.com team at The Glasshouse cafe on 15 November 2017 and 02 December 2017.

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

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/11/fuglen-coffee-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/upside-down-coffee-alternatives/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/upside-down-coffee-alternatives/#comments Thu, 19 Oct 2017 01:00:28 +0000 Editorial http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=147744 Continue reading →]]>

A shout-out to those working in Singapore’s CBD because we are introducing to you a new coffee bar at Amoy Street, for you to get your daily fix of caffeine.

Officially launched on 25 September 2017, Upside Down Coffee Alternatives is a beautiful café space where you will discover quality brews which are crafted and poured by their main barista, Ivan. And on every Friday in October, you can get your hands on a batch brew for just S$1; what are you waiting for?

Behind Upside Down Coffee Alternatives lies the mission to create an alternate dimension where patrons can put aside any pressing thoughts in their mind and channel their complete focus on their great cup of coffee. This coffee joint also keeps things fresh and exciting with seasonal blends that are on a rotational basis.

Coffee options on their menu include the Espresso (S$4), Long Black (S$5), Mocha (S$6) and the Batch Brew (S$4) which is only available until 2pm.

Two seasonal beverages that you can look forward to are the Cold Drip & Tonic (S$7) which features natural gin-inspired flavours, juniper berries, coriander seeds and citrus peel; and the Ultraviolet (S$6.50— a delightful infusion of lychee and lime in cold-brew hibiscus tea.

Dropping by for a light tea snack? Well then, pair your coffee, tea or drink with Upside Down Coffee Alternatives’ Homemade Banana Bread which is freshly baked every day. Alternatively, you can enjoy a healthy Granola Parfait (S$10) or a Mini Sweet Potato Doughnut, too.

Upside Down Coffee Alternatives
115 Amoy Street, Lobby Space
Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 8826 6907
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

All images are credited to Upside Down Coffee Alternatives.

Nestled within the Sembawang Hills Estate neighbourhood, and the newest addition to the Upper Thomson enclave is Thus Coffee, a chic cafe that offers stellar grain bowls, pasta, brunch, hearty stews and coffee

Not only that, coffee aficionados can take pleasure in knowing that their coffee beans are freshly roasted in-house—something often overlooked at many cafes in Singapore.

Whether its superb coffee, a stellar array of brunch-style eats or simply just a place to escape the midday heat, the newly opened Thus Coffee at Upper Thomson is no doubt a worthwhile spot to check out should you happen to find yourself wandering around the area.

Decked out in weathered grey walls and simple furniture, this humble coffee joint exudes a rather relaxed and laid-back vibe that is just perfect for lounging or catching up on work. There is also a communal dining table that caters for larger groups.

Their food offerings typically revolve around your usual cafe fare with the exception of their Hearty Chicken Stew and Wagyu Beef Grain Bowl. Besides the usual coffee, tea and fresh fruit juice selection, Thus coffee also serves Argentian wine at only S$40 a bottle.

The Hearty Chicken Stew (S$16) starts off with a standard mirepoix—basically, a fancy French term to mean carrots, onions and celery—which gives the stew its savoury and mildly sweet base and is thickened with cream for that hearty quality. Tender, herbed potatoes are also added to give the dish texture and a heightened boost of flavour.

The tender and succulent chicken comes with toasted multigrain bread and a wedge of lime—which we thought was a wonderful touch to the dish as the sharp tang really helped to cut through the richness of the stew.

Humbly roasted in-house by the good folks at Thus Coffee, the standard Latte (S$5) went well above your usual cuppa. The initial whiff boasted deep, chocolatey notes while the first sip was earthy and crisp.

We may not be coffee experts, but we know a decent cuppa when we’ve had one—and this was definitely one of them.

Thus Coffee
4 Jalan Kuras
Singapore 577723
Tel: +65 8411 7565
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

Most people regard one-north as the CBD of the west, but little did we know that this part of Singapore also happens to be a budding little dining enclave, filled with hearty eateries and stunning cafes.

We all know how important a good cuppa is to get us through a work day, so here are 8 cafes in one-north that you should definitely pay a visit to for great, revitalising coffee. The best part is that they are all within walking distance from one another.

Nothing perks us up on a hectic work day than a top-notch cup of properly brewed coffee. Here are 8 cafes in one-north for you to get your caffeine fix.

BREAD YARD

Bread Yard sprouted on campus in the early and inspiring days of the Singapore University of Technology and Design. It became quite the food icon of the university, drawing in crowds from outside the campus. In three years, the team made a decision to move out of the campus to gain wider access to the public.

At Bread Yard, bread is handcrafted with ancient Japanese and European techniques served with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, leavened pancakes, and aromatic drip coffees in a rustic and fast-casual setting.

1 Fusionopolis Pl,
Singapore 138522
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7.30pm
Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: one-north

ONE MAN COFFEE

This extension branch of One Man Coffee serves the usual cafe beverages and some pastries. Small in size, this outlet serves as more of a grab-and-go for office workers working nearby in need of a solid cuppa.

We highly recommend trying their Nitro Cold Brew. It is surprisingly smooth and easy to drink with a subtle fruity note at the end, great for hot afternoons.

4 Fusionopolis Way, Kinesis #01-15,
Singapore 138635
Tel: +65 8181 2479
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: one-north

COFFEE BANDITS

The only coffee and food truck in Singapore to date, Coffee Bandits move from place to place. But for the time being, they are planting themselves in Fushionoplis way in one-north. So if you are lucky enough you might just spot this bright yellow truck in the area.

Offering simple, delicious and affordable meals and coffee, from grilled cheese sandwiches to sweet muffins, this is a great spot for a quick lunch or coffee run.

Fusionopolis 2
Tue & Fri: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: one-north

JIMMY MONKEY

As one of the first few to set up shop in this area, this Australian-style hang out is mostly known for their brunch items such as French toast and eggs benedict, but many coffee aficionados make the journey to have a taste of their coffee blends too.

#01-51 One-North Residences,
9 One-north Gateway,
Singapore 138643
Tel: +65 6777 8470
Daily: 7am – 6pm
Nearest Station: one-north

ARKADAS CAFE

Arkadas Cafe is a good place to visit if you find yourself sick of the usual eggs and toast combination for breakfast. Pop by this Turkish joint for more exotic flavours. Tuck into authentic creations like hummus with pita bread, chicken kebab, and other Turkish sweet treats like baklava and créme caramel.

For your caffeine fix, they also serve a mean Turkish coffee that is sure to perk you up. A wide selection of tea is available but we highly recommend trying the coffee.

1 Fusionopolis View, #01-02,
Sandcrawler,
Singapore 138577
Tel: +65 6466 9918
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: one-north

HUGGS COFFEE

Nestled within Galaxis, Huggs Coffee is another coffee joint where you can satisfy your caffeine needs. Presenting artisanal coffee originating from places like Columbia, Brazil, and Vietnamese origins, coffee aficionados will be spoilt for choice. Huggs Coffee caters more to the office crowd, which is why it is not uncommon to spot them at several office districts in Singapore.

Pair your freshly brewed cuppa with one of their freshly baked pastries as well for something a little more substantial!

1-3 Fusionopolis Way,
Singapore 138633
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: one-north

BAKERSFIELD SANDWICH BAR & PATISSERIE

Presenting something a little more different than your average coffee-and-cake joint is Bakersfield, a patisserie that serves quiches, sandwiches and beautifully crafted cakes and pastries. Hot favourites include their Black Glutinous Rice Coconut Cake as well as their Pistachio Strawberry Tart, but for something more substantial, you can consider their range of hearty sandwiches too.

#01-06, Innovis, 2 Fusionopolis Way,
Singapore 138634
Tel: +65 6250 2934
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 9pm – 4pm
Nearest Station: one-north

GREENWITCH

Serving up hearty and wholesome salad bowls, Greenwitch is a good spot for a casual lunch among co-workers and friends—who may or may not be calorie-conscious. In addition to greens, they also offer protein-packed grain bowls with meats like salmon or meatballs.

Healthy eats aside, they also brew up a mean cuppa so don’t miss out on that—especially their creamy flat white.

1 Fusionopolis Walk #01-12 Solaris Building
Singapore, 138628
Tel: +65 9155 1689
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: one-north

For more recommendations, read our guide on 31 Cafes in the West of Singapore you must visit.

Great news for coffee aficionados, the famous Omotesando Koffee from Tokyo has officially opened in Singapore. Those of you hankering after a cuppa from this highly acclaimed Japanese import can now get their caffeine fix at the shop’s debut Singapore outlet at Downtown Gallery.

We first reported the news of the opening of Omotesando Koffee back in April 2017 and boy are we glad that it is finally in Singapore.

For those of you who are new to the brand, what you can look forward to at this artisanal coffee bar is their high-quality espresso-based beverages. Their first and only outlet in Singapore features a myriad of caffeinated beverages from matcha based drinks to a good old latte so whether you have a burning passion for artisanal brews or not, Omotesando Koffee is a spot worth checking out.

Hailing from Shibuya in Tokyo, the cafe first opened up as a quaint pop-up store in a traditional Japanese house in Omotesando’s residential area in 2011. Word spread quickly as this little takeaway coffee stop quickly gained a strong following among hipsters for its artisanal brews—unfortunately, in 2015, the Japanese house (machiya) got torn down and along with Omotesando Koffee.

Earlier this year, the acclaimed coffee shop reopened in Shibuya and has since expanded to other parts of Japan, Hong Kong and now in Singapore!

The brand’s opening here is a partnership between Hong Kong-born Russell Stradmoor, 28, director and franchising owner of Omotesando Koffee, and Mr Junny Lee, 34, founder of The Work Project—a Singapore-based co-working space operator with a branch in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

When it comes to their coffee beans, the way that it is treated can greatly enhance (or compromise) the flavour of your brew. In fact, it’s the brewing methods that tend to be the hallmark of a great artisan coffee.

Here at Omotesando Koffee, their methodology lies in two things: its signature cube-framed bar which houses their baristas and 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 espresso is hand-dripped slowly at a controlled temperature to ensure that all the oils and essences from the beans are absorbed to the best of its ability. The end result is a full-bodied cup of coffee that is sure to make anyone’s day.

Their Cafe Latte Doppio (S$5.50) is brewed with their very own house brand of coffee beans. The initial sip is fairly balanced but after a few seconds what you are left with is a subtle fruity note that pleasantly coats your entire mouth. There is mild acidity to it, but the milk really helps to balance it out.

All in all, a delicate brew that makes for a good start to a typical workday.

The Iced Cappuccino (S$7.50) is much more unique than your typical cafe brew. The milk itself is blended beforehand to aerate it. After it is served, give it a few seconds and watch as the surface starts to bubble and foam up. The beverage itself was light and airy, making it easy to drink even for non-coffee experts.

With Omotesando Koffee now open in Downtown Gallery, coffee drinkers will soon have a new go-to cafe for their caffeine fix, which is never bad news for our coffee-cultured society.

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

New kid on the block, CATfeine, is nestled in The Hillford along Jalan Jurong Kechil. Contrary to its name, nothing about the cafe’s interior design reminds you of a cat but the idea is there—a cosy environment coupled with relaxing vibes to encourage their guests to lounge around.

Other than specialty tea and coffee, CATfeine’s also offers sweet and savoury bites in the likes of waffles, pies and cakes.

Curious about how the cafe got its name? The cafe was set up by a pair of cat-loving couple who were inspired by their other passion—Coffee And Tea. Add the first letters together and you get the acronym CAT.

The two-month-old cafe opened its doors in early May this year and has since earned the approval of residents living nearby who come here for a chat with their friends or to read the morning papers.

Sit by the floor-to-ceiling glass window which overlooks the busy main road or find yourself an empty table at the cafe. We liked how the tables are not cramped together, which makes it comfortable to have a private conversation with your dining partner.

If there is a must-try at CATfeine, it has to be their waffles. The beautiful presentation alone is enough to impress us and we are glad to share that the taste did not disappoint either.

Out of the few waffle choices on the menu, we decided to go for their popular Sweet Summer (S$15) which came with orange, grapefruit, fresh berries, rich lavender ice cream and crispy waffles that are made upon order.

CATfeine also offers cakes and muffins over at the glass display by the counter. The Lychee Strawberry Cake (S$6.50) is essentially a sponge cake with layers of lychee cream. Overall, we felt that it looks better than it tastes.

Caffeine addicts will surely appreciate their selection of coffee drinks. We thoroughly enjoyed their Cappuccino (S$5.80) which was creamy and came with just the right amount of bitter tones from the espresso.

Other choices include Long Black (5oz – S$4, 10oz – S$5), Popcorn Capp (5oz – S$5, S$6.30) and Floral Latte (5oz – S$5, 10oz – S$6.30).

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Read: Guide to the best cafes in the West of Singapore.

Officially opened on 03 July 2017, Brawn & Brains Coffee Run is a new coffee kiosk by the good folks behind Brawn And Brains at Guillemard Road.

Situated at Fragrance Hotel – Imperial along Penhas Road—just a short walk away from the Lavender train station—this coffee kiosk is a great spot for those who work in the neighbourhood.

Brawn & Brains Coffee Run is a grab-and-go type of coffee joint with no seats or tables.

Upon arriving at this humble little establishment, we were greeted by really friendly staff members who were willing to educate us on the coffee bean varietals that they carry there. Baristas this passionate about their brew is almost always a sure sign that the coffee is going to be good.

The kiosk offers beverages ranging from organic teas to sparkling sodas and great coffee.

The signature house blend ‘Pen & Pencil’ which comprises bean blends from Ethiopia, Columbia, and Brazil is roasted in-house to produce a flavour that is nutty and chocolatey.

Each sip of the Latte (S$5.30) was smooth and creamy without that the bitter mouthful you often get with most artisanal coffee.

We also ordered the Hot Chocolate (S$5.80). It is everything you could ever want in a decent hot chocolate. Decadent, brimming with chocolatey aromas and incredibly creamy.

Brawn And Brains Coffee Run (Kiosk)
28 Penhas Road #01-03
Singapore 208187
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Bukit Timah Plaza is an old shopping mall with many hidden gems and our latest discovery is Boyle’s Coffee which is situated beside Rise & Grind cafe. Nothing is over-the-top at Boyle’s Coffee and the most impressive thing you will find there is probably their chic espresso machine.

If you are looking for a change from the usual gimmicky cafes, Boyle’s Coffee is an artisanal cafe where you can settle in and escape with great coffee and some light bites.

The venue boasts a refined and welcoming interior, with dark brown and orange as its primary colours. It is a great place to make like-minded friends over exceptional coffee as guests are expected to share long communal tables.

We tried their Cappuccino (S$5.50) which came in the right temperature so you can drink it immediately. It was by far one of the better ones we have tried so far. Under the blanket of thick foam, we could taste the pronounced flavour from the espresso which went well with creamy hot milk.

Guests can choose to add chocolate or cinnamon powder on top of their cappuccino.

If you are looking for other coffee alternatives, you can try their signature Espresso (S$4) or more interesting flavours such as the Yuzu Latte (S$6.50).

Unlike their wide range of coffee options, Boyle’s Coffee keeps a simple food menu and one addictive temptation is the Ham & Cheese Grilled Sandwich (S$12). Savour all the cheesy goodness and generous slices of ham in between toasted bread.

Our only gripe was that the toasts are slightly overdone and hard which makes it difficult to bite.

Looking for more bites? There is also the Butter & Jam Toast (S$4) and Sticky Bun (S$4). Sweet treats include a selection of cakes over at the display counter.

Boyle’s Coffee
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 to 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

If you are a fan of the Kith Cafe, we have great news for you. Kith Cafe has opened a new outlet at Winsland House, where you can enjoy their signature coffee and hearty Aussie-style mains.

This spanking new cafe has a spacious interior and is located in the slightly quieter and less busy area of Somerset, transforming the cafe into a suitable space for those who want to share conversations with their dining partner in a more intimate setting.

What is even better is that this outlet is also equipped with many charging ports, which makes it a great space for those who want to work whilst enjoying a hot cuppa in a conducive environment.

Kith Cafe at Winsland House has a brunch menu packed with many different brunch options. Items to look out for include the Better Than Benny (S$18) as well as the Poached Eggs & Avocado (S$16).

We also had a taste of their Fish & Chips (S$23), which comprises Breaded Mackerel Fish, Truffle Fries (hurray!), Mixed Greens, Malt Vinegar and Citrus Mayo. What pleased us was the choice of Mackerel, as opposed to the regular dory fillet; the Mackerel used was really fresh.

The Carbonara (S$19) was executed gracefully, with the dish featuring crispy bacon drenched in a delightful egg cream that was neither too overpowering nor cheesy.

For those who love a good deal, drop by this outlet on weekdays during 11am to 3pm to make the most out of their lunch specials (S$20).

Kith Cafe
163 Penang Road, #01-01
Winsland House II, Singapore 238463
Tel: +65 6235 0582
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

For more recommendations, read our Orchard Road Food Guide on the best places to dine at in Orchard.

Fynn’s Café—conveniently located right outside Esplanade MRT Station Exit CC3—is a gorgeous new addition to South Beach Avenue. The beautiful modern all-day dining café reminded us of our good old days in Melbourne. It is worth mentioning staff members are attentive and friendly – a trait that Singapore’s hospitality industry greatly lacks.

We dropped by on a weekday afternoon and Fynn’s Café was packed with customers; expatriates and office dwellers make up the bulk of the crowd. No surprise there, since it is located just a stone’s throw away from the office building and JW Marriott Hotel.

One-week-old Fynn’s Café is seriously a paradise for all avid Instagrammers. Think marbled tables, rattan chairs, white cushions, stylish lamps and potted plants at every corner.

Coffee prices range from S$4+ for an Espresso, S$5.50+ for a Flat White to S$7+ for an Iced Mocha. Fynn’s Cafe uses roasted blends from Common Man Coffee Roasters.

The All-beef Burger (S$22+) is served with crisp seasoned shoestring fries. The burger comprises two fluffy sesame buttered buns, a juicy ground beef patty, pickled cucumber, onion rings, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce and melted gruyère cheese. A house made mildly spiced sauce is smeared over the beef.

Grain bowls are all the rage now and Fynn’s Café has a wholesome rendition on its weekday lunch menu. Try their Grilled Chicken Fried Wild Rice (S$19.50+)—fried rice is topped with generous portions of succulent grilled chicken, snow peas, edamame, pickled vegetables and egg.

The freshly baked cakes at Fynn’s Café are on a rotational basis and we had a Carrot Cake (S$11+). The palm-size circular carrot cake was covered in desiccated coconut and cream cheese frosting. Traces of real carrot are present throughout.

Fynn’s Cafe
26 Beach Road, #B1-21 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 1878
Tue to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Shared-space cafes are all the rage right now and we are seeing east-side cafe Stamping Ground Coffee adopting this genius concept at its new location in the Siglap neighbourhood.

Located along Upper East Coast Road, Stamping Ground Coffee shares the same space with a florist—Dawn Q Floral Design. The end result was unexpected; two inherently different businesses co-existing harmoniously in a single venue.

Stamping Ground Coffee—formerly situated at Club Street—is characterised by its minimalistic décors; think white marble counters and rustic wooden chairs. You can choose to dine either indoors or outdoors.

There are a few car park lots located right outside the café and parking is absolutely free of charge. However, do note that the lots are very limited.

From local brand Papa Palheta’s Throwback Blend to Melbourne’s Rumble Coffee Roasters, each coffee run to Stamping Ground Coffee is never quite the same. Blends are on a rotational basis and you can look forward to a different roast from time to time.

Pick up a signature cold brew (between S$6 – S$8 nett) or enjoy a cappuccino (S$5 nett).

Stamping Ground Coffee’s all-day menu features 11 dishes and each dish costs no more than S$15 nett. Their Bacon Jam (S$14 nett) features a thick fluffy brioche topped with candied bacon, rocket leaves and balsamic dressing. Knife the soft toast and unveil a baked egg.

Those with a sweet tooth should order the Belgian Waffles (S$13 nett) instead. The waffle is served with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. Generous amounts of roasted soybean flour and corn flakes are sprinkled over it.

Stamping Ground Coffee
87 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 455223
Tel: +65 9070 7610
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 9am to 6pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Kyu Coffee Bar—a new kid on the block—is strategically located right at the entrance of Prudential Tower in Raffles Place.

The three-week-old takeaway speciality coffee kiosk’s wooden frames instantly reminded us of Kitty Burns in Melbourne. CBD dwellers in need of a highly-caffeinated perk-me-up should drop by Kyu Coffee Bar for a quick energy boost.

//

The minimalistic coffee bar is a business venture by Nine Press. You can look forward to aromatic beverages prepared with coffee blends from Knockhouse Supply Co. and Nylon Coffee Roasters.

Drinks aside, there is also a selection of petite savouries and sweets available. Why not grab a treat with a hot coffee for just S$6.50?

Coffee prices start from S$4.50 for a 8-oz cup and S$5.50 for a 12-oz cup. While prices are considered reasonable for Raffles Place’s standards, we heard from nearby corporate workers that it is still at least a dollar pricier than its previous tenant – One Shot Coffee.

//

Kyu Coffee Bar also serves Tea by Clippers Tea (Timeless Earl Grey – S$4.50, Chamomile – S$4.50, Green Tea Strawberry – S$5, Evergreen – S$4.50), Matcha (S$5.50), Mocha (S$5.50) and Hot Chocolate (S$5.50). Top up an additional S$1 for ice and another S$1 to upsize it.

Complete your teatime break with a pastry. From Chocolate Flourless Cake (S$4.50), Earl Grey Tea Cake (S$2.50) to Pain Au Chocolat (S$3.20), there is surely something you fancy.

For something more substantial, get their Fish Ciabatta Sandwich or Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich (S$8.90 each).

Kyu Coffee Bar
30 Cecil Street, Level 1
Prudential Tower
Singapore 049712
Tel: +65 8233 3361
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat and Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

We all need that quick pick-me-up, especially when work days can be so draggy. If you happen to work around One-North, you are in luck because there is a cosy cafe there that serves pretty decent coffee!

Envy Coffee is a 5-minute walk away from One-North MRT station, nestled in the office district of Fusionopolis. Because of its convenient location, it can get rather busy during lunch hour but guess what? You can make reservations prior to your visit. Otherwise, you can simply order your beverage for takeaway.

Walk into Envy Coffee and you will notice the vibrant colours used on the walls and furniture. Nothing is colour coded and the chairs are placed in random in a multitude of colours. The bright colours will perk your day up, even if you are having Monday blues. Check out the quote on the wall too; the cafe has got all the hipster vibes right.

Visitors also get access to free wifi (the password is on the receipt) and power points; don’t you just love cafes that provide wifi? We sure do!

Envy Coffee is known for handcrafted coffee and we knew we had to try their Cappuccino (S$5). The aromatic smell of the Cappuccino had us all excited, and it sure was a good blend of espresso and hot steamed milk. The froth was just the right amount too; nothing too thick that you have to scoop it out.

The Cafe Latte (S$5) has a milder espresso taste as compared to the Cappuccino. Those who prefer a creamier coffee drink will enjoy this.

Envy Coffee also offers mains and desserts on their menu but we would say skip those and go for the coffee instead because they are not worth the time and calories at all.

For NUS students who are looking for a change of environment to study at, Envy Coffee is one you can consider as it is located near to your campus. Just be sure to avoid the lunch crowd or you will it hard to get a table.

Envy Coffee
#01-04 Nexus@One-North
1 Fusionopolis Link
Singapore 138542
Tel: +65 6710 4005
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: One-North

Tucked away in the Yio Chu Kang heartlands is newcomer Prodigal Roasters, an independent specialty coffee shop that serves caffeinated beverages to nearby residents and basically anyone who loves a good cuppa.

The tiny cafe’s location might seem relatively obscure but is actually easily reachable within an eight-minute stroll from Yio Chu Kang MRT. So, is it worth visiting?

Prodigal Roasters’ inviting minimalistic decors instantly reminded us of Hong Kong’s newly opened Omotosando Koffee albeit significantly smaller in size.

Owner Glen Ho started his passion of roasting coffee beans from home but has since taken it up a notch by producing larger batches, and then eventually getting down to opening his own specialty coffee shop.

Prodigal Roasters’ limited-but-focused menu features a selection of coffees, teas and sweet treats. The aromatic single-origin coffees – sourced from Panama – are roasted in-house and coffee lovers can purchase these lovely roasts in 250-gram packages at S$15 each. Prices of coffees here range from S$3 for an espresso, S$4 for a flat white to S$4.50 for a mocha.

We thoroughly enjoyed the fragrant, smooth and medium-bodied coffees that have struck a harmonious balance between fruity and nutty.

It is worth mentioning that the exact flavour profile of these beans will be changed every month as Prodigal Roasters is passionate in introducing new flavours to its customers.

The handcrafted desserts are baked in-house and we must say, that is quite an impressive feat for such a small-scale boutique cafe. Complement your coffees with a Miso Cheese Tart (S$4.50) or a Rocky Road Tart (S$4.50).

Prodigal Roasters
Blk 625 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9
#01-112
Singapore 560625
Tel: +65 9450 0484
Tue: 12pm – 7pm
Wed to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Yio Chu Kang

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Previously located along Beach Road, Candour Coffee—a Melbourne-inspired specialty coffee shop—has shifted to 72 Duxton Road and it is a spot that all coffee lovers have to check out. The minimalistic cafe directly imports their beans from Dukes Coffee Roasters and Market Lane Coffee. For those not the in the know, these two roasteries hail from Melbourne and are exceptionally popular for their high-quality blends.

Melburnian coffee aside, Candour Coffee’s menu also features a selection of MAN CHA teas, wholesome savouries, delectable sweet treats and alcoholic drinks! We dropped by one weekend and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of their cuppas.

Start with an aromatic flat white (S$6++). Prices are considered pretty steep but that is only because what you are getting is a top-notch caffeinated espresso beverage prepared with blends that have been directly imported from the coffee capital of the world – aka Melbourne.

Their newly launch Bacon-wrapped Chicken Burger (S$11++) is sinful but absolutely delicious. A generous amount of bacon, chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato and homemade barbecue sauce is stuffed between two burger buns.

For desserts, help yourselves to the petite Matcha Azuki Tart (S$6++) topped with fresh fruits, or opt for the Buttermilk Waffles with Seasonal Fruits (S$8.50++). You can also top it off with a scoop of ice-cream (S$3++) – choose from black sesame, chocolate, grape, matcha, vanilla and yuzu.

Candour Coffee
72 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089531
Tel: +65 9457 0070
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram/ Chinatown