Opened by the folks behind Department of Caffeine and Two Degrees North Coffee Co., The Populus Coffee & Food Co. opened its doors to public late last year, and it has been our favourite cafe in Singapore since.

You see, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is everything a good cafe should be – a neat decor with plants and natural sunlight, comprehensive food menu with wholesome meals and homemade desserts, and a brilliant cuppa.

With the rise of demands for cafes in Singapore, more and more are sprouting out across the island, but sadly, everyone is just cutting corners and compromising on the quality – whatever they are. Thank God The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is nothing like that at all, and they always strive to bring the best experience to cafe-goers.

Upon stepping in the The Populus Coffee & Food Co., any coffee lover would be enchanted by the centralised set-up. The coffee bar, with the sleek coffee machine, is a sexy one that will not go unnoticed. Watch the baristas in action, have a chat with them and they will be happy to share their knowledge about third wave coffee with you; smells are free, too!

The coffee beans are roasted exclusively by Two Degrees North Coffee Co, with 3 blends and 4 single origins at the moment.

You cannot leave The Populus Coffee & Food Co. without having a cup, that’s for sure. We’ve had several cups since its soft launch days, and never once were we disappointed.

The menu was painstakingly put together with the good thoughts of feeding their patrons healthily and well. Your best bet will be the Grains Bowl (S$18) that features quinoa, beautiful grilled vegetables and roast chicken. Honest earthy flavours so healthy and fulfilling, this is what we’d like to think of health food.

Then, there is the Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae that stole our hearts. This is one unexpected creation, and what might look like just a sundae is actually way more than that.

The Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae (S$14) is a mind-blowing bowl of homemade Tahitian vanilla ice cream with fresh lemon jelly, rosewater meringue, white chocolate crumb, popping candy, cornflakes and citron mascarpone. The end result is a sophisticated bowl of well-balanced citrusy and milky flavours that left us longing for more.

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
146 Neil Road
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon & Wed: 9am – 7 pm
Thu & Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram

Read: We spoke to several cafe owners to get a gist on how much it costs to open a new cafe in Singapore – from rental, to interior design, labour cost, and kitchen equipment.

Department of Caffeine (D.O.C.), one of our favourite cafes in Singapore, has recently introduced two lobster dishes that everyone must try. The Lobster BLT “Roll” is reasonably priced at S$18.50, while the more luxurious Lobster Club – the full works on a toasted brioche – is S$21.50 and only available during weekend brunch.

Technically speaking, Department of Caffeine’s rendition is more like a BLT sandwich rather than a lobster roll, but we’d like to think of it as the same thing, but with more bang for the buck.

At S$18.50, you get a Lobster BLT with butter poached Boston lobster tail, Louisiana hot sauce mayo, rocket, wasabi sprouts, fresh tomato, flying fish roe, streaky bacon sandwiched between toasted sesame bun. Seriously, we have no ideas how the folks at Department of Caffeine can price it so cheap, but no one is complaining. It just gives us more reason to pig out, that’s it. Same for you, right?

The Lobster Club (S$21.50) is the full works topped with butter poached Boston lobster tail, tangy mayo, streaky bacon, and sunny side up on a toasted brioche. We are salivating just at the thought of it.

Both options come with crinkle cut fries, and we strongly recommend you to “upsize” it with extra lobster (S$5). For the full lobster experience, you can also get a cup of homemade Lobster Bisque with creme fraiche and croutons at only S$4.

Now, pick up your phone and make your reservation pronto.

Department of Caffeine
15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Located within the vicinity of Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area is Duxton – the ideal destination for an interesting foodie experience. Many hipster cafes and fancy restaurants are housed in the beautiful restored colonial shop houses lined up along Duxton Road and Duxton Hill.

From Melbourne-inspired hipster cafes to Italian restaurants, the dining scene in the Duxton neighbourhood is undeniably vibrant and nobody would have thought that Duxton was once infamous for its strip of sleazy karaoke lounges.

Here is our guide to Duxton Hill’s best restaurants, cafes and bars, featuring 11 dining destinations in the neighbourhood.

BUYAN RUSSIAN RESTAURANT & CAVIAR BAR

Fancy some caviar and Russian vodka? Buyan at Duxton Hill stands out for being one of the few Russian restaurants in Singapore. Some of the classic dishes that you can look forward to include Chicken Kiev (S$26), Beef Stroganov (S$30) and Kulebyaka (S$24) – traditional Russian pie with layers of salmon, rice and mushroom. For those who are working in the area, Buyan serves a value-for-money 2-course set lunch at S$15.

9 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6223 7008
Mon: 6pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DEPARTMENT OF CAFFEINE

Department of Caffeine, also known as D.O.C., is renowned for their excellent coffee and delicious brunch food. The passionate baristas roast their premium coffee beans with Five Senses Coffee – a dedicated Australian wholesale coffee roaster that aims to source the best single origin and blends via sustainable means.

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The brunch food served ranges from fresh poached salmon to fluffy buttermilk waffles, exuding homely vibes like its warm woody interiors. D.O.C. keeps its prices reasonably affordable, where a main course and regular salad costs only S$15 on weekdays. Reservations are strongly recommended as D.O.C. is usually packed to the brim on a daily basis.

Department of Caffeine is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

ETNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Etna Italian Restaurant is named after Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, where the world’s most excellent Italian ingredients are produced. Anna Borrasi, Singapore’s only female Italian Executive Chef, leads this fine Italian restaurant. Etna is one of the few restaurants awarded the Ospitalita Italiana Gold Seal Award, an award that acknowledges the superb Italian food and services provided. The elegant ambience is perfect for those looking for a place to celebrate that special occasion without burning a hole in the pocket.

49/50 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FLOR PATISSERIE

Flor Patisserie is no ordinary bakery. The pastries are largely influenced by the French but made with Japanese-origin ingredients and Japanese techniques, hence resulting in uniquely delicious East-meets-West creations. With a focus on freshness and quality, Flor’s surprisingly light soft sponge pastries are made possible with an absence of artificial additives and preservatives.

Treat yourself to Flor’s signature Berry Berries (S$6.40/slice, S$31.80/whole cake) or an iced cheese tart (S$3.40) that comes in 8 different flavours; caramel, choco orange, earl grey, green tea and yuzu, mango, maple, original and strawberry).

Flor Patisserie’s Strawberry Souffle is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s 50 Must-Try Desserts.

2 Duxton Hill #01-01
Tel: +65 6223 8628
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GROUP THERAPY CAFE

Finding Group Therapy is far from an easy feat; one has to navigate through the strip of restored shop houses, climb up a flight of stairs and push through a heavy door before stepping foot into the café.

But once all that was been done, a cozy café featuring an array of all-day brunch food and fantastic coffee (S$5.50) await. The food is unpretentious, featuring simple classics like poached eggs and smoked salmon on thick toast (S$15) & bacon and mushroom aglio olio (S$19).

Group Therapy Cafe is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best cafes.

49 Duxton Road
Tel +65 6222 2554
Tue to Thu: 11am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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KIKU

Japanese restaurant Kiku occupies a two level shop house along Duxton Road. Opened by Hong Kong restaurateur Calvin Yeung, Kiku has boldly defied Japanese dining conventions by incorporating both Kappo and Izakaya styles, presenting to customers an extensive Japanese menu that ranges from premium fresh blue fin sashimi flown in from Japan’s famous Tsukiji market to innovative sushis inspired by Southeast Asia cuisines.

21 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6225 5567
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LATTERIA MOZZARELLA BAR

Family-style Southern Italian Restaurant Latteria Mozzarella Bar is truly mad about the fragrant cheese. From Burrata (fresh artisanal cheese from Apulia with a solid outside and soft center, made from cow milk) to Bufala (fresh mozzarella made from water buffalo milk in Naples), Latteria is unsurprisingly home to Singapore’s widest selection of Mozzarella.

All the cheeses are directly from in from Italy, hence guaranteeing unrivalled freshness. When night falls, fairy lights light up the outdoor patio, exuding romantic vibes that are perfect for a cheesy affair.

40 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6866 1988
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

L’ENTRECOTE

L’Entrecote follows a Parisian concept that was started in the 1930s, where only one main, the E’entrecote steak (S$29.90/standard, S$39.90/large) is served. The thin slices of beef are complemented with a fresh walnut salad and free flow crispy golden French fries. Do note that Lentrecote on Duxton Hill does not accept any reservations, so do show up early to secure a seat.

L’Entrecote is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best steakhouses.

36 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6690 7561
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

MARS BAR

Mars Bar is a pop up bespoke bar that is well known for incorporating local flavours into their cocktails. If you feel adventurous, go for the exotic Chilli Crab Cocktail (S$22), which is interestingly made of kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass reduction, chilli crab paste, orgeat, Malibu and Tanqueray.

Safer alternatives include the creamy delicious Milo from Mars (S$20) and Atas Ribena Cocktail (S$20). The bar tenders are passionate mixologists dedicated in giving you the best experience possible. Simply tell them a drink you desire and watch in awe as they work their magic. Mars Bar will only be around till the end of the year, so what are you waiting for?

83 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 9651 6714
Mon to Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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MERCHANTS OF WINE

Merchants is a boutique wine cellar door selling over 200 artisan wines from New Zealand and Australia. These bottles of wine (from S$30 and onwards) are directly shipped from the outback and cannot be found in other stores.

Besides wine, Merchants is also a café-cum-bar serving excellent coffee (S$4/small, S$5/large) made from Dutch Colony blend. The food menu features all day brunch, bar bites and Western mains with wine pairings. Merchants also hosts pop-up cellar door tastings and wine pairing dinners from time to time. You know who to look for now if you are looking to host a private wine event.

52 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6222 1162
Mon to Fri: 8am till late
Sat: 9am till late
Sun: 10.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SABIO TAPAS BAR

Sabio Tapas Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work. Its extensive menu boasts over 50 hot and cold authentic mouthwatering tapas as well as a variety of imported wine and beers.

Must-orders include the succulent scallops (S$14), spicy chorizo in red wine (S$11), churros (S$9) and homemade sangria (S$12/glass, S$49/jug). The bar features a one-for-one tapas promotion every Monday where the complimentary tapas must be the same as the one ordered.

5 Duxton Hill
Tel: +65 6690 7562
Mon: 12pm – 11pm
Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

The Duxton Hill area has seen a revival in the recent years, and there are many new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in the neighbourhood. If you work in the area, or if you are looking for a new weekend brunch spot, one of the places that you should check out is Department of Caffeine.

With a name like that, it goes without saying that the folks at Department of Caffeine take their coffee seriously. They use sustainably-sourced speciality coffee beans, and you can be assured that every cuppa is up to the standard. This is a coffee joint in Singapore that we will definitely recommend. For non-coffee drinkers, the speciality hot chocolate here is also known to be very good.

For a fuss-free meal, Department of Caffeine has dishes from the counter which are prepared readily. A main course and regular salad is only S$15 – you get to choose between roast chicken and poached salmon for the main course; and for the salad, they have roasted beetroot, soba noodles or roasted cauliflower.

Main courses on the weekday menu include Minute Steak (S$16), Chicken Fillet Burger (S$15), and a 8 Hour Pulled Pork Burger (S$14.50). You must not leave without trying its Buttermilk Waffles (S$12.50). It is very very good. Crisp on the outside and light and fluffy in the centre, it makes for a luscious breakfast or a dessert after brunch.

Department of Caffeine is nothing fancy, but that is the main reason why we like it. Good, honest and simple food which represent decent value for money.

Department of Caffeine
15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.