Situated amidst the hustle and bustle of Upper Thomson Road is a brand new addition to Singapore’s cafe scene—Columbus Coffee Co.

Managed by the same people behind Atlas Coffeehouse and Lunar Coffee Brewers, Columbus Coffee Co. is a stylish new brunch concept that delivers a straightforward menu with exceptional yet not overly-pretentious dishes and a curated selection of coffee brews. Coffee aficionados may be interested to know that the coffee beans are roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co.

Served by a team of energetic young baristas and waitstaff, enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality at Columbus Coffee Co which officially starts its operations today. 

Taking over the now-defunct Wolfpack, Columbus Coffee Co. is designed with functionality in mind—making use of industrial decor, wooden furniture and greenery to create a comfortable and inviting environment that does not compromise on style.

The Cheese Burger and Curlies (S$19++)—one of the two burger options available on the menu—impressed us with the combination of textures and flavours that left us yearning for more after we were done.

What you will find sandwiched between two butter brioche buns is a juicy herbed beef patty, fried sherry onions, creamy slaw and the most addictive topping of all—sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth. The hearty dish comes with crispy curly fries as an accompaniment.

Their All-Day Brunch features a list of comforting mains and one that we would highly recommend is the Columbus Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$14.50+), which is essentially buttermilk marinated chicken wings that are deep-fried to a perfect shade of golden brown.

We sank our teeth into what was possibly one of the juiciest buttermilk chicken wings we have tried in a long time. Diners can also opt for Hot Sauce (S$1) and beer (Half Pint – S$5, Full Pint – S$8.50) to fully complete the ultimate fried chicken experience.

As for desserts, Columbus Coffee Co. carries a range of Buttermilk Waffles in five different flavours. We decided to go for the Earl Grey Caramel Waffle (S$12.50++) which features a freshly made waffle, chopped strawberries, a scoop of earl grey-flavoured ice cream and generous caramel sauce drizzled over top.

Our recommendation is to tuck into the waffles immediately once it it served as it may turn slightly soggy once the ice cream melts over it.

Other options on their menu include Pastas such as Aglio Olio (S$16++), Mushroom Bacon Carbonara (S$19++) and light munchies with the likes of Shoe String Fries (S$8+) and Chili Beef Nachos (S$12++).

Choose your own espresso blend—Atlas or Nautica—and have it prepared in various ways such as a Long Black (Reg – S$4.50++, Large – S$5++), Cappuccino (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++), Latte (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++) and more.

As mentioned earlier, Columbus Coffee Co. gets their coffee beans from Two Degrees North Coffee Co., a renowned roaster that sources their single origin beans from coffee capitals of the world, Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya.

Columbus Coffee Co.
220 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574352
Tel: +65 6253 6024
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Updated: The Dispensary is no longer in operation.

Walk into this quaint little cafe at the far end of the trendy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood and you will be greeted with a unique interior and atmosphere that you will not be able to find anywhere else.

What used to be a traditional Chinese medicine hall is now The Dispensary, a one-of-a-kind cafe concept that preserved what was left of its former tenant, to weave it into their new and fresh old-meets-new concept.

Cafe hopping can be pretty boring after some time, if you see the same interior over and over again. Unless you encounter gems like The Dispensary, with an interior that marries old and new perfectly with the old Chinese medicine shelves still on display as a backdrop of the cafe counter.

The Dispensary has both an air-conditioned indoor sitting and an alfresco dining area outside, perfect for beautiful Instagram shots or to relax on a non-humid day. A mini balcony area is also sometimes open for customers to hang out at.

Their cakes are especially raved about by many, so it should be on the top of your must-try list if you do make a trip down! If you like retro things or are into traditional Singapore heritage, you will definitely enjoy your time here. Yes, there is free wifi too!

The Dispensary
69 Tiong Bahru Road
Singapore 168723
Tel: +65 6536 0225
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am to 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Trends come and go, and there are always new fads to love. Cafes are aplenty, and we have no lack of options. There are all kinds of menus, each with their own signatures and special dishes.

But some things stay gold forever, and we welcome them at any time of the day.

Whether it is a slice of rainbow cake or a stack of fluffy pancakes, we’ve noticed the longstanding love culminating in everyone for these hipster foods.

We are rounding up the 8 well-loved hipster food that are commonly found at cafes. They not only make everyone travel to the ends of the island just to satisfy that burning craving, but also get the most likes on Instagram.

BASSASS BURGER

What every man needs. ‘Nuff said. More cheese oozing out on the sides, please.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE

We’ve seen countless of Instagram videos and photos for this. Hot, liquid-y rich chocolate flowing out from a cut-up chocolate cake. Shut up and take our money!

Read our guide to Singapore’s best chocolate lava cake.

EGGS BENEDICT

We all love a good poached egg with runny yolk. And that dope Hollandaise sauce that is creamy to a fault? Yes, please.

LATTE

Maybe you are not too big a coffee fan. But a cup of quality brew with pretty latte art? That’s definitely going up on our Instagram.

Read our guide on Singapore’s best independent coffee shops.

PANCAKES

A stack of fluffy goodness always does the trick. We love a generous serving of pancakes – flavoured or not. Topped with fruit bits and drizzled with some chocolate or caramel sauce, of course.

RAINBOW CAKE

Not for the fact that we are obsessed with getting likes on Instagram, but what is to not love about a pretty cake that can easily lift our spirits?

Read our guide on Singapore’s best rainbow cakes.

WAFFLES

Just as satisfying and one that we will never get sick of is waffles. Why, wouldn’t you go weak in the knees if that pretty thing is served with a scoop of ice-cream?

Read our guide on Singapore’s best waffles.