Throw a stone in any direction in Singapore and chances are, it’ll land on a cafe. It’s official, Singaporeans are mad about cafes—and we’re only getting madder. But gone are the days where cafes used to be places offering people a respite from the hustle and bustle, to catch up on reading or simply to lounge about in the comfort of good company, a nice warm beverage and a light snack to match.

Nowadays, the appeal of hipster cafes is a tad different. It’s all about the aesthetics, the so-called ’wow factor’ and whether or not certain qualities—be it the food, drinks or interior—are worthy of the ‘gram’ or not.

It’s times like these where one really should know where to find a nice quiet cafe, one devoid of the hipster crowd, the noise and simply a place that offers a conducive space to work, read or lounge about. Here is our list of 10 quiet cafes to get lost in a good book without distractions.

% ARABICA CHIP BEE GARDENS

Like all their other outlets, % Arabica Chip Bee Gardens is decked out in its signature clean and minimalistic white interior. The shop space is also more spacious and less crowded as compared to their other outlets at Arab Street and 313@Somerset and it has both air-conditioned seating as well as an al fresco area.

% Arabica Chip Bee Gardens is also the only % Arabica outlet in the world to have a food menu which has been carefully considered and crafted to pair well with % Arabica’s skillfully brewed cuppas, so you know that you’ll be in for a treat.

44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-58
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6261 4516
Sun to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

BAKER’S BENCH BAKERY

This artisanal neighbourhood bakery along Bukit Pasoh Road churns out stellar bakes and gourmet sandwiches. From sticky cinnamon rolls to twice-baked croissants, they’ve got everything you need for a dignified brunch.

Caffeine junkies, not to worry, they also have a respectable selection of coffee brews and tea beverages.

Their interior brags of elegant Scandinavian vibes, replete with muted greens and lush plants. It’s the perfect backdrop for a peaceful getaway.

6 Bukit Pasoh Rd
Singapore 089820
Wed – Mon: 8.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

BRAWN & BRAINS

Tucked away in the iconic former Singapore Badminton Hall, Brawn & Brains’ clean interior allows for ample natural light to stream in. Visitors can look forward to fresh bakes, coffee, as well as scrumptious lunch options here. Avoid visiting them during lunchtime because the cafe packs quite a crowd then.

100 Guillemard Road
#01-02, Singapore Badminton Hall
Singapore 399718
Tel: +65 6348 0501
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

GROUP THERAPY

Fans of Group Therapy Coffee no longer have to travel to the CBD area for their Roasted Almond Latte. Its second outlet at Katong V Singapore is armed with the same laidback ambience and is considerably quieter.

The menu is slightly different from the original outlet at Duxton Road, but their promise of comfort food at affordable prices for the masses still stands. If you’re looking for a productive or meditative afternoon in the comfort of a warm dim cafe, Group Therapy is your best bet.

30 East Coast Road
Katong V #01-11
Singapore 428751
(Closed on Mondays)
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Eunos / Paya Lebar

JIMMY MONKEY CAFE AND BAR

Tucked away in a tranquil neighbourhood in One-North, Jimmy Monkey is known for their fantastic coffee blends. With the help of their state-of-the-art coffee machines, every sip of their brews is sheer indulgence at its best and make for a fantastic pick-me-up on any day.

#01-51 One-North Residences,
9 One-north Gateway,
Singapore 138643
Tel: +65 6777 8470
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: One North

LOOKSEE LOOKSEE

We all know how disgustingly humid Singapore’s weather can be, and more so especially if you’re wandering through Haji Lane. But fret not, because Looksee Looksee is the quintessential refuge for cafe hoppers and book lovers alike.

This gorgeous reading room cum tea salon is dressed in pretty pastels fit for a princess. They have plenty of books for browsing if you’d like, you can actually bring the books you fancy home!

267 Beach Road,
Singapore 199545
Tel: +65 6338 8035
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

ONE MAN COFFEE

One Man Coffee is a specialty coffee concept that focuses on the art of the espresso. They share the premise with French eatery, Garçons, which operates in the evening once the humble coffee shop closes.

As stunning as their humble brews and latte art is, what we appreciate even more is the peace and quiet we get here during non-peak hours. Surrounded by the cafe’s chill music and occasional hissing of the espresso machine’s steamer spout, One Man Coffee is one of our favourite hideouts on a relaxing afternoon.

215R Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 9658 1685
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

THE BOOK CAFE

If peace and quiet are what you’re looking for then The Book Cafe is your best bet. There is a diversified range of reading materials available here—several hundred local and foreign books, magazines and newspapers—all free for your reading pleasure.

Their all-day breakfast line-up is simple yet hearty nonetheless and there are many couches indoors, allowing you to simply chill the afternoon away in comfort.

#01-02, 20 Martin Road,
Seng Kee Building,
Singapore 239070
Tel: +656887 5430
Daily: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

THE BRAVERY

Pancake lovers, you have every reason to rejoice! The Bravery Cafe—one of our favourite halal cafes—serves possibly the tastiest and fluffiest pancakes in Singapore. The cafe’s renowned Pancakes Stack features a triple stack of fluffy pancakes topped with caramelised bananas and a dollop of ricotta cheese, and is drizzled generously with golden syrup.

Once you’ve demolished that, feel free to fall into the serene embrace of the place with a cup of their signature Lavender Latte.

Avoid lunchtime if you want to spend some quality peaceful time alone. The Bravery is usually relatively quiet for the rest of the day.

66 Horne Road
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Mon, Wed, Thu & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Lavender

THE MOON

Seated in the heart of Chinatown, The Moon is a great refuge from the tourist-saturated streets. This gorgeous book cafe calls out to our inner hippy spirits with its charming Bohemian vibes, replete with earthy tones and exotic rugs. Sit back with a cup of their specialty coffee or a slice of cake.

Their abode houses a ton of good reads that you can browse through. But note that the books are limited to within the reading area only!

37 Mosque St
Singapore 059515
Sun – Tues: 11am – 9pm
Wed: 11.30am – 9pm
Thurs: 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

For some of us, pink reminds us of sugar, spice, and everything nice for that little girl who dreams of pretty houses and Barbies.

We’ve sussed out 10 pink cafés and restaurants for all who relate to the millennial colour.

Pimp up your Instagram feed with their minimalist interiors that are in soft and charming shades of pink to make your friends pink with envy. It’s the colour of universal love of one’s self and of others, symbolic of friendship, harmony, and inner peace.

Photo Credit: amberembersg (left)

AMBER EMBER

Amber Ember is for all-day brunch meals within walls in the shade of amber pink. It exudes simple yet charming vibes, with marble and wooden furnishings that are decorated with potted plants and paintings. Their K-Pork Jaffles (S$10) has purple sweet potato mash that’s both sweet and deliciously creamy.

730 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Tel: +65 6926 3312
Tue to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

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Photo Credit: endonana__(left), carollaisw (top right), stephenpoon (bottom right)

BEAUTY IN THE POT

The newest and largest branch of Beauty In The Pot has walls and ceilings in the colour of cherry blossoms and marble floors that are stippled with pink quartz. Hungry insomniacs can get a hotpot supper with their much raved about Fried Beancurd Skin and Ebiko Prawn Paste to pair with slices of pork belly and beef. Try their Cooling Coconut Broth base for something different from the usual.

11 Tanjong Katong Road
KINEX, #03-38
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 6284 8820
Daily: 11:30am – 3am
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: cottondreams.co

COTTON DREAMS

Cotton candy flavoured milk still doesn’t exist but Cotton Dreams does have milk tea topped with a huge cloud of cotton candy. There’s even edible cotton candy bouquets and bubble tea vodka. Their dreamy interior reminds us of unicorns, bubble gum, and candy cane.

2 Orchard Link
*SCAPE, #02-18D
Singapore 237978
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: jigglytummy (left and bottom right), winelevigrub (top right) 

HEY SUGAR

Hey Sugar looks sweet and simple in a dainty shade of pastel pink. It’s a spot for a sugary treat when in the Keat Hong neighbourhood. Ask for an all-day set that’s complete with iced tea and a waffle topped with a scoop of ice-cream. At their counter are also dainty slices of cakes like Ondeh Ondeh and Rainbow Vanilla to add on.

818 Choa Chu Kang Ave 1, #01-06
Singapore 680818
Sun to Thu: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Fri & Sat: 12:30pm – 11:30pm
Nearest Station: Choa Chu Kang

LA MARELLE CAFÉ AND BOUTIQUE

La Marelle pops up from the minimalist cafes in this list. It reminds us of a whimsical birthday party with paper lanterns, raindrop motifs, and pink backdrops with food served on beautifully crafted plates. Ladies will likely adore their range of hand-crafted accessories on sale.

25A Baghdad Street
Singapore 199664
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Nicoll Highway

Photo Credit: jezzywangg (top left), msfoodhunter (bottom left), denisey27 (bottom right)

LOOKSEE LOOKSEE

Looksee Looksee has a blush pink set up where you can browse through shelves of books. This reading room and tea studio by Lo and Behold Group works on a pay-as-you-wish system. Choose your tea flavours at the counter and lounge on their pink couch while you wait to be served.

267 Beach Rd
Singapore 199545
Tel: +65 6338 8035
Mon to Fri: 11am – 5pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Bugis/Nicoll Highway

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Photo Credit: estheriorr (left), madi_rin (top right), philinanana (bottom right)

LUMINE CAFÉ

Food meets fashion at LUMINE Café so shopaholics can take a breather after browsing the popular premium LUMINE line of premium retail. Indulge in Japanese parfaits while charging your phones with their USB ports. Update your Instagram feed with its tasteful tones of soft pink and rose gold with marble and light wooden textures.

6 Eu Tong Sen St, #02-20
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6224 0959
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: mymelodycafesg (top left), floof.chirp (bottom left), minyambot (right) 

MY MELODY CAFÉ

Step past a flower arch entrance into the world of My Melody Café and Instagram kawaii moments in the themed café. Food here fits the ”Strawberry Paradise” concept with Little Pink Riding Hood pink eggs benedict and On Cloud Nine candy floss-topped tea. The floor length windows lets in natural sunlight that’s best for photo-taking.

3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-361
Suntec City, West Wing
Singapore 038983
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Photo Credit: sugarfin.sg

SUGARFIN

Dive right in to Sugarfin for a perk me up cup of coffee held in a paper cup designed after Nissin cup noodles. Pair it with some fresh Lemon Loaf and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies for sweet eats. Watch their space for workshops like brush pen calligraphy and floral art too. They sell mocktails and alcohol if it’s friyay and you’re ready to say R.I.P. to sobriety.

21 Lor Telok
Singapore 049033
Tel: +65 6533 1301
Mon, Tue & Thu: 8:30am – 7pm
Wed: 8:30am – 8pm
Fri: 8:30am – 11:30pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay