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

‘Lunch hour’ might just be every executive’s favourite thing to hear – after ‘knock off’, of course!

But as much as you are excited to get out of the office for a breather, we all know that the lunchtime crowd in Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) can be a nightmare. Cafes, hawker centres and restaurants alike are jam-packed with throngs of executives.

Most of you have probably given up on the idea of a peaceful lunch. But having a quiet meal in the CBD is actually possible if you do takeaways and/or bring your own lunch box and do a therapeutic private lunch away from the crowds. Yes, we have some of the best spots rounded up in this post and we are ready to share.

From Ann Siang Hill Park, Telok Ayer Green to The Promontory, here are 7 Best Locations For A Take-Out Lunch in Singapore’s CBD That You Probably Did Not Know About.

#1 ANN SIANG HILL PARK

Ann Siang Hill Park can be accessed from Ann Siang Hill and Ann Siang Road itself. The tranquil park offers an alternative view of the surrounding restored shophouses while enjoying your lunch quietly. Plenty of seats are available too. Note that smoking is strictly prohibited here.

#2 HONG LIM PARK

Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park is interestingly the only venue in Singapore where “public demonstrations” are allowed (only after you have obtained a police permit). The heritage park is dotted with benches, and it is big enough for everyone to have their own space.

Trash bins are aplenty , so remember to bin your lunch boxes and help to upkeep the cleanliness of this place, as an act of consideration towards other lunch-goers who enjoy coming here for a quick lunch break too. If a trash bin is full, don’t just put your litter on top of or beside it – that’s still littering! Bin it at the next available bin which is just a few steps away.

#3 SINGAPORE RIVER

This spot right outside UOB Plaza is a popular one and is no hidden secret by now. A peaceful lunch there whilst enjoying scenic views of the river is a much needed break from all the stress at work.

Ever wondered what Kit Chan was referring to when she sang “river which brings us life” in everyone’s favourite national song ‘Home’? This is it – our Singapore River. While enjoying the river sights at lunch, let’s also remember to do our part and refrain from littering, to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of the place for future generations to come. We would want our children and grandchildren to truly understand what ‘Home’ means when they sing it in years to come. A clean and green Singapore, we will always be.

#4 TELOK AYER GREEN

Located at the corner of Boon Tat Street and Amoy Street is Telok Ayer Green, a little park with rich historical backgrounds of Singapore’s early settlements. To our surprise, most of these public benches are mostly empty during peak hours! Consider this spot for some me-time over takeaway lunches.

#5 TELOK AYER PARK

Situated just across the iconic Red Dot Museum is Telok Ayer Park, a public space bounded by Cecil Street Maxwell Road and Telok Ayer Street. The mini park’s looming shady trees provide you a temporary respite from the unbearable heat. Grab a friend and dine on the wooden benches or swing seats.

After you are done with your sumptuous lunch, don’t just leave your litter behind. Remember to dispose of them into the litter bins available. Just like how we like to be welcomed by a clean park, we would want to keep it the same way for the next user.

#6 THE LAWN

The Lawn, located just above Marina Bay Link Mall, is an ultra spacious field sandwiched between the towering skyscrapers of Marina Bay Sands. Gather your colleagues and have a picnic on the field or chill out by the benches.

This is one spot in the Marina area that is ideal for a momentary escape from work. Its spaciousness and abundance of surrounding greenery is akin to an oasis within the concrete jungle. A city respite, we’d like to call it; one that we can escape to every day during lunch hour.

#7 THE PROMONTORY

Cross the road from The Lawn and you will find yourself at The Promontory. The beautiful area boasts spectacular views of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands and Art Science Museum. It might be deemed as a touristy spot, but we do think it makes a great location for a take-out lunch.

With the cool breeze blowing while you eat, it is not uncommon that a piece of serviette or an empty paper bag may get blown onto the ground. Let’s not turn a blind eye to these ‘flyaway’ litter and remember to pick them up and trash them. After all, think of how tourists come here often, and that we would want to present the best and cleanest side of Singapore to them.

This post was brought to you by National Environment Agency (NEA).