Opened by the folks behind Smitten Cafe, Necessary Provision is a gem and a wonderful spot for people who stay in the West of Singapore.

When I first heard about Necessary Provisions, I was really excited for a few reasons. First, I know that they will have good coffee as it is by Smitten Cafe. Second, the cafe is very near to my place – I can get there in ten minutes. Third, I have always lamented the fact that we lack a good coffee joint in this part of the island. While we have seen many cafes sprouting up over the past few years, somehow, there is not any cafe that serves good coffee in the west.

The cafe is at Eng Kong Terrace (a residential area in Bukit Timah), and while the location is extremely inaccessible, it has already built up a strong following. On weekdays, it has a good crowd, with regulars getting their caffeine fix while doing some work (the cafe has free Wi-Fi and power plugs). On weekends, it is almost impossible to get a table for brunch unless you get there early.

Necessary Provisions offers several options for coffee. For espresso based coffees, choose between the Black (S$4) and White (S$5). They also do a Pourover: V60 or Chemex (S$6.50).

The food menu is simple and earnest. There is an all day menu which features breakfast items like Banana Nutella Panini (S$5), Savoury Scones (S$5) and a selection of Sandwiches (S$9) with house salad. During dinner, the dinner menu (from 6pm till late) consists of small plates (S$6 – S$12), pastas (S$14), burgers (S$14) and fish (S$22).

Necessary Provisions is a great addition to the blooming local cafe scene. I am very happy that there is a nice cafe which serves excellent coffee in my neighbourhood. If you are staying in the area, you must check it out.

Necessary Provisions
Eng Kong Park
21 Eng Kong Terrace
Singapore 598993
Tel: +65 9231 7920
Wed – Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

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

Note: Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar is now closed.

Many indie cafes have been making a name for themselves in the local scene, and I think it is a good thing because more and more people are starting to appreciate coffee.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar at Robertson Quay is one of those that has been gaining loyal followers for serving good coffee. If you are going on a cafe hopping adventure, you should definitely include it in your list.

As the cafe has a small kitchen space, it does not have many options on the food menu – with just a few paninis and a small selection of cakes on display. But that’s perfectly fine because Smitten is more of a place where you go for a cup of good coffee; to chill out and learn more about coffee and tea; or if you want a quiet spot to read a book and do some work.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar has quickly become one of my favourite hangout places whenever I am at Robertson Quay. Do drop by for a cup of coffee when you are in the area.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar
60 Robertson Quay
#01-11 The Quayside, Singapore
Tel: +65 9876 2347
Mon–Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

If you are interested in coffee, read the Beginners Guide to Coffee here