Founded by Tiong Hoe Gim Kee Trading Co—a reputable pioneer in Singapore’s competitive coffee industry with more than half a century worth of experience in roasting coffee beans—Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee opened at Stirling Road in Queenstown HDB Estate back in 2014 and it remains one of the most popular coffee shops in Singapore until today.

Coffee is naturally serious business at Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee. It is a paradise for all coffee lovers. While most of us head there for a good cup of coffee, budding baristas can also look forward to a splendid showcase of brewing equipment, espresso bar accessories and coffee beans from all over the world.

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee currently roasts its coffee beans on site, but they are in the midst of moving their coffee roaster to another space.

Set foot in and you will be greeted by gigantic sacks of coffee beans and a crowd of coffee enthusiasts.

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee boasts several roasted single-origin and an espresso blend. Prices range from S$3.70 for an espresso to S$5.30 for an iced cappuccino.

Coffee blends are typically on a rotational basis, which means you will probably get to savour a different type of coffee each time you visit Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee.

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
170 Stirling Road
Singapore 140170
Tel: +65 6473 1133
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

Nestled in an enclave of cafes in Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel is a chic French café that took over the premises of the now-defunct The Orange Thimble. Located right next to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the café operates as a brunch spot in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night.

With a variety of French bakes and mains features in their daytime menu and an even larger assortment of hot beverages and alcoholic drinks, Merci Marcel is the perfect place for a gathering with friends or a romantic date with your other half.

Here’s a peek into what you can expect from this enchanting Parisian-style cafe in Tiong Bahru.

Merci Marcel is an Instagram-worthy Parisian-style café that emits a charming ambience and it is separated into three dining areas—an outdoor lounge, the main dining hall with a fully-stocked bar and an air-conditioned courtyard.

With natural sunlight filtering in through the glass roof, the cafe’s iconic indoor courtyard boasts the best seats for food and OOTD pictures.

The cafe’s delightful Smoked Salmon Burger (S$21++) makes for a wholesome meal that will start your day right if you are dropping by for breakfast. Their robust burger came with warm toasted bretzel bun, avocado slides, smoked ham and a side of mesclun salad tossed in olive oil and white wine vinegar dressing.

End your meal on a sweet note with a plate of French Toasts Brioche (S$17++), drizzled with honey and topped with summer berries. The French toast was very aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and definitely made for the ‘gram but the taste was not mindblowing and we have tried better ones elsewhere.

However, Merci Marcel’s signature croissant (S$3++) is a must-order! The croissant might look ordinary but the taste was phenomenal—it was one of the best croissants that we’ve had in Singapore.

Patrons can expect an airy and flaky crisp croissant baked with rich and creamy French butter which made it good on its own. The raspberry jam provided at the side gave it a zesty contrast and added an uplifting bite to the croissant.

Patrons can also look forward to other options such as Ravioles de Royans (S$18++) and three goat cheese platter (S$24++).

Coffee lovers will be interested to know that Merci Marcel outsources their coffee beans from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee where the beans are roasted locally in Singapore.

Without a doubt, this Parisian café is gaining attention fairly quickly for its charming ambience and we would definitely recommend this brunch spot to our friends.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Words by Fion Lee
Edited by Julee Ooi