Dive into Singapore’s vibrant café culture with our guide to the top 10 speciality coffee spots. From artisanal brews to unique atmospheres, discover where to find the best cups of coffee in the city.
Singapore’s coffee scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade, transforming from traditional kopitiams to a thriving hub of speciality cafés. As quite a few international coffee chains set up shop in Singapore such as Luckin (China), Kenangan (Indonesia) and Tim Hortons (Canada), local chains and standalones have the edge as they understand Singapore residents more to cater to our tastes.
These establishments not only serve exceptional coffee, but also create inviting spaces for socialising and relaxation, creating a constant boom in speciality cafes.
Alchemist
Alchemist is known for its dedication to sourcing unique coffee beans from various origins. With a focus on quality and flavour, their brews are crafted to highlight the distinct characteristics of each bean.
The décor resembles a science lab and the calm and serene environment makes it uniquely the perfect spot for both work and leisure. They took it one step further with elements of science introduced in their coffee such as their ‘Dark Matter’ Black Plum coffee and ‘Equilibrium’ with Yellow Plum and Raisin Chocolate.
Alchemist started with one outlet in 2016 and now has 10 outlets in Singapore.
Website: https://alchemist.global/pages/stores
Address:
● International Plaza: 10 Anson Road, #01-34 International Plaza, Singapore 079903
● Hong Leong Building: 16 Raffles Quay, #01-08 Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581
● Khong Guan Building: 2 MacTaggart Road, #01-01 Khong Guan Building, Singapore 368078
● The Mill: 5 Jalan Kilang, #02-02 The Mill, Singapore 159405
● CIMB Plaza: 30 Raffles Place, #B1-11 CIMB Plaza, Singapore 048622
● 71 Robinson: 71 Robinson Road, #01-01, Singapore 068895
● The Heeren: 260 Orchard Road, #01-ORA The Heeren, Singapore 238855
● Asia Square: 8 Marina View, #01-07 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
● Ocean Financial Centre: 10 Collyer Quay, #01-K1, Singapore 049315
● Funan: 107 North Bridge Road, #01-01 Funan, Singapore 179105
Nylon Coffee Roasters
Started in 2012, Nylon Coffee Roasters is a favourite among locals for its commitment to quality. They source beans globally and for certain coffee origins, they only partner with trusted exporters with the same business principles.
All imported beans are roasted in-house on a German-made Probat UG-15 roaster, replicating the cast iron drum design from the 1950s, ensuring freshness and flavour. The café’s minimalist decor complements its focus on exceptional coffee, making it a must-visit for coffee aficionados.
Website: https://nylon.coffee
Address: 4 Everton Park, #01-40, Singapore 080004
Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters has established itself as an iconic name in Singapore’s coffee landscape. They focus on sustainably sourced beans and offer a diverse menu such as Niro Honey Oat Latte and CMCR Espresso Martini.
They offer a world-class brunch experience that caters to all tastes, such as Umami Mushroom Avocado Toast and Ribeye Steak & Eggs on their breakfast menu. The café also features a barista training academy, with a curriculum designed to nurture baristas from the ground up.
Website: https://commonmancoffeeroasters.com
Address: 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058
Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Dutch Colony Coffee Co. prides itself on being deeply involved in the entire bean-to-cup process. They offer a wide selection of single-origin coffees and host workshops for those looking to deepen their coffee knowledge.
Their headquarters hosts their state-of-the-art roaster, as well as the support team and academy with production flow clearly seen behind glass partitions. The casual atmosphere makes it an inviting place for both newcomers and seasoned drinkers, though at their Frankel Avenue outlet, its black and brown interior exudes a more intimate setting.
Website: https://www.dutchcolony.sg
Addresses:
● FRANKEL AVENUE: 113 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458230
● UE SQUARE Mall: 81 Clemenceau Avenue, #01-21 UE Square Mall, Singapore 239917● FUSIONOPOLIS ONE: 1 Fusionopolis Way, #01-01 Fusionopolis One, Singapore 138632
● NEW TECH PARK: 151 Lorong Chuan, #01-08 New Tech Park, Singapore 556741
● OUR TAMPINES HUB: 1 Tampines Walk, #01-K8 Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523
● ELEMENTUM: 1 North Buona Vista Link, #01-04 Elementum, Singapore 139691
● ROASTERY & ACADEMY DEFU LANE: 127 Defu Lane, 10 #02-03, Singapore 539234
Originating from Australia in 1997, founder Toby Smith travelled and lived amongst coffee-producing communities. Since 2011, Toby’s Estate has quickly become a beloved café in Singapore. Known for its meticulous brewing techniques, this café serves up some of the best espresso-based drinks in town.
The rustic décor and spacious setting that looks like a cottage popped up in Central Singapore makes it ideal for a relaxing brunch or casual meetings.
They have a monthly rotating single-origin coffee, adding increased transparent in their coffee offerings. They even offer free tasting events, where you’ll be able to chat with their coffee team and learn about how to perfect your next brew!
Website: https://tobysestate.com.sg
Address: 8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216
Foreword Coffee
Foreword Coffee stands out not only for its exceptional brews but also for its social enterprise model. Not only serving quality coffees, but they also provide training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, preparing them to work in the food services industry.
Their menu features a range of speciality coffees sourced from Asia. You get to enjoy a warm cup of PureBrew Filter Coffee or Double Chocolate Oat Mocha while knowing that every cup you enjoy is contributing to a greater cause.
Website: https://forewordcoffee.com
Address: 64 Club Street, Singapore 069511
PPP Coffee
Formerly known as Papa Palheta, PPP Coffee is renowned for its artisanal approach to coffee roasting and brewing. The café offers a cosy atmosphere where patrons can enjoy expertly crafted drinks while learning about the nuances of different coffee beans.
If you’re looking to recreate a good cup of coffee at home, they also sell equipment such as the Rocket Giotto Cronometro R. If you’re interested but unsure, you can book a demo to understand the machine before deciding.
At their original outlet at Tyrwhitt Road, it is housed in a former hardware store and the decor reflects this with a bare-bone, raw metal, industrial interior.
Website: https://pppcoffee.com
Address:
● PPP Coffee @ New Bahru: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-06 New Bahru, Singapore 239351
● PPP Coffee @ Funan: 107 North Bridge Road, #02-19 Funan, Singapore 179105
● The Annex @ CSHH: 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
Fahrenheit Coffee
Nestled within SPA Club, °F, Fahrenheit Coffee, is an intimate space perfect for those looking to enjoy quality coffee in a tranquil environment, an oasis that is off the beaten path amid the daily hustle and bustle.
Their menu features a variety of unique blends and single-origin coffees, complemented by delicious desserts such as their Canelés and 145°F Signature Kaya Toast Set with Sous Vide Eggs that enhance the overall experience.
Website: https://fahrenheitcoffee.sg
Address: 75 Beach Road, #01-00A Fu Yuen Building, Singapore 189689
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
With over five decades of experience, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee is a pioneer in Singapore’s speciality coffee scene. The café offers an extensive selection of beans from around the world and hosts workshops led by founder Tan Tiong Hoe himself, providing valuable insights into the art of coffee brewing.
Their social media goes behind the scenes with the employees, building a close-knit community and experience even before you’ve step foot in their stores.
Website: https://tionghoe.com
Address:
● Stirling Road: 170 Stirling Road, #01-1133, Singapore 140170
● Balmoral Plaza: 271 Bukit Timah Road, #01-08 Balmoral Plaza FairPrice Xtra, Singapore 259708
● Marine Parade: 80 Marine Parade Road, #03-28 Parkway Parade FairPrice Xtra, Singapore 449269
● One-North (Galaxis): 1 Fusionopolis Place, #01-28/29 Galaxis, Singapore 138522
● Paya Lebar (SingPost Centre): 10 Eunos Road 8, #01-117/118/119 SingPost Centre Twyst, Singapore 408600
● Raffles Place: 5 Raffles Place, #B1-25/26 Raffles Xchange Twyst, Singapore 048618
● Tanjong Pagar (Guoco Tower): 7 Wallich Street, #B1-09 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078884
● VivoCity: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-23 VivoCity FairPrice Xtra, Singapore 098585
● Woodleigh (The Woodleigh Mall): 11 Bidadari Park Drive, #B1-32/33 The Woodleigh Mall FairPrice Finest, Singapore 367803
Cata Coffee
Cata Coffee is committed to bridging the gap between consumers and independent coffee growers. Their focus on quality and seasonality ensures that every cup reflects the best of what each origin offers. The café’s design emphasises sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
Inexperienced in brewing your own coffee at home? On their website, they have sections on how to brew coffee for the benefit of home coffee drinkers.
Website: https://catacoffee.com/
Address: 56 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427780
The Coffee Community
Café hopping in Singapore offers not just great coffee but also an opportunity to explore diverse atmospheres and meet like-minded individuals who share one’s passion for this beloved beverage. Each of these ten cafés provides a unique experience that showcases the artistry behind speciality coffee brewing. Whether one is a local or a visitor, these spots are essential stops on one’s caffeine journey through Singapore.
