For every Singaporean, there is perhaps one constant in our hectic lives – coffee. Gone are the days when a simple “kopi” would suffice. With so many cafes offering their finest brews and beans, it is often difficult to avoid the temptations. Hoping to jump on the bandwagon? Your prayers have been answered, because the team at Discover SG has compiled a list of the best places in Singapore that are made specifically for coffee lovers.
1) The Coffee Academics
Voted one of the best coffee shops in the world, The Coffee Academics’ first flagship store at Scotts Square stays true to its reputation. It houses some of the best and most premium coffee beans from around the world within its chic and pharaonic locale. Albeit on the pricier side, it’s worth every expense.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAT5xkmo2et/?taken-at=1020889924
Location: Level 2, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209
Opening Hours: Daily: 9.00am – 9.00pm
2) The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
Brought to you by the caffeinated minds of the now defunct Department of Caffeine, The Populus Café is an amalgamation of pretty latte art, expensive coffee equipment, and good looking serving staff (intentional?). Situated in one of the most popular café districts in Singapore, this is one place you definitely shouldn’t miss out during your café-hopping adventures.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOoOsnGpvc/?taken-at=1018904002
Location: 146 Neil Road, Singapore 088875
Opening Hours: Mon & Wed: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Thu & Fri: 9.00am – 10.30pm; Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm; Sun: 9.30am – 7.00pm; Closed on Tuesdays
3) The Assembly Ground
Fronted by the guys behind fashion label Benjamin Barker, you’re in for one hell of a stylish ride. The Assembly Ground’s predominant wooden interiors offers a cozy experience amidst the bustling crowd in town. Upon entering, coffee lovers are treated to a warm and welcoming ambience. The hanging bicycle fixtures are a nice touch too!
Location: 2 Handy Road, #01-21 The Cathay, 229233
Opening Hours: Daily: 11.00am – 10.00pm
4) Common Man Coffee Roasters
Boasting a “coffee counter” similar to a bar, Common Man Coffee Roasters is a chameleon among others. Known for constantly making tweaks to their menu to ensure novelty among its competitors, Common Man’s menu is definitely crafted out with lots of care. Although pricier than average, the coffee is exquisite.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA7M_buCaTm/?taken-by=commonmancoffee
https://www.instagram.com/p/_qH99riaVI/?taken-by=commonmancoffee
Location: #01-00, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.00am – 6.00pm
5) Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, aka CSHH for short, is one of the hippest coffee places in Singapore. Don’t be fooled by the rather unusual name as CSHH is the successive establishment owned by Papa Palheta, specialists in the coffee roasting business. With an exterior resembling an old shophouse, this quaint coffee joint emanates a nostalgic and retro 70s vibe.
Location: 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Sat & Sun: 9.00am – 10.00pm; Closed on Mondays
6) Paddy Hills
Featuring really, really Instagram-worthy views, Paddy Hills has certainly caused a big ruckus for its aesthetically gorgeous renditions of coffee and food. The center of the café also lies a coffee counter similar to the one found in Common Man, but even critics would agree that Paddy Hills is easily the prettiest café in Singapore.
https://www.instagram.com/p/_TxXrHQBjB/?taken-by=paddyhills.sg
Location: 38 South Buona Vista Road, Singapore 118164
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.30am – 10.00pm
7) Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Although there is another outlet situated at Upper East Coast, the ideal place for the most “feel” is located within the food paradise of PasarBella. Be wary, as this place gets overcrowded easily during the weekends unlike during the weekdays, when it is quiet and spacey with lots of natural light. Their coffee is widely regarded as intense and strong, so be prepared!
Location: #02-K67/68, PasarBella, The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9.00am – 7.00pm; Fri & Sat: 9.00am – 9.00pm; Sun: 9.00am – 7.00pm
8) Forty Hands
Forty Hands burst onto the scene as one of the very first coffee establishments in Singapore. Among others, they were part of the coffee revolution. Breathing new life into the dormant specialty coffee industry, Forty Hands takes coffee to a whole new level, with every sip a sensory experience. Fun fact: Harry Grover, genius behind this coffee joint, is also one of the founding fathers of Common Man!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBJB_Vuioii/?taken-at=214881949
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA9XjWOjlwM/?taken-at=214881949
Location: #01-12, 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 8.00am – 7.00pm; Fri & Sat: 8.00am – 10.00pm; Sun: 8.00am – 7.00pm; Closed on Mondays
9) Ronin
With its name meaning wandering samurais, it’s easy to forgive if you miss this little hidden gem. Despite being tucked away in a rather obscure location at Clarke Quay, Ronin is hugely trendy among coffee lovers. Unlike other cafes that are often glimmered with cheery vibes, Ronin takes no prisoners. With its dimmed lighting industrial-style decorations, Ronin is all serious in its passion for great coffee.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBPoaTcxtIk/?taken-at=223877583
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBJTnIlP0qk/?taken-at=223877583
Location: 17 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059660
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.00am – 8.00pm
10) Necessary Provisions
To end off the list, it is necessary (pun intended) to include Necessary Provisions. Essentially a coffee joint with limited food choices on their menu, it still manages to pull in quite a huge following. A haunt for students due to its convenient location near SIM and NP, Necessary Provisions is a must-visit for coffee lovers. Rumor has it, they were the first in Singapore to pioneer iced coffee cubes!
Location: Eng Kong Park, 21 Eng Kong Terrace, Singapore 598993
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 10.00am – 10.00pm; Fri & Sat: 10.00am – 12.00mn; Sun: 10.00am – 6.00pm; Closed on Mondays
Where are your favorite places to grab a cuppa?
