10 Best Places in Singapore That Are Specifically For Coffee Lovers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

These Are The Only 2 Places In Singapore To Get Your Salted Egg Yolk Croissants Right Now!

Move aside, liu sha baos – salted egg yolk croissants have landed, and people are going a little crazy over them. Think crisp and flaky outsides layered with soft, buttery insides that ooze molten, salted egg yolk custard when bitten into.

It’s a symphony for your taste buds: the light sweetness of the creamy egg yolk custard, and the buttery crispness of the croissant that kind of leaves you looking like you buried your mouth in a bowl of nachos cheese and flaky pastry.

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You can thank Flavour Flings, a Halal-certified café in Hougang, for introducing these babies onto their menu. At $7.50 a pop, it seems a slightly steep price to pay – but if you’re a salted egg yolk addict, then why the heck not.

Demand has reached a point where the eatery dedicates most weeknights to baking salted egg yolk croissants, with each customer entitled to buying just two croissants at a time. But be quick – they’re only available for takeaway from 5:30pm onwards, excluding Tuesdays and Sundays, and typically sell out within the hour.

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Flavour Flings
Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1348

Opening Hours:
11am – 4pm, 5:30 – 9pm (Mon, and Wed – Fri)
9am – 4pm, 5:30 – 9pm (Sat)
Closed Tuesdays and Sundays

If Hougang is slightly out of reach for you, french pastry patisserie Antoinette’s take on the sweet-and-savoury snack might be more your thing.

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Its custard is smooth and well-balanced – neither too rich nor sweet, and very much similar to the salted yolk centres you find in traditional mooncakes. You can get these at their Penhas Road outlet for $6.50 a piece, from 11am daily.

If you can stave off those salted egg yolk cravings, though, you could wait for these croissants to be introduced at its Mandarin Gallery and Sofitel outlets on February 10 at 1pm.

Antoinette
30 Penhas Road

Opening Hours:
11am – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11am – 11pm (Fri)
10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)

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(Featured image credits: Today Singapore)

5 Romantic Halal Restaurants To Dine At This Valentine’s Day

The team at Discover SG understand that it can be challenging to find a nice restaurant that is halal-friendly for Valentine’s Day.  That’s why we have created this comprehensive list of dinner places that not only offer a romantic ambience, but also serve up delicious Halal food!

1. 21 on Rajah

Take your date out for an ‘Arabian Night’ dinner buffet this Valentine’s Day. This dinner feast will comprise of signature dishes such as the Roasted US Prime Ribeye Beef, Sweet Pacific Clams and Tiger Prawns. You can also indulge in heartier dishes such as Braised Lamb Shank with Parsnip and Beetroot. Some of the dishes will be freshly served at the carving station.

On top of the gastronomic delight, couples can round up their Valentine’s Day by penning down their feelings on love notes and taking pictures at a special photo booth.

Damage: $39++ per adult (brunch), $43++ per adult (dinner)

21 on Rajah
Zhongshan Park, 1 Jalan Rajah
+65 6808 6847

2. Fika Swedish Café & Bistro

One of the more popular Halal cafés in Singapore, Fika is inspired by northern European décor serving authentic Swedish cuisine. It is owned and operated by Muslims, and is a Halal certified restaurant. Couples can enjoy a special set meal- a delicious smoked salmon salad for starters, juicy tender chicken for the main course, and a sponge cake for dessert. The best part is that this special offer is available for four days, from 11 to 14 Feb.

Damage: #$69++ for 2 (set course)

Fika Swedish Café & Bistro
257 Beach Road
+65 6396 9096

#01-20 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard
+65 6336 7234

#02-K3 OneKM, 11 Tanjong Katong Road
+65 6702 2456

3. Straits Kitchen

Straits Kitchen is offering a sumptuous buffet spread for couples to indulge in. The spread offers the best of local cuisine in a contemporary setting. The spread will be available for both brunch and dinner on February 14. Best part? Eat all your heart’s out!

Damage: $52++ per adult (lunch), $62++ per adult (dinner)

Straits Kitchen
Grand Hyatt, 10 Scotts Road
+65 6738 1234

4. J’s Restaurant

J’s Restaurant serves authentic Latin American cuisine- from Fajitas to Burritos, and Quesadillas. Their menu was recently re-designed to incorporate Modern European dishes. The semi-fine dining ambience and the variety of dishes will make a perfect setting for couples this Valentine’s Day.

Damage: à la carte

J’s Restaurant
#01-01 7 Purvis St
+65 6887 4787

5. Sofra Turkish Café and Restaurant

Tucked away in a quiet corner, Sofra (Turkish for dining table) serves authentic Turkish cuisine. This restaurant is a great place if you want a different dining experience. Their Adana kebab (Middle Eastern dish of minced meat) is succulent and juicy. Complete your meal with a cup of Kahva, Turkish coffee served with its grounds.

Price: $30-40 per person

Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant
#02-42 Shaw Tower
+65 6291 1433

(Featured image credits: Have Halal Will Travel)

This article is written by Roshni Kapur.

Milk and Honey – Affordable Yet Delicious Café Food In Bukit Batok!

Over at Bukit Batok HomeTeam NS, you’ll find Milk & Honey. It is a quaint and little café, not just an ice cream bar. You might walk past and miss delightful café, but pop in and you’ll find that they serve up delectable food at affordable prices!

The Ambience

Pretty walls, lovely furniture, quirky decorations and a well-lit interior. It is apparent that much thought was put into furnishing the café, to provide customers a relaxing and delightful dining experience. This is a wonderful place for a lazy Sunday brunch, or to enjoy desserts and coffee while catching up on some work.

The Food

What’s striking was the amount of detail and effort put into the presentation of the food and drinks served. The chefs deserve high praise for their work.

Egg Florentine, $9.40
Lightly poached egg, sautéed spinach, oven roasted roma tomata with thyme on donut waffle with gratinated hollandaise sauce and arrugula salad

The eggs were poached perfectly. Upon slicing, the yolks burst gloriously, releasing their golden goodness. The rocket salad was tasty and the portions were generous. More hollandaise sauce would be welcome, though!

Eggs Royale, $13.20
Lightly poached eggs, smoked salmon on donut waffle with gratinated hollandaise sauce and garnished with dill herb

The eggs were also poached perfectly. It might take you a while to find the smoked salmon slices, which were discreetly hidden under the eggs.

Coffee/ Tea, top up $2

Top up only $2 to your meal for gourmet coffee with a cookie on the side? Pretty presentation? Yes and yes!

Desserts

This was where the chefs one-upped themselves and created something even more magical! The same donut waffle base was used here, and the desserts were artfully decorated.

Mango Cheese, $6.20

Order this if you’re a sorbet lover, or you’re craving something refreshing and citrusy. A scoop of mango sorbet sat proudly upon the donut waffle, solidified by the strong foundation of mango cubes. Also, the dessert was well protected by a moat of invigorating passion fruit. Instead of the sorbet, eat the donut waffle together with the passion fruit. The burst of flavours in your mouth will instantly rejuvenate you.

Banana Crumble, $5.90

What do you get when you put smoked sea salt caramel gelato, caramelised baby banana with salted egg yolk and baked crumble all on top of a donut waffle? The answer is Banana Crumble! The kaleidoscope of strong, contrasting flavours combined harmoniously created a symphony of joyousness! However, this Banana Crumble can be overwhelmingly rich, so it’s advisable to order this for sharing.

Thoughtful interior decoration, warm and helpful staff, delicious food, the lack of crowds and best of all, affordable prices; you should definitely visit Milk & Honey for a delightful café experience.

Outlet & Opening Hours
HomeTeamNS
2 Bukit Batok West Avenue 7
#01-01/02/03
Singapore 659003

Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 10am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am to 11pm
(Last order at 930pm)

Katong Welcomes Its Newest Dog Cafe – And We Think You Will Love It!

Looking for a place to eat, chill and play with your beloved canine friends? Well, the newly opened 3 Barks Cafe has got you covered!

Finally, you can say goodbye to the pangs of guilt that strike as you walk out of the door and see your dog gazing up sadly at you..

Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc

 Located beside Scanteak in Joo Chiat, 3 Barks Cafe is situated beside an open car park and 200m away from a bus stop (Take Bus 16 from Bedok Interchange). So getting here is not difficult at all!

Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc

3 Barks Cafe was recently founded by 3 passionate dog lovers whose aim is to deliver the best dog cafe experience in Katong for you and your loved ones.

Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe

Friendly staff are also on site to play with your furry friends and attend to their every need!

Upon entering, the homely decor and aroma of hot, tasty food making you feel welcome instantly.

Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc

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The first floor is the cafe area for food, chilling and good times. Dig into hearty finger food with options such as sesame chicken wings, pepperoni pizza and even a mixed platter  for the indecisive folks.

Artisanal ice cream sandwiches, molten lava cake and waffles are also available to satisfy your post-meal sinful dessert cravings.

And don’t feel guilty about your pet going hungry while you dig into your food – there is a menu just for your beloved dogs! Options include a nutritious serving of chicken breast or salmon complete with brown rice, mashed sweet potato and steamed carrots!

Watch the pups play with each other as you savour your delicious food! / Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc

After a satisfying meal downstairs, head up to the Fun House on the 2nd floor and be greeted by…

Photo credits: Katong Kids Inc

…A wide collection of obstacles for your furry friend to train his/her agility and simply have a good time!

Watch in delight as your dogs repeatedly conquer the mini hill and race through the tunnels / Photo Credits: Katong Kids Inc 

And you know they will absolutely love this doggy slide! / Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe

Photo credits: 3 Barks Cafe

The 3rd floor is the Sky Suite – 3 Barks Cafe’s event space. This is perfect for your dog’s birthday party or a gathering for friends with fellow pooches.

So if you’re thinking of what to do this weekend, why not take your four-legged friend and family out for a meaningful bonding experience?

ADDRESS:
327 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427584

OPENING HOURS:
12pm – 9pm (Mon – Thu), 12pm – 10pm (Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat), 10am – 9pm (Sun)

Featured image credits: Katong Kids Inc

7 After Dinner Hang Out Spots To Discover With Your Best Friend In Serangoon And Kovan!

There has been a surge of posts dedicated to dining places in the Serangoon and Kovan region as of late, and it is no surprise why.

Over the past 5 years, the area has been growing tremendously with cafes and restaurants to cater to every taste palette. From the established Ah Seah Teochew Porridge at its new Teck Chye Terrace location to the Nakhon Kitchen at Hougang Street 21, famous for its notoriously long queues, one will always be spoilt for choice when choosing to dine in this region.

The chore here always comes after dinner – where shall we go next?

Gone were the days where the only option diners had was Selegie Soya Milk along Upper Serangoon Road. There are now plenty of hang out spot that diners can go to hang out at that offers both affordable yet delicious choices. Here are 7 handpicked just for you:

1. Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café

Tucked away in a corner of the Serangoon Gardens Estate is Nunsongyee, a Korean dessert café that specializes in serving BingSu – a popular Korean dessert made up of milk shavings and various ingredients. Nunsongyee undoubtedly serves one of the best BingSu’s here in Singapore, with its fine and fluffy shaved ice and generous toppings that aren’t too sweet to digest.

All in all it gives a very nice and refreshing sensation when consumed. There are 2 ranges of Bingsu served here – Snowflake Bingsu ($12.90 – $15.90) and Premium Bingsu ($18.90), which in all honesty is priced considerably high compared to other Bingsu outlets here. However, for the quality and ambience you’re getting, I think it’s well worth it.

Address: 45 Burghley Drive #01-04 Singapore 559022

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00

Closed: Mondays

2. Chillax Café

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What’s a list of places to hang out at without Chillax Café? Located in Serangoon Gardens along Maju Avenue, Chillax Café definitely provides its customers a location to just chill out with its warm ambience, soulful music and welcoming interior design.

Their recently expanded menu offers a range of choices for customers to wind down and relax – from desserts that satisfies any sweet tooth to a range of beers, ciders and wines, this café certainly knows how to make one feel comfortable and at ease.

For the more adventurous, do try the Adult Milo Godzilla ($15) that mixes both Vodka and Milo into one delicious yet relatively potent serving, and may really leave your friends wondering how you got drunk on Milo Dinosaur.

Address: 28 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556698

Opening Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 – 00:00

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 – 02:00

3. Dessert Bowl

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Durian lovers, this one’s for you. Another hidden gem in Serangoon Gardens is Dessert Bowl, a store specializing in your typical Hong Kong desserts.

The store is well known for their rich and delicious durian desserts that will have you coming back for more. A personal favorite is their durian mousse ($5) – a thick, creamy and flavorful bowl of goodness topped with real durian flesh that could well be a good substitute for the king of fruits itself.

For those of you that flinch at the slightest thought of durians, do not worry. Dessert Bowl is also well known for its mango dishes, especially its Mango Mousse with Pomelo Toppings ($4.50) and its Aiyu Mango ($4.20) that is extremely refreshing. The tiny space does get really crowded and noisy during peak hours, and getting a table especially for large groups may be a rather long wait. It’s worth it though, I promise.

Address: 80A Serangoon Garden Way Singapore 555976

Opening Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday: 1300 – 2230

Friday – Saturday: 13:00 – 00:00

Closed: Mondays

4. Lickers

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Of all the dining spots mentioned, Lickers is definitely the newest player in the block.

Located in the heart of Lorong Ah Soo, Lickers is definitely a good place to have after dinner desserts. The store makes their delicious ice cream in house daily with freshly supplied ingredients, and they offer their own unique range of flavors in addition to the popular favorites like Earl Grey, Vanilla Bean and Dark Chocolate. Oh and be sure to also try out the new flavors that the store comes out with every once in a while!

Address: Block 124 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1446, Singapore 530124

Opening Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday: 13:00 – 22:00

Friday – Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

5. Nectars and Vine

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Located comfortably between Kovan and Serangoon MRT is Nectars and Vine, a retail and wholesale store along Upper Serangoon Road that offers a wide selection of imported bottled beers and good wine at very reasonable prices.

As it opens till 1am every night, Nectars and Vine is arguably one of the best places to hang out at with friends after a long day of work. Its spacious and inviting atmosphere makes it an especially great place for large groups to hang out at. The only downside would be that they don’t serve food to munch on while downing the drinks, apart from the usual convenience store snacks like potato chips and peanuts that are on display.

Address: 752 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534623

Opening Hours:

Sunday – Friday: 14:00 – 01:00

Saturday: 14:00 – 02:00a

6. Saturday House

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Saturday House, located slightly out of the Kovan and Serangoon region, managed to bag a spot on our list simply because it offers good food and cheap beer, a combination you can never go wrong with. Glazed with a fusion of marmite and honey, Saturday House’s marmite mid joint wings is deliciously tasteful and crispy, and will certainly have you coming back for more.

Getting here by public transport is pretty easy – Bus 80 from Kovan MRT and Buses 22, 43 or 70 from Serangoon MRT gets you here in a jiffy. It gets extremely cooling here once the sun sets with the occasional gusts of wind from the evening breeze, this really is a great place to enjoy and sumptuous meal with a bottle of refreshing beer along with the company of your friends.

Address: 339 Upper Paya Lebar Road Singapore 534953

Opening Hours:

Sunday to Thursdays: 1130 – 2300

Fridays and Saturdays: 1130 – 0000

7. Hatter Street

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And what’s a list of after dinner hang out spots without Hatter’s Street?

Located right beside the famous Nakhon Kitchen, Hatter Street has proven to be a neighborhood favorite amongst residents here. The Alice in Wonderland inspired café serves possibly some of the best waffles in the entire country. Ask their long queue of patrons and I’m sure they will agree. Served piping hot and topped with an ice cream flavor of your choice, these waffles will definitely have you coming back for more. Their other desserts are pretty popular as well, and are well worth the queue, especially if you patronize the store on a weekend night.

Address: 212 Hougang Street 21 #01-333 Singapore 530212

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 13:00 – 22:00

Closed: Mondays

Are there any other places that we should include in this list? Let us know on our Facebook page!