Finding the best coffee in Singapore will certainly take you on an adventure around the city. No matter who you ask, you will get a lot of different recommendations because there are so many places to get delicious coffee in Singapore!
Even for locals who have lived here for years, we are always discovering new places to enjoy a delicious cup of joe.
That's why we've condensed our favourite spots into this definitive guide for the best coffee in Singapore. So, let's take a tour of the city to find the best brew.
Jump to:
- Coffee culture in Singapore
- Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
- Homeground Coffee Roasters
- Chye Seng Huat Hardware
- Yahava KoffeeWorks
- Huggs Coffee
- Dapper Coffee
- Common Man Coffee Roasters
- The Community Coffee
- Bacha Coffee
- Roundboy Roasters
- Nylon Coffee
- Maxi Coffee Bar
- Five Oars Coffee Roasters
- Mellower Coffee
- Best Coffee in Singapore list
- Our Favourite Coffee in Singapore
Coffee culture in Singapore
As you'll see in our choices for the best coffee in Singapore, the city has a thriving coffee culture.
Coffee, or 'kopi' in Hokkien, became a household fix in the late 18th century in Singapore. As immigrants moved from Europe, they brought a culture of coffee. Later on, local coffee was first brewed with bitter Robusta beans and filtered through a flannel sock.
Nowadays, coffee drinking is a lifestyle. Thus, if you are wondering which is the best coffee in Singapore, it's hard to decide since it depends on personal preferences. However, global chains like Starbucks and Peets have inspired independent cafes to jump on the trend to serve unique, artisanal coffees.
The coffee culture is not just about drinking it anymore. It's also about ambience and chic baristas producing high-quality international beans and decorative latte art. Therefore, whether you choose to drink kopi in a coffee shop or prefer to go to fancier cafes, you will definitely find something to enjoy.
Most locals will prefer their neighbourhood kopi seller. But many also think the best instant coffee in Singapore is Nescafe 3-in-1, which you can easily buy in supermarkets.
Local coffee shops usually use Robusta beans imported from Indonesia. We consider these the best coffee beans in Singapore, amongst other international beans, simply because it's the taste of home. Indonesian coffee beans taste bitter and slightly acidic.
Therefore, many coffee sellers roast the beans with butter and sugar for a smooth flavour. So, now you know what's brewing, let's find out where to get the best caffeine fix!
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee is steeped in history. They began as a wholesaler for beans and equipment. Now, they have expanded their brand with two outlets in Singapore. Thus, it's worth visiting to see how they carry the same love into making and serving the best coffee in Singapore.
Inside, Chinese calligraphy for the word 'coffee' is displayed on the wall. And that same branding is also on the coffee cups. When you step in, the ambience is cosy. The parquet floors and wooden tables create the perfect atmosphere for your coffee-drinking experience!
You have to try the creamy and rich iced latte. Or, get the Pollen White cold brew with raw honey. Or the Mocha topped with artisanal coffee on a hot day. Their cakes are also worth trying, especially the Pistachio and Matcha cakes.
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
170 Stirling Road, #01-1133, Singapore 140170
Homeground Coffee Roasters
If you are in the heritage site of Joo Chiat and craving a coffee, pop into this cute gem. Homeground Coffee Roasters is located amongst the Peranakan shophouses. Therefore, you'll see a unique contrast between old and new when you step inside. The shophouses have retained their old-world charm, but the interior is decorated with chic art pieces and modern furniture.
Everything on the menu is done by hand, from roasting to brewing. They also house an academy to train new baristas.
We recommend ordering the kaya toast, unique to this region. It’s a crispy bread with coconut jam that pairs well with coffee. You can choose anything from their espresso and filter coffee selections. But, if you don't know what you want, the different beans have tasting notes on the menu to help. We recommend that you go for the Espresso tonic if you like bitter, strong coffee. It's a cold brew that will wake you up, and regulars agree it's one of the best coffee in Singapore.
Homeground Coffee Roasters
475 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427682
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
Chye Seng Huat Hardware is another cafe that started as a humble coffee-roasting and wholesale business. The surrounding shophouses used to be part of a chain of hardware shops, hence the name. However, now they only sell coffee. It's one place that appears a lot on foreign travel sites, so you know it's a must-try.
Inside is an open-concept, laid-back design with an island bar with a 360-degree view of the cafe. It's set in an industrial building, a homage to its roots. The cafe appears a lot on Instagram because of its retro-chic vibe.
When looking for the best coffee in Singapore, don't miss out on Chye Seng Huat. Try their Cold Brew, which uses Ethiopian Suke Quto coffee beans. Or try the White Cold Brew, a blend of Brazil Samambaia and Indian Thippanahali beans, a dark chocolatey mix. The Papa Breakfast gets a thumbs up from regular diners if you want brunch. It comes with eggs, sausages and toast. Then, there is the chocolate muffin drizzled with melted chocolate for dessert.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
150 Tyrwhitt Road Singapore 207563
Yahava KoffeeWorks
Those looking for the best coffee in Singapore in secluded areas, take a trip to Yahava. Yahava is from Western Australia, and this is only the second one outside of Australia.
You'll have to drive to get there since it's tucked away in an industrial building inside a private estate. Thus, it's not near any public trains or bus stops. Inside is practical, but the tables have Guadatema designs. Overall, it's a fuss-free cafe for those who want to escape the bustling crowds.
We recommend you try their sandwiches. The chicken cheese mayo ciabatta is very flavourful. However, there is also the coffee-flavoured ice cream for dessert that you can add to your iced lattes. However, if you like fresh-pulled coffee, their coffee beans are from worldwide. Ask the friendly baristas for recommendations.
Yahava KoffeeWorks
50 Tagore Lane Entrepreneur Centre Unit #B1-02, Singapore 787494
Huggs Coffee
Huggs Coffee is another spot that we think serves the best coffee in Singapore. When we visited Huggs for a cup of Joe, the atmosphere felt simply comforting and cosy. Just like their bear mascot that’s holding a cuppa!
They have an extensive drinks menu covering Singaporean local coffee as well as classic blacks and whites. However, they also have quite a few speciality drinks on the menu.
For example, we tried and recommend ‘The Retro’, which is a double espresso mixed in with some sweetened milk. The drink was deeply rich and full-bodied. We also tried their ‘M White’, a Melbourne-style flat white, which absolutely quenched our thirst for caffeine that day.
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, Huggs Coffee also serves Japanese-style donburi. In addition, they also offer pastries and baked goods for anyone looking for a quick snack.
Huggs can be found in many locations. However, we highly recommend the one at Clarke Quay Central mall, which is just next to the main Clarke quay hangout area. This Huggs java spot is perfect for anyone who wants to work or chill with friends at a cafe before a more exciting evening at the beautifully illuminated quay area.
Huggs Coffee
6 Eu Tong Sen St. #01-27/28/38 Clarke Quay Central, Singapore 059817
Dapper Coffee
Dapper coffee is a unique place. If you are not here for the best coffee in Singapore, come for the experience. During the day, it's a relaxing cafe to catch up with your friends. But at night, it transforms into a lively bar.
Dapper coffee is on the second floor of Amoy Street, and at first look, you might mistake it for a pub. Inside, they have bare walls and copper lanterns that light the entire space. It feels like a speakeasy, and one might expect a sexy spy to slide up at the bar.
They have exciting drinks with names like Gold Brew or Unicorn Tears! The Gold Brew is a full-bodied, rich brown blend with sparkly gold flakes. Alternatively, the Unicorn Tears is a glittery aquamarine drink.
However, their signature is the Earl Grey Yuan Yang, a mixture of coffee and tea topped with lavender flowers. In addition, we also recommend digging into a slice of Matcha Raspberry White Chocolate or Gula Melaka Walnut Oak cake.
Dapper Coffee
Address. 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892
Common Man Coffee Roasters
It's hard to think of Singapore coffee without mentioning Common Man Coffee Roasters since they frequently make it on most locals' best coffee in Singapore list. This is not only a cafe but a speciality coffee wholesaler.
The company supplies other cafes in Singapore with beans. Common Man has 3 different locations, the first one being at Martin Road. The Martin Rd cafe looks like you've stepped into a coffee brewery. It gives off a grungy chic appeal from its green-tiled bar to bright orange shelves. It's very spacious and sits along the Singapore River, perfect for a pleasant stroll after brunch. Diners have consistently praised them for their exceptional service, and Conde Nast also rated it for having the best coffee in Singapore.
When we did our own Common man coffee roasters review, we found that their brunch menu is amazing! Go for the Common Man's Breakfast with eggs, sausages, and a salad if you're hungry. Alternatively, the Organic Eggs Benedict and Cuban Sandwich are. Their servings are enormous, so you may want to share. For those who want dessert, try their churros!
Common Man Coffee Roasters
22 Martin Road, Singapore
185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore
11-12 Stanley St, Singapore
The Community Coffee
The Community Coffee's tagline is better coffee for the community, so they promise to source, roast and brew the best coffee in Singapore. The Chinatown location is designed entirely in white, from the stools to the tables. In fact, you will find them right next to the MRT station, a highly convenient location!
The Chinatown cafe displays its Giesen W6A machine behind a glass wall if you want to see the roasting process. You can only find single-origin coffee beans roasted in-house here. Despite being relatively new on the scene (it opened in 2017), they have already gained a strong following.
The warm and fluffy banana bread is our favourite. Otherwise, they have delicious chocolate chip cookies, which you can heat up. The sweet, rich chocolate as you dip the cookie into your coffee is irresistible.
The Community Coffee
14 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058330
14 Scotts Road, #02-94 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Bacha Coffee
You can find Bacha Coffee all over Singapore. It's a regal boutique with bright red doorframes, accent lamps and hexagonal tiles. The interior is complete with stately chairs and marble tables.
The story of bacha coffee starts in the spectacular Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech, Morrocco. But, if you're not there for the best coffee in Singapore, check it out for the culture and exquisite interior.
This cafe specialises in Arabica beans from all over the world, so it's worth checking out to sample them. Otherwise, we also suggest you try their flaky and buttery croissants.
In particular, the kaya croissant is an interesting local take on the French pastry. Plus, the moist lemon cake also deserves a shout-out for its zesty sweetness.
Bacha Coffee
Multiple locations
Roundboy Roasters
RoundBoy Roasters is well-known amongst coffee enthusiasts who swear the cafe makes the best coffee in Singapore. This quaint coffeehouse sits within a public housing estate, making finding it an adventure.
Many visit because of its laid-back, casual atmosphere with regulars sharing their love of coffee. It also offers a haven for those waiting for their loved ones at the hospital across the road.
The dirty coffee and piccolo are our favourites. They taste nutty and smooth, with the dirty coffee slightly bitter. Also, you can sign up for their coffee subscriptions after tasting their coffee.
The cafe doesn't sell food, but there are shops nearby with local pastries such as ang ku kuehs (a pastry known as Chinese tortoise) which you can eat in the cafe.
Roundboy Roasters
146 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-109, Singapore 160146
Nylon Coffee
Nylon Coffee is another vibrant cafe tucked nicely within a housing estate. It sits in the alcove of the block lobby. The place is interesting if you want to see the roasting machine in action.
They have a simple layout, with benches and long bar tables. Nylon is an excellent spot if you like quality seasonal blends of the best coffee in Singapore and a cheerful, outgoing team.
Nylon does not sell food, so it's all about the coffee. We like their White coffee, which is smooth without the tingly aftertaste. But, you can also choose from a wide variety of filter coffees.
Nylon Coffee
4 Everton Park, #01-40, Singapore 080004
Maxi Coffee Bar
You can find Maxi Coffee Bar in the Ann Siang Hill district, a charming neighbourhood of shophouses. It is on the first floor of a restored shophouse. Its interior has a breezy, East-meets-West appeal.
Regulars deem it one of the best coffee in Singapore, but you can just come here to be amongst the crowd. Many of its patrons work around the area.
We recommend you try the iced milk latte. And also, the iced cereal milk latte, which is breakfast in a cup, with cereal infused with espresso shots.
If you want to eat, try their toast sets which are popular with locals. We suggest choosing the bacon jam, it's delicious! But, their new menu items are also unmissable. We love their Zero Waste bread pudding, which comes with cereal ice cream and is a cold treat on a hot day.
Maxi Coffee Bar (Ann Siang Hill)
6 Ann Siang Hill Singapore 069787
Five Oars Coffee Roasters
Fans swear that Five Oars is the best coffee brand in Singapore, and that's reason enough to check them out. It’s in the heartlands of Siglap and offers a lot of space for walking and parking, so it is a win already!
The cafe is spacious and has an industrial-chic concept. Leafy overhead plants hang from the ceiling, softening the interior. The restaurant is pet-friendly and has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for coffee dates with a friend or pet.
Their food has raving reviews. Try the creamy and savoury mentaiko mac and cheese. Or, if you want desserts, try the guava lychee cake. Additionally, they serve large portions of fries, perfect for a big group.
Five Oars Coffee Roasters
6 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455200
Mellower Coffee
Last but not least, if you're in Bugis, check out Mellower Coffee. It's a boutique brand from China with three outlets in Singapore. The Bugis location is on the corner of a street on its own, and the only identifiable point is its huge black and white signboard that reads 'Mellower Coffee'.
The theme inside is monochrome with dim lighting. Moreover, the space has two levels, so you'll easily find a seat.
The cafe serves artisan coffees with names like 'Sweet Little Rain'. Puffy cotton candy-like clouds dripping into black coffee are a visual delight. To compliment, try the Earl Grey Lavender cake.
Mellower Coffee
108 Middle Rd, #01-01 Bernhard Schulte House, Singapore 188967
Best Coffee in Singapore list
Here’s a list of the best coffee in Singapore for you to try:
- Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
- Homeground Coffee Roasters
- Chye Seng Huat Hardware
- Yahava KoffeeWorks
- Huggs
- Dapper Coffee
- Common Man Coffee Roasters
- The Community Coffee
- Bacha Coffee
- Roundboy Roasters
- Nylon Coffee
- Maxi Coffee Bar
- Five Oars Coffee Roasters
- Mellower Coffee
We hope this list helps you find your favourite in Singapore! If you have any recommendations that are not included in our list above, please share them with us by emailing us at contact@honestfoodtalks.com.
Our Favourite Coffee in Singapore
While we love all the coffee shops mentioned, we have our favourites for the best coffee in Singapore.
For consistently amazing coffee paired with a great brunch menu, Common Man Coffee Roasters is our go-to spot to lepak (chill out) with friends.
We love Dapper Coffee because of its two personalities, a relaxing cafe during the day, and a bar at night. Come here if you’re craving the comfort of incredible coffee.
Because of their dedication to the community, Community Coffee has won a place in our hearts. If you want to get a cuppa that contributes to the enrichment of society, go to The Community Coffee.
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Now that you’ve sorted your morning coffee, let’s sort out your dinner feast in Singapore. How about some Korean barbecue? Check out our review of the Best Korean BBQ in Singapore!
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