9 heartland cafes you need to know
Think you know Singapore’s cool cafes like the back of your hand? Well, we have 10 here that you might have missed out simply because they deliberately set up shop in the heartlands, off the townie radar (you won’t find Tiong Bahru nor Everton Park here). So check out our round up, and add 1 or 2 more to your must-try list!
British Hainan
Nestled in the private estates of Joo Chiat, British Hainan is a collaboration between Chef Thomas of Streets of London in Bukit Merah and a family of antique collectors (which explains why this café looks like a museum!). We like that they tossed the bicarbonate out along with the MSG in their British-pub inspired food, plus the beans they use are from Toby’s Estate, so you know you’ll get a good cuppa.
British Hainan, 75 Carpmael Road, Singapore 429812, p. 6336 8122. Open Mon 18:00-22:00, Wed-Thurs 18:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-15:00, 18:00-22:00 & Sun 18:00-22:00.
Chock Full of Beans
If you ever wander to the Far East, hop over to Chock Full of Beans for a dose of super cute latte art. You won’t get the typical leaves or swans here – their skilled baristas accept requests for specific cartoons (we’ve seen Hello Kitty, Smurfs, Donald Duck, and Minions). They’ve recently introduced 3D coffee art, which is, trust us, more than Instagram-worthy.
Chock Full of Beans, 4 Changi Village Road, #01-2090, Singapore 500004, p. 6214 8839. Open Tue-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm. Closed on Mon.
Rokeby Bistro
There’s just something about Australian coffee culture we love, and we found it at Rokeby Bistro. Besides the caffeine, there’s also Aussie beer and a variety of Australian wines. Feeling adventurous? Try the Ribeye Steak or Rokeby Chilli Mussels!
Rokeby Bistro, 15-9 Jalan Riang, Singapore 358987, p. 9106 0437. Open Tue to Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm & Sun 9am-930pm. Closed on Mon.
Stirling Highway
The folks behind Stirling Highway offer a simple, handcrafted and flavour-inspired menu with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The Jack Daniels infused maple syrup that came with their Buttermilk Pancakes is da bomb, while sweet teeth will also fall head over heels for their cupcakes. Do note that the café isn’t inside the condo, but a little way down from it – we’re sure the stern security guard would appreciate us telling you that.
Stirling Highway, Unit #G1, 5 Ridgewood Close, Singapore 276696, p. 6464 9607. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Closed on Tues.
Lola’s Café
Hidden in a quiet row of shophouses near Kovan MRT, Lola’s Café is immensely popular for their decent coffee, yummy desserts, and extensive selection of craft beers. The menu is affordably priced – almost everything is under $20 – and the fact they close later than other cafes makes this a good hangout spot.
Lola’s Café, 5 Simon Road, Singapore 545893, p. 62840 349. Open Tue-Thurs 10am-1130pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am, Sun 10am-1130pm. Closed on Mon.
W39
We’ve raved about this hidden gem in the West, which offers simple, hearty fare to all who flock there. They bake their own bread, so make sure you snag a Bread Basket if you’re there for brunch. We also love the Wagyu Burger and Baked Lamb Ribs. And this is the only café we know that serves up Milo alongside handcrafted coffee, now is that truly Singaporean or what?
W39, 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637, p. 9646 5372. Open Tue-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1030pm.
Creamier
A hot favourite with people living in the Toa Payoh area, Creamier appeared on our radar when we were sussing out fab waffles. So naturally, the star of this heartland café is their Belgian waffles, which do get sold out (you know what they say about early birds!), and the handmade ice cream (we love the Sea Salt Gula Melaka and good ol’ Horlicks Choc Chip).
Creamier, 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-835, Singapore 310128, p. 62501476. Open Tue-Thu 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm.
Baker & Cook
Brainchild of New Zealand baker extraordinaire Dean Brettschneider, Baker & Cook made our list of top artisanal bakeries, so we headed back for our favourite meal (yep, it’s brunch). Try the Egg Mayo Tartine – the touch of avocado is absolutely splendid – and the Pecan Tart. Their coffee comes from one of New Zealand’s first specialist espresso coffee companies, Allpress Espresso.
Baker & Cook, 77 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288951, p. 6469 8834. Open Sun-Thu 7am-8pm, Fri-Sat 7am-10pm.
Brawn & Brains
A stone’s throw away from Maple & Market is another indie café with character. Indulge in some me-time in this hole-in-the-wall joint, accompanied only by artisanal coffee, freshly baked goodies, and an excellent book. Try their Earl Grey pound cake, which releases a mouthwatering fragrance when lightly toasted.
Brawn & Brains, 100 Guillemard Road, #01-07, Singapore 399718, p. 63848892. Open Tue-Fri 9am-730pm, Sat-Sun 930am-730pm