For our hardcore caffeine fans (there are plenty of ya), here's where to find the most special blends in Singapore
So you’re all about the perfect coffee blend and searching for one hell of a cup of joe to crush your caffeine fix. With local cafes on every corner and branded chains galore, how are you supposed to nail down the ultimate latte, espresso or cappuccino?
Maybe you’re looking for a great cafe with a wicked atmosphere, or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a takeaway spot. Maybe you’re with friends, or perhaps you’re on your own. No matter what your heart desires, there’s a brilliant drinks spot for you – and we’re here to spill the deets after café-hopping around the island in a gorgeous, red-hot Audi A1 Sportback (too much fun!) searching for solid cups of java.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
Order a round of espressos or a long black to go with Tiong Bahru Bakery’s tasty treats, like the legendary kouign amman or their new savoury croissants.
Tiong Bahru Bakery, #01-70, 56 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056, p. 6220 3430.
The New Black
The idea behind this sophisticated takeaway outlet is to feature top-notch beans by renowned roasters. Tim Wendelboe (Tim Wendelboe, Oslo) and George Howell (George Howell Coffee, Massachusetts) are just some legends that make The New Black what it is – a no-nonsense, purist coffee bar. Read more about The New Black here.
The New Black, 1 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058400, p. 6443 0332 and Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place Singapore 048619
Nylon Coffee Roasters
One of Everton Park’s first hipster entrants, this “specialty coffee nano-roastery” is where you should head to for a cuppa-to-go. Tiny in shop size, but big on flavours, it specializes in six types of blends and sources beans from as far as Brazil and El Salvador.
Nylon Coffee Roasters, #01-40, Blk 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004, p. 6220 2330.
One Shot Coffee
There’s no way you’ll miss this push-cart coffee kiosk, located right outside the main entrance of Prudential Tower. Choose between two choices of beans – Highlander or Sarnies – and their super friendly baristas will brew your coffee, pronto.
One Shot Coffee, Prudential Tower, Singapore 049712, p. 9424 1732.
Wheeler’s Yard
This industrial-warehouse cafe with amazing interiors and ambiance is a favourite among cyclists. We can spend the entire day here with a book in hand and a steaming hot cuppa latte. Oh, it’s pet-friendly too!
Wheeler’s Yard, 28 Lorong Ampas, Singapore 328781, p. 6254 9128.
Toby’s Estate
Toby’s has established itself as a popular brunch spot and go-to café for a mean cuppa. You can pick up packs of their local blends or single origin coffee from the store, and don’t forget to check out their extensive range of brewing equipment while you’re there.
Toby’s Estate, #01-03/04, 8 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238216, p. 6636 7629.
Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar
The Australian-style hangout is mostly known for their brunch items such as French toast and eggs benedict, but many coffee aficionados make the journey to try blends made with their legendary Slayer espresso machine – a rather elusive piece of equipment in the industry.
Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar, #01-51 One-North Residences, 9 One-North Gateway, Singapore 138643, p. 6777 8470.
Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee
You might be surprised to know that this specialty coffee house started back in 1960. Yes, Tiong Hoe was hipster before hipster was even a thing. Besides serving a mean cuppa, Tiong Hoe also conducts coffee appreciation workshops for coffeephiles. These guys have so much respect for their craft that prices are on a tipping basis.
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, #01-1133, 170 Stirling Road, Singapore 140170, p. 9129 9697.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
A partnership between Harry Grover (of 40 Hands) and Aussie specialist roaster Five Senses Coffee, Common Man is the exclusive distributor for Five Senses in Southeast Asia. The beans are imported and roasted in-house. If you’re interested to find out how they roast their coffee and what single origin blends they carry, check out Common Man’s coffee cupping sessions (no charge!) every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm.
Common Man Coffee Roasters, #01-00, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058, p. 68364695.
Coast and Company
Pedal your way to Coast and Company – a café set up by Papa Palheta and cycle workshop retail Coast Cycles. Wild Rocket’s Willin Low is the man behind the menu creation, so expect a little more than your usual brunch fare. We recommend ordering the Almond Peanut Butter Toast and the Coast Breakfast.
Coast and Company, 54 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456176, p. 6681 6681.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
This non-descript cafe looks nothing like a proper wine and dine spot, until you step in, that is. Housed in an Art Deco shophouse, Chye Seng Huat Hardware is a specialty coffee shop and houses Singapore’s first 360-degree coffee bar. Try the cold brew on tap for something a little different.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 6396 0609.
Editor’s note: When the chance for us to cruise around Singapore in a super-fine Audi A1 Sportback came up, we knew we had to plan an epic gourmet jaunt around the island that includes pulling up at far-out dining spots and the painfully hip Keong Saik Road. The A1 Sportback’s engine efficiency (it’s the best in its class with low fuel consumption), intelligent controls via the super-sleek Multi Media Interface (MMI), beautiful designer finishes in the interior, and arresting good looks have us endlessly dreaming about calling this desirable ride our own. Check out this post and the video below for a look behind the scenes/wheel and plenty of selfies!
This article is sponsored by Audi.
