Munch your way through our list of hot new cafes in Singapore for fantastic crepes, sandwiches, pastries and coffees.
From breakfast to brunch, we’ve got countless options on the island. No matter which neighbourhood you’re in, there’s a cool cafe for you. Still, we love it every time the city gets a pep in its step with a refresh on the cafe scene. Can’t get enough of coffee and cake? Presenting: Top buzzworthy new cafes in Singapore for 2020. These hotspots have all the cold brews, pastries and brunch grub you need in your life.
Best new cafes in Singapore 2020
Luna
The next time you hit up Amoy Street, stop by this hip hangout for cakes that are as pretty as they are tasty. Its space is modern and minimalistic, with desserts that are delicate yet decadent, flavourful and fluffy. For instance, try the orh nee cake to savour bites of yam ginkgo paste, coconut chantilly cream and vanilla sponge. Next up, enjoy the beautiful strawberry elderflower for lovely floral notes or the matcha opera if you’re a fan of the tea.
Luna, 53 Amoy Street, Singapore 069879
East Coast Commune
The next time you find yourself at East Coast Park, pay a visit to this delightful cafe at the Marine Cove enclave. Filled with lush foliage and artful touches by local artist Wu Yanrong, the high-ceilinged space is well-lit and even has a play area for little ones. Besides the line-up of sandwiches and pastas, the menu stands out for its sourdough waffles. Try ‘em savoury and topped with fried chicken or sweet with berries and ricotta. It’s perfect for a charming chill sesh followed by a seaside stroll after brunch.
East Coast Commune, #01-03, 1000 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449876
Slate
Sitting amongst famous neighbours like Clinton Street Baking Company and Salted & Hung, Slate is a double concept dining destination that turns from cafe to Asian-inspired resto and bar come nightfall. The seats are cosy, the lighting is warm and the menu is innovative. In the daytime, you can tuck into dishes like oxtail ragout pasta, sideways omelette stuffed with blue swimmer crab meat and siew mai wellington. At dinner, the food gets a refresh with nibbles such as tuna ceviche, double fried spring chicken and coffee short ribs – all of which can be washed down with cocktails.
Slate, 24 Purvis Street, Singapore 188601
Kreams Krafthouse
It’s always autumn at this gorgeous Korean-inspired cafe, with maple trees and leaves in shades of red, orange and yellow embellishing the space. Live out all your K-drama dreams under the lush canopy with Dalgona lattes and dry cappuccinos complemented by generous cake slices and beautiful scones in flavours like matcha and yuzu. In other words, it’s the stuff TV meet cutes are made of.
Kreams Krafthouse, #01-07, Maxwell Chambers, 32 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069115
Dolc Patisserie
Situated along the quaint shophouse stretch of Kampong Bahru Road, Dolc Patisserie blends French techniques with a dash of Spanish flavours to create its exquisite-looking creations. The space is a clean and cosy one, with a dessert display that highlights stars such as Charlotte (strawberry, basil and mascarpone) and Elsie (cheesecake, white chocolate) alongside your usual croissants, muffins, sandwiches, coffees and donuts. If you’re in the vicinity, you’ll want to pop by sooner than later to avoid disappointment from sold-out cakes.
Dolc Patisserie, #01-00, 67 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169371
Kizuna
Giving a family biz a facelift, Kizuna is the new concept brought to you by the third generation folks behind the decades-old Shangri-La Confectionary and Delicatessen. Of course, its classic tau sar piah stays on the menu. Regulars won’t be disappointed with the sweet, buttery mung bean pastry. The cafe is warm and welcoming, great for intimate catch-ups over cups of java (with beans from Paradise Coffee Roasters), daily bakes and croissant sandwiches.
Kizuna, #01-37, 148 Potong Pasir Ave 1, Singapore 350148
Korio
Having stolen our hearts since it opened early this year, the humble food stall has quickly become one of our fave spots for hearty sandwiches, donuts and coffee. It’s more of a grab-and-go concept, but the sammies are so thick and good, you’ll want to share them with a pal to try more flavours. The tuna melt with fried egg and cheddar on whole wheat sourdough is a total comfort food treat, while the biggie croque with smoked turkey ham, bechamel, Swiss and cheddar takes you to funky town in the best way possible. Other creations include grilled cheese and roasted shroom, but you’ll want to save space for the fluffy donuts that come in flavours such as caramelised biscuit, peanut butter dark chocolate and white choc coconut with hazelnuts.
Korio, #01-03, Far East Square, 135 Amoy Street, Singapore 049964
Hub & Spoke Cafe
Need a little break from the city? Make Changi Airport your go-to. Not to board a plane, but to chill at its lovely new glasshouse eatery just outside Terminal 2. It’s also a great pitstop for cyclists cruising along the Changi Airport Connector! Helmed by local brand Roast & Toast, this casual open kitchen cafe is surrounded by lush flora, giving you a relaxing tropical experience. No matter if you’re a fan of local dishes like mee rebus and nasi lemak or brunch grub such as eggs benny and avo toast – the tranquil vibe of it all makes for a charming getaway.
Hub & Spoke Cafe, #01-T2S-02, Changi Airport Terminal 2, 60 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819643
French Fold
A stunning crepe concept that plates out spectacular dishes in a beautiful space, French Fold is brought to you by the folks behind Merci Marcel. Equal parts tropical, modern and chic, the charming eatery gives us a taste of galettes and crepes. The former is made of buckwheat flour with savoury fillings, while the latter uses wheat flour and is usually served as dessert. Options are aplenty! You can get galettes with ham, sauteed mushrooms, comte cheese, pork sausage, trout and even satay chicken. Just remember to leave space for the sweet crepes. Varieties include white choc speculoos, salted caramel and brown sugar with butter. Top ‘em off with a Birds of Paradise ice cream scoop for the ultimate indulgence.
French Fold, 204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
The Twisted Trio
Here’s a hidden little cafe that’s worth the visit to Toa Payoh. Started in 2020 by a trio of friends with a passion for pastries, the new heartland cafe in Singapore is beloved for its scrummy baked goods. Cakes and coffees take the spotlight, which shines especially strong on the watermelon rose that’s delicately layered with cream, fruits and pistachios. For more lovely cakes, try the lychee rose or blue pea passion fruit. Don’t miss out on the dark and milk choc brownie or burnt cheesecake either – perfect for sweet tooths!
The Twisted Trio, #01-385, Blk 85C Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 313085
Guilt
From home biz to brick-and-mortar bakery, Guilt feeds our wildest cookie dreams with its thicc treats. It’s a little bit cheeky, a little bit naughty, but all-out delicious. Cookie monsters will love the OG, a classic chocolate chip goodie with a brown butter base and Valrhona dark choc chunks. Feeling a little saucy? Fifty Shades of Grey will get you good with its Earl Grey vanilla base studded with pistachios, white cocoa butter and honeycomb toffee. But no matter what you’re in the mood for, the Walk of Shame is totally worth the cals with its mix of dark choc chip, caramel and marshmallow. Psst: The vegan versions are sublime, too!
Guilt, 29 Arab Street, Singapore 199728
Baker’s Bench Bakery
Fancy freshly baked breads and pastries? This minimalist bakery cafe at Outram is a homely spot brightened up with wooden furniture and pastel walls. To make it an even bigger draw, its jam, butter, sauces and even kimchi are made in-house. When you’re done stuffing your face with cubano, croque monsieur or grilled cheese sandwiches, dig into the must-try sticky bun, a pillowy, glazed treat. Can’t resist bringing home more bakes? Check out the selection of croissants, bagels, bread loaves, savoury puffs, brownies, cookies and cakes. Worth every calorie!
Baker’s Bench Bakery, 6 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089820
Mr Bucket
Local chocolaterie Mr Bucket’s debut retail space takes inspiration from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The result? One-of-a-kind chocolate confections that come in the form of colourful bon bons (in more than 25 flavours!), chocolate bars, drinking chocolate and chocolate liqueur. Plus, cacao fans will love that it’s an open space concept, which gives you sweet views of the chocolate-making process. If you’ve got adventurous taste buds, try the salted egg yolk, double soy caramel or mala bon bons made in collaboration with fellow homegrown brands.
Mr Bucket, #01-15, 23 Sin Ming Road, Singapore 570023
Pivot
Rise and shine, ‘cause Pivot opens early in the CBD. Need a hearty breakfast? Try the cafe’s tamago sando, a warm sandwich with creamy egg mayo and sous vide egg between slices of fluffy shokupan bread. If you’re on the hunt for an afternoon tea snack, the hojicha dessert serves up tea-infused sponge and mousse with apple compote. Otherwise, you really can’t go wrong with the lemon meringue tart for a citrusy finish.
Pivot, 10 North Canal Road, Singapore 048823
Gather
Two creperies on the list? Why not! Gather is helmed by the peeps behind Punch and Ronin. Opened in 2020, the stylish new cafe and boutique in Singapore is filled with indie lifestyle and fashion goods. Y’know, just in case you fancy a spot of shopping after your meal. But first, the food. Yes, you can get brekkie dishes and sandwiches, but galettes and crepes take the spotlight. Try the signature Off The Bone for ham, gruyere, cheddar and egg goodness. Or nibble on the Italian parma ham version. Ratatouille and bolognese renditions are available, too. For a sweet finish, the burnt caramel or fig and camembert crepes do the trick nicely.
Gather, #01-12, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188719
Hay Gelato
In the mood for gelato that’s anything but ordinary? This sleek, industrial spot takes the experimental route with unique flavours such as yuzu ginger, pandan lemongrass and balsamic strawberry. Of course, you can pair your scoops with the ever-popular waffle. Brought to you by the folks at Brine, the tiny creative kitchen is most known for its smoked hay gelato that’s smooth and, well, smoky. An interesting choice if you’re tired of your usual chocolate.
Hay Gelato, #01-148, 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, Singapore 460136
Joy Luck Teahouse
You’ve seen the opening queues. You’ve spotted the crowds. And now that Joy Luck Teahouse has expanded across the island with more outlets, perhaps now you can finally get your Hong Kong treats without waiting in line. The store offers puff pastry and butter cookie egg tarts from Hoover Cake Shop, stuffed pineapple buns and HK-style milk tea from Kam Kee Cafe, and street snack curry fishballs from Tak Hing Fishball Company. Great for a little afternoon nibble!
Joy Luck Teahouse, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Bugis Junction
There you have it – the hottest new cafes in Singapore that opened in 2020!
