[dropcap size=small]I[/dropcap]t’s hard to keep abreast of Singapore’s burgeoning café scene. New outlets, often inspired by a different coffee culture and sporting a dash of hipster cool, spring up across the island in spades. Here are some of the best new additions peppered across both the central and heartland areas.
01: Wakey Wakey
From the creators of Strangers’ Reunion and Curious Palette comes this rise-and-shine café. Destined to be the newest hotspot in the culture-laden Kampong Glam area, Wakey Wakey is a chic blend of industrial fixtures, sleek grey walls and dark wood furnishings. It’s still in soft launch phase, so menu details are sparse, but expect espresso-based / filtered coffee and treats like speculoos cake and buttermilk waffles.
#01-04/05, 302 Beach Rd, Singapore 199600, Tel: 6291-0227
02: Bearded Bella
Melbourne coffee has taken the world by storm, and Singapore is just now getting a taste. This light, spacious space recreates a Melbourne café setting with industrial elements, greenery, and a glass rooftop. One of the owners is the winner of the 2016 Singapore National Barista Championship, so you know the coffee is on point, and the food lives up to Melbourne brunch hype with items like chia pudding, smashed avocado, and pulled brisket sliders.
8 Craig Rd, Singapore 089668, Tel: 6222-4869
03: Columbus Coffee Co
Amidst the bustle of Upper Thompson Road, this stylish new brunch concept pulls no punches. There’s a simple, elegant menu of delicate-yet-hearty dishes, and a strong selection of coffee made with beans roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co. Interiors: minimalist with bare concrete walls, white accents, and the occasional potted plant.
220 Upper Thomson Rd Thomson Garden Estate, Singapore 574352, Tel: 6253-6024
04: Monument Lifestyle
A Californian dream come to life, this hip spot on Duxton Road specialises in barista-made coffee using beans from San Francisco’s Four Barrel Coffee. The main draw here, though, is the lifestyle concept store which sells global merchandise, with an emphasis on men’s clothing. Expect to find brands like Katin and Alex Mill here.
75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534, Tel: 6304-8077
05: HyfeCafe
Singaporeans seem to be travelling more than ever, so it’s appropriate that the island got its first ever travel-lifestyle concept store in Tampines. There’s a travel concierge counter to help you plan and book your travels, and a flyer-laden wall bedecked with brochures to inspire your planning. Everything here is travel-themed. The menu’s presented on a departure timing board, and the seating area has been made to look like a series of train cabins. On the food front, expect a range of Asian-fusion snacks and meals – as well as coffee and other beverages.
10 Tampines Central 1, Singapore 529536, Tel: 6572-5522
06: Twenty Eight Café
A new venture by Italian restaurant and bar 28 Wilkie, Twenty Eight Café also occupies prime position on Wilkie Road. Expect to find specialty coffee and delicious brunch items like a signature burger, cold truffle pasta, ham and cheese croissants, and baked avocado. This work-friendly café also comes with bright, industrial-feel interiors and plenty of charging points, making it a good choice for freelancers and students.
28 Wilkie Rd, #01-06, Singapore 228051, Tel: 9628-2829
07: Mellower Coffee, Marina One
There are already two centrally-located Mellower Coffee outlets in Singapore -this third location at Marina One offers another convenient place to get your caffeine fix. Though it comes with a leaner menu, you’ll still find single origin, cold brews and espresso-based coffees, along with a range of sandwiches – think Turkey Bacon or Roast Chicken Salad – and pies.
5 Straits View #B2-10 Marina One Singapore, Singapore 018935, Tel: 6850-5177
(Related: 6 perfect brunch spots in Singapore to check out this weekend)
