It’s no secret that Orchard Road is lauded as one of the best places to shop in Singapore. But while you’re busy shopping, you might find yourself looking for a quiet cafe to sit back and recharge with a cup of coffee before going for another round in the mall.
So whether you’re looking for a new place to cafe hop or you’re simply looking for a good ol’ cup of joe to rev up your engines, ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the cafes in town that are worth checking out.
Making a trip to the bank might not be as much of a chore with the newest Baristart Coffee outlet. Located on level 4 of Wisma Atria within OCBC, you’ll be able to sip on a coffee and savour some of the brand’s iconic cream puffs. Hailing from Hokkaido, the brand prides itself on using the ultra-rich and creamyBIEI Jersey Milk from Hokkaido for its creamy coffee and cream puffs.
Available in Hokkaido Cream and Coffee Cream options, the Cream Puffs ($7, each) are an indulgent treat. The custard is made with the Hokkaido milk, and hence is brilliantly rich and creamy. The choux pastry shell is delicate and airy, and topped with delectable crisps and sugary bits for extra crunch
On the menu is also an intriguing series of sandos, headlined by the hearty Tonkatsu ($18.80), a comforting and wholesome bite into tender Hokkaido pork loin. The meat is coated with breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried to crisp perfection. Seeping into the golden crust is a layer of tonkatsu sauce, which adds a depth of umami flavour, as well as mustard butter, for tang and aroma. Served with piping hot fries and gherkins, this is one of those crowd-favourite timeless Japanese adaptions.
This Japanese-style cafe and tea specialist brands itself as a platform for “the modern-day Picasso and Hemingway to gather”. The space is designed to facilitate free-flowing conversations, with low chairs and tables that create a cosy, Zen-esque atmosphere. Art works ranging from calligraphy to paintings and pottery adorn the walls and shelves as well.
They’ve recently launched a brand new Okinawan-inspired sweet potato tart ($9.90, pictured) made of vegan sweet potato cream on top of a crispy tart base. Mildly sweet, it pairs perfectly with Hvala’s signature black tea.
Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-28, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872
Launched by the same folks behind Greyhound Cafe Singapore and Black Society, this space is hard to miss with its lavender, violet and lilac flowers, pastel pink hues and a cornucopia of hanging plants. The menu offers a varied and eye-catching selection too, including Asian-Western fusion far, Korean kroffles (a.k.a. croissant-waffles), Dutch pancakes and an assortment of pastries.
This French cafe has humble roots, beginning as a bakery in Northern France in 1889. Today, it’s a franchise in 47 countries, with a flagship cafe-slash-restaurant in Takashimaya S.C., designed like a quintessential French tea room. On the menu are an array of handmade bread, pastries, cakes, croissants, desserts, sandwiches and other all-day breakfast items.
Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #03 – 16/17, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872
A haven for chocolate lovers, this dessert shop specialises in dark chocolate offerings like Madagascar dark chocolate premium ice cream, dark chocolate brownies and ice cream cookies. The finest grade single-origin chocolate is sourced from Bali, Tanzania, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, from premium brands like Valrhona and Cacao Barry.
Since opening its first Singapore outpost at Takashimaya S.C. in Oct 2020, the well-loved Japanese cafe has become a go-to brunch or dessert spot for those craving its light and fluffy souffle pancakes – so impossibly light and fluffy that the folks here dub them kiseki pancakes, Japanese for miracle. You’ll also be able to indulge in their new Ice Cream Mocha Latte that has a rich chocolatey flavour complementing the fragrance of freshly roasted coffee.
Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B1 – 56, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872
The Coffee Academics has been extremely popular with coffee lovers since it opened in 2012. With six outlets across Singapore, the cafe boasts its own hand-brew coffee bar, a tea academics bar, and a roasting corner. We absolutely love the wide selection of coffees they have here. For the adventurous try out the Pepper Agave latte that comes with a kick from freshly ground black pepper, or if you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the Okinawa Signature coffee.
Of course, if you’re here for dessert, The Coffee Academics also serves some amazing sweet treats like the apple crumble or their signature coffee churros, tossed in coffee cinnamon sugar.
The Coffee Academics is located at 6 Scotts Rd, #02 – 01 / 02, Singapore 228209
The Editor’s Market has opened their flagship outlet at Ngee Ann City! But aside from clothing and homeware items, the boutique also houses its very own gourmet cafe brand: Found. With a sleek, white and minimal touch, this 16-seater cafe blends seamlessly with the store with furniture pieces that come in various shades of black and white, to showcase the simple yet refined outlook.
Choose from an assortment of sweet and savoury pastries, and pair it with an espresso-based drink like The Sesame Dirty or go for other specialty options like the Espresso Con Panda.
Found is located at 391 Orchard Road, B1-16 to 24, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
First established in 2014 in San Francisco, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse – which is known for its cruffins – landed in Singapore last year. And while many would queue for their signature cruffins and other pastries, the cafe also serves a delectable selection of coffee for all you coffee lovers. The cafe is hard to miss especially with its iconic “I got baked” and peace neon signages at the entrance of the cafe, which makes for a great photo opportunity if you’re looking to update your ‘Gram. The outlet located at Pacific Plaza is also large enough to hold a sizeable crowd, so you can spend as much time as you’d like during your coffee break.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is located at 9 Scotts Rd, #01-01/02/03 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
While this cafe might not be the newest place in town, it’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you need a quick pick-me-up. This quiet cafe is located at 111 Somerset and it offers cakes and pastries that are supplied by Carpenter & Cook. But more importantly, this cafe serves some great specialty coffee, with coffee beans that are sourced from Ethiopia and roasted to perfection by their talented baristas that will be prepared for you right before your eyes.
Glyph Supply Co is located at 111 Somerset Rd, #01 – 06, Singapore 238164
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road is this hidden cafe over on the rooftop of Design Orchard. Boasting concrete interiors, a classy terrazzo tile coffee bar and stainless steel finishing, the Alchemist doubles as the perfect Instagram spot and a hideaway when you need to take a break from walking around town. As for their coffees, be sure to try the signature espresso beverages which include classics like the Black, White and Mocha.
Alchemist Design Orchard is located at 250 Orchard Rd, #03-01 Design Orchard, Singapore 238905
The Community Coffee first started out in 2017 as a little cafe that’s been quietly operating at Far East Plaza serving $4 cups of coffee. It’s quiet, fuss-free and totally worth checking out if you’re just looking for a place to get a quick caffeine fix. What’s more, the coffee beans here are also sourced from small, sustainable farms in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Peru, and expertly roasted by their own dedicated team of coffee experts so you can definitely expect great cuppas of drip coffees and espresso-based brews.
The Community Coffee is located at 14 Scotts Road #02-94 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
If you haven’t heard of this cafe, then it’s about time you should. After having opened its first outlet in Rochor, % Arabica has now expanded with over five outlets in Singapore. It’s well known for roasting its own blend of coffee which comprise beans from Latin America, Africa and Europe, so you can expect classic well-rounded cups of coffee that will hit the spot. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll also be glad to know that they also serve options like the Spanish latte that bold yet sweet and is complemented with notes of spice for that extra kick.