Singapore’s café scene continues to buzz with excitement, as a mix of new establishments opens their doors.
From the chocolate lover’s paradise of dipndip Singapore at VivoCity, to the serene retreat of Spring Coffee at Hong Lim Complex serving up artisanal coffees, each café presents a distinct character and specialty.
There are some cafes which has opened new outlets, including GUI at South Bridge Road which combines Korean and Japanese culinary delights, while Penny University expands its renowned coffee expertise to Wisma Geylang Serai.
The Community Coffee on Hamilton Road, Little Part 2 Cafe at Sunset Way and Acoustics Coffee Bar at Farrer Park offer their own unique takes on coffee culture.
Each of these new cafes in Singapore is not just a place to eat and drink, offering unique experiences and atmospheres. Here’s more:
dipndip Singapore
VivoCity #01-51, Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Famous Chocolate Dessert Cafe Opens At VivoCity for Chocolate Aficionado
Calling all chocolate fans, the Singapore branch of this international chocolate café chain has docked on our shores. (It already a hit in 18 countries with over 164 locations)
For the uninitiated, the Muslim-owned café doesn’t just serve desserts; it crafts experiences. Like the three chocolate ‘fountains’ showcasing their three signatures – white, milk, or dark chocolate.
The menu pretty extensive, offering a range from Crunchy Chocolate Pancakes ($15.80), Triple Chocolate Crepe ($11.80), Mighty Crepe ($14.80), dipndip Chocolate Brownie ($13.80), to the instagrammable tower-like Chocolate Burj ($22.80).
The chocolate-based desserts and beverages are made using Halal-certified ingredients.
Talking about experiences, the Pancake Brownie Club ($19.80) is a towering creation that layers soft pancakes and dense brownies and more. What could sound more glorious?
The interior of the cafe, which can seat 60 people, has been designed to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for enjoying these sweet treats.
Read more at: dipndip Singapore (Vivocity)
GUI – South Bridge
278 South Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 058827
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6:30pm (Mon – Tues), 10:30am – 9:30pm (Thurs – Sat), 10:30am – 4:30pm (Sun), Closed Wed
Korean-Japanese Café At Chinatown With Dosirak Rice Boxes And Pretty Desserts
We’ve seen the opening of many Korean or Japanese Cafes, but this cafe’s unique draw has got to be their Korean rice boxes and slightly traditional Korean ‘Hanok’ interior design.
There is also a personal touch that is evident in the cafe’s decor, adorned with cat memorabilia and decorations, creating a space that feels both charming and sentimental – the cafe being a heartfelt tribute to the owner’s late cat, Gui.
The menu at Cafe Gui presents an interesting mix of Korean and Japanese dishes. During my visit, I opted for the Gui’s Premium Rice Box ($18.90).
This dish is a nod to the Korean Dosirak – a traditional packed meal typically consisting of rice, meat, and assorted sides in a compact container.
For the dessert lovers, give their Korean Japanese desserts a bite, like the Yuzu Lemon Tart ($9.90) and Lime Cheesecake ($9.50).
Read more at: GUI Cafe South Bridge (South Bridge Road)
Penny University
Wisma Geylang Serai, 1 Engku Aman Turn, Singapore 408528
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Tues – Fri), 8am – 6pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon
Specialty Coffee Shop Opens New Wisma Geylang Outlet
Considered one of the ‘OGs’ when it comes to third-wave coffee shops in Singapore, their new expansion is located at Wisma Geylang Serai.
Wisma Geylang Serai is known for being a vibrant, culturally rich hub, making it quite an ideal setting for a café like Penny University.
One of the standout features of Penny University is its selection of coffee, offering choices such as White ($4.50, $5, $6), Long Black ($5), Piccolo ($5.50) and Mocha ($6).
The café uses “Puma Estate” beans sourced from Finca Manantiales in Colombia.
These beans are notable for their rich and complex profile, boasting flavours of tropical fruits, caramel, macadamias, and tangerine, all culminating in a silky body.
As this outlet is still at the soft launch phase, Penny University also offers a small selection of pastries and cakes.
Read more at: Penny University (Wisma Geylang)
The Community Coffee – Hamilton
38 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209208
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Grey-Industrial Cafe At Hamilton Road With Good Coffee
Hamilton Road located in the vibrant Jalan Besar. The area stands out for its good mix of cafés, each offering unique experiences and specialties.
This location boasts an grey-industrial aesthetic – welcoming and comfortable.
The Community Coffee’s focus is clearly on their specialty coffee offerings, which includes White ($5), Strong White ($6) and Iced White ($6). For the adventurous, there is the Espresso Tonic. made with a double shot of espresso combined with grapefruit and thyme tonic.
Additionally, there is a range of rotating cakes such as Lemon Meringue ($8) and Carrot Walnut ($7), and I had the Rose Raspberry Teacake ($7) with raspberry cream cheese frosting.
The Community Coffee, while not offering a wide range of food options, excels in its coffee expertise and adds more colour to the Hamilton Road café scene.
Read more at: The Community Coffee (Hamilton Road)
Acoustics Coffee Bar – Farrer Park
2 Owen Road, #01-02, Singapore 218842
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Echo-free Café Centred on Sound in Farrer Park
Acoustics Coffee Bar has opened a brand-new outlet at Farrer Park, offers an inviting atmosphere with a focus on sound quality and comfortable space.
it is designed with natural elements such as wooden flooring, comfortable seats, and some green plants, complemented by wooden waveform structures and large speakers to enhance the ambience.
There are items such as the Owen’s Breakfast ($24) which features a fluffy bao, a choice of eggs cooked to your liking, pork belly, a side salad, and honey-glazed carrots.
For vegetarians, you can try the Cauliflower Steak ($15) with charred cauliflower steak sitting atop a bed of smooth hummus and is topped with an Asian chimichurri that would add a burst of flavour.
The café itself provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it a spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
Read more at: Acoustics Coffee Bar (Farrer Park)
Wooly’s Bagels – Arab Street
27 Arab Street, Singapore 199726
Opening Hours: 10:05am – 8:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 10:05am – 8pm (Fri – Sun)
Unique Twist On Classic Bagels With Loaded Chicken Spam And Otah Flavours
Wooly’s Bagels, a Muslim-owned establishment offering an array of stuffed bagels, has recently opened its doors at Arab Street.
The Muslim-owned cafe boasts a lean menu featuring a myriad of bagel offerings. One signature would be the GTF Bagel ($15.50) which is loaded with chicken meat loaf, scrambled or sunny side eggs, hash browns, and truffle mayo.
Another popular offering is the Otah with Coconut Chili Mayo Bagel ($17), featuring mackerel otah slices, coconut lime mayonnaise, and sunny side-up eggs.
With its cosy interior, Wooly’s Bagels stands out for its unique local fusion elements and is worth a try for those seeking a different take on the traditional Bagel sandwich.
Read more at: Wooly’s Bagels (Arab Street)
Little Part 2 Cafe – Sunset Way
Blk 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-38, Singapore 120106
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Tues – Sat), 10am – 9pm (Sun), Closed Mon
Cosy Hideaway in Sunset Way with Diverse Menu and Homely Flavours
Nestled in the quiet neighbourhood of Sunset Way, Little Part 2 Café emerges as a charming spot for those seeking a laid-back dining experience away from the hustle and bustle.
With both indoor and al fresco seating options, the café provides a serene setting for leisurely meals.
The extensive menu, featuring over 50 items ranging from Triple Cut Pizza to Shakshuka, caters to a wide array of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Noteworthy dishes include the succulent Chicken Schnitzel and Woon’s Vongole, a pasta dish with a homely twist.
Despite a minor wish for thinner chicken schnitzel, the overall culinary experience is enriched by fresh ingredients and the absence of GST or service charge.
Coupled with friendly service, Little Part 2 Café stands out as a hidden gem for those in pursuit of comforting flavours and a peaceful retreat.
Read more at: Little Part 2 Cafe (Sunset Way)
Kamome Bakery – Simply, Daily
Paragon B1-K27, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Fresh Japanese Baking Delight Lands at Orchard Paragon
Kamome Bakery has taken over the spot once occupied by Asanoya Boulangerie in Orchard Paragon’s basement.
Founded by Chinami Date, the bakery has already established a solid reputation with its Japanese-style breads and cozy café ambiance, following successful openings in Novena and Joo Chiat.
This takeaway-focused outlet showcases a tempting array of breads, ranging from $3 to $5 each, including fan favorites like Melon Pan, Pork Cutlet Sandwich, and unique offerings like Black Sesame Almond Croissant.
The Red Bean Butter Bun, their top-selling item, offers a blend of salted butter and sweet azuki red bean paste, though some may find the bread a bit tough.
The Pork Cutlet and Prawn Cutlet sandwiches stand out as tasty alternatives, featuring soft buns and crispy, well-cooked fillings.
Kamome Bakery, known for its high-quality Japanese-style baked goods, offers reasonable prices, especially for a town area location, making it an enticing destination for both Japanese expatriates and local bread enthusiasts.
Read more at: Kamome Bakery (Orchard Paragon)
Kitchenman Nasi Lemak
CT Hub #01-08/13, 2 Kallang Avenue, Singapore 339407
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 4:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Savoury Hidden Treasure of Malaysian-Style Nasi Lemak at Lavender
Nestled in CT Hub, Kitchenman Nasi Lemak joins the ranks of Singapore’s burgeoning Nasi Lemak scene, offering a range of Malaysian-style coconut rice dishes.
Amidst the wave of new Nasi Lemak eateries, Kitchenman stands out with its simple, unpretentious setup and a commitment to no pork, no lard, and no MSG.
Prices range from $5.80 to $14.80, with signature dishes like the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah Leg featuring marinated chicken in homemade rempah, and other essentials like fried egg, spicy sambal, and crisp accompaniments.
The chicken, with its crispy exterior and flavorful interior, is a standout, complemented by the subtly sweet coconut rice.
Other popular choices include Nasi Lemak Rendang Chicken and the richly spiced Nasi Lemak Curry Chicken. Sides like Otak-Otak, Sambal Fried Fish, and assorted vegetables add variety, while the Malaysian-style Iced White Kopi is a smooth, aromatic delight.
Spring Coffee
Hong Lim Complex #02-60, 531 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 050531
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Tues – Sat), Closed Sun
Hidden Gem Brewing Tranquillity in Hong Lim Complex
Tucked away on the second floor of Hong Lim Complex, Spring Coffee emerges as a serene oasis amidst the vibrant Chinatown food scene.
This ‘hidden’ café, aptly named ‘Spring’, aims to offer a refreshing retreat for CBD workers.
Upon entering, patrons are welcomed into a minimalist, rustic space bathed in natural light, with wooden tables and cozy corners that encourage lingering over coffee.
While the menu is currently concise, it features delightful offerings like Pain au Chocolat, Plain Croissant, and notably the Cheese & Scallion Scone from Yeastside, and a moist, rich Banana Bread, highly recommended by the barista.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Obelisk blend by 2 Degree North, creating robust coffees with sweet nutty and dark chocolate notes. Spring Coffee also caters to diverse tastes with options like Cold Brew Tea, Chocolate, and Homemade Kombucha.
With its tranquil ambiance and quality offerings, Spring Coffee is poised to become a favoured spot for those seeking a peaceful coffee break.
Read more at: Spring Coffee (Hong Lim Complex)
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