Fact: We’ve been sipping coffee since the 9th century –yes, wild. Fast-forward through the dalgona craze (thank you, Squid Game), the rise of vibey cafes in Singapore, and a growing appreciation for artisanal, single-origin brews, and it’s official: Singapore’s coffee culture is brewing hotter than ever.
Credit:Coffee Near Me
Besides cafes, independent home-based coffee businesses like Coffee Near Me (pictured) are also gaining traction, serving the caffeine fix of Singaporeans in the heartlands.
And the numbers back it up. According to data from Statista, out-of-home coffee purchases at restaurants and bars raked in a staggering US$1.81 billion (S$2.44 billion) in 2024. To keep up with our ever-growing coffee obsession, chic new spots have been popping up over the past year, serving not just great cuppas but also major aesthetic vibes. Swipe to see what’s percolating.
2050 COFFEE
Credit:2050 Coffee
2050 Coffee’s first branch in Kyoto is serving up futuristic vibes, along with a cup of ethically sourced and sustainably produced coffee.
The takeaway: Cult coffee shop Kurasu’s latest venture mixes sustainability with killer brews –definitely our next coffee hotspot.
The lowdown: If you’ve been to Kyoto-based coffee franchise Kurasu’s two locations at Orchard Building and Waterloo Centre, then its latest venture, 2050 Coffee, should be at the top of your list. With predictions that half of the land used for Arabica coffee cultivation could become unusable by 2050, Kurasu founder Yozo Otsuki set out to future-proof coffee culture in 2023. His solution? 2050 Coffee.
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After opening its first outlet in Kyoto in February 2024, 2050 Coffee is gearing up to launch its first overseas spot in Singapore by the end of 2024 (exact date TBD). What’s certain, though, is the chance to enjoy high-quality international beans on a monthly rotational basis.
Credit:2050 Coffee
2050 Coffee will feature the fully automated, state-of-the-art Eversys Cameo C/2ms Super Traditional espresso machine.
The drinks: With a fully automatic espresso machine and batch taps, 2050 Coffee serves up quality espresso, batch brews, and even specialty drinks like matcha and cascara cherry tea –all in a flash. This cafe also blends sustainability with its products and services, exclusively partnering with farms that use regenerative agriculture methods to preserve soil health. In other words, their coffee beans are not just delicious –they’re ethically sourced and produced.
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The vibe: The futurism extends to the interior, too. Though Singapore’s space is still under construction, it’s set to mirror the sleek, spaceship-esque design of the Kyoto branch. As we eagerly await this new kid on the block in Singapore’s coffee scene, keep an eye on 2050 Coffee’s Instagram for the latest updates.
The location: 267 Beach Road
Find it on: Instagram
GROUND FLOOR COFFEE
Credit:Ground Floor Coffee
Ground Floor Coffee opened its first outlet in September 2024.
The short takeaway: Beloved home-based coffee spot moves to East Village Mall –bigger space, same passion, more room to grow
The lowdown: If you’re an Eastie, you’re probably already familiar with this coffee spot. Adhwa Hasif kicked off his coffee journey as a takeaway, hole-in-the-wall cafe in 2022, so brewing is second nature to him. What’s new? He’s no longer serving coffee from his HDB flat in Pasir Ris. As of September 2024, Ground Floor Coffee has opened its first café at East Village Mall.
READ MORE: Hole-In-The-Wall Coffee Joints Are Popping Up In Singapore
The new location allows the cafe to better support both its customers and family. Operating from home came with limitations, making it difficult to collaborate with other brands. The final nudge? Adhwa’s young daughter, who’s about to enter primary school, asked for her own room.
Credit:Ground Floor Coffee
Ground Floor Coffee serves coffee from local roaster Fluid Collective, who exclusively handles its sourcing and roasting.
The drinks: From classic lattes ($4) to Dirty Chais ($7.80) and new matcha lattes ($7), this cafe is a must-visit. With beans sourced and roasted in collaboration with local roastery Fluid Collective, you’ll definitely be #supportinglocal.
The vibe: The new digs keep the charm of its original HDB window –still takeaway-only, with a modern yet homely feel. Picture large potted plants and the familiar sounds and smells of coffee-making. And of course, Hasif is still behind the espresso machine, doing what he does best.
READ MORE: Six Cafe-Bars For Your Coffee And Cocktail Fix
The location: #01-53 East Village Mall, 430 Upper Changi Road
Find it on: Instagram
CAFE GYOEN
Credit:Cafe Gyoen
Inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant energy, Cafe Gyoen also boasts a chic photo spot: the Tokyo train cabin.
The takeaway: Tokyo-inspired gem that serves matcha and more, run by siblings with passion
The lowdown: Cafe Gyoen might not look like it now, but it started as a cosy family-run izakaya in Tai Seng. When Covid-19 hit, siblings Natalyn and Ryan Chan took a bold step –she ditched her gig at an independent fashion blog, and he walked away from the world of oil trading –to dive into the family business. Now, they’re running it full-time, having turned it into a sleek Tokyo-inspired specialty cafe.
Pronounced ‘gyo-ehn,’ meaning “imperial garden,” the name is a nod to their favourite Tokyo park, Shinjuku Gyoen. The Japanese-inspired food and beverage menu features ceremonial-grade matcha from Shizuoka – perfect for those who take their matcha seriously.
Credit:Cafe Gyoen
Café Gyoen is the brainchild of siblings Natalyn (left) and Ryan (right) Chan – responsible for everything from the menu and layout to the name. Pair your specialty brew with Japanese-inspired dishes, all crafted with care. With Ryan’s sushi apprenticeship, the food is just as high-quality as the coffee.
The drinks: Indulge in refreshing concoctions like the Mango Matcha Latte ($8) and Strawberry Matcha Spritz ($7.50), both offering a satisfying caffeine kick. For coffee lovers, expect Japanese-inspired brews, with beans sourced from a local roaster delivering a full-bodied aroma. For the ultimate caffeine fix, try the Dirty Matcha Latte ($8) — a matcha latte with a shot of espresso. Sweet tooth? Don’t miss the Kohi Jelly ($10.50), a classic served in Japanese coffee and tea rooms, topped with a scoop of gelato.
READ MORE: A Directory Of New And Independent Cafes, Bakeries And Restaurants In Singapore
The vibe: With a menu that blends modern Japanese flair and tradition, plus a trendy, photogenic interior, what’s not to love? For shutterbugs, the cafe features a Tokyo train cabin-inspired space – designed to be the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed.
The location: 55 Serangoon Garden Way
Find it on: Instagram
BULLOCK CART COFFEE
Credit:Bullock Cart Coffee
The mother-son duo behind Bullock Cart Coffee, Mary Chan (bottom, far left) and Esmond Toon (bottom, left), are bringing creative coffee brews to Chinatown and Bugis.
The takeaway: A mother-son duo brewing up buzz with two thriving coffee spots.
The lowdown: This beloved coffee spot is so popular, it’s opened its second outlet just seven months after the first. Bullock Cart Coffee is the brainchild of mother-son duo, Esmond Toon and Mary Chan, who are now serving their brews in both Chinatown and, as of September 2024, Bugis.
READ MORE: Something Fun Is Brewing At Beyond The Vines
Toon’s coffee journey began as a hobby during the pandemic. After losing his fintech job last year, an overseas trip sparked an epiphany: why not turn his passion into a business? Meanwhile, Chan, after three decades in the corporate world, left her job to support her son’s venture. Together, they launched Bullock Cart Coffee.
Credit:Bullock Cart Coffee
According to Toon, the Taro Latte ($6) is a crowd-favourite that put them on the map.
The drinks: The cafe is best known for its signature Taro Latte ($6) –a smooth blend of double espresso, milk (oat and soy milk available), and taro, offering the perfect balance of nutty and sweet for a post-lunch pick-me-up. Another favourite is the Peach Espresso Soda ($6.50), a refreshing fizzy drink with peach puree and a shot of espresso. But that’s not all –Toon has teased an upcoming brew inspired by a traditional Chinese dessert, promising a truly unique twist on local flavours.
The vibe: The cafe offers an intimate, vintage-inspired space that feels warm and homely. Despite the limited seating, it’s always welcoming, especially with Toon and Chan personally handling service at their Chinatown location. It’s like popping over to a friend’s house for a quick chat –only with top-notch coffee and refreshing caffeine concoctions.
The locations: #02-57A Hong Lim Complex, 175 South Bridge Road; and #01-03, 103 Beach Road
Find it on: Instagram
CALLIGRAPH COFFEE
Credit:Doggaebi/Courtesy of Calligraph Coffee
In Duo Galleria, discover a cosy haven fuelled by caffeine and a true appreciation for craft.
The takeaway: Peaceful caffeine haven in Bugis, blending matcha and specialty brews for ultimate bliss
The lowdown: If you’re a coffee lover hooked on TikTok’s matcha obsession, Calligraph Coffee is your new favourite spot. Nestled in the vibrant Duo Galleria, this cafe serves up both specialty coffee and matcha, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Singapore.
READ MORE: Minimalist Cafes In Singapore To Tune Out The Bustle Of The City
Starting a cafe has always been founder Nicholas’ dream (he’s all about the first-name basis). Before launching Calligraph Coffee, he juggled a corporate nine-to-five in tech while perfecting his coffee-brewing craft on weekends. After saving up, he took the leap, left his corporate job in June, and officially opened Calligraph Coffee in July 2024.
Credit:Doggaebi/Courtesy of Calligraph Coffee
The drinks at Calligraph Coffee highlight the subtle nuances in its coffee and matcha profiles. Try the Yunnan ($8.90), Ethiopia ($8.90) coffee, or Nori ceremonial-grade matcha ($9.90) to taste the difference for yourself.
The drinks: Simplicity is at the heart of this cafe’s brewing philosophy, letting the quality of its beans shine through. From Yunnan, the Baima Natural beans bring a fruity, wine-like flavour to the coffee. Not a fan? The cafe also sources beans from other regions. Its matcha is equally top-notch –enjoy ceremonial-grade matcha and hojicha, all sourced directly from Japan.
The vibe: If you’re looking for a spot to cool off during your shopping escapades, this cafe is perfect. It blends trendy minimalism with satisfying caffeinated drinks. Though the cafe tends to fill up during weekday lunches, check it out during off-peak hours when the cafe’s minimalism really lets you immerse in the flavours of its drinks. It has everything a cafe should – good chill vibes, accessibility, and, of course, quality coffee brews.
The location: #01-57 Duo Galleria, 1 Fraser Street
Find it on: Instagram
COFFEE NEAR ME
Credit:Coffee Near Me
Coffee Near Me is a new home-based cafe near Thomson Nature Park.
The takeaway: Home-based cafe in Thomson, created to bring coffee closer to neighbours, now welcoming walk-ins islandwide
The lowdown: Sonia Lim, a freelancer and avid coffee lover, faced a challenge: cafes were hard to come by near her estate. So, she decided to solve the problem herself. Enter Coffee Near Me — the latest home-based cafe on the block, much to the delight of her neighbours at Casuarina Walk.
It all started in February 2024 when Lim began brewing coffee for her neighbours. “I just wanted to meet more people and bond over coffee!” she says. After receiving an outpouring of positive feedback, she took the leap and opened her driveway to the public in May.
Credit:Coffee Near Me
Thanks to TikTok virality, the cafe is selecting a local roastery partner. In the meantime, enjoy Lim’s rotating selection of heavenly bakes, just as delightful as the coffee and vibes.
The drinks: Serving Americanos ($3.50), coffee lattes ($4.50), and Spanish lattes ($5), Lim’s brews perfectly complement the friendly chatter. The cafe’s drinks are set to improve: after gaining TikTok popularity, local roasteries have reached out for potential partnerships. As Lim continues discussions with suppliers, enjoy her rotating selection of bakes, which evolve as she experiments in the kitchen.
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The vibe: If you’re looking for quality roasts and kampung spirit, add Coffee Near Me to your list. Since opening its doors, the cafe has gained thousands of TikTok views. Despite its growing online following, the cafe still feels warm and homely. With its open-air setting, fresh brews, and the fact that it’s hosted in Lim’s driveway, this cafe is the ultimate vibe.
The location: 20 Casuarina Walk
Find it on: Instagram and TikTok
WATERMILL
Credit:Watermill
Nestled within the art-filled fitness sanctuary, Sphere, Watermill exudes a clean-girl vibe with a touch of edge – perfectly embodying founder Adeline Teo (bottom right).
The takeaway: Hidden coffee gem in Holland Village, founded by a stylish content creator
The lowdown: Watermill cafe is a hidden gem tucked in the unlikeliest of spots –inside a gym. What’s the connection? For founder Adeline Teo, it’s all about blending wellness with design. Sphere, the gym and fitness recovery space, understands the power of both art and fitness, making them the perfect partners in crime.
Located within Sphere’s Holland Village outlet, Watermill is a personal project for Teo. The name is inspired by her dream getaway, Water Mill, New York, a charming hamlet in Southampton, Long Island. The logo? Inspired by ‘Blue Jean’, a distinctive shade of blue created by luxury brand Hermes. It’s a soft, vibrant blue with a hint of grey, instantly recognisable. Naturally, the cafe serves her two go-to drinks: coffee and matcha.
Credit:Courtesy of Adeline Teo
Watermill is the perfect stop for those on-the-go – grab a specialty coffee latte ($6.50) or iced matcha ($7.50) on your way from the gym to the office.
The drinks: Watermill sources its coffee from local roasters, serving espressos ($4), Americanos ($5.50), and coffee lattes ($6.50). Like the other cafes on this list, it also offers iced matcha lattes ($7.50). With matcha from a family-owned farm in Uji, Kyoto, Watermill’s on-the-go cuppas rival those from any specialty cafe.
READ MORE: What To Do In Kyoto: A Guide For Art And Design Lovers
The vibe: Watermill may be takeaway-only, but what sets it apart from spots like Ground Floor Coffee is its design focus, a philosophy it shares with Sphere. The interior exudes edgy clean-girl vibes, with a heavy stone counter, light beige and deep blue walls, and the art that fills the space. In an area full of watering holes, Watermill embraces your inner urbanite. Swing by for a workout, admire Sphere’s art, grab an iced Americano, and head off to your next adventure.
Where: #02-07 One Holland Village, 7 Holland Village Way
Find it on: Instagram
JUNE COFFEE
Credit:June Coffee
This Joo Chiat staple may already be on your radar, but did you know it’s under a year old? With its homely, warm vibe, it’s perfect for friendly catch-ups and first dates.
The takeaway: Hip caffeine gem serving layered lattes, all-day brunch, and bold, beautiful brews
What: A Joo Chiat gem, June Coffee is the brainchild of the team behind the popular Chinatown cafe, September Coffee. Opening in June 2024 (yes, the irony isn’t lost on us), the cafe quickly became known for its layered coffee lattes and all-day brunch menu. It’s got everything Gen Z craves – style, stunning desserts, and of course, a seriously strong cup of coffee.
READ MORE: A Guide To Exploring Joo Chiat Like A True Insider
Behind the scenes, the Tan family prefers to let their drinks (and the vibe) speak for themselves. Don’t be fooled by the stunning lattes – they’re crafted with high-quality roasts, including Colombian single-origin beans, for the perfect balance of art and caffeine.
Credit:Lucy Lauron
The cafe’s layered coffee creations are sweet-savory works of art. With espresso, milk, and flavoured foam, each drink delivers both bold flavour and a solid caffeine kick.
The drinks: Signature coffee drinks include the Iced Pistachio Latte ($9) and Iced Black Sesame Latte ($8). While you’re there, don’t miss the brunch menu staple: thick-brioche French toast ($12-$17). Like the other cafes on this list, they also have something for matcha lovers. New additions like the Pistachio Matcha Latte ($9) and Taro Matcha Latte ($8) are sure to be just as satisfying (and beautiful) as the rest of the artisanal menu.
The vibe: If its layered beverages don’t catch your eye, its interior surely will. With dark wood furniture and pops of greenery as the centrepiece, this cafe is one of the most photogenic spots around. Feeding yourself here is basically feeding your Instagram feed.
Where: 47/49 East Coast Road
Find it on: Instagram
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