We’re welcoming February with CNY fare, V-day dinners, hot new tables, cool bars and, of course, a slew of must-visit new cafes in Singapore. Get ready to feast on gluten-free fare, amazing vegan creations and classic sweet treats from familiar favourites.
Best new cafes in Singapore: February 2021
Green Common
Green Common has finally arrived on our sunny shores. The brainchild of social venture Green Monday Group, this vegan cafe breaks all preconceived notions about plant-based dining (read: boring, tasteless and the like). Located in VivoCity, the 3,000 sq ft lifestyle store is a haven for vegans, housing the leading brands of plant-based meat under one roof. That includes Beyond Meat, OmniMeat, Heura (vegan chicken), Daiya (vegan cheese), Unlimeat (Korean vegan beef) and Just Egg (plant-based eggs).
For those new to the vegan scene, you can try dishes made from said brands on the meat-free menu before bringing some home. Highlights include Meat Lovers Pizza, Beyond Black Burger and meatless meatballs. Gone are the days when you have to settle for a bowl of sad salad! For something local, order the rendang chicken roti, Hainanese Trick’en Rice (we tried it and we ain’t looking back) or laksa. Don’t leave without munching on the egg-free HK-style French toast, too. We’ve gotta say, the dishes are crafted with innovation and the plant-based movement is definitely on the rise. Who says sustainable dining is inaccessible?
Green Common, #01-169/170, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
The Fabulous Baker Boy
Remember when The Fabulous Baker Boy broke our hearts after it closed shop at Fort Canning Park? Now, it’s back at a fab new location in Aliwal Arts Centre. Awash in pastel hues and adorned with lush foliage, the new 70-seater cafe boasts the same baked goods we’re all fond of. But before you dive straight into the cakes, fill up on savoury plates including the popular fried chicken and waffles, chicken and pesto grilled cheese sammie (made with housemade sourdough) or the hearty Fab Fry Up, which offers sausages, confit mushrooms, roast potatoes, grilled tomato, toast and eggs to your liking.
Dessert fiends can look forward to more than 14 sugar creations, including the famed red velvet which has a rich layer of chocolate ganache, Nutty Monkey, a banana coconut cake, and the crowd-pleasing Lady Marmalade. Go all out and then burn off the calories by exploring the surrounding cultural enclave.
The Fabulous Baker Boy, #01-01, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Tarte by Cheryl Koh
A mainstay at Shaw Centre since 2015, Tarte by Cheryl Koh has finally opened its doors to the public with a brand new look. Settle into the refreshed (and bigger) dine-in space with curved lines, warm tones and a modern ambience. Fans can expect the usual line-up of stellar tarts such as dark chocolate, blood orange and strawberry. Swinging by for tea? Sip on melon and rose cold brew while you nibble on baked goodies like pain au chocolat and croissants.
Tarte by Cheryl Koh, #02-05, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
The Brewing Ground
Nestled in the heritage grounds of the former Telok Kurau Primary School, The Brewing Ground should be on everyone’s radar. With its quiet locale, glass-enclosed dining space and breezy pet-friendly alfresco area, the cafe serves as a spot to while the day away with comforting brunch fare and solid brews. We’re talking about eggs benedict with a twist (beurre blanc sauce, anyone?), burrata and tomato tartines, and hearty brekkie burgers stuffed with a pork sausage patty, scrambled eggs and caramelised onions.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for seasonal specials like tomahawk steak, seafood stew and grilled squid. Complete your cafe experience with a cup of joe, featuring beans from local roasters like 2 Degrees North Coffee Co. If you’re looking for a little booze injected in your brunch, cocktails such as the cold brew martini and mimosa won’t disappoint.
The Brewing Ground, #01-24, The Yards Singapore, 406 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 428084
The Whole Kitchen
The arrival of this health food cafe (initially an online store) at Katong is proof that the east is where it’s at. The Whole Kitchen is all about wholesome food that will nourish your body and mind. From fresh smoothies to baked treats to top-notch joe (from Allpress Coffee), the menu is free from gluten and refined sugar, and is packed with all-natural ingredients instead. If you happen to have special dietary requirements (read: vegan, paleo keto and so on), just let the friendly folks know and they’ll be more than happy to recommend you something.
Stay and soak in the good vibes by grazing on warm toasties including the crowd favourite Mumbai Sandwich, replete with tomato, cucumber, cheese, chaat masala, house-made green chutney and tomato kasundi relish. While you’re at it, stock up your pantry with delish spreads and condiments like hazelnut cacao spread (nature’s Nutella), berry chia jam and pink sauerkraut (your gut will thank you).
The Whole Kitchen, #01-16, Odeon Building, 11 East Coast Road, Singapore 428722
Degree Celsius Cafe
Degree Celsius Cafe is the latest coffee spot in Dhoby Ghaut. Outfitted in quintessential clean lines, pristine whitewashed interiors and a green wall, the cafe is every minimalist’s dream. The menu is topped with your standard coffee options alongside a selection of croissants. Did we mention, you can opt for plant-based milk options at no extra charge?
Degree Celsius Cafe, #01-11, UBS Building, 9 Penang Road, Singapore 238459
What are you waiting for? Get ready for brunch fun at these new cafes in Singapore.
Best new cafes in Singapore: January 2021
Hundred Acre Creamery
Take the road less travelled and head down to Hundred Acre Wood. Nope, not the fictional land where Winnie the Pooh and his friends live. We’re talking about a cute little cafe in Clementi that references Disney’s Pooh Bear in the most subtle way possible. Think warm lighting, wooden tables, yellow walls and memorable quotes from the classic cartoon. What can you find here? Sweet treats in the form of fresh, icy gelato. Flavours like chocolate hazelnut, Thai tea lychee and black and white sesame are sure to be a hit. But for something more unique, there’s the Ocean Blue flavour, aka white chocolate with nori. Also, the Vietnamese drip coffee is a must-try.
Hundred Acre Creamery, #01-37, 109 Clementi Street 11, Singapore 120109
Drips Bakery Cafe
The famed Tiong Bahru cafe has opened its second outlet in the heart of Orchard. Located in the basement of Ngee Ann City, it sports a cosier space compared to its flagship store. But hey, you still can expect a line-up of iconic tarts on display. From yuzu and salted caramel chocolate to chocolate truffle and fresh fruits, the choices are endless!
Drips Bakery Cafe, #B2-31, Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
Porcelain Cafe By Gratefood Co
From a collaboration between plant-based company Gratefood Co and Porcelain Origins Spa comes a wellness cafe that specialises in acai bowls. What sets it apart from other acai bowl spots? The folks here only use natural ingredients like organic acai pulp, pink pitaya and bananas. Plus, each bowl is a work of art. Take the Starry Galaxy (pictured above) as an example. The bowl is decorated with star-shaped nanas, vegan dark chocolate, edible silver spray and sprinkles to resemble a glorious night sky. Other noteworthy creations include the ‘gram-tastic Unicorn Dreams and Beach Paradise. For those who claim that healthy food can’t look and taste good, we say the proof is in the pudding.
Porcelain Cafe By Gratefood Co, #04-48, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Culture Spoon
Culture Spoon is not your usual cafe. Instead, it acts as a co-working kitchen that brings together up-and-coming F&B brands under one roof. For now, you can get coffee by Quarter Life Coffee, baked goodies like Basque cheesecake and tiramisu by Cultured Bakeyard and tea by The Tea Affair. For full meals, get a load of Thai plates by chef Wyman Wong, who sharpened his knife at the now-defunct Long Chim restaurant. Also on the menu: flavourful Filipino dishes by Luci’s Kitchen and spicy Indonesian fare by Mamilani Home Cook. Rest assured, no two visits are the same.
Culture Spoon, 409 River Valley Road, Singapore 248307
The Ritual
Start your morning routine by grabbing a cup of joe at The Ritual. Not to be confused with Ritual Gym, this place is anything but sweat-inducing. As it’s outfitted in minimalist decor and neutral tones, you’ll likely find your inner calm here – almost the same effect as practising yoga. Replenish your body with wholesome brunch plates like avo toast or steak and eggs. Or try the eponymous big breakfast, which offers eggs done to your preference, mixed greens, bacon, sausage and a choice between croissant and sourdough. Vegans can rejoice with dishes like tofu tempeh fries, mushroom fritters and acai bowls.
The Ritual, #01-09B, Alocassia Apartment, 383 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259727
Halfpipe Skate Bar
Situated a stone’s throw from Somerset Skate Park, Halfpipe Skate Bar is a new cafe retail concept by snowboarding company The Ride Side. There’s a decent selection of coffee (cold and hot brew) for java junkies, local and international craft beers (from lagers to pale ales to stouts) for hopheads, and skateboard paraphernalia (helmets, longboards and skate wheels) for skating enthusiasts and pros. All in all, it makes for a great chillout spot.
Halfpipe Skate Bar, #01-15, TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road, Singapore 238164
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