Think about reunions with family and friends and most of us would think of booze-laden nights at a cocktail bar or a hearty meal at some of the best restaurants in town. But sometimes, all we need is somewhere a little more laid-back. There are plenty of new cafes that have opened up in 2023, so why not have a wholesome year-end reunion with great coffee and healthy cafe food instead?
We’ve rounded up some cafes that are quiet enough for you to have conversations with your loved ones. Not to mention, some of them are super IG-worthy too. So go on, check out these cool cafes in Singapore where you can chill over your favourite cup of joe, paired with a dish or two.
1. Old Habits Cafe at SAFRA Mount Faber
One of the most unique cafes in Singapore, Old Habits Cafe needs no introduction. This coffee joint, located next to the swimming pool at SAFRA Mount Faber, was dreamt up by a husband and wife team who are both collectors of vintage memorabilia.
You’ll see eclectic knick-knacks and vintage items peppering the cafe space — think an old-school telephone or nostalgic figurines of Astro Boy. Besides making a great topic of conversation, the decor at Old Habits Cafe also makes a great photo backdrop for your 0.5 selfies.
Food-wise, order up the wagyu beef rice bowl ($18.90) or honey mustard lamb rack ($23.90). They’ve also got $9.90 specials, where you can choose from mains like Clam Vongole Spaghetti or Chicken Breast Sandwich. Pair it with an Old Habits Float ($7.90) or play it safe with a cup of latte or americano.
SAFRA members get 10% off all food and drinks if you flash your membership card. Visit safra.sg/amenities-offerings/old-habits for more info.
2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mt Faber, #01-04 (next to the swimming pool), Singapore 098803
2. Wheeler’s Tropikana
Here’s a cafe that’s located away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, located in the tranquil surroundings of Gillman Barracks. Wheeler’s Tropikana is a cafe serving up “Australasian” cuisine in a Bali-inspired setting — think rattan chairs, recycled elements, and bamboo lamps. To amp up the tropical factor, there’s even an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
Munch on delicious food like the Kingfish Ceviche ($22), a dish made up of Spencer Gulf Kingfish, passionfruit, green chilli, coriander, white ginger, and sunrise finger lime. For drinks, they’ve got tropically curated cocktails such as the Drago, a concoction of dragon rum, lychee, lime juice, and syrup.
And of course, since Wheeler’s Tropikana was conceived by the same masterminds behind Wheeler’s Yard and Wheeler’s Estate, you can order up your daily cup of coffee here too.
Besides food and drinks, this is a real lifestyle destination hosting regular events and promotions such as live music nights, pool parties, and brunch — so you can definitely visit over and over again.
And good news, if you’re a SAFRA member, you get to enjoy 10% off the a la carte menu with a minimum $50 spend. For more info, visit safra.sg/promotions/wheeler-s-tropikana
3. KithSTOP at Staytion Dhoby Ghaut
Last but not least, any coffee lover would know Kith Cafe, one of the OG cafes in Singapore.
It’s conveniently located at Dhoby Ghaut MRT, too, perfect if you’re doing a super quick catch-up over lunch. The food here is affordable as well, starting from $4.50 for a sunny eggs & toast set. But don’t be fooled by the quick options, they also serve heartier fare like the pasta carbonara ($9.90) and bolognese ($9.90), with the option to top up $3 for an iced tea and a swiss roll.
You can’t stop by a Kith Cafe without ordering coffee. Ask for classics like a flat white (from $4.90), or go fancy with iced specialty coffee such as an iced caramel latte ($6.90). Non-caffeinated options like honey ginger chai (from $5.90) and fresh fruit juice (from $3.90) are also available.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off the bill at KithSTOP @ Staytion Dhoby Ghaut. And all you have to do is spend a minimum of $15. For more info, visit www.safra.sg/promotions/kithstop
Staytion Lifestyle @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT, 11 Orchard Rd, B1-11 MRT Exit B, Singapore 238826
4. Puzzle Coffee at ION
Serious coffee lovers need to check out Puzzle Coffee, a Melbourne-based cafe at ION. They’ve got 4 outlets in the Australian city, and recently opened their first international outpost here in Singapore. For the uninitiated, Puzzle Coffee is known for sourcing fairly traded speciality coffee beans from around the world, roasted in-house. In fact, you’d be happy to know that the coffee is roasted weekly and delivered from Melbourne.
Its location at the basement of ION Orchard makes it a convenient place to catch up with friends after an evening of shopping. Try one of their bestselling drinks, the Biscoff Latte (from $6.50), and top up $3 for an edible biscuit cup made of oats and grains. Those who can’t take caffeine can also choose from the Chai Latte (from $6) and Matcha Latte (from $6.50).
Pair your beverage with pastries from Bakery Artisan Original, like the Kaya Croissant ($5) or a Mini Almond Croissant ($2.80), before continuing the shopping spree with the boys.
2 Orchard Turn, B1-38/39 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
5. F’east at Far East Flora
If you’re both a plant and coffee lover, here’s good news. Far East Flora has just opened F’east, its in-house cafe on the first floor of the 11-storey Far East Flora Centre. This makes it easy to drop by for a coffee or brunch before or after Chinese New Year plant shopping.
The garden theme has extended to the dining space, too, with plenty of plants surrounding diners. There’s also heartier fare like smoked duck aglio olio, fish & chips, and shakshuka. For a quick bite, just pick up some buns and pastries from $1.80, and pair them with a cup of coffee or tea ($2.50).
435 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599873
6. The Coffee Code
The Coffee Code, a brand from East Malaysia, has just opened its first Singapore outlet at Neil Road. Its cosy cafe space with sofa seating that looks right out of an aesthetic living room makes it an ideal place for your year-end reunion.
Don’t leave without trying their Bak Kwa Waffles ($18), topped with chicken bak kwa, chicken floss, cornflakes, and whipped cream. But for safer options, there are also other options like the Banana Crush ($14), topped with bananas and nutella.
The drinks here are just as interesting. Besides the regular black or white coffees priced from $5, you can also opt for nitro-brewed specialty coffees or non-caffeinated options like Emily Berries ($7). The latter is a zesty fruit soda with fresh blueberries and strawberries.
37 Neil Rd, Singapore 088822
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
