There’s just something about relaxing and sipping on a drink in a cafe, reading a book or catching up with friends; and the ambience, for many of us, is what completes the experience.
Out of all the nearly 150 outlets in Singapore, it’s safe to say that all of them pass the vibe check with their classically green and dark-wood interiors. But, not all outlets are equal and if you’re looking for the best of the lot, here are their most aesthetic outlets that are worth travelling for:
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The menu at Starbucks differs slightly for every country. However, you’ll find staples that are available at every outlet. This includes espressos like the Americano and Cappuccino, tea lattes such as the English Breakfast Tea Latte and Earl Grey Tea Latte, and frappuccino blended options including the Caramel Frappuccino and Dark Mocha Frappuccino.
Some of you might’ve heard of the elusive Starbucks secret menu. This refers to custom drink orders you can request for baristas to make. Curious cats can try drinks like the chocolate and banana filled Chunky Monkey Frappuccino, or the raspberry-flavoured Cotton Candy Frappuccino.
They also have an extensive food menu. There are sandwiches like the Chicken Ham and Cheese Panwich; Meatless Beef, Avocado Omelette, Mushroom & Cheese Wrap; and the Spinach & Mushroom Quiche. Sweet treats include their Signature Chocolate Cake, Banana Walnut Muffin, and Raisin Danish.
Starbucks offers seasonal F&B that are available for a limited period of time. For example, their spring offerings include the Osmanthus Honey Cake, Earl Grey Lemon Cheesecake, French Vanilla Mille-Feuille Oatmilk Latte, and Peach Passion Blossom Cream Frappuccino. You can stay updated on their latest items via the Starbucks website or social media platforms.
Simply put, a Starbucks Reserve store is the atas version of a regular Starbucks store. You can find a selection of exclusive and exotic coffees that aren’t sold at your regular Starbucks. Some examples include the Iced Shakerato Bianco and the Piccolo Latte. They also offer various brewing methods including coffee press, Chemex, siphon, and Modbar pour-over.
They also offer ice cream beverages like the House Affogato, Cold Brew Float, Cold Brew Malt, and Nitro Cold Brew Float. Do note that these items are only available at Jewel Changi Airport and Paya Lebar Quarter.
Singapore currently has 4 Starbucks Reserve outlets. These are located at Jewel Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, Paya Lebar Quarter, and Capital Tower.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
If you need a break from the concrete jungle, then the Gardens by the Bay Starbucks will be your great escape. Opened in April 2024, this nature-inspired outlet has vibrant blooms and soft moss peppered throughout. A soothing sight for those who are used to staring at computer screens.
You’ll also find an outdoor seating area where you can bring your furry friends to chill at. There’s ample seating both inside and outside, so you won’t have to squish with other customers. BTW, the Starbucks is located at the Active Garden which does not require any admission tickets.
Little India has many charms and 1 more to add to the list is Tekka Place’s Starbucks, which opened during Deepavali in 2020. It’s since flown under the radar, but for those now in the know, it’s a quiet outlet without the usual crowds.
Although not the largest out there, this outlet has intriguing artworks hung along the walls – and the artist behind 3 of them is none other than their own barista, Sastitharan Subramaniam. And aside from having a wealth of hidden artistic talent as seen from his art pieces on display, Sasti also holds the title of Starbucks Regional Barista Champion of the region.
Look out for motifs featuring the Starbucks siren and the Sumatran tiger, a native animal to the area, where some of Starbucks’ coffee beans are harvested from.
For the ‘Gram, there’s also a pretty pink wall to snap that mandatory Starbucks shot.
Most of us head down to VivoCity for a shopping spree or as a pit-stop before entering Sentosa Island. If you’re a coffee-lover, another reason to pop by ASAP is their Starbucks outlet which, at this moment, is arguably the prettiest of the lot.
You may have realised by now that many of their outlets are decorated differently, but for those who love pastel hues, this one’s a winner with customised ocean-themed murals, a nod towards its proximity to the harbour.
To satiate that sweet tooth, dig into the freshly-baked pastries such as their Raspberry Meringue Tart ($6.20) and Apple Tart ($6.20). If these look unfamiliar, that’s because these pastries are exclusive to the Vivo and Jewel outlets for the time being.
There’s plenty to do in Mandai Wildlife Reserve for a local touristy day-out – from exploring the Singapore Zoo to the Night Safari.
But first, coffee.
Save that morning cuppa for the Starbucks outlet right outside the entrance of River Wonders, a park under the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, that’s shrouded in nature. Bringing to mind a rainforest resort, this outlet has gigantic windows lining 1 side of the cafe so you can get your caffeine fix with a view.
You don’t need a ticket to River Wonders to enter – so even if you’re in the area visiting the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari, popping by is still an option.
This outlet lies within a lush pocket of greenery
Just a 6-minute walk from Buona Vista MRT is Starbucks at Rochester Park. At a glance, it’s easy to see why this has been nicknamed one of the most beautiful Starbucks outlets in Singapore. Other than being one of the few standalone outlets, its interior design also retains an old-world charm.
Retaining elements from its time as a pre-war colonial bungalow, you’ll find the 2nd floor of this outlet oozing homey old-world vibes with its many low coffee tables; wide, plush seats; and black and white photographs adorning the walls – perfect for history buffs who are curious about the building’s past.
Sip your favourite frappuccino in their air-conditioned space to escape the sweltering heat, or if the weather allows, enjoy your drink outdoors on the balcony.
Katong 86 is many things – it’s an ex-police station, conservation house and now, also home to the charming Katong Square Starbucks. Walk in and you’ll see arched doorways and Peranakan-inspired paintings adorning the walls, as homage to the Peranakan heritage of the area.
While vivid Peranakan art might sound like a jarring addition to the usual chill vibes of most other outlets, the juxtaposition works like a dream here thanks to a tasteful pastel palette and light wood furnishings.
There’s a variety of seats to pick, from bar stools near the cashier to sofas and dining chairs lining the perimeter of the outlet’s interior and larger communal tables to accommodate larger groups. If you’re in luck, go for the roomy seats near their large windows to watch the world go by.
Ask your parents and they might know more about the Liat Towers’ Starbucks than us millennials do. Located along the bustling Orchard Road, this was the first-ever Starbucks in Singapore since 1996, and has been in existence longer than some of us! Not to worry though, as it certainly doesn’t look the least bit its age, since the store was renovated in 2019.
A handwritten name or note is always the cherry on top of every SBUX order, and here, you’ll find that personal touch immortalised in the form of a feature wall. You can’t miss the 100 barista-decorated cups located in the store, topped with a sign that says “1st Starbucks in Singapore” – in case anyone wants a photo memo.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
A closer look at Paya Lebar Quarter’s Starbucks might show hints of industrial elements in the form of grey tiles behind the counter and shutter panels in the partition walls. The inspiration behind the outlet’s sleek yet utilitarian design was inspired by Paya Lebar airbase.
Home to one of the few Starbucks Reserve outlets in Singapore, this branch also houses award-winning baristas. Be sure to order from the Reserve-exclusive menu, which contains many lesser-known treats such as Hazelnut Bianco Latte and The Lookout – a concoction of rich coffee, sweet demerara syrup, and a refreshing splash of sparkling water.
We don’t always need our cafes to look 10/10, but when they do, the experience is made all the better. The main draw of United Square’s Starbucks is pretty obvious – it looks like a modish glasshouse, with floor-to-ceiling windows all around to allow plenty of natural light in.
The 360-degree glass windows could have you thinking you’re in MBS, whilst the interior screams MUJI with a touch of Starbucks Reserve sophistication. Wherever you set up camp to sip on your handcrafted brew, you’ll be promised an abundance of natural light in the day and a wondrous illuminated sight when night falls.
Jewel Changi Airport is home to many gems and one of the highlights that many of us gawked at when the mall first opened was Starbucks’ magnificent flagship store. Many of us have walked right by it, but few actually know of the outlet’s unique offerings beyond its eye-catching exterior.
Don’t automatically order your go-to frappe on your next visit – try something from their exclusive 4-tap nitro coffee and tea menu instead. The tap churns out nitro-infused beverages that taste smooth and clean without the typical bitterness that comes along with coffees and teas.
We recommend the Nitro Cold Brew for anyone who needs 3 times the caffeine hit, or the Nitro Green Tea Latte for avid matcha fans.
Enjoy your cuppa all in the stylish interior decked with a huge hand-chiselled mural of the Starbucks siren and feature walls with actual plants. What is not so noticeable, on the other hand, is the Art Room that’s filled with commissioned work and heritage pieces, hidden behind a nondescript frosted glass wall.
The Art Room also doubles up as a space for private meetings and coffee events
Image credit: Starbucks via Google Maps
Think coffee plantations and Yunnan, China won’t be the first thing that comes to mind. But alongside well-known sources such as Brazil and Vietnam, Yunnan has plenty of coffee plantations up in the mountains as well, and Starbucks happens to be a major buyer of coffee from the area.
You can find facts about this, along with Yunnan-inspired designs at Starbucks Chinatown Point. Look out for wallpapers with Yunnan-influenced art and prints of “星巴克” – AKA Starbucks in Mandarin – in the interior, which both pays recognition to the culture and reflects the Chinatown district it lies in.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Nature lovers and eco-warriors will adore the Starbucks at Bird Paradise. This coffee house not only serves brews and snacks, but also has eco-friendly practices in place, including the use of reclaimed wood throughout the entire outlet. So you don’t have to feel guilty about grabbing your 2nd cup of coffee for the day.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
The rustic wooden structure blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. See if you can spot whimsical drawings on the floor-to-ceiling glass doors featuring plants and various feathered friends.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
The outdoor seating is great for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a breath of fresh air. Parents can sit back and sip on their iced lattes while their children have a blast at the nearby playground.
Westies can flex that they have one of the chio-est Starbucks in Singapore since the opening of Jurong Lake Gardens’ Starbucks. Situated along Jurong Park connector, the coffee house has bicycle parking just outside, making it a convenient pit-spot for those who are on a cycling adventure.
Image credit: @starbuckssg via Instagram
You can bring your furry companions to this pet-friendly Starbucks and enjoy the serene waterfront views while listening to the birds chirping in this natural setting. The baristas may even surprise your pets with some treats.
Image credit: @starbuckssg via Instagram
Singapore’s weather can be unbearable, which makes air-conditioned environments a necessity. Here, you can still enjoy the outdoor views from the comfort of the indoors, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Making full use of its surroundings, One Fullerton’s outlet has outdoor sheltered seats right next to the bay to enjoy the panoramic views with your cuppa joe. If your choice Starbucks drink is a hot one, you can enjoy it from the comforts of their air-conditioned interior without having to miss out on the view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows all around.
Fellow Easties will know of the Tampines Mall Starbucks, snugly seated between Century Square and Tampines Mall. What used to be a dark, tight space has since been revamped into a futuristic piece of art with giant reflective glass panels all around – making it a highly coveted choice for a coffee break.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
You may be surprised to find that unlike the exterior, the interior is warmly-hued with wood furnishings and nature-inspired designs all around. Head up the stairway to access the new and spacious second level that offers up plenty of cosy armchairs and bar seats to facilitate your catch-up sesh or work meetings.
The short answer is yes, you can. The Singapore outlets do allow the public to occupy the tables and chairs for a couple of hours. There are charging outlets for those who are using their laptops and phones. That said, if the outlet is packed, do be considerate and avoid hogging the seats for too long.
Starbucks rewards members can get refills on hot and iced coffee and teas for $1.80. You can also request for free drinking water and “pup cups” – which is a small cup of whipped cream suitable for dogs and cats.
Almost every Starbucks store in Singapore has free WiFi you can connect to. As part of their marketing strategy, Starbucks also abides by their 10-minute rule, whereby stores will remain open for 10 extra minutes before their scheduled opening and closing times.
Note: The following promotion has ended and is currently unavailable.
Singapore’s tropical climate can be tiring, particularly when every day is hot and humid. If you’re looking to escape the heat after spending time outdoors, Starbucks offers a comfortable refuge. No two are the same and you’ll be able to spot locality-inspired designs at many of the outlets – some obscure, others distinct.
It’s been 27 years since Starbucks’ first outlet opened. To commemorate the occasion, Starbucks is now giving away a free limited-edition Starbucks glass* with purchase of any Venti-sized drink at all of the above stores.
All you have to do is post a picture or video – old or freshly taken – on your Instagram account tagging @starbuckssg or adding the hashtag #starbuckssg. Show it to the barista before purchasing your drink and you’ll get your freebie from 14th December 2020 onwards, while stocks last.
Starbucks Reserve at Jewel Changi.
If there’s anything that we flock to Starbucks for other than the lifestyle, it’s the uber-cute mugs and tumblers. Be sure to redeem these before they run out!
This post was brought to you by Starbucks Singapore.
Photography by Edmund Wong.
Cover image adapted from: Starbucks Singapore, @starbuckssg via Instagram
Originally published on 12th December 2020. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 23rd April 2024.
Promotions listed in this article are no longer valid.
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