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9 Best Cafes In Tiong Bahru That Cements Its Reputation As Singapore’s Go-To Cafe Neighbourhood

Tiong Bahru cafes


No matter what region of Singapore you reside in, there’s a reason why Tiong Bahru is always mentioned when cafe-hopping is on the agenda. It may be situated towards the far south of our island, but the fact that Tiong Bahru MRT is almost smack in the middle of the East-West Line makes it pretty accessible; and well worth the trip to check out the many Tiong Bahru cafes.

Whether you’re picking that one perfect cafe to suit your vibe, cuisine, and theme preference or looking to make a cafe-hopping itinerary out of it, here are the must-visits: 


1. Tiong Bahru Bakery


Tiong Bahru Bakery Eng Hoon
Image credit: @tiongbahrubakery via Instagram

One of the OGs in Singapore’s cafe-hopping scene, Tiong Bahru Bakery has now grown to a chain of several outlets throughout the nation, including a safari-themed cafe in Dempsey.

Swing by the Tiong Bahru outlet for a no-frills brunch sesh, and to sample their famous pastries. There’s a nice al fresco section where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and do some people-watching.

Depending on whether you’re craving something classic or with a slight twist, the top recommendations are the signature Croissant, Kouign Amann, and Green Tea Almond Croissant.

Tiong Bahru Bakery
Google Reviews
4.3
(3,046)
Address
56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 08:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

2. Caffe Pralet


tiong bahru cafes - caffe pralet
Image credit: Eatbook

Whether you call them sandos or sammies, jam-packed sandwiches are an emerging cafe trend. It’s not hard to see why, as they’re a feast for both the eyes and belly. Caffe Pralet has been perfecting the craft since 2006, and you can be sure of their dedication to food as they’re opened by the team behind a culinary institute – Creative Culinaire.

Their gourmet creations include the Beefin’ Cheesin and Spam Bam, featuring braised chuck tender and crisped Spam respectively. They’ve also got vegetarian and vegan options, like Magic Mushrooms and Tofu Sesame King. Not forgetting a TikTok favourite, the Burnt Butter Honey Glaze, featuring a great balance of salty and sweet.

Caffe Pralet
Google Reviews
4.4
(424)
Address
17 Eng Hoon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

3. The Butcher’s Wife


The Butcher’s Wife is run by the gang behind Tiong Bahru Bakery, so you know it’s gonna be good.

tiong bahru cafesImage credit: @voyage.inspiration via Instagram

Having debuted as a gluten-free establishment in 2018, the restaurant has earned praises for its robust menu. Some staples include the chargrilled octopus, Brazilian seafood stew, and grilled wagyu picanha. In addition to surf and turf, The Butcher’s Wife also serves a selection of creamy goat cheese and ricotta which go pretty well with the vegan bread basket.

The Butcher’s Wife
Google Reviews
4.5
(964)
Address
19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

4. Creamier


If you can’t commit to a full meal but still have room for dessert, check out Creamier.

tiong bahru cafesImage credit: @creamier.sg via Instagram 

After a decade of testing and experimenting, the local ice cream shop nailed its handcrafted formula using nothing but the highest quality ingredients. Small batches of creamy and rich ice cream are hand-churned in the kitchen at every outlet daily. 

Original flavours like chocolate and cookies and cream are beloved standbys, but creative concoctions like blue pea vanilla and thai milk tea are also legit.

Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee (Tiong Bahru)
Google Reviews
4.5
(1,294)
Address
78 Yong Siak St, #01-18, Singapore 163078
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

5. Micro Bakery


The Tiong Bahru cafe scene is filled with standouts, and Micro Bakery is one of those.

tiong bahru cafesImage credit: Eatbook

Taking over the space that was once occupied by Forty Hands, this new joint’s big on bread. But not just plain loaves; we’re talking juicy grilled cheese, caramelised mushroom toastie, and moist honey nut butter toast. Get a side of the homemade tomato tartine with ricotta cheese and you’ll be forever changed. 

There’s also the duck ragout crepe and house-cured trout with crisps that you’d be remiss not to munch on.

MICRO | bakery kitchen
Google Reviews
4.5
(172)
Address
78 Yong Siak St, #01-12, Singapore 163078
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

6. Merci Marcel


Merci Marcel Tiong Bahru
Image adapted from: Merci Marcel Group

One of the trendiest French eateries on home soil, we’d be remiss not to mention Merci Marcel’s sheer aesthetics. The breezy patio section where sunlight floods in is a popular choice in particular, giving that “France in Singapore” experience – and it’s no wonder that snap-happy Instagrammers flock to this cafe like bees to honey.

The dishes don’t fall short either, with decadent treats like Eggs Benedict with crispy Bayonne ham and Croque Marcel – their twist on a classic Croque Monsieur – being foolproof introductions to the cuisine.

Swing by past sundown for a totally different, equally très chic vibe. They open till midnight 6 days a week, so you can have late-night chats accompanied by tipple.

MERCI MARCEL TIONG BAHRU
Google Reviews
4.7
(2,949)
Address
56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68, Singapore 160056
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

7. Flock Cafe


Flock Cafe Tiong Bahru
The cosy space is ideal for solo outings or intimate convos.
Image adapted from: Hong Jone Wong, Moupiya N via Google Maps

Flock Cafe is a humble family-run business. The owners are big on coffee and cafe culture, so you can expect only quality brews here.

Due to the relatively tighter space, it may be a challenge to kope seats especially at busy periods like weekend brunch to lunchtime. However, the cosiness adds to the charm and it’s a lovely spot to lose yourself in a good book, or get some remote work done. 

Flock Cafe French Toast
Image credit: @ire.ne.su via Instagram

Besides all-day breakfast dishes like granola, French toast, and their own twist on Eggs Benedict called Cheeky Eggs which features braised pork cheek, they also have a wide range of Western mains like burgers and pasta.

FLOCK CAFE
Google Reviews
4.1
(852)
Address
01-25 Tiong Bahru Estate, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25 Block 78, Singapore 162078
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

8. Drips Bakery Cafe


Drips Bakery Cafe
Image credit: Drips Bakery Cafe

Not to be confused with Drip Singapore – a trendy club – Drips Bakery Cafe specialises in tarts, and they’ve been in the biz since 2010. Having branched out to outlets in Takashimaya and Tanjong Katong, their Tiong Bahru flagship is a spacious cafe where you can chill and dig into their extensive selection of tarts.

Drips Bakery Cafe Tarts
Image credit: @dripsbakerycafe via Instagram

If you’d like something more substantial, they also serve all-day breakfast dishes like Smoked Salmon and Eggs, as well as shareable dishes like the Assorted Sausage Platter and 10in pizzas in flavours like Oriental Ducky and Meaty-licious.

Drips Bakery Café @ Tiong Bahru
Google Reviews
4
(565)
Address
82 Tiong Poh Rd, #01-05, Singapore 160082
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

9. Plain Vanilla Bakery


Plain Vanilla Bakery Tiong Bahru Cafes
Image credit: @fainarida via Instagram

While simple, Plain Vanilla honours home-baking traditions that keep recipes uncomplicated. To this day, this bakery is still one of the most popular places in Tiong Bahru to chill out at because of its open, airy space, and cute decor.

To get a sampling kit of their crowd favourites, we recommend getting a Box of 6 Cupcakes which comes with curated flavours. These are, namely, the Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Hazelnut, Earl Grey Lavender, Dark Chocolate Ganache, and Strawberry White Chocolate.

Plain Vanilla Tiong Bahru
Google Reviews
4.2
(1,030)
Address
1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641
Opening Hours:
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 07:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

(Relocated) Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee


Note: Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee has since relocated.

Full list of Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee outlets.

tiong bahru cafes - Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
Image credit: Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee via Facebook 

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee went from wholesalers selling equipment and specialty coffee to F&B restaurants to becoming a full-fledged coffee shop in Tiong Bahru. They source at least 20 different origins of beans globally including Africa, Asia, South, and Central America, which you can purchase to put your coffee-brewing skills to the test.


(Relocated) Starter Lab Bakery


Note: Starter Lab Bakery has since relocated to Little Farms Tanglin Mall and Valley Point. 

tiong bahru cafes - Starter Lab Bakery
Image credit: Starter Lab Singapore via Facebook 

Starter Lab Bakery takes their sourdough seriously. Having built their reputation as one of the best bakeries in Bali, the cafe expanded to Singapore and opened a branch back in 2019. Since then, they’ve remained consistently popular to date.


(Relocated) Cream & Custard


Note: Cream & Custard has since relocated to Shenton Way.

Cream & Custard
Image credit: @fishyfish via Instagram

Cream & Custard is Singapore’s answer to Black Star Pastry – one of the best places for Sydney food – with their Strawberry Watermelon Cake ($6.80) being a perfect replica of its Australian counterpart. Featuring an actual chunk of watermelon in between its layers and topped with berries and rose petals, this is a best-seller you’ve got to sink your teeth into.


(Closed) Open Door Policy 


Open Door Policy
Image credit: @chiakantang via Instagram

Open Door Policy has its own greenhouse, enabling them to use fresh herbs in your meal. You’ll be the picture of health after a trip to this 100% dairy-free and gluten-free eatery.

At night, they transform into a gastropub. We hear that the Braised Veal Ossobuco, a hearty dish served with vegetables, white wine and broth is pretty good. The Eight Spice Apple Crumble is also a delight, with intense spices accentuating the sweetness of the apple. 


(Closed) Privé Tiong Bahru


tiong bahru cafes - prive
Image credit: Prive Tiong Bahru

If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly cafe, the Privé branch in Tiong Bahru is the place to go. They offer a wide range of plant-based dishes on their menu.

They also have an outdoor alfresco dining area at the back so you can bring your fur babies to dine alongside you.


(Closed) PS.Cafe Petit


PS.Cafe Petit Tiong Bahru Cafes
Image credit: PS.Cafe via Google Maps

Famed for their classy aesthetics and truffle fries, PS.Cafe has many outlets in Singapore. The “Petit” branch may be cosier in size, but it’s IG-worthy nonetheless. With a dark marble interior and facade, it stands out from the bright neighbourhood and Tiong Bahru’s iconic blocks of milky white shophouses.

As with other PS.Cafes, you can expect a variety of cakes and tarts, and their famed Sticky Date Pudding. For the ultimate brunch experience, opt for the filling PS Big Breakfast. It comes with eggs on toast, bacon and sausage, baked beans, and for that extra fancy touch, a salad with fragrant honey truffle dressing.


(Closed) Monument Lifestyle


A unique concept housing both a retail outlet and cafe corner under one roof, Monument Lifestyle serves quality coffee and bagels. It’s helmed by a couple originally from the US, who wanted to bring elements of their home country to Singapore.

Monument Lifestyle - Coffee and Bagels
Image adapted from: Monument Lifestyle Facebook, @iris.nihao via Instagram


(Closed) Chapter 55 


Chapter 55 Tiong Bahru
Image credit: @chapter_55 via Instagram

So-named for its location at Block 55 along Tiong Bahru Road, the whimsically themed Chapter 55 is where you’ll find throngs of savvy diners during weekday lunchtime. This is because they’ve been running lunch deals since they first opened in 2014.


Exploring Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s most popular cafe district

You can find the iconic Tiong Bahru cafe cluster a scenic 12-minute stroll from Tiong Bahru MRT station, through the old-school walk-up apartments and IG-worthy spiral staircases. No worries if you’re trying to beat the heat, as the area is serviced by buses like 5, 16, 123, 195, 851, and 970 – among others.

Just hop off at the Block 55 bus stop, where you’ll see a restaurant with a flashy Sin Hoi Sai Seafood signboard, and you can embark on a cafe journey coursing through the likes of Eng Hoon Street and Moh Guan Terrace. 

Check out other neighbourhood guides:


Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 18th September 2024.
Cover image adapted from: @iris.nihao via Instagram, Sevens Kissaten via Google Maps, @chapter_55 via Instagram