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:
Table of Contents
1. Tiong Bahru Bakery
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.
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2. 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.
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.
Image 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.
4. Creamier
If you can’t commit to a full meal but still have room for dessert, check out Creamier.
Image 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.
5. Micro Bakery
The Tiong Bahru cafe scene is filled with standouts, and Micro Bakery is one of those.
Image 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.
6. Merci Marcel
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.
7. Flock Cafe
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.
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.
8. 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.
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.
9. Plain Vanilla Bakery
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.
(Relocated) Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee
Note: Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee has since relocated.
Full list of Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee outlets.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Image adapted from: Monument Lifestyle Facebook, @iris.nihao via Instagram
(Closed) Chapter 55
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:
- Things to do in Pasir Ris
- Things to do in Clementi
- Things to do in Bukit Purmei
- Things to do in Serangoon Gardens
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