10 Best Hidden Cafes in Singapore

Singapore does not have many secret cafés. The most overrated ones that have been taking over your feeds to the cutest bistros that even your hipster pals are unaware of are all represented here. And just when you think you’ve been to every one of them, you’re likely to find another hidden gem.

This one is particularly true for eateries that are hidden away in this little nation’s most remote regions. So gather your pals and pay these hidden Singapore cafés a visit for the first time!

Best Hidden Cafes in Singapore

1

The Coastal Settlement

You’ll discover loads of vintage knickknacks and unusual decor on show at this warm, dog-friendly place. On the menu, you’ll find honest comfort food like burgers and pizzas, as well as regional favorites like nasi lemak. It’s a great place for your pets to go around and explore while you eat because it’s surrounded by nature. It’s also close to a not-so-hidden haunted location (ahem, Old Changi Hospital) that you may visit if you’re brave!

This place has character and a touch of nostalgia with the use of retro furniture, Knick knacks, chandeliers, display items, etc. definitely an Instagrammable venue and worth a visit. Service was friendly and the food was acceptable. Also, love the greenery outside the restaurant. Alfredo dining can be therapeutic in fine weather. Otherwise, indoor dining certainly offers some respite from S’pore’s sweltering heat. – Jkyeo

2

Earlybird Cafe

The Earlybird Eatery is a large bird-themed cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe’s aesthetics feed you through your eyes before it fills your stomach. You won’t have to worry about not having enough insta-worthy areas with bird murals on the walls inside and a bright yellow “Earlybird” sign outside. Don’t forget about their must-try menu: $19 Chicken & Pancakes!

Fried chicken and pancakes are simply amazing! I’ve always wanted to try other things on the menu but find myself going back to their pancakes cause it’s simply that good. – Melvin Tay

3

Refuel Cafe

Make a pit stop at Refuel after gallivanting around Bedok for a little… refueling (we couldn’t help ourselves!). What’s great about Heartland cafes? They aren’t going to abandon your wallet. So, for less than $15, treat yourself to a substantial brunch of eggs benedict or fluffy pancakes. Feeling a little posh? The Full Tank is only $15.90 and includes bacon, smoked salmon, sausage, mushroom, scrambled eggs, tomato, and toast. Sweet delicacies such as waffles, brownies, and cakes are all under $10 on the dessert menu for individuals with a sweet tooth.

Has been here a few times with my family. Serve nice brunch. Their BBQ Pulled Pork is very juicy and tasty. The waffle is light and fluffy. Can try their Porky Egg Waffle, and Refuel Pancake. Quite a generous portion. – Alice Lim

4

South Union Park

Terence Chuah, the chef-owner, has worked in restaurants all over the world and now shows off his culinary skills in a cafe setting, where the tables are always full and the food is nothing short of outstanding. If you go to Kembangan, you’ll be greeted by a variety of delectable European cuisine. Try the duck confit tagliatelle, sorrel salmon, or Pommery mustard pork chop. If you still have room for dessert, try the brownie with salted caramel ice cream.

The pork dishes are especially good – pork chop was cooked to relative perfection, tender and tasty. The pork ribs that I had previously tried were also lovely and came off the bone easily. Another tasty dish was the squid ink fish and chips. Good selection of pasta. Service staff members are also attentive and polite! Will be back. – WT

5

Thus Coffee

A small coffee shop on the outskirts of Ang Mo Kio, in the quiet residential enclave of Jalan Kuras, roasts its beans in-house. Choose from white, black, or filter coffee, but a strong dose of the piccolo is usually a good choice. Pair your drink (the ginger latte is also delicious!) with one of the many toastie selections on the all-day brunch menu.

A cafe with a cozy environment, like their lava cake and ice cream with cornflakes crunch. Both New York cheesecake and Salted Caramel cheesecake seem like supplied by Cat and the Fiddle, but the price is not cheap overall. Nonetheless, still, a nice place to chill out with friends or family. – Kathy Lee

6

British Hainan

British Hainan is a throwback to a bygone era, nestled amid a private estate in Joo Chiat. When you go in, you’ll be taken down memory lane. The cafe is decorated with a jumble of antiques, making it feel like a museum. Take your time looking through antique telephones and radios, black-and-white images of ancient Singapore, and gorgeous portraits of legendary figures from the past. However, the characteristic traditional oxtail stew, grilled rosemary lamb shank, Hainanese pork chop, and mutton soup are not missed!

The place looks like a museum rather than a restaurant, and it provides different kinds of the dining experience. The place serves authentic Hainanese fusion cuisine, and the taste is excellent, which is the main reason for my visit to the place. My favorite item is the traditional Hainanese Oxtail Stew. The meat is so soft and tender, it came out of the bone easily. The sauce is thick and flavorful and goes well with the potatoes and carrots. Nice. – J Seng

7

Whisk & Paddle

This sprawling open-air cafe offers serene views of the Punggol Serangoon Reservoir and its environs. You’ll discover a variety of comfort foods on the broad menu, including macaroni and cheese, eggs benedict with smoked salmon served atop waffles, and a variety of pizzas. In the evenings, it transforms into a delightful watering establishment, so stop by for cocktails and bar food.

Been here a couple of times and the food does not disappoint. Always order the nachos as a starter. The seafood pan is always my go-to dish, tried the pizza this round and it’s good! The pasta was great as well. Directly facing the park connector so it’s very nice to chill. Just that it’s a bit far in. Definitely recommended! – Yu Carmen

8

The Garden Slug

This hidden heartland diner is on a nondescript stretch off Still Road, not far from the famed colorful shophouses of Joo Chiat. The dog-friendly spot, which has been a fixture in the area since 2006, is a great place to catch up over good food: think pasta, salad, and sharing platters. We recommend making yourself at home in the alfresco area and simply watching the world go by. However, before visiting, check the menu on the internet, as it is subject to change.

A pet-friendly cafe that offers a scrumptious all-day breakfast menu and fresh juice. Located in a landed residential area, definitely highly recommended if you want to chill with your pet and eat good food. – Ivan Tj

9

Afterwit

Afterwit is a modern Mexican cafe that serves a variety of unusual tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. The modest halal eatery combines local flavors into traditional Mexican fare to create an enticing menu. Try their unique flavors, such as biryani burritos and tom yum shrimp quesadillas, both of which are around $15!

The food was fantastic! A huge improvement from our last time here. We had the taco platter – 6 tacos on a plate. The tacos held up their fillings well and maintained a good crunch at every bite. Every single one was well seasoned and well balanced and the proteins cooked perfectly! Will definitely return for more. – Qistina Aliffi

10

Grub

Grub is a casual neighborhood bistro, with a fun vibe yet a severe approach to food. Their food is hearty and delicious, great to be shared with family & friends in a warm and welcoming environment! It’s food that they would serve their own families and they would love to share it with you!

The food portions were good and the chili crab pasta was legit. The only letdown was the Milo dinosaur which was expensive for its small size. The service staff were overwhelmed but remained friendly and accommodating. I love the ambiance and close proximity to home. I will definitely go back again. – Jon Heng

Here are 10 secret eateries around Singapore that you could visit on a beautiful drive or bike ride! We’re confident that visiting these remote, less well-known cafés will give your eating experience a unique twist. What are you still holding out for?

Do check out our list of Cafes at Jalan Besar and enjoy your coffee experience with every sip.