Pout Rooftop Cafe: New viral cafe at Clarke Quay with serene skyline views that’s got everyone talking
When it comes to cafe-hopping, it’s no secret that Singaporeans take their coffee — and ambience — very seriously.
The latest spot stirring up conversation is Pout Rooftop Cafe, a snug hideaway offering sweeping views of the Marina Bay skyline. Yes — that cafe perched atop CMO Building on South Bridge Road!
Its tranquil vantage point and minimalist interiors make it an appealing retreat from the bustle below. Meanwhile, its photogenic setting has crowned it a social media favourite.
Since its official opening in mid-September, word has spread swiftly.
What started off as an under-the-radar discovery has now turned into a viral sensation, with queues forming well beyond lunch hours.
Pout hasn’t been in the business for very long and operates only on weekdays — it’s clearly still coming to terms with its newfound popularity.
Expect some out-of-stock items by mid-afternoon and a rather chaotic queuing system that’s slowly finding its rhythm.
And if you’re hoping to skip the crowds by popping by later — we hate to break it to you — but the team reveals that the cafe’s sole “quiet” window is at 8am, right when it opens.
That’s crazy, I know.
On the bright side, Pout has recently introduced a 90-minute dining limit to help manage waiting times, especially during peak hours.
When we swung by on a weekday afternoon at 3pm, it was no surprise that the cafe was packed to the brim. Thankfully, we were first in line for an indoor table.
Obviously, everyone is here for this stunning view!
It’s hard to resist the charm of enjoying a cuppa against the backdrop of Singapore’s gorgeous skyline.
Whether you choose to enjoy the scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of its indoor seating or its outdoor one — outfitted with simple camping chairs — the experience at Pout is definitely one to remember.
The menu at Pout Rooftop Cafe
Here, you’ll find your usual cafe classics, alongside some inventive iced specialities such as the honeycomb latte (S$7.90) and peanut butter mocha (S$7.90).
Ultimately, we settled on the iced strawberry matcha (S$8.90) and coconut matcha Cloud (S$7.90).
While I’m not a huge matcha aficionado, Pout’s renditions fell short. Hear me out — neither drink is bad.
But the coconut matcha Cloud didn’t quite deliver the punch of its matcha base, and reminds me slightly of pandan-kaya layered cake, though admittedly a little unusual for my taste.
That said, it’s still a refreshing pairing with coconut water.
Similarly, the strawberry matcha had its moments: The strawberry jam struck just the right balance of sweetness, while the matcha brew delivered a pleasant earthy note without veering overly bitter.
Yet, somehow, the elements didn’t fully come together. For one, the jam didn’t integrate well with the drink.
Perhaps it’s a matter of personal taste, but overall, the drink didn’t have the balance I was hoping for — a shame, given each component works well on its own.
As for its bakes, we had the matcha cruffin (S$8) and the brown sugar kouign amann (S$7) — these were the most unique items left on Pout’s shelves for the day.
Don’t be thrown off by the thick, dark green hue of the matcha filling within — it’s far less intimidating than it looks, and has just the right hint of matcha flavour.
The pastry itself was delightfully flaky and buttery, making it a solid choice for anyone who loves all things matcha.
Meanwhile, the kouign-amann left me wanting a slightly airier, flakier interior.
The caramelised exterior wasn’t as shatteringly crisp as I was expecting, too.
Maybe skip this one and save your tummy space for Pout’s more popular housemade desserts such as the brulee Basque cheesecake (S$9.90) and tiramisu (S$9) — both of which were sold out, too, while we were there.
Honestly, it’s easy to see why Pout Rooftop Cafe has caught social media attention — all thanks to its enviable scenic views.
While what we had on this visit didn’t completely win me over, I’d love to return to explore more of its beverages and bakes.
With the overwhelming crowds, your best bet is to wait for the hype to settle — that way, you’ll have a better chance to truly soak in the cafe’s cosy ambience!
For more ideas on what to eat, check out the new Basque cheesecake specialist on Beach Road and the Singapore bars that made it to the list of World’s Best 50 Bars this year.
Tues 8am - 5pm
Wed 8am - 5pm
Thurs 8am - 5pm
Fri 8am - 5pm
- Clarke Quay
Shannon has the taste buds of a grandmother and perpetually struggles with a food coma.
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