District Sixtyfive
7 best cafes at Joo Chiat for brunch, coffee & cakes
Best cafes at Joo Chiat to explore
Awfully Chocolate, Apiary, Tiong Bahru Bakery… There’s a reason why these big names in Singapore’s cafe scene have decided to plant an outlet along Joo Chiat Road.
Located in the East Coast area, here are the seven best cafes at Joo Chiat for brunch, coffee and cakes.
1. Tigerlily Patisserie
Tigerlily Patisserie might have risen to fame with its croissants when it first opened shop, but trust me when I say that there are no entremets in Singapore like Tigerlily’s.
The bakery was founded by Maxine Ngooi, who trained under several Michelin-starred restaurants. Hence, it’s no surprise that her bakes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Its signature entremet — The Beehive (S$15) — is modelled after one. It comprises a jelly made of lemon, thyme and lychee, lemon sponge, honey parfait and yuzu mousse.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something on the sweeter end, we recommend Pink Guava & Pear (S$12). The best fruit duo, the two fruits are transformed into pink guava cream and jelly, cubed fresh pears, and elderflower liqueur pear mousse. It’s fruity, light, and one portion is simply not enough.
Click here to read our full review.
Location: 350 Joo Chiat Road
Tel: 8887 0988
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 9am-5pm
2. Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar
A literal hole-in-the-wall, Kohi Roasters & Coffee Bar hails from Indonesia (despite being named after the Japanese translatoin for coffee).
On the hopper, its self-roasted Aka Blend underscores a juicy acidity, with a syrupy finish.
An espresso-based coffee starts from S$4 for an espresso, and we recommend an iced black (S$7) for this blend.
For a more unique drink, its kohito (S$7.50) might be more satisfying instead — a refreshing iced black topped with milk and mint.
Location: 283 Joo Chiat Road
Opening hours: 8am-6pm
3. Tiong Bahru Bakery
You might be tempted to go straight for its signature kouign amann (I wouldn’t blame you), but you might want to try some dishes that are exclusive to Crane Road.
Indulge in a hearty Breakfast Croffle (S$22). An airy and crispy croffle, and one of the best I’ve had, it’s paired with candied bacon, portobello mushroom, a fried egg, and a robust herb ranch sauce.
For something less “brunch-y”, and more “lunch-y”, the croffle also comes as a Pull My Pork Croffle (S$22) — topped with Mexican pulled pork, pickled jalapeño, avocado, sour cream, and coriander.
Click here to read our full review.
Location: 7 Crane Road
Opening hours: 7.30am-8pm
4. Kings Cart Coffee Factory
Here’s a local roaster that isn’t all about the coffee.
Kings Cart Coffee Factory also serves a selection of hearty brunch dishes such as the classic Bacon Eggs Benedict (S$21) and Asian-inspired pastas such as the Mentaiko Carbonara (S$23) and Tom Yum Goong (S$24).
Its self-roasted house blend, which is low in acidity and chocolatey, can also be experienced in interesting forms of coffee. Deviating from the typical espresso-based coffee, Kings Cart Coffee Factory provides an array of interesting drinks, such as the signature Coconut Latte ($S9), topped with coconut cream and gula melaka, and the Figs & Peach (S$9), sweetened with peach-infused concentrate and fresh figs.
Location: 328 Joo Chiat Road, 01-05
Tel: 8814 8445
Opening hours: 9am-6pm
5. Apiary
The ice-cream store that everyone knows and loves, Apiary has opened an outlet in the east!
The quaint ice cream shop, which features a selection of homemade ice cream and waffles, is most well known for its Sicilian Pistachio — intensely nutty, slightly astringent. But, the Blue Milk, which is a milk-flavoured ice cream dyed with blue pea flower, as well as the Hojicha, are also highly-acclaimed.
A single scoop costs S$4.20, while premium flavours such as the Sicilian Pistachio costs S$5.50.
Location: 81 Joo Chiat Road, 01-01
Tel: 6980 6979
Opening hours: 12-9pm
6. Luna
Joo Chiat is home to the most famous kouign amann, entremets and pistachio ice cream. Now, we recommend Luna, one of the best cake stores in Singapore.
It’s famous for its Orh Nee Cake (S$8), featuring an earthy gingko paste that’s sweetened with coconut Chantilly cream.
Meanwhile, for one of the most intensely-flavoured matcha desserts you’ll ever find, Luna’s Matcha Opera (S$8.50) is the cake for you. Featuring an airy matcha chiffon, it’s light in terms of flavour and texture, a stark contrast to the creamy and bittersweet matcha ganache. If you think that’s where it ends, the cake is finished with a light dusting of matcha powder.
Location: 121 Joo Chiat Road
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am-6:30pm
Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-6:30pm
7. Cafe Natsu
Cafe Natsu is known for its Japanese-inspired Western brunch classics.
Buckwheat Granola (S$16), is zested with yuzu curds, Florentine (S$25) is served with a side of wasabi spinach, and Gnocchi (S$22) is coated in an umami shio kombu sauce.
Even its desserts, which it is more famous for, are injected with Japanese influences, such as the Yuzu and Lime Meringue Pie (S$12), and Mochi Fried Doughnuts (S$12), served with a creamy Hokkaido milk ice cream.
Location: 283 Joo Chiat Road
Tel: 8886 4497
Opening hours:
Mon-Tue: Closed
Wed-Thu: 8:30am-5:30pm
Fri-Sat: 9am-3pm, 6:30-10pm
Sunday: 8:30am-5:30pm
This article appeared first on District Sixtyfive.
For more eats, check out where you can get delicious bomboloni in Singapore and visit the new Toast Box Coffee House.
You can book a ride to these cafes at Joo Chiat.
Do explore the new GrabFood Dine-in service for awesome deals.
