Joo Chiat cafe guide: 20 spots for anything from kopi to avocado toasts

Joo Chiat’s heritage-rich streets have evolved into one of Singapore’s most vibrant cafe playgrounds, where every other shophouse seems to house a promising Joo Chiat cafe waiting to be uncovered.  

Here, old-school charm mingles effortlessly with the modern coffee culture, creating a refreshingly laid-back neighbourhood perfect for lazy brunches, people-watching and discovering your new favourite brew. 

Whether you’re hunting for your next Instagram backdrop or seeking a quiet corner for a cuppa, these 20 cafes show just why Joo Chiat looks poised to be Singapore’s next cafe hotbed with its bakeries and coffee houses.

1. Pelle and Pepe 

83 Joo Chiat Place, 01-01
Open: Wednesday to Friday (8.30am to 2pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 4pm)

Why visit? At Pelle and Pepe, everything is made fresh, by hand, and in small batches, so quality is a given. This 100%-levain bakery specialises in naturally leavened sourdough viennoiseries and breads, offering a depth of flavour that conventional yeast-based bakes can’t quite match. 

Beyond breads and pastries, it also serves a small rotating selection of hot dishes that feature simple, high-quality ingredients paired with its signature breads. 

Crowd favourites: Everyone has their own go-to pastries at Pelle and Pepe, but the chausson aux pommes (S$7.50) — a buttery, wholewheat pastry encasing a caramelized apple filling — is our favourite and makes for the ultimate comfort bake.

If you’re after something familiar yet unique, go for the pain au chocolat (S$5.50), made with a mix of buckwheat and wholewheat flour, or the croissant au levain (S$5). The combination of natural fermentation and use of wholegrain flours lends these bakes a deep, complex wheat flavour that feels both indulgent and wholesome. 

2. Petit Pain 

17 Joo Chiat Place
Open: Thursday to Sunday (10.30am to 2.30pm)

Why visit? Ask anyone where to find some of the best croissants in Singapore, and the name “Petit Pain” is bound to come up. This beloved small-batch bakery is famous for its viennoiseries crafted entirely from scratch. Its bakes undergo meticulous, days-long fermentation processes that enhance the natural flavours of wheat.

The small-but-mighty bakery consistently draws long queues from the moment its doors open. Arriving early here is key to securing your desired bakes, but take note of the purchase limit of a maximum of five viennoiseries and five breads per person. 

Crowd favourites: Its classic croissant (S$3.80) is the undisputed star — it boasts a crisp exterior that shatters into delicate, airy layers when you chomp down on it. Due to its popularity, every person is only entitled to buy four of these. These tend to sell out by 12pm, too. 

Aside from that, you’ll also find heartier options such as traditional baguettes (S$4) and kojipan (S$6) which you can enjoy at home. Since these loaves don’t have any additives or improvers, they are best eaten fresh within a few days. 

3. Big Short Coffee 

2 Fowlie Road, 01-01
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 5pm)

Why visit? The quaint Big Short Coffee is for those seeking an insta-worthy, innovative coffee spot in the Joo Chiat cafe scene. It blends techniques from molecular gastronomy, cocktail-making, and even science labs to craft unique coffee concoctions — think clarified milk, flavour foams and more unexpected ingredients that push the boundaries of what coffee can be. 

Crowd favourites: The menu at Big Short Coffee rotates with the seasons so there’s always something to try. When we last visited, the cafe was serving up winter-inspired drinks. The one that caught our eye was the Black Forest (S$9.50), inspired by the elusive Knafeh chocolate bar by Fix Chocolate from Dubai. This drink features its signature espresso blend and is topped with a house-made knafeh and pistachio dark chocolate bar. 

Other drinks available on the winter menu include cold brew coffee, smoky bu (S$8.50) that’s infused with lapsang souchong tea,  great in bread (S$8), an espresso-based drink that’s topped with homemade gingerbread, and more.

Read our full review of Big Short Coffee here. 

4. Cata Coffee 

56 Joo Chiat Place
Open: Thursday to Monday (8pm to 4pm)

Why visit? With a striking emerald-green awning and colourful, inviting interior, it’s hard to miss Cata Coffee. Once inside, you’re greeted by a stunning glass display filled with fresh bakes from Saga Bakeshop, adding to the unique cafe’s charm.

While seating is limited, there’s a standing area that’s perfect for a quick coffee break. While there, we also spied power outlets by the standing area, great for those who don’t mind clocking in a focused work session while on your feet. 

Crowd favourites: Cata Coffee strikes the perfect balance between well-crafted drinks and delicious bakes.  Coffee purists can appreciate its long black (S$5), which has just the right balance of brightness and acidity while those who appreciate a lighter brew can opt for the flat white (S$5.50) with its smooth texture.  It also offers cold brew (S$7) and filter coffee (S$8) options for those who enjoy a more refined sip. 

Non-coffee drinkers aren’t left out, with options such as the matcha latte (S$6.50) and the house-made Cata’s Kombucha (S$8). Pair the drinks with its freshly baked focaccia (S$8.50) for something savoury or go for a sweet treat with its banana walnut toffee or Hawaiian carrot cake (S$5.50 each).

5. Pull in Coffee 

121 East Coast Road
Open: Monday (7.30am to 4pm), Tuesday to Thursday (7.30am to 6pm), Friday (7.30am to 10pm), Saturday (10am to 10pm), Sunday (10am to 6pm)

Why visit?  In a sea of cafes in Joo Chiat, Pull in Coffee stands out as a no-frills spot where you can get a quality cup of coffee without the steep price tag. Nestled within Hay Gelato, Pull in Coffee focuses on expertly crafted brews made with care by friendly and knowledgeable baristas. Extra good news for early birds around the area — you can snag an espresso-based coffee for just S$4 when you come in on weekdays from 7.30am to 9am.

Crowd favourites: Pull.in Coffee keeps things simple but well-executed. The black coffee (S$4.40) and white coffee (S$5.60) are for those looking for a classic, balanced brew. The matcha latte and chai latte (S$6.20 each) are also popular choices amongst the regulars here. 

If you’re looking for something with a unique twist, it also offers red velvet mocha (S$6.80), made with red velvet chocolate powder instead, creating a smooth and indulgent sip without being overly sweet. Interestingly, Pull in Coffee also offers refreshing mocktails such as yuzu peppermint mojito and kyoho chamomile (S$7.10) for those who might want a pretty drink, or two. 

6. Olsen Bakehouse 

301 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (9am to 4pm), Friday and Saturday (9am to 5pm)

Why visit? Run by husband-and-wife duo Darren and Jia-Min, Olsen Bakehouse is centred around quality, care and a passion for creating bakes made with love. As parents themselves, this Joo Chiat cafe is a cosy haven for families, complete with a small play area stocked with books and toys — perfect for little ones to stay entertained while you enjoy a sweet treat. 

Crowd favourites: Best known for its locally-inspired cakes, Olsen Bakehouse brings nostalgic flavours to life in soft, fluffy layers — think flavours such as ondeh ondeh and kopi kaya peanut butter (S$8.50 per slice).

One of its most popular flavours is the orh nee (yam filling, S$8.50 per slice) cake, adorned with a stunning purple-to-white gradient coconut buttercream. Encased within is a fragrant pandan chiffon cake layered with house-made orh nee — so decadent and so addictive. 

7. Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar

432 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 4.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Why visit? Hailing from Bangkok’s specialty coffee scene, Kohi Roastery and Coffee Bar carved a name for itself when it entered Singapore with its unique hole-in-the-wall coffee concept. 

While originally a hole-in-the-wall concept, it has now found a new home within Crane, a curated lifestyle brand. Despite its new location, Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar retains its signature window, but swaps out the heat for a more comfortable air-conditioned space. 

Crowd favourites: There’s a solid line-up of espresso-based drinks available here, with the regular items like black (S$5.50), white (S$6) and mocha (S$6.50) available. We also see offerings like a classic affogato (S$6.50) – featuring double espresso and creamy milk gelato — which you don’t typically find in specialty coffeehouses. 

Bonus if you have furry friends — Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar also has puppycinos (S$2) on its menu for you to enjoy your coffee treat with your bestie. 

8. Bingo 

174 Joo Chiat Road, 01-01
Open: Wednesday to Friday (8.30am to 4.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Why visit? Community is at the heart of Bingo. With a large communal table anchoring a bulk of its space, this Joo Chiat cafe feels more like a friend’s home than a cafe. Bingo’s warm and earthy interior gives it an understated charm that reflects the team’s vision of creating a meaningful space where Singaporeans can gather over pastries, coffee, and conversations.

Crowd favourites: Bingo’s well-crafted menu features a mix of sweet and savoury bakes, all made from scratch with quality ingredients. The Iranian pistachio tart (S$14) is a fan-favourite sweet treat featuring a layer of pistachio praline and frangipane, finished with lightly salted pistachio and vanilla cream for the perfect balance of richness and flavour. 

For something savoury, go for Dear Tomas, Love Bread (S$10.50) — Bingo’s elevated take on a classic chicken pie, packed with roast chicken and potatoes wrapped in a crisp, golden crust. 

Read about our visit to Bingo here. 

9. Micro Bakery at The Red House 

The Red House, 01-06, 63 East Coast Road
Open: Wednesday to Friday (8.30am to 4pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 5pm)

Why visit? Those familiar with the Singapore sourdough scene will definitely know all about Micro Bakery. With its signature tangy, well-fermented loaves, Micro Bakery is the place for those who appreciate the depth of flavour of naturally leavened bread. 

Nestled within the iconic red house that once housed the historic Katong Bakery and Confectionary Company, the space carries a sense of nostalgia whilst serving up simple, honest food made with high-quality ingredients. 

Crowd favourites: Each Micro Bakery outlet has a slightly different menu and Katong Red House exclusives include items such as the Green Goddess avocado tartine (S$19), fresh kaya toast and honey nut butter toast (S$8.50 each).

For something heartier, the big breakfast (S$26) is a satisfying plate of bratwurst sausage, scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, salad and sourdough toast — a comforting and well-balanced meal. 

10. Prairie by Craftsmen  

462 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Sunday to Thursday (7.30am to 8pm), Friday and Saturday (7.30am to 9pm)

Why visit?  Brought to you by the team behind Craftsmen Coffee, Prairie by Craftsmen is a cosy, pet-friendly Joo Chiat cafe. The spacious and quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing brunches and productive work sessions. The menu is huge, spanning from light bites to hearty meals, making it a suitable all-day spot. 

Crowd favourites: With such a large menu, there’s sure to be something that speaks to you in a unique way. Some of the more distinctive items on the menu include the ajitama and potato salad sando (S$18), where creamy potato salad meets jammy ramen eggs between soft and fluffy shokupan. 

Something less messy but equally special is the tonkotsu “ramen” (S$24), a fusion pasta dish combining slow-braised pork belly, ajitama and tonkotsu with a linguine base. 

11. Common Man Coffee Roasters — Joo Chiat

185 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday (7.30am to 5pm), Tuesday to Sunday (7.30am to 9.30pm) 

Why visit? A pioneer in the Singapore cafe scene, Common Man Coffee Roasters has been serving up specialty coffee since 2013. Its sunlit Joo Chiat outpost offers a cosy retreat from the city’s bustle, and its soothing royal blue accents set the tone for a relaxing experience. If you enjoy people watching, its unique by-the-window seats provide the perfect vantage point, offering a view of the street but with the comfort of air conditioning. 

Crowd favourites: Common Man Coffee Roasters is best known for its brunch menu. In particular, its Turkish Common Man breakfast (S$29) which is only available until 4pm. Its version is a refreshing alternative to typical brunch fare, featuring phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled eggs, crispy feta, and green hummus served alongside a warm pita bread. 

No visit is complete without its house-roasted coffee blends. Try its selection of espresso coffees such as the black (S$6 for regular, S$7 for large) or white (S$6.50 for regular, S$7.50 for large). 

12. Bee Hoe Coffee 

55 Joo Chiat Place
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 2pm)

Why visit? Tucked away in the back alley of Joo Chiat, Bee Hoe Coffee is one of the more intriguing hidden gems in the area. This coffee shop offers more than just your standard lattes and mochas — it delivers a true taste of Vietnam with specialty brews made from beans sourced directly from one of the co-owner’s family farms. 

Crowd favourites: The menu is compact but unique, featuring everything from Vietnamese drip coffee (S$3) to more experimental options such as coconut coffee and peanut butter coffee (S$5.50 each). 

Our personal favourite includes the honey egg coffee (S$4.5), Bee Hoe’s take on the Hanoi classic drink, which was a refreshing change from the usual offerings at coffee houses in Singapore. 

Read about our experience at Bee Hoe Coffee here.

13. Tomo Cafe — Joo Chiat

189 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 6pm)

Why visit? You might have heard of Tomo Cafe after it went viral on TikTok, for its fun and creative drinks. This Joo Chiat cafe serves up Japanese-inspired dishes with a local twist, incorporating flavours that Singaporeans love, especially mentaiko. It also has two other outlets around the rest of Singapore.

Beyond its food, Tomo is a great entry point for those who might not be big on coffee — it has lots of creative and playful flavour combinations for its espresso-based drinks, giving you plenty of options to explore. 

Crowd favourites: Tomo’s menu is quite extensive, spanning sandos, brunch plates, pastas and desserts. Most people opt for the pastas which include options like the crab linguine (S$22) or the duck aglio olio (S$18).

The must-tries here are its drinks. The iced honeycomb latte (S$7) is a standout, offering an interactive experience where you can pour the espresso shot over the honeycomb yourself. Other popular picks include the iced goma latte (S$8) and iced matcha strawberry cloud latte (S$8).

14. Same Days Coffee Stand  

Grafunkt, 292 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday, Wednesday to Friday (10am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am to 6.30pm)

Why visit? Tucked away inside luxury furniture store, Grafunkt, Same Days Coffee is one of Joo Chiat’s best-kept secrets. Launched in September 2024, the coffee stand offers a well-curated selection of espresso-based drinks, cold brews and non-caffeinated options for those who prefer something different. 

Crowd favourites: A drink that comes highly recommended is Same Days’ iced yuzu matcha (S$7.50), an unusual but well-balanced mix of earthy matcha and bright, zesty yuzu. 

If that caught your eye, you’d be glad to find other citrusy delights here as well, from the orange espresso (S$7.50) to lemon drizzle cake (S$7) to yuzu canele (S$6) — a refreshing twist that makes for a bold and flavourful cafe experience. 

Read our full review on Same Days Coffee Stand here.

15. Cafe Wabi Sabi — Joo Chiat

283 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 9.30pm) 

Why visit? Cafe Wabi Sabi hits all the checkboxes for the quintessential cafe-core experience. As its name (a Japanese term which focuses on the beauty in imperfection) suggests, this cafe in Joo Chiat is centred around Japanese food in a cosy, unpretentious setting. 

The Joo Chiat outlet is larger than its Everton Park counterpart, allowing for an expanded menu that includes chirashizushi dons, a wider assortment of sashimi and a greater variety of snacks — perfect for a post-stroll bite after exploring the Katong-Joo Chiat area. 

Crowd favourites: A standout exclusive to its Joo Chiat outlet is the Japanese tom yum soba with ebi tempura (S$22.90). It is essentially a creative fusion dish featuring soba, crispy butter shrimp, shimeji mushrooms, tobiko, fresh veggies, and an onsen egg, tied together with a tangy tom yum sauce. It’s an unexpected combination that works surprisingly well. 

For drinks, the matcha latte (from S$7) is a classic favourite, but if you’re looking for something different, try the iced Velvet brew (cold brew coffee with chocolate and caramel, S$9) which is exclusive to its Joo Chiat outlet. 

16. Brawn and Brains — East Coast Road

218 East Coast Road
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (7.30am to 5.30pm)

Why visit? Somewhat of a pioneer in the Singapore cafe scene, Brawn & Brains Coffee was first established in 2013 and has since grown into a well-loved local roastery, cafe and bakery that’s known for its high quality brews and hearty food. Don’t just take our word for it, just ask its loyal regulars who have followed the brand from its original Guillemard Road days, and continue patronising the cafe after more than a decade. 

Crowd favourites: As a local roastery, coffees are a must here. Keep it simple with a batch brew (S$4) or try something creamier with the cold brew white (S$8.20). 

For food, one dish you’ll see on most tables is the oven baked molten eggs (S$24) — a vibrant plate of jammy eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, grilled bacon and toast. But the real regulars know that the real winner is its housemade kaya, best enjoyed with a thick slab of butter on its classic pancakes (S$16). 

17. Kopi Khoo 

112C Tembeling Road
Open: Monday to Friday (8am to 12pm, 1pm to 4pm), Saturday (8am to 4pm), Sunday (9.30am to 4pm)

Why visit? While great food (or in this case, coffee) forms the backbone of most cafes, warm and welcoming service can really make all the difference, too. And that’s exactly what sets Kopi Khoo apart. Well, that and the fact that this hole-in-the-wall takeaway spot is run by 72-year-old Paulin Khoo from the back of her family home in Joo Chiat. 

While the great coffee and wallet-friendly prices (from just S$3) are enough reason to stop by, it’s truly Paulin’s warmth that keeps people coming back. 

Crowd favourites: Great news for non-coffee drinkers, despite its name, Kopi Khoo has plenty of options for non-coffee drinkers — the matcha latte and hojicha latte are priced affordably from S$5.50 onwards, and the chocolate oat is the most affordable thing on Kopi Khoo’s menu, starting from S$3. 

If you’re spoilt for choice, why not go for Paulin’s favourite? The iced caramel latte (S$5.50) is a simple and delicious treat. 

Read more about Paulin’s story and Kopi Khoo here. 

18. Humble Origins Coffee Roasters 

 475 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday (8.30am to 5.30pm)

Why visit? Great coffee is one thing, but Humble Origins Coffee Roasters stands out from the horde of Joo Chiat cafes with its focus on specialty coffee beans from the Shan Hills of Myanmar, a region rarely highlighted in Singapore’s coffee scene, but known for its quality beans. 

The cosy and calm interior of Humble Origins makes it a great hideout for some alone time, or to get some work done. And yes, there’s wi-fi available. 

Crowd favourites: Coffee lovers can expect the usual espresso-based drinks and pour over coffees, but if you’re looking for something unique you can always try the Dirty Tiger (S$8), a gula melaka-infused white coffee. 

Its fried tofu fries (S$14) are also a fan-favourite. This Burmese-inspired snack features crispy chickpea tofu, shaved parmesan, and a tamarind chilli dip.

19. King’s Cart Coffee Factory — Joo Chiat 

328 Joo Chiat Road, 01-05
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 5pm)

Why visit? This isn’t just another coffee spot. King’s Cart Coffee Factory is where traditional brews meet cocktail-inspired creativity, making it perfect for both coffee purists and adventurous sippers. Its signature move? Taking beloved Singaporean flavours and turning them into coffee creations that’ll make you rethink your usual kopi

Crowd favourites: The coconut latte (from S$9) brings you a sip closer to vacation. In this drink, smooth espresso meets sweet gula melaka and velvety coconut cream, making you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway from the first sip.

If that still sounds too mainstream, we’ll bet this is something you’ve definitely not heard of before: Ah bo ling (S$7.50), a drink-dessert where chewy black sesame tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) meets a bold shot of espresso — perfect for the indecisive folk who don’t know if they need a dessert or a drink. 

20. Hello Arigato — Joo Chiat 

314 Joo Chiat Road
Open: Tuesday to Friday (9am to 5pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 5pm)

Why visit? As the self-proclaimed “house of specialty sandos”, Hello Arigato brings your humble sando to the next level. Even with five outlets across Singapore, this Japanese inspired cafe concept still continues to pack tables, proving that it’s doing something right. Here, you can expect fluffy shokupan, quality ingredients, and an elevated take on classic flavours. 

Crowd favourites: Exclusive to the Joo Chiat outlet, the ebi sando (S$20) is a must-try here. The crispy prawn patty is sandwiched between pillowy soft shokupan, complemented by Japanese tartar sauce, tobiko mayo and crunchy slaw for a perfect balance of texture and flavour. 

For the gram-worthy moment, the strawberry matcha cloud (S$6) is a pretty-in-pink showstopper that everyone has been ordering. Its delicate balance of sweet strawberry and earthy matcha makes it as delicious as it is photogenic. 

Hungry for more eats? Read our guides on some of our favourite vegan spots around Singapore or check out our guide to the viral kunafa dessert in Singapore.

Olsen Bakehouse, Kohi Roastery & Coffee Bar, Prairie by Craftsmen, Common Man Coffee Roasters, ToMo Cafe, Cafe Wabi Sabi, Brawn and Brains, Humble Origins, King’s Cart and Hello Arigato are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited.

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.  

You can also book a ride to these Joo Chiat cafes.