Singapore Coffee Gems

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Penny V stakes out some great coffee gems in Singapore that are just waiting to be embraced.

Usually when I have friends from overseas visiting, one of the first questions they ask me is, where can they find good coffee? Good question.

While the island has been overrun with over 69 Starbucks outlets and countless other franchises (don’t get me started on how they tend to over-roast their beans and waste away those lovely coffee oils), I would usually defer to the humble kopitiam (coffee shop slash hawker centre) for it’s fantastically rich kopi, where you can order it gau (thick) or siew tai (less sweet). But that’s for convenience sake: when you’re rushing off in the morning, or just need that quick afternoon pick-me up. Otherwise, the kopitiam can come across a little short in terms of ambience.

Lately though, there have been various cafes, sprouting up all over Singapore for those with a more discerning palate. I’ve staked out 4.5 (you’ll see why it’s only considered 0.5) cafes that not only serve good coffee, but provide a lovely menu and ambience where you can wile away a wonderfully lazy afternoon.

Papa Pahleta

I was first introduced to Papa Pahleta by my partner when he decided to surprise me with a coffee date in Bukit Timah.

Hidden along Hooper Road, stepping into Papa Palheta’s is more like stepping into a friend’s home with its small garden, kitschy decor and plush couches. The kicker is that Papa Palheta’s is NOT a cafe (hence the 0.5). They’re actually a coffee boutique that specializes in roasting coffee and providing speciality coffee to our little red dot. That alone makes me fantastically merry. They’re all about education and they’re most happy to educate the masses on what a good coffee experience is.

There isn’t a menu available or a price list but they’ll be able to whip up your usual espresso-based drinks. There are strategically placed tip jars so you can pay however much you feel your beverage is worth. If you’re willing to pay 6 bucks for a frappucino then you’ll be willing to shell out just as much, or more, for a far better cup of coffee (and service) at Papa Pahleta’s.

Papa Palheta
140 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 229840

Operating Hours:
Tue to Fri 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun 9am – 7:30pm

Photograph courtesy of Loysel's Toy Cafe

Loysel’s Toy Cafe by Papa Pahleta

Since their little slice of paradise has become infamous, it only made sense to expand with a cafe. Located at Kampong Bugis, it’s named after Edward Loysel de Santais, who created the first commercial coffee machine.

It serves some wonderful milk coffee’s, a favourite being their Piccolo and for something black, a Ristretto. We’re talking smooth as smooth can be here. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, it can get pretty crowded and the wait for your coffee might take up to ten minutes.

Afterall, you can’t rush greatness, especially when there’s only one coffee machine and one barista.

For those wanting to bring some beanly goodness home, it’s not a problem. They ‘re available for purchase in 250g packs. You can also get your hands on various coffee-paraphernalia like a conical Burr grinder or a French Press.

Loysel’s Toy Cafe by Papa Palheta
66 Kampong Bugis #01-01
Tel: +65 9451 0236

Operating Hours:
Tue to Fri 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun 9am – 7:30pm

Oriole Cafe & Bar

It’s fabulous when you can escape the maddening crowds of Orchard Road and slink into a cafe, where the food is good and the coffee is just as. Tucked away next to 313@Somerset, or to be more accurate, below Pan Pacific’s Serviced Apartments, it uses specialty-grade coffee beans to serve up  steaming cups of goodness.

A must try is their Chilli Chocolate Mocha, for which I have an interminable soft spot for. (A little spice never hurt anyone.) Though the usuals are just as good like their Piccolo Latte and Cappucino.

This stylish cafe features wooden furnishings and in keeping with the aviary theme, has huge circular chandeliers reminiscent of bird nests. Along with some live entertainment, enjoy Oriole’s menu, which serves international fare.

The grilled lamb rack was a hit with its chilli-mint yoghurt, which whets the appetite. Restaurant-staple: fish and chips served in a basket was battered and not too oily. The Jamaican jerk chicken was a slight disappointment as the spices were toned down a little too much and wasn’t anything to jump about for. I’ve got my eye on the St. Louis Pork Ribs which is prepared with a kicap manis-chilli marinade and sambal matah for a local twist.

It gets very crowded in the evenings and I suggest you make a reservation or be prepared for a wait!

Oriole Cafe & Bar
96 Somerset Road
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348

Operating Hours:
Mon to Thur 11am – 11pm
Fri to Sun 11am – 12am
Sun 10:30am – 11pm

Photograph courtesy 40 Hands

40 Hands

Ever since the coffee hounds have found that another specialty cafe has opened up in Singapore in a sleepy residential area in Tiong Bahru, 40 Hands has been packed.

Deriving its name from the fact that it takes up to 40 pairs of hands to turn coffee beans into coffee, this simple establishment has drawn a considerable patronage that appreciates its good coffee, cosy ambience and $2.50 Tau Sar Pau.

Only purchasing beans from reputable roasters with sustainable practices, their classic hot coffees are as good as they come. Anything iced is not as, unfortunately.

Low-key with a very family-friendly vibe in its narrow confines, 40 Hands also sells a variety of nibbles from sandwiches, cakes and a weekend brunch menu. Eggs Benedict anyone?

40 Hands
96 Somerset Road
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348

Operating Hours:
Tue: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wed to  Thur: 8:30am – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 8:30am – 11pm
Sun: 8:30am – 6:30pm

The Plain

A small and intimate place located in Tanjong Pagar, The Plain’s loyal clientele is also one of the youngest amongst the cafe’s listed here.

Minimalist in terms of decor, this intimate space offers an all-day brunch menu and good coffee that will make you think of Melbourne. Quiet and homely, this modern cafe prides itself for its Genovese Coffee and we love it all the more for that.

Most patrons tend to try an order of Darling’s Eggs, $11.50, which comes with two poached eggs, ham, cheese and roma tomatoes, so I did as well and there were no complaints from me. Just a very happy stomach. The other choice was Humpty Dumpty & Vegemite Soldiers, whilst it’s the usual sliced toast and dippy eggs, the vegemite scared me away.

Do take note that this is a cash-only establishment.

The Plain
50 Craig Road
#01-01
Tel: +65 6225 4387

Operating Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 7:30pm
Wed: until 10pm