Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Singapore

Thinking of exploring Singapore’s coffee scene but unsure where to start? With CNN naming Singapore one of the world’s top eight coffee cities — the only Asian representative — it’s clear the Lion City’s third-wave coffee movement has arrived. But beyond the buzz, where can you actually find great coffee in Singapore? Whether you’re after expertly roasted beans, a solid flat white, or a taste of the local specialty coffee evolution, we’ve done the legwork.

Quick answer: Top picks include Nylon Coffee Roasters for its curated single origins and smooth milk drinks (try the 5oz White), Jewel Coffee in CBD for expertly brewed espressos and daily bean rotations (their Guatemalan is a standout), and Papa Palheta’s Chye Seng Hua Hardware for a pioneer’s roastery vibe with a solid espresso menu. All three rate 4.5/5 or higher for taste and experience.

1. Nylon Coffee Roasters – A Minimalist Favorite

Since opening in 2012, Nylon Coffee Roasters has built a loyal following among specialty coffee professionals and enthusiasts. The roastery and cafe, located in a quiet residential pocket of Everton Park, is intentionally low-key — no food, just a tight menu of filter and espresso options. The owners travel to origin countries like Ethiopia and Colombia to handpick beans, and their straightforward lineup includes a daily coffee, plus White (3oz, 5oz, 7oz), Long Black, and standard espresso.

The 5oz White — essentially a scaled-up piccolo — is the most balanced option, with finely textured microfoam and a clean cup. The space draws a regular crowd who often sit in the small garden outside. While the location isn’t obvious, the effort is rewarded with some of the most thoughtfully prepared coffee in the city.

Recommendation: 5oz White — smooth texture, well-integrated milk, great for appreciating quality single origins. Nylon is best for: coffee purists, espresso with nuanced milk drinks, experiencing Singapore’s third-wave roots.

Details: 4 Everton Park #01-40 | Closed Tues | Website | Instagram: Nyloncoffee
Taste rating: 4.5/5 | Recommendation rating: 5/5

2. Jewel Coffee – A CBD Staple with Daily Fresh Roasts

Jewel Coffee has been a mainstay in Singapore’s financial district since 2011. Founded by former banker Adrian, who trained in Seattle, the cafe serves carefully selected single origin beans — usually two options per day — sourced from Brazil, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. With a no-frills interior and limited seating, Jewel caters almost exclusively to coffee-focused customers during weekday lunch hours.

The house espresso changes regularly, and Adrian notes regional taste preferences: Westerners lean toward bright Ethiopian profiles, Southeast Asians prefer fuller-bodied Sumatran coffees, while Northeast Asians often opt for milder Brazilian or Guatemalan beans. Their Guatemalan offering is particularly popular, and the Sumatra makes for a strong morning brew.

Recommendation: Hot latte made with Guatemalan beans — rich yet balanced. For a bolder start to the day, try Sumatra. Avoid weekends when the area is deserted.

Details: 1 Shenton Way, Singapore 068803 | Closed Sun | Neighbouring: Liberty Coffee (rarely open), L’etoile (avoid)
Taste rating: 5/5 | Recommendation rating: 4.5/5

3. Papa Palheta – The Original Pioneer

Papa Palheta kickstarted Singapore’s modern coffee movement when it opened in 2009, later moving to the larger Chye Seng Hua Hardware in 2012. This roastery cafe offers a more industrial, bar-like atmosphere and a focused menu centred on espresso and filter brews. Its sister shop, Loysel’s Toy, serves similar coffee in a more whimsical setting. Both are led by roaster Leon, who also supplies beans to nearby Toby’s Estate.

The flagship espresso blend at Chye Seng Hua Hardware is reliable and well-rounded, and the space includes a dedicated tasting room. While slightly off the beaten path and without food highlights, it remains a must-visit for anyone tracing Singapore’s specialty coffee lineage.

Recommendation: House espresso — classic, well-built profile. Loysel’s Toy offers a similar cup with a more relaxed vibe.

Details: Chye Seng Hua Hardware: 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563 | Closed Mon
Loysel’s Toy: 66 Kampong Bugis #01-01 | Closed Mon
Taste rating: 4.5/5 each | Recommendation rating: 4.5/5 and 4/5

4. Other Notable Mentions

Oriole – Former Champion, Still Solid

Oriole was once Singapore’s top-rated coffee spot, with multiple locations including a flagship on Orchard Road and a Republic Plaza branch. While newer shops have overshadowed its early momentum, Oriole still serves well-executed espresso and brewing methods, with a rotating selection of awards-winning drinks. Their chilli chocolate mocha is a quirky, polarising option.

Recommendation: Try the chilli chocolate mocha if you want something different — but it’s not for everyone.

Details: Oriole Cafe + Bar: 96 Somerset Road | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 3.5/5 recommendation
Oriole Espresso and Brew Bar: 9 Raffles Place | Closed Sat–Sun | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 3/5 recommendation
Oriole Coffee Roasters: 10/10A Jiak Chuan Road | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 4/5 recommendation

40 Hands Family – Prestigious but Pricey

40 Hands is behind several respected cafes like Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters. While the coffee is dependable, prices are high and the experience doesn’t always justify the cost. Tiong Bahru itself is a hipster hub with charming colonial architecture.

Details: 40 Hands: 78 Yong Siak St | Closed Mon | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 3/5 recommendation

GÆST – Danish Simplicity with Great Food

This small Amoy Street cafe run by Danish expats serves excellent coffee alongside house-made bread, salads, and even sugar-free truffle chocolate. The minimalist Nordic interior and limited quantities make it a hit-and-run spot — arrive early for the muesli.

Recommendation: Muesli and fresh salads. Coffee is good but the food steals the show.

Details: 21 McCallum St. #01-01 | Closed Sun | Rating: 4/5 taste, 4.5/5 recommendation

The Plain & RONIN – Conceptual Aussie Style

These two sister cafes are run by an Australian-trained owner and focus on trust-based ordering (no menus). The Plain is brighter and more accessible; RONIN darker and more moody. Service can be inconsistent but the coffee is reliably good.

Details: The Plain: 50 Craig Road | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 4/5 recommendation
RONIN: 17 Hong Kong Street | Rating: 4.5/5 taste, 4/5 recommendation

Strangers’ Reunion – Overhyped Brunch Spot

Despite a world barista champ at the helm, this Outram Park cafe didn’t impress. The location is inconvenient, service uneven, and the famed waffles weren’t sampled. The coffee was passable but unremarkable.

Details: 37 Kampong Bahru Rd | Rating: 3.5/5 taste, 3/5 recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee shop in Singapore?

Based on consistency, coffee quality, and reputation, Jewel Coffee and Nylon Coffee Roasters are the top choices. Jewel serves expertly roasted single origins with daily rotations, while Nylon offers a carefully selected menu with a smooth 5oz White as its standout drink.

Where can I find specialty coffee in Singapore’s CBD?

Jewel Coffee at 1 Shenton Way is centrally located in Singapore’s financial district and serves high-quality espresso and filter coffee using beans sourced from around the world. It’s popular with office workers during weekdays.

Which Singapore cafe is best for coffee enthusiasts?

Nylon Coffee Roasters is highly regarded by coffee professionals. The owners roast their own beans and travel to origin countries for sourcing. Their simple menu lets the coffee shine, especially the 5oz White drink.

Are there any historic cafes that helped start Singapore’s specialty coffee scene?

Yes — Papa Palheta, which opened in 2009, is considered a pioneer. Its later location, Chye Seng Hua Hardware, became a hub for the city’s third-wave coffee community, with a roastery and tasting room that helped define Singapore’s modern coffee culture.

Is there a cafe in Singapore with great food and coffee?

GÆST in Amoy Street combines excellent house-baked goods, fresh salads, and solid coffee. While not a traditional cafe, it’s a great spot for food-focused coffee drinkers.

What should I order at a Singapore specialty cafe?

At most places, try the house espresso or a classic milk drink like a flat white or piccolo. At Nylon, the 5oz White is a must; at Jewel, go for their daily single origin espresso or a Guatemalan latte.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Singapore-Style Cafes

If you enjoy the coffee at Singapore’s top specialty cafes, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yirgacheffe for its bright, floral notes — perfect for filter or light espresso; Ethiopia Huakui, a juicy Ethiopian with citrus and stone fruit that shines as a pour-over; and Brazil Queen Manor, a chocolatey, balanced single origin ideal for milk drinks like those popular at Jewel or Nylon. These beans reflect the profiles commonly served in Singapore’s best specialty cafes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.