Best cafe/restaurants in Singapore
Just some places I went this year :)
1. Sichuan Alley
- Chinese sichuan food, your usual mapo tofu fix etc perfect for those who can’t eat too spicy because their level of spiciness is catered to locals. Try the fried rice 😌
Good for gathering :)
2. Cafe Gui
- Korean and Japanese food fusion. Must try their in-house dessert especially the hojicha pudding and Tiramisu. So homely. Very instagrammable. Wallet friendly too!
I recommend the Dalgona honeycomb coffee. Coffee is generally good, but they have wide variety of drinks. For mains, I like to order anything with their beef 👌
3. Frankie & Fern’s
- need no introduction. Just go. Haha a bit pricey though. Mostly ladies like to go to this place for gatherings etc. It was full when I went during lunch time. Recommend you to order the Potato Mille Feuille. Duck croquettes so-so. Frankie’s breakfast has HUGE portions, but super good pork fennel sausage. I also ordered Woodfired chicken as it looks nice visually 🫢
4. Izakaya Tomo
- I love this place. I haven’t tried much Japanese places but this place has such high standard for a simple izakaya place. Look at the plating?? It’s also conveniently located in Esplanade mall. Try the garlic fried rice w Japanese bait fish please you need to. Grilled beef 👍 Sashimi tuna was so good. Service is not so good but it’s always busy so :) (edit: it’s closed down 😭, any reco?)
5. Apollo Coffee Bar
- situated in Serangoon gardens. Was quite popular but recently they revamped with new food menu so it was worth another try. Try their iced tea w Milk-Stache I think was oolong jasmine tea if I’m not wrong. Very high quality drink.
6. Ingen Kyoto
- I’m sure you have heard of this. We went weekdays tea time there was nobody so we got the whole place for ourselves. Their iced matcha latte was SO GOOD. Best matcha I’ve ever tried. You have to try. Don’t bother ordering hot, just try the iced instead.
7. Ma Maison Singapore
- I went the one in Mandarin Gallery. Service was good. A pretty good place for dessert if you are in orchard area. Small and cosy :)
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If you’re looking to explore more welcoming cafes beyond the usual city-center buzz, Singapore offers plenty of hidden gems nestled in heartland areas like Stairwell 211 — a place known for its charming vibe and community feel. These hometown cafes often serve up dishes with personality, blending comfort food with innovative twists. For example, when visiting cozy spots in the heartland, you can often find local coffee blends and homemade desserts that really capture the spirit of Singaporean culture. Many locals treasure these stores for their friendly service and homely atmosphere, perfect for laid-back brunches or catching up with friends. When hunting for a new cafe adventure, try exploring neighborhoods known for their unique stairwell-side cafes, such as those scattered in townships around Serangoon and Paya Lebar. These places often evoke a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic, making them excellent photo backdrops too. Moreover, if your adventurous palate enjoys Asian fusion, keep an eye out for cafes blending Japanese, Korean, and local influences—just like Cafe Gui. You might be pleasantly surprised by innovative drinks like Dalgona honeycomb coffee or matcha lattes with a twist. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots — they usually know about cozy stairwell cafes that outsiders easily overlook, offering genuine flavors and warm hospitality. Happy cafe hopping!
