13 Cafes In Orchard For An Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Need to refuel while shopping in Orchard Road? These cafes serve great cuppas
By Shazrina Shamsudin -
It's no secret that Orchard Road is lauded as one of the best places to shop in Singapore. But while you're busy shopping, you might find yourself looking for a quiet cafe to sit back and recharge with a cup of coffee before going for another round in the mall.
So whether you're looking for a new place to cafe hop or you're simply looking for a good ol' cup of joe to rev up your engines, ahead, we've rounded up some of the cafes in town that are worth checking out.
Nestled in a picturesque black and white bungalow on Scotts Road and surrounded by lush greenery in a niwa (garden) setting, Chef Makoto Arami's Ami Patisserie emits a serene and zen ambiance.
Coffee enthusiasts will delight in the must-try Premium Filter Coffee selection. Sourced from Brazil and boasting an award-winning blend crafted from Colombian coffee cherries, this coffee perfectly complements the delightful treats. Take our word for it – you won’t be disappointed.
Complement your coffee with a la carte treats, both sweet and savoury. The diverse menu includes signature tartes, choux, parfaits, viennoiserie, and savoury croissants. For those looking for a refreshing dessert, Ami Patisserie also boasts seasonal Japanese fruit parfaits, reminiscent of those found in Japanese coffee houses.
Ami Patisserie is located at 27 Scotts Road, Singapore 228222. Visit its website for more information.
Originally established at Tanjong Pagar Plaza, this renowned minimalist cafe has gained fame for its delectable pastries and expertly crafted filter roast coffee. While the Orchard menu retains many of the beloved classic bakes from the original outlet, it has also introduced a selection of new and enticing items. With a diverse menu, we also recommend trying its selection of specialty coffee and tea.
Equate Coffee is located at Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd, #01-17A Orchard Central Singapore 238896. Visit its website for more information.
Making a trip to the bank might not be as much of a chore with Baristart Coffee's newest outlet. Located on level 4 of Wisma Atria within OCBC, you can sip on a coffee and savour some of the brand's iconic cream puffs. Hailing from Hokkaido, the brand prides itself on using the ultra-rich and creamy BIEI Jersey Milk from Hokkaido for its creamy coffee and cream puffs.
Available in Hokkaido Cream and Coffee Cream options, the Cream Puffs ($7 each) are an indulgent treat. Thanks to the Hokkaido milk, the custard is brilliantly rich and creamy. The choux pastry shell is delicate and airy, and topped with delectable crisps and sugary bits for extra crunch.
On the menu is also an intriguing series of sandos, headlined by the hearty and comforting Tonkatsu ($18.80) with tender Hokkaido pork loin. The meat is coated with breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried to crisp perfection. Seeping into the golden crust is a layer of tonkatsu sauce, which adds a depth of umami flavour, as well as mustard butter for tang and aroma. Served with piping hot fries and gherkins, this timeless Japanese adaptation is a crowd favorite.
Baristart Coffee is at #04-01 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877. Visit its website for more information.
This Japanese-style cafe and tea specialist brands itself as a platform for “the modern-day Picasso and Hemingway to gather”. The space is designed to facilitate free-flowing conversations, with low chairs and tables that create a cosy, Zen-esque atmosphere. Artworks ranging from calligraphy to paintings and pottery adorn the walls and shelves, too.
It has recently launched a brand new Okinawan-inspired sweet potato tart ($9.90, pictured) made of vegan sweet potato cream on top of a crispy tart base. Mildly sweet, it pairs perfectly with Hvala’s signature black tea.
Hvala is at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #B2-28, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872. Visit its website for more information.
Launched by the same folks behind Greyhound Cafe Singapore and Black Society, this space is hard to miss with its lavender, violet and lilac flowers, pastel pink hues and a cornucopia of hanging plants. The menu offers a varied and eye-catching selection too, including Asian-Western fusion far, Korean kroffles (a.k.a. croissant-waffles), Dutch pancakes and an assortment of pastries.
Cafe Q Classified is at #03-15 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872. Visit its website for more information.
This French cafe has humble roots, beginning as a bakery in Northern France in 1889. Today, it’s a franchise in 47 countries, with a flagship cafe-slash-restaurant in Takashimaya S.C., designed like a quintessential French tea room. On the menu is an array of handmade bread, pastries, cakes, croissants, desserts, sandwiches, and other all-day breakfast items.
Paul is at #03 - 16/17 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872. Visit its website for more information.
A haven for chocolate lovers, this dessert shop specialises in dark chocolate offerings like Madagascar dark chocolate premium ice cream, dark chocolate brownies and ice cream cookies. The finest grade single-origin chocolate is sourced from Bali, Tanzania, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, from premium brands like Valrhona and Cacao Barry.
Dark Gallery is at #B2 - 29 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872. Visit its website for more information.
Aside from clothing and homeware items, The Editor’s Market's flagship boutique at Ngee Ann City also houses its own gourmet cafe brand: Found. With a sleek, white, and minimal touch, this 16-seater cafe blends seamlessly with the store with furniture pieces that come in various shades of black and white, to showcase the simple yet refined outlook.
Choose from an assortment of sweet and savoury pastries, and pair it with an espresso-based drink like The Sesame Dirty, or go for other specialty options like the Espresso Con Panda.
Found is located at 391 Orchard Road, B1-16 to 24, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
First established in 2014 in San Francisco, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse – which is known for its cruffins – landed in Singapore almost two years ago. And while many would queue for their signature cruffins and other pastries, the cafe also serves a delectable selection of coffee for all you coffee lovers. The cafe is hard to miss especially with its clean and minimalist aesthetic, which makes for a great photo opportunity if you're looking to update your 'gram. The outlet located at Orchard Central is also large enough to hold a sizeable crowd, so you can spend as much time as you'd like during your coffee break.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is located at #01-06 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896. Visit its website for more information.
While this cafe might not be the newest place in town, it’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you need a quick pick-me-up or you're looking for a place to do some work. Located at Orchardgateway, it serves delicious grub as well as a wide assortment of caffeinated beverages. Moreover, this cafe provides both electrical outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi, so you can dedicate some time to catching up on work before resuming your shopping spree.
Coffeesmith is located at Orchardgateway, 277 Orchard Rd, #01-09 09A, Singapore 238858.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road is this cafe located at The Heeren. Boasting a wooden interior and stainless steel finishing, the Alchemist doubles as the perfect Instagram spot and a hideaway when you need to take a break from walking around town. As for their coffees, be sure to try the signature espresso beverages which include classics like the Black, White and Mocha.
Alchemist is located at The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd, #01-ORA The Heeren, Singapore 238855. Visit its website for more information.
Started in 2017, The Community Coffee is a little cafe that has been quietly operating at Far East Plaza serving $4 cups of coffee. It's quiet, fuss-free and totally worth checking out if you're looking for a place to get a quick caffeine fix. What's more, the coffee beans here are also sourced from small, sustainable farms in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Peru, and expertly roasted by its own dedicated team of coffee experts so you can expect great cuppas of drip coffees and espresso-based brews.
The Community Coffee is located at 14 Scotts Road #02-94 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213. Visit its website for more information.
If you haven't heard of this cafe, then it's about time you should. After having opened its first outlet in Rochor, % Arabica has now expanded with over five outlets in Singapore. It's well known for roasting its own blend of coffee which comprises beans from Latin America, Africa and Europe, so you can expect classic well-rounded cups of coffee that hit the spot. For those with a sweet tooth, you'll also be glad to know that they also serve options like the Spanish Latte that is bold yet sweet, and is complemented with notes of spice for that extra kick.
%Arabica is located at 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #01-14/15, Singapore 238895
This article was originally published on Her World.