The spot to be for Francophiles and lovers of French cuisine alike, Merci Marcel’s Parisian-inspired decor will sweep you right off your feet. Our favourite is the beautifully chic garden patio that sports lush greenery, bricked walls, and natural light — perfect for the ‘gram. Standing out amongst the many hipster cafes in Tiong Bahru with its large menu, you’ll find a rotating cheese menu, main dishes, and sharing plates available. You must get a croissant while you’re at it — light, buttery and crispy, the humble pastry is done perfectly here. Don’t forget to browse their wide selection of wines, spreads, and cheeses and bring a little French flavour back home with you.

Merci Marcel is located at #01-68, 56 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056, tel: 6224 0113.

Take a walk on the wild side at TBB’s exciting new locale which has set up camp in lush and historic Dempsey. The spot used to be a nutmeg plantation and then military barracks, but is now a great place to unwind and feel like you’re in an African safari. Try their exclusive offerings such as Beetroot Latte and Turmeric Latte, plus a limited-edition Zebra-Inspired Wild Safari Cake infused with rum and decorated with gold leaf.

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari is at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819, tel: 6877 4876.

If you are looking to get an authentic taste of the vibrant Mexican culture, head over to Cafe Iguana. The bright colours, charming decorations and open layout of the cafe will transport you right back to Mexico, not to forget their delicious spread of classical Mexican dishes embellished with a touch of creativity. From traditional items like Quesadillas to curious new additions like Shaker Churros, many exciting dishes await. Delight your taste buds while you soak in Cafe Iguana’s relaxing ambience. 

Cafe Iguana is at 1 Tanglin Road #01-02 Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, tel: 9820 3045.

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Sabio By The Sea was one of the very first tapas bars in Singapore and their dishes are all created with the freshest ingredients delivered from Spain and across Asia. Their menu is handpicked with Spanish favourites like patatas bravas, churros, paella, jamón and queso. Plus, for the adults, there’s freshly made sangria. Their most loved items of the menu are Gambas al Pil Pil, spicy Spanish prawns that are cooked in garlic, parsley and sweet paprika powder and Croquetas, a Spanish take on croquettes. Their laidback spot is surrounded by the waters of the Sentosa Cove and make it the perfect respite from the city.

Sabio By The Sea is at 31 Ocean Way, #01-02, 098375, tel: 6690 7568.

Tucked away in a corner of Changi Village facing the sea is a sprawling microbrewery and smokehouse restaurant, complete with rustic decor and fairy lights that will transport you to an Australian beer garden. Besides locally-brewed craft beers, they also serve up delicious smoked beef brisket and pork belly that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a large get-together with friends! (Plus, it’s so far away even for Easties you’ll feel like you’ve actually gone overseas.)

Little Island Brewing Co is at 6 Changi Village Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 509907, tel: 6543 9100.

If you’re all about Latin-American flavours, love your meat grilled and your spices kickin’ hot, you’ll want to make a reservation at Panamericana Singapore right away. With their signature “farm-to-fire” philosophy, look forward to wolfing down a fresh, hearty meal while enjoying the stunning view this jewel offers. Our recommendations? Its refreshing Peruvian Ceviche with green mango and fresh slices of snapper, or the Land and Sea which is an intriguing mix of crackling roast belly and scallops topped with jicama salsa. Don’t forget the Churros with dulce de leche which will send you to dessert heaven.

Panamericana Singapore is at Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892, tel: 6253 8182.

Located along the heritage district of Mohamed Sultan Road near Fort Canning, British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s first establishment on our shores offers a trip back to colonial-era Singapore, with a unique blend of British antique décor set against the backdrop of a traditional 1960s-style Singaporean coffeeshop. Grub-wise, you’ll get English comfort food with a modern twist like fish and chips and Sunday roast, as well as local favourites like chicken curry.

The English House is at 28 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238972, tel: 6545 4055.

Dreaming of spending an idyllic getaway on one of Greece’s many gorgeous islands? Get one step closer to your dream destination and treat yourself to some authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Blu Kouzina. Gather a few friends and indulge in their plates of flavourful food, such as the Kalamaki Souvlaki, a beef kebab served with fresh onions, sliced tomato, and pita, and the Xtapodi, a firm yet tender grilled octopus. Made with fresh ingredients directly from Greece, you’ll definitely feel refreshed after a meal spent lounging by the lovely floor-to-ceiling windows of this white-and-blue themed eatery.

Blu Kouzina is at #01-21, Dempsey Hill, 10 Dempsey Road (Blk 10), Singapore 247700, tel: 6875 0872.

When you think of comfort food, does a piping hot burger and a side of fries, all washed down with a frothy milkshake come to mind? If so, you’ll have to hit up Overeasy. Featuring Instagram-ready neon signs and arcade game machines, dig into classic American fare in this picturesque diner straight out of old comic books. Take it from Overeasy: They’re “familiar, but never boring”.

Overeasy is at #01-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213, tel: 6684 1453, or #01-01 Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road, tel: 6684 1453.

For those of you who miss the Cha Chaan Teng experience and the streets of Hong Kong, then you should pay a visit to Legendary Hong Kong. Led by 8 established chefs with their own specialty from Hong Kong, the restaurant has four narrow entrances that mimic the streets of Hong Kong. Each entrance calls to a theme, from Roasted Meats, Noodles and Congee, to Dim Sum, and Cha Chaan Teng. Go in early and spend your morning trying meals from each theme for the full experience.

Legendary Hong Kong is at 63 Jurong West Central 3, #03-80 Provisional Unit Jurong Point 2 Shopping Center, 648331, tel: 6794 1335.

Hello Arigato is the cafe you are looking for if you are somebody who finds comfort in food. Tying together the feel of Japan and the comfort of home, this cafe is just right for those wanting to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to unwind and rest. Guided by the belief that food brings people together, their menu offers a delicious variety of comfort food, from Udon to Matcha Latte. Embodying the beauty, peace and simplicity characteristic of Japan, this cafe is going to leave you wanting to plan a visit to Japan.

Hello Arigato is at 227 Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574359, tel: 87723778.

This lifestyle café at Orion@Paya Lebar  specialises in brunch classics and sustainable handcrafted pieces in its lifestyle store. With lush leafy plants and rustic furniture, Knots Café and Living feels like a cosy corner in Bali. Enjoy your favourite brunch items like eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs on toast, as well as perennial crowd-pleasers like carbonara, mac and cheese, and its signature Knots beef burger. Wander around the shop after your meal, and you’ll be charmed by its one-of-a-kind furniture and home décor items.

7 Knots Cafe and Living is at 01-07 Orion@Paya Lebar, 160 Paya Lebar Road, tel: 6817-0383

Cafe Kreams is designed to feel like autumn in Korea all year round, decorated with colourful leaves around the ceiling it feels like you’ve stepped into Yeouido Park. At the moment their menu holds coffee and scones, and other than the typical caffeinated drinks they even have the (now Tik Tok famous) Dalgona Coffee. But here’s the twist, theirs is topped with homemade toffee crisps for an additional texture. Along with other Korean drinks like Sweet Potato Latte and Cloud Latte.

Cafe Kreams is at 32 Maxwell Road, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115, tel: 9620 7739.

This Afro café at Jiak Chuan Road is . From the wall art to the furniture (such as the African mahogany banquet table) and décor (hand-carved doors and hand-blown water glasses from Kenya), no detail is spared in creating an authentic backdrop and ambience.

The café offers up East and West African food, as well as specialty coffee, including the house blend Ubuntu, which is made with Uganda, Brazil and Mexico beans, and Hokkaido Milk.

Grub-wise, you’ll get traditional dishes from various parts of Africa, such as Swahili fish curry, Liberian peanut chicken stew, West African spicy greens, and Caribbean Goat Curry.

Kafe Utu is at 12 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089265, tel: 6996 3937.

With its mind-boggling array of more than 200 types of coffee, luxurious interior and resplendent décor (think marble floors and brass chandeliers), as well as service staff dressed in classic European-style uniforms, Bacha Coffee pulls out all the stops in providing a top-notch dining experience. The place is designed to resemble the Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech, so you’ll legit feel like royalty while sipping on your cuppa and helping yourself to a dessert or two. Dishes come in Western style or classic Moroccan ones, ranging from scrambled eggs with black truffle and raspberry & cinnamon croissant to Morrocan chicken pastilla to Moroccan kefta meatballs.

Bacha Coffee is at 2 Orchard Turn #01-15/16 ION Orchard Mall, 238801, tel: 6363 1910 and two other locations. 

Apart from physically recreating the atmosphere of Sweden, this cafe goes a step further by providing visitors with an introduction to life in Sweden by allowing them to experience the Swedish phenomenon known as Fika. Literally translating to coffee break, it is a ritual of sorts where people slow down, take a break and meaningfully connect with themselves and those around them. Participate in this integral part of Swedish culture while enjoying their local delights such as Kroppkakor (Swedish potato dumplings) and more. Amidst the rush of everyday life, this mini vacation like outing will help you enjoy your leisure time. 

Fika Swedish Café & Bistro is located at 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539, tel: 6396 9096.

Earning to get a taste of Thailand’s night market culture? Folks Collective is the place to head to. With their diner designed to bring alive the nostalgic mood characteristic of Thailand’s night markets that grew out of abandoned Railway stations, portraits of the Royal family and authentic Thai dishes, you are sure to leave the place feeling like you took a trip to Thailand and back. From meal items like Pad Thai, to deserts like Mango Sticky Rice, many delicious dishes are available for guests to satisfy their taste buds. 

Folks Collective is at 20 Cross Street, #01-25/26/27 Cross Street Exchange, S048422, tel: 6536 6739. 

Inspired by the popular Barcelona eatery, Olivia Restaurant, this cafe is what they like to call a “boutique to cheesecakes”. A cafe where Barcelona meets Singapore, experiment with flavours like Apple and Salted Toffee or stick to the traditional cheesecake if your preference lies with the classics. Interestingly, the interior design of this place mimics the shapes and colours of cheesecakes. Surely this dessert shop will be paradise for cheesecake fanatics. 

Queic by Olivia is located at 41 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore, 089003, tel: 6223 1165.

Bringing the love for cookies from New York back home, this cafe sells not just any cookies but Nasty cookies. The bright and striking turquoise interior conveys the quirky nature of the shop with its flavours including curious ones like taro flavoured cookies and iconic ones like the Nasty Monster cookie which is a colour similar to that of the shop. Savour a cup of coffee alongside these cookies with the cookie and drink set. Not only do you get to experience the lively and vibrant atmosphere of New York, you can also snap a few Instagram worthy pictures while you are at it!

Nasty Cookie Cafe is at 1 Kaki Bukit View, #01-02, Singapore 415941, tel: 6802 8290.

This bakery will transport you to Europe with their interior design and baked goods that capture the essence of Eastern Europe. Not only do you get a taste of their traditional pastries, coffee lovers also get to experience coffee made the European way. Their menu consists of famous Croatian desert Bajadera, Balkan walnut cookies and more. Visit this cafe for a one-stop location to relish in the culture and food of various European countries. 

Yugoslavia Bakery & Cafe is at 30 East Coast Road , #01-05 , Katong V Singapore 428751, tel: 9028 4524.

If you are curious to find out more about Turkish culture, start here. They provide a high tea experience where visitors can revel in the Turkish delicacies and desserts. Accompanying the rich flavours of a Turkish kitchen is the stunning interior of the cafe and crockery that are designed using their traditional patterns and colours. This is a must visit for those seeking an authentic, sophisticated and pleasurable experience. Consider making a reservation through their website before heading over. 

Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurants is at Raffles Boulevard, 03-129 A, Marina Square, Singapore 039594, tel: 6291 1433. 

Curating an authentic Italian experience, Forma will enable you to appreciate the intricacies of Italian culture and cuisine. Adopting a seasonal lens, they have a unique pasta programme where they hand make a selection of pasta varieties embodying each season. For example, the Spring Season collection presents pasta varieties that hope to welcome a season of growth and hope. The street-facing pasta kitchen and the woodsy interior come together to create a warm and welcoming ambience guests can enjoy. Forma is the place for those seeking a proper Italian venture.  

Forma is located at 128 Tembeling Road Singapore 423638, tel: 8223 8665.

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Text: Zoe Zeng, Elizabeth Liew, Farisia Thang and Joyce Chua

This post was last updated on 16 June, 2023.