A Personal Guide to the Best Cafés I’ve Visited
Cafés have always been my sweet escape, whether it’s for brunch or a coffee run in the middle of a hectic week. Over the past year, I’ve explored quite a number of cafés around Singapore, and a few stood out to me for their ambience, affordability and good food. Here are my top café picks worth adding to your must-visit list.
Lola’s Café
Tucked away in the heart of Holland Village, this café balances comforting food with a warm yet inviting atmosphere.
Photo credit: Lola’s Café
I tried the Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($17) which is pure indulgence. The rich, gooey cheese and earthy mushrooms are perfectly layered between the slices of golden, crispy bread.
Photo credit: Lola’s Café
It pairs perfectly with the Nacho Cheese Tater Tots ($12) – dangerously addictive. They are crunchy on the outside with rich, warm potato filling on the inside.
Photo credit: Foodpanda
The real surprise? The Tsukene Sando ($17). This juicy chicken patty is tucked between fluffy shokupan and has a perfect sweet-savoury balance that makes me want to go back for another bite.
Photo credit: Eatbook
To finish, I had the Uji Matcha Green Tea Latte ($7.50) which is smooth and delicately sweet with just enough bitterness to balance the richness of the meal.
Photo credit: Lola’s Café Instagram
It’s no wonder this place is always packed and buzzing. If you’re planning a weekend visit, making a reservation is highly recommended!
September Coffee
Clean, minimalist and calming, September Coffee lives up to its hype as seen on social media. The Rosé Udon ($20) looks as good as it tastes. The creamy pink sauce is sweet with a tinge of spice, and the udon is perfectly chewy, served in a hearty portion.
Photo credit: September Coffee Instagram
The Truffle Fries ($8) are another win – crispy, golden and fragrant, infused with an irresistible truffle aroma!
Photo credit: @breadiexeats on Instagram
I also had two of their house-made drinks: Malibu Dream ($7), a zesty citrus blend that feels like summer in a cup, and Sunset Breeze ($7), which not only tastes great, but looks like a soft pastel gradient sunset in a glass.
Malibu Dream (left) and Sunset Breeze (right)
Tomo Café
Nestled in Upper Thomson, this café is a must-visit for lovers of Japanese-Western fusion. Every dish I tried feels like a creative twist on comfort food.
I started off with the Rosé Duck Linguine ($20), which is rich, creamy, and complemented by tender, flavourful duck slices.
Photo credit: Nani Singapore
I also love the Fried Chicken Chuffle ($19), which combines crispy fried chicken on a chewy mochi waffle.
Photo credit: Daniel Food Diary
The Mentaiko Fries ($7) come topped with a creamy cod roe sauce.
Photo credit: Tomo Café Instagram
For drinks, I had the Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte ($8) which adds a pretty pop of colour, layered in vibrant pink and green hues, perfect for an Instagram snap.
Photo credit: District Sixtyfive
P.S Café
If you’re looking to treat yourself a little, P.S. Café never disappoints. While it’s pricier than the others on this list, the lush greenery, elegant interiors, and indulgent menu makes it worth every cent.
I visited the Harding Road outlet, which felt like a secret garden café – peaceful, picturesque and perfect for a relaxing meal.
Photo credit: P.S Café
I ordered their signature P.S. Burger ($32), and it truly lives up to the hype. The beef patty is hearty, juicy and satisfying. The thick-cut fries served on the side do not disappoint! They are golden and crisp – the ideal pairing.
Photo credit: Burger Boys
The Chicken Rossa Penne ($27) is cooked to perfection and I love the garlic tomato cream sauce! They are also generous with the cheese shavings!
Photo credit: P.S Café Instagram
To end off the meal, I got the Wild Berry Cooler ($11), which is a light fruity drink, a refreshing contrast to the savoury mains.
Photo credit: DANAMIC
A Beautiful Day Café Tearoom
Stepping into this café feels like entering a dreamscape. Decked out like a dreamy fairytale, it’s a visual sanctuary perfect for your Instagram feed!
Photo credit: Eatbook
I tried the popular Unagi Chazuke ($16.90), a comforting Japanese dish where warm green tea is poured over rice. The combination of tender grilled eel and light, flavourful broth makes it soothing yet satisfying.
Photo credit: SETHLUI.com
The Carbonara Udon ($16.90) is another pleasant surprise – a good mix of creamy and savoury udon, elevated by the chewy texture of the noodles.
Carbonara Udon
To top it off, the Earl Grey Mango Iced Tea ($10.90) is a floral-fruity surprise that ties the meal together.
Earl Grey Mango Iced Tea (left). Photo credit: HungryGoWhere