Nestled in Singapore’s vibrant neighbourhoods are coffee roasters that are seriously upping the coffee game. Part science, part art and all about passion, these local roasters are on a mission to bring you the best cup of joe, whether you like it light and zesty or dark and daring.
These are not your run-of-the-mill cafes; we’re talking about local heroes turning beans into gold, all while adding their unique twist to every batch.
So if you’re looking for a caffeine boost in the Lion City, bookmark these speciality coffee roasters. Happy sipping!
1. 20grams Coffee Roastery
14 Arumugam Road, #01-05, LTC Bldg C
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday – 9am to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday – 9am to 5pm
This Nordic roast-style roastery focuses on the coffee’s origin, variety, terroir and processing method to bring out the true essence of each bean. Its coffee menu features coffee brewed with beans from countries like El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua and Panama.
There are three main styles of coffee available in-store: espresso, milk espresso and filter coffee. You’ll also discover some rare finds on its online store like Finca Betel – Pink Bourbon – Espresso for $21 (200g) and Chevas Coffee – Geisha Natural DÓxi – Filter for $25 (125g).
Those looking to deepen their coffee knowledge can join the roastery’s Brewing Foundation course and Roasting Masterclass workshop.
At its coffee bar, simplicity rules. The menu features Espresso, Filter (pour-over), Milk Espresso (espresso with steamed milk) and Cascara (a tea made from the dried skins of coffee cherries), focusing solely on celebrating the craft of coffee.
2. Alchemist
• Kong Guan Building • International Plaza • Hong Leong Building • The Mill • CIMB Plaza • 71 Robinson Road • The Heeren • Asia Square Tower 1 • Ocean Financial Centre
Various opening times
Alchemist’s mission is to serve great coffee in a simple and no-frills approach. From a small hole-in-the-wall coffee joint located in the Central Business District, it has expanded to nine outlets islandwide.
Each Alchemist outlet has its own unique menu, so you’re always in for a surprise. Over at 71 Robinson Road, for example, you can chill with an Iced Mocha and munch on a rotating selection of pastries like the buttery Pain Au Chocolat and Apple Peach Biscoff Danish.
And if Orchard Road’s hustle and bustle gets too much, escape to Alchemist’s outlet at The Heeren. Here, you can cool down with an Iced Chocolate or Iced Black, or treat yourself to an Iced White for that extra creamy kick. Pastry lovers can grab a Ham and Cheese Danish to fuel up for more shopping after the coffee break!
Alchemist’s online catalogue is constantly evolving as it is always on the hunt for the next exciting coffee. Standouts include the popular Dark Matter ($16 for 200g), a bold and velvety house favourite with notes of roasted nuts and chocolate, and the exquisite Lérida Estate Geisha ($38 for 150g) from the renowned Finca Lerida, Panama’s first coffee plantation.
3. Apartment Coffee
139 Selegie Road, #01-01
Open daily from 10am to 6pm
Located between Orchard Road and Chinatown on Selegie Road, Apartment Coffee offers a unique twist for travellers and locals alike.
Every cup at Apartment Coffee is a narrative, weaving together the tales of varieties, cultivars and origins. It has even bagged accolades like second place in the 2022 Singapore Brewers Cup and was crowned champion at the 2019 Singapore Roaster Forum.
With its monthly coffee subscription online, you can mix and match up to three bags each of filter and espresso roasts.
A sanctuary for coffee lovers, its café is an oasis of calm with its minimalist decor. Park yourself at the bar counter seat for the best in-house experience and treat your taste buds to its speciality coffees like the Honduras El Porvenir.
4. Common Man Coffee Roasters
• ION Orchard • 22 Martin Road • 11-12 Stanley Street • 185 Joo Chiat Road • Quayside Isle, Sentosa • 368 Alexandra Road
Various opening times
A speciality coffee icon born in Singapore in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters has its very own Barista Academy and Roastery. It is on a mission to celebrate the art of speciality coffee and serve up the best brunch in Asia, all while championing the intricate journey from bean to cup.
Its six outlets are strategically located in areas buzzing with tourists. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Sentosa, shopping along Orchard Road or exploring Marina Bay Sands, there’s always a Common Man Coffee Roasters nearby to meet your coffee needs.
Its cafes are also a haven for brunch lovers, serving up innovative takes on classic dishes paired with top-notch speciality coffee.
When night falls, its Joo Chiat Road, Quayside Isle on Sentosa and Alexandra Road outlets transform into Common Man Night Shift Wine Bar & Restaurant, where wines from unique wineries and winemakers across the world are the stars and are paired with moreish eats like Green Hummus, Herbal Fries, Pao de Queijo, Duck & Foie Gras Pie, Chicken Karaage, Panzanella and Cacio e Pepe Udon Pasta.
5. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
• 113 Frankel Avenue • 81 Clemenceau Avenue • Fusionopolis One • New Tech Park • Our Tampines Hub
Various opening times
As its name suggests, Dutch Colony Coffee Co. is inspired by the Dutch’s contribution to the history of coffee. It aspires to serve quality coffee, brewed with the finest small-lot coffee beans sourced from carefully selected plantations from around the world.
Roasted to perfection in small batches, every coffee is profiled to gently bring out the best flavour and sweetness that highlight the micro-region and farm where the coffee comes from.
For a cold signature brew, try Coco Brew, a blend of cold brew cubes, coconut water and sour plum juice, or Easy Tonic, a concoction of espresso, strawberry, yuzu reduction and tonic water.
All the outlets offer breakfast staples of toast with eggs and a variety of items, and outlets at Frankel Avenue, Our Tampines Hub and New Tech Park serve mains, pastas, salads and sides.
6. Fahrenheit Coffee SG
75 Beach Road, Fu Yuen Building #01-00
Open daily from 8am to 6pm
Residing within SPA CLUB At Beach Road, °F combines the best baristas with the world’s finest coffee beans in a luxurious social environment.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic black coffee or a rich mocha, complement your drink with one of its exquisite desserts like the sought-after Canelés. Available in tantalising flavours such as Original, Butter Cookie, Hot Cocoa, Hojicha and Kaya, the Canelés are baked daily in limited batches to ensure peak deliciousness.
The Kardemummabullar (Swedish Cardamom Buns) and Chokladbollar (Swedish Chocolate Balls) are also perfect with a cup of coffee. For a local breakfast experience, pair your coffee with the 145°F Sous Vide Eggs with Kaya Toast.
For those who prefer to enjoy their coffee and dessert in the comfort of their home, Fahrenheit Coffee SG offers bundles for delivery, such as the °F – 6pc Canelé + 3 Cold Brew package, which includes a selection of six canelés and three refreshing bottles of °F Cold Brew.
*This article has been edited and adapted with permission from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “6 of the best coffee roasters in Singapore to fuel your adventures”
