Cafe-hopping is all the rage these days, but it isn’t exactly easy on the wallet. That’s where home cafes come in as an affordable alternative with food and drinks that taste equally amazing! Whether you’re looking for your next to-go spot for a matcha (that’s not criminally overpriced) or a place to chill with your friends in the neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover the best home cafes in Singapore that are sure to keep you coming back!
1. Lazycupsg
Taiwan-inspired cloud coffee and a scenic view
For our North-East friends, Lazycupsg is a hidden gem that you certainly cannot miss! On my visit, I tried their Taiwan-inspired signature cloud coffee – The Lazy Cup ($6). A double shot espresso with milk and rich velvety sweet cream, this drink grew on me with every sip.
With knowledge from their previous experiences working in a coffee shop, the owners also use Brazilian beans for their distinctly nutty taste, so you know that your drinks are bound to be top-notch. Besides the drinks, the scenic view overlooking the Punggol waterway was also a pleasant surprise that elevated my experience. For the great coffee, I’ll be back!
Address: 323D Sumang Walk, S(824323)
Opening hours: Sat – Sun: 9am – 5.30pm
2. Coffee By The Porch
Delicious drinks and fresh bakes
This is the place to be if you’re looking for good vibes and great matcha this weekend. Started by a trio of friends with a love for baking and making coffee, Coffee By The Porch offers a variety of homemade bakes and trendy drinks. If you love matcha like I do, give their ceremonial-grade Strawberry Matcha ($6.50) a go to enjoy the delectable combination of fragrant strawberry puree and earthy matcha. Coffee-lovers may also enjoy this home cafe’s signature Einspanner Coffee ($6) for a strong shot of espresso alongside some indulgent whipped cream.
Feeling peckish after your drink? Why not grab a Chicken Ham Focaccia ($8.50) to go for some savoury goodness! With such an extensive menu, this is one of the best home-based cafes to visit, especially if you’re already in the area!
Address: 8 Jalan Jarak, S(809287)
Opening hours:
For June: 28 Jun, 9.30am – 4.30pm
3. Brew With Grace
Adorable Studio-Ghibli decorations
Fans of Taiwanese cafes will enjoy Brew With Grace for its adorable decorations, including Studio Ghibli figurines! If you’re feeling stressed, this is the perfect home cafe to spend a relaxing day at. Pick up a book from the little book corner or play with the owner’s adorable cat (who’s coincidentally named Totoro) as you enjoy your drink. Choose from a selection of comforting hot drinks like a hot Mocha ($4.50), or get the Yuzu Matcha Oat ($5.50) for a tangy and refreshing hint of yuzu bits that go surprisingly well with the creamy matcha. For the aesthetics alone, this home-based cafe is a must-visit!
Address: Rivervale Shores, S(542171)
Opening hours: Wed – Fri: 10am – 4pm
4. Whisk & Waddles
Chill atmosphere and interesting drinks
No plans this weekend? Drop by Whisk & Waddles to enjoy an iced cuppa with your friends and play some of the card games that they offer! While this home cafe started as a school project, it has become one of the most popular home cafes in the Yio Chu Kang neighbourhood. Those with a sweet tooth like me will enjoy their newest additions to the menu – Arctic Ember ($6.40), which features a harmonious blend of hojicha and sea salt maple cold foam. For the best dining experience, I’d recommend pairing this with their newly launched Lemon Loaf ($4.90). If you’re curious about their other drinks, head down this weekend to try them yourself!
Address: Yio Chu Kang / Lentor (Exact address will be provided upon payment)
Opening hours:
For June: 22 Jun, 11am – 4.30pm
5. 2 Sisters’ Smoothies
Refreshing fruit smoothies for a hot day
My only gripe with the East Coast is its lack of home cafes, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to find 2 Sisters’ Smoothies in the vicinity! Here, choose between a variety of refreshing flavours, including bestsellers like their Erewhon-inspired Strawberry Glaze ($6.90) or Green Flag ($5.90) smoothies. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for seasonal flavours like Mango Sticky Rice ($5.90), Durian ($5.90), and even Black Sesame ($5.90). I tried their Matcha Strawberry smoothie ($7.50) and was surprised by the blend. As someone who enjoys my matcha strong, the mellow flavour profile wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed the strawberry blend with little chunks of fruit, and I polished off the entire cup. Located right along the canal in Kembangan, this home-based cafe makes for a convenient pit-stop to grab a well-deserved sweet treat after your morning jog!
Drinks aside, there was also ample patio seating available when I visited (although sadly I didn’t see any doggies), which created a comfortable atmosphere for me to enjoy my smoothie. If you live around this area, this home-based cafe is a must-visit for refreshing smoothies to quench your thirst on a sweltering day!
Address: 5 Frankel Close, S(458119)
Opening hours: Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 5pm
*Note: they close from 12pm – 1pm for lunch
6. Baobei Coffee
Coffee brewed with love
If you crave the slow life amidst Singapore’s hustle and bustle, you won’t regret visiting this Tampines home cafe. Inspired by the Chinese term of endearment ‘Baobei’, BaoBei Coffee is the epitome of comfort and warmth. Those who are open to trying new flavours will definitely enjoy Bed of Roses ($4.50) for its sweet bandung accent, or the Cococha ($5.50) for an invigorating infusion of coconut water alongside creamy matcha. As you snap away at your drinks, also get a photo with the adorable resident corgi, Scotti! For the amazing atmosphere, you won’t want to miss out on this spot!
Address: 645B Tampines Street 62, S(522645)
Opening hours:
Mon – Tue: 9am – 4pm
Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: 9am – 12pm
7. Tofu Tofu
All-matcha menu and an adorable photo spot
Fuelled by owner Tris’s love for matcha, drinks in this home cafe revolve around the green drink that’s taken the world by storm. Whether it’s a Kaya Matcha Latte ($5.90) or a Sparkling Calpis Usucha ($5.90), drinks here are sure to delight and surprise at the same time! To ensure the highest quality of every drink, Tris uses a microfoaming technique and ceremonial-grade Niko Neko matcha powder to create her delicious drinks. After you pick up your drinks, there’s even a dedicated photo spot for Instagram-worthy pictures. If you love spicing up your feed with the occasional food picture like I do, this is one of the best home cafes to visit in Singapore!
Address: Block 523 Bedok North Street 3, S(460523)
Opening hours: Sat – Sun: 9am – 5.30pm
8. Coffee Near Me
Drinks for you and your pups
We all agree that there’s nothing better than an icy cold drink on a hot sunny day! So, once you’re done with your hike at the nearby MacRitchie Reservoir, visit Coffee Near Me for some refreshments and snacks. The layout here replicates a chill camping atmosphere, and it uses ice boxes as tables, which I haven’t seen in other cafes! Coffee Near Me is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furkids to enjoy free pup cups as you savour your drink! My picks are the Spanish Latte ($5) and the crispy yet fluffy Canele. If you intend to visit, check out their Instagram beforehand as the owner periodically launches new drinks!
Address: 20 Casuarina Walk, S(574078)
Opening hours: Sat – Sun: 9am – 3.30pm
9. Knead Kopi
Traditional-style home cafe
You won’t find any fancy drinks in this home-based cafe. Rather, Knead Kopi has its roots in the tradition and nostalgia. If you’re trying to convince your parents to visit home cafes, this may be a great place to start! Here, every cup is carefully brewed via the traditional sock method. Knead Kopi also sells freshly-made Kaya spread that’s sure to please even the pickiest parents. What’s even better is how unlike most home cafes, this one is also open on selected weekdays. So, it’s perfect to avoid the weekend crowd.
Address: 7 Watten Rise, S(287290)
Opening hours:
Mon – Tue: 7.30am – 5pm
Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat: 7am – 5pm
* Note: Knead Kopi is temporarily closed, but they’ll be resuming operations on 23 Jun.
Are home cafes in Singapore safe?
The food and drinks from home cafes are generally safe. While home cafes do not require a Singapore Food Agency (SFA) licence to operate, they are still required to comply with food safety requirements to uphold good hygiene practices. Some of these home-based cafes also hold Food Safety certificates from Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), so you can rest assured.
Grab a cuppa at these home cafes with the best drinks!
Savour a refreshingly cold coffee alongside fresh bakes at these home cafes as you explore new neighbourhoods. Who knows, you might just uncover other hidden gems! If your matcha craving is still going strong, check out the best matcha cakes in Singapore for your next teatime snack. Trying to recreate that cafe atmosphere from home? We’ve rounded up the best teas in Singapore for you to sip on for the ultimate zen. Alternatively, hit the town in between your many cups of matcha for some savoury food with our guide on what to eat in Tanjong Pagar!
