25 Ulu Cafes In Singapore So Ulu Even Hipsters Can’t Find
Ulu Cafes for the adventurer in you.
There seems to be so many cafes that are so good but so damn far out. And just how many more undiscovered hidden gems are there in the wilderness of Singapore?
Definition of Ulu ( true if and only if any of these apply):
1. At least 15 minutes walking distance away from the MRT
2. Barely anyone knows about this particular place
3. Among nature e.g. a big park
4. Very hidden
5. Highly inaccessible, requires car or any vehicle to ease travelling process
For those who prefer their cafes out of reach and inaccessible, this is for you.
— South—
1. Red Baron
Won’t you look at that delicious stack of scones?
A cafe, bakery and bar, Red Baron is situated at the artsy, hipster and obviously ulu – Gillman Barracks.
Red Baron bakes quality artisan cakes, with flavours changing every now and then, according to whatever that is in season. They have a small edible garden of their own, which they utilise in their cooking and baking. Talk about dedication to good food.
Red Baron: Gillman Barracks, 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455 | Tel: 6334 6734 |website | Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays & Public Holidays, Tuesday – Sunday: 1100-1800, Last Orders for Food 1730
2. Old Habits
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The concept behind ‘Old Habits’ is to provide a place where people can gather and appreciate the by-gone era over some coffee, tea and hearty food. It is one of the few cafes that has a whimsical combination of a vintage, antique store and cafe.
Old Habits: 38 Telok Blangah Rise, 090038 | Tel: 91277147 | Website | Opening Hours: Tue-Thurs: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm, Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
— North —
3. The Workbench
Originally an ice cream palour, The Workbench has now included main courses. Reviews say that their service could do with more improvement. Located at a quiet HDB area, this seems like a good place to read a book or get some work done, if only they provided wifi.
The Workbench: Blk 332 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1881, Singapore | Tel: 92700448 | Website | Opening Hours: Tue-Sat: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm |
— East —
4. Whisk & Paddle
At pretty much the end of Singapore (I live in the west so this is pretty much like the end to me) but thankfully much more accessible after the introduction of LRT at that area. Can you imagine how treacherous it’ll be for people who people who don’t live around the area.
Instead of the usual slice of bread in the Eggs Benedict, Whisk and Paddle swapped it for a slice of waffle. Hell yes to that! If you’re a Mac & Cheese fan, prepare for an even more luxurious version at Whisk and Paddle – the Tiger Prawn Mac & Cheese.
With such a view, Whisk and Paddle sure doubles up as a prime location for dates.
Whisk & Paddle: 10 Tebing Lane, #01-01, Singapore 828836 | Tel: | Website | Tuesday-Friday: 3:30pm-10:30pm, Saturday/Sunday/PH: 9:30am-10:30pm
5. D’Zerts Cafe
Simple, no frills cafe dedicated to serving you quality cakes and dessert. These people are serious about serving you that mean slice of cake and making your whole experience that much better. They’re also known to have fantastic waffles.
Though not exactly as aesthetically pleasing as Starbucks’ earthy and often stained plush arm chairs, the folks at D’Zerts are hospitable and thoughtful souls that thoroughly understand the importance of providing power points, free wifi and NO GST or Service Charge.
D’Zerts Cafe: 30 Jln Pari Burong, Singapore 488696 | Tel: 64406707 | Website | Opening Hours: Tue-Thu: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sun:12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
6. Jubilee Coffee House and Bar
Serving All-Day High Tea, local dishes and Western food, Jubilee Coffee House and Bar is quintessentially Singaporean. Its interiors boasts of a vintage Singapore era, transporting you back to many decades ago. Might not exactly be the kind of cafe many look for but, an interesting place for you to bring your folks to or if you’re one to relish in history.
Surprising to see fried carrot cake, hor fan and assam fish alongside club sandwich and fish & chips. But then again, isn’t that the very essence of what Singapore is?
Jubilee Coffee House: 580 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508516 | Tel: 65430060 | Website | Mon-Fri: 10:00-00:00(Fri till 01:00), Sat/Holiday Eve: 09:30-01:00, Sun/PH: 09:30-22:30
7. Chockfull of Beans
Red-bricked cafe tucked at Changi Village, Chock Full of Beans offers a pretty wide variety of food including cafe usuals like Eggs Benedict and French Toasts as well as Rosti and Bangers & Mash.
And ever been envious of 3D latte art you’ve seen online but never got to witness it personally? Don’t worry, Singapore has it too – Chock Full of Beans does wonderful 2D and 3D latte art. Their facebook has a whole portfolio of their latte art pieces.
Chockfull of Beans: BLK 4, CHANGI VILLAGE ROAD, #01-2090, SINGAPORE 500004 | Tel: 62148839 | Website
8. Wild Oats @ Punggol Park
Situated in Punggol Park, Wild Oats has a scenic view of a lake, lush greenery and maybe mosquitoes.
Wild Oats is a casual concept by the Wild Rocket group that promotes familiar and simple food – of both local and western. Wild Oats only opens after 4pm but closes late, so that patrons can chill throughout the night. A great place to enjoy the scenery and knock back some ice cold beer.
Wild Oats: 97 Hougang Avenue 8, Singapore 538792 | Tel: | Website | Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 4pm – 12am, Fri: 4pm – 1am, Sat: 4pm – 2am, Sun: 4pm – 12am
9. Refuel Cafe
Refuel is a cafe, eatery and coffee roastery located at Bedok Reservoir Road. At a less frequented location, Refuel has the ability to keep their food at wallet-friendly prices without compromising on quality. They don’t charge Service charge and GST either. Seems like a great place to relax with great food – and Refuel.
Refuel Cafe: Blk 744 Bedok Reservoir Road #01-3029, Singapore 470744 | Tel: 6448 0015 | Website
10. Coast and Company
A Papa Palheta x Coast Cycles establishment, Coast and Company is a cafe and Bike Shop in one.
Papa Palheta is a coffee boutique in Singapore and Malaysia that sell their roasted coffee beans. Coast and Company is an atas bicycle shop founded by Singapore’s former national cyclist Janson Tan.
As if the concept isn’t special enough, Coast and Company continues to set itself apart by offering a few interesting items like ‘Frank in a Blanket’ – similar to the Coney dog- and ‘Babi Hitam’ – black pepper pork poppers on Melba toast.
While its concept is definitely fresh to the scene, it is nice to see attention and effort paid to bringing quality food onto the table, and to upholding Papa Palheta coffee.
Coast and Company: 54 Siglap Dr, Singapore 456176 | Tel: | Website
11. Craftsman Specialty Coffee
Inspired by the innumerable coffee houses they’ve stumbled upon during their travels, the minds behind Craftsman’s wanted to recreate a whimsical escape for coffee lovers. Much like how they’ve found peace and solace in those they’ve visited.
Through quality coffee, comforting brunch bites and pastries, Craftsman is the ideal spot for a laidback date with your book and you.
Craftsman Specialty Coffee: 2 First Street, Siglap V, #01-01, Singapore 458278 | Tel: 9658 0769 | Website |Sun- Thurs : 8.30am – 9pm / Fri & Sat : 8.30am – 10.30pm, eve of PH is open till 10:30pm @ Siglap Outlet
12. Sun Ray Cafe
As they started out with close to zero knowledge on coffee and food, Sunray Cafe has come a long way since 5 years ago. Now, they have been recognised by CityNomad, TripAdvisor and has also won an Epicurean Award.
Now a nano roastery serving filter and espresso based coffees as well as selected Chinese Teas, it has been said that their coffee is pretty decent. Plus point, Sunray Cafe is a pet-friendly place. They even serve pet food and do pet birthday cakes.
P.S They serve Shibuya style thick toast.
Sun Ray Cafe: 79 Brighton Crescent, Serangoon Gardens, Singapore 559218, Tel: 62838700 | Website
— West —
12. W39
Despite being located at an obscure place behind Clementi Stadium, W39 seems to have a steady stream of customers that love their restaurant (me included).
And what’s not to like about W39? The interior is gorgeous, you can find 1001 photos of it online because every nook and cranny seems pretty much photo-worthy. Many people have booked W39 to host private events, especially birthdays, as they are guaranteed a beautiful set-up for the party.
The food pretty much ranges from decent to fantastic, none of anything I’ve eaten have been bad. Though it may be pricey for such location, the food is worthy of your penny.
W39 is indeed a gem in the west.
W39: 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637 | Tel: 96465372 | Website | Opening Hours: Tue-Fri: 11am-10pm, Sat,Sun & PH: 9am-10:30pm
13. Riders Cafe
No stranger to the brunch scene, Riders Cafe has been around since 2007, pretty much pioneer of the Singapore brunch scene.
Located within lush greenery and amongst horses, you’ll be up close with nature (you can even smell it) while you sip your coffee and indulge in your brunch/cafe fare.
The owner, Jan Yeo, meticulously and painstakingly curates every ingredient the cafe uses, as she wants to ensure utmost quality of the food.
And I’ll daresay their death by chocolate was by far the fairest way to overdose on chocolate and possibly go to chocolate heaven. Hit me a dose anytime.
P.S Getting here is very troublesome without a vehicle. There’s a long winding road in between stretches of trees you have to cross before arriving at Riders.
Riders Cafe: Bukit Timah Saddle Club, 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965 | Tel: 6466 9819 | Website | Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 8am – 10pm, Closed on Monday
14. Necessary Provisions
Necessary Provisions believes in keeping things honest and simple. Good food, coffee, tea and craft beer for the folks to enjoy all whilst keeping their business socially responsible. There isn’t much on the menu but by doing that, they ensure good food from quality ingredients. Think daily homemade bread, confectioneries and pasta.
They do daily specials according to what ingredients are freshly in stocked or anything they are really obsessed with. They froth out fantastic coffee as well. Nice ambience, exuding a laid-back and casual atmosphere with good weekend vibes. The only downside is that it might be a little pricey.
Necessary Provisions: 21 Eng Kong Terrace, Singapore 598993 | Tel: 9231 7920 | Website | Opening Hours: wednesday-friday: 3pm-midnight, saturday: 11am – midnight, sunday feast: 11am – 6pm
15. Buttercake n Cream Bistro
Buttercream n Cake is one of my favourite restaurants in Sunset Way. It’s been around for a few years and I’m glad they’re still around considering the lack of traffic at their location. They have wonderful desserts like the Panna Cotta and their two signatures – Chocolate Lava Cake and Apple Rhubarb Crumble. Furthermore, they have pretty affordable 3 course weekend set lunches at $15.90++.
Buttercream n Cake has a nice intimate ambience, making it great for dates. Plus point, it has an outdoor seating that looks like a little garden with dangling fairy lights.
Buttercream n Cake Bistro: Sunset Way, Block 106, Clementi 12, #01-52, Singapore 120106 | Tel: 6777 3477 | Website| Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:45 AM to 10:30 PM, Sunday & Monday: 11:45 AM to 10:00 PM
16. Baker & Cook
Apart from selling their own angmoh breads, Baker & Cook also offers their own-brand range of jams, chutneys, handcrafted packaged cookies, cakes, homemade granola. Plus, they also do breakfast, lunch and dinner bakery – influenced food, accompanied by fantastic fine wine or Australian imported coffee. Being an artisan bakery and considering their locations, their price would be steep and is personally too pricey for my liking.
Baker & Cook: 77 Hillcrest Road, Greenwood, SINGAPORE 288951 | Tel: | Website | Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 7am to 8pm, Friday to Saturday: 7am to 10pm
17. Compound Coffee
A boutique specialty coffee store, compound coffee experiments with more exotic coffee flavours in their own blends.
They sell other coffee-related knick knacks like guide books, homebrewer tools and of course, their own blend and other beans. Tried their coffee at a pop-up stall before and it was honest-to-goodness quality coffee.
Unfortunately, Compound Coffee is only open to residents of Interlace Condominium. If non-residents want to drop by, they need to contact Compound Coffee beforehand.
Compound Coffee: The Interlace, 180 Depot Road, #01-08, Singapore 109694| Tel: | Website | Opening Hours: TUE – FRI: 8 – 5, SAT – SUN : 8 – 7
18. Revolution Coffee
As the name suggests, Revolution Coffee seeks to serve coffee so great, it starts a whole new revolution of caffeinated hippies. I’m only kidding, their concept is absolutely nothing of this sort.
But it’s no joke that revolution coffee aims to serve good coffee. That, along with foods like sandwiches, pasta and salads. Here, you’ll get to try the Reservoir Road blend by Single Origin Roasters of Sydney, which is not a common choice of brand in Singapore.
They also serve brunch items along with sweet desserts like Pancakes with Gula Melaka Butterscotch and Bananas and their The Mad Chef Sticky Date Pudding which are both rumoured to be really good.
You know you don’t have to worry about a boring menu as Revolution’s dishes were thought through by Shen Tan, chef of the now defunct Wok & Barrel and Ujong.
It is hidden somewhere amongst the corporate buildings at One-North. Closest MRT is One-North but it’s still a long walk so best to take a short shuttle bus ride from One-North’s bus stop.
Revolution Coffee: 21 Media Circle, #01-03A, 21 Media Circle, Singapore | Tel: 6777 2110 | Website
— Central —
19. Spathe Public House
Rather than offering individual main courses, Spathe Public House believes in serving sharing plates so that friends can gather round to enjoy and bond over hearty food. Afterall, sharing is caring!
They serve brunch on weekends as well.
Spathe Public House: 8 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-01, Singapore 238958 | Tel: 67351035 | Website | Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 11pm, Sat & Sun: 10am – 11pm
20. Fix
Fix is a pool-side grill house and cafe located oddly at HomeTeamNS. Apart from serving grill platters, they serve coffee, desserts and Naanwich. Yes you saw that right, Naanwich! A combination that wouldn’t go wrong but still rare. Plus, Fix is Halal Certified.
Fix: 31 Ah Hood Rd, #01-06 HomeTeam NS-JOM Clubhouse, Singapore 329979 |Tel: 6256 1484 | Website | Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm from Monday to Friday and 11am – 10:30pm on Sat, Sun and PH
21. Sparks Cafe & Bistro
Sporting a leisurely, homey atmosphere, Sparks Cafe serves simple food that warms your heart and belly like Curry Chicken, Beef Stew and Chicken Pot Pie.
Sugee Cake fan? They bake traditional cakes like the Classic Sugee cake, Pandan Sugee with Gula Melaka and Classic loaves of flavoured butter cake.
Sparks Café & Bistro: 9 Sin Ming Road, #01-04, Thomson V One, Singapore 575630| Tel: 9384 8071 | Website | Opening hours: 11:30am to 10:00pm (Monday), 10:00am to 10:00pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
22. Five by Five
Minimalist Cafe but the quality of the food isn’t minimal. Fragrant crispy waffles and variety of ice cream to top it off with but it costs $18ish for 3 scoops ice cream and waffle.
Many people enjoy their matcha latte as well, claiming it as one of the best they’ve had in Singapore. Apart from sweet things, they serve savoury mains like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Cordon Bleu and some usual Brunch dishes.
Five by Five: 9 Sin Ming Road, #01-03, Thomson V One, Singapore 575630 | Tel: 64527449 | Website | Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs,Sun: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
23. Little Part 1 Cafe
Away from the popular bustling stretch of Upper Thomson is Little Part 1 Cafe, situated right behind Thomson Plaza and rows of private housing. While you might think it is an odd place for a cafe, I think it’s a perfect spot that provides a respite from the usual hustle and bustle.
Little Part 1 Cafe needs no introduction to the residents around the area, it is their go-to for quality western cuisine and it only gets better because they do up a pretty mean plate of chicken waffles and a variety of savoury crepes. Excuse my excitement for not many places serve up these foods and I’m truly a fan of them.
It has been said they their lamb racks are pretty damn dope as well.
P.S: They take their Halloween really seriously by hosting events every year where patrons are required to dress up and dine.
Little Part 1 Cafe: 15 Jasmine Road, Singapore 576584| Tel: 64517553 | Website
24. Open Farm Community
A restaurant that expounds on farm to table concept, many of OFC’s ingredients are grown by themselves in their garden by award winning group, Edible Garden.
Though ambitious, OFC aims to spearhead local farming and this farm-to-table dining concept. They also aim to bring together local farmers, creative chefs and connect the community with nature – which i felt is direly needed since Singapore is the self-proclaimed garden city.
Open Farm Community is well…open. With a wide space, natural light streaming in, you’ll feel as if you’re dining without four walls as farms plots and shrubs surround you.
The food are well-thought out and delicious while the cocktails are up to quality with Kamil Foltan, head bartender of Tippling Club, helming Open Farm Community’ bar as well.
For more information about Open Farm Community, check out our review of them here.
Open Farm Community: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819 | Tel: +65 6471 0306 | Website
25. Boufe
Boutique + Cafe = Boufe
Boutique and Cafe – joining 2 of the co-owner’s individual passions together, Boufe found its niche to differentiate itself from the saturated cafe scene. Hence the name Boufe, signifying both boutique and cafe under one roof.
Their menu is pretty special with non-brunch usuals like salted egg yolk cray fish and Scotch Egg Guacamole, it’s enticing to see a menu that mixes the usual brunch food up. For dinner, they keeptheir menu small, but packed with crowd favourite quality dishes like Thai Green Curry Pasta,
Boufe: Phoenix Park, 308 Tanglin Rd, #01-01, Singapore 247974 | Tel: 6734 7656 | Website | Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 8AM – 10PM, Sat – Sun: 10AM – 10PM
— Ulu Cafes that you probably already know about —
Toby’s Estate
One Man Coffee
Jimmy Monkey
SPRUCE
The Book Cafe
Common Man
The Coastal Settlement
My aim is to collect all these cute little quaint cafes in ulu locations, if you haven’t already discovered by now. So if you’re in the know of any, share the good news and let me in on it.
Related Guide: Best Cafes in Singapore for Brunch
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