Tamlyn RichardsIn Japan, a new social movement known as the ohitorisama has been spreading. It loosely translates to something like “party of one”. Indeed, solo activities have become more of a norm throughout the world in recent times; even when it comes to cafes in Singapore, there are plenty of solo dining options around!
Here’s a list of the top five cafes in Singapore which offer a tranquil solo dining experience.
Hidden cafes in Singapore for solo dining
1. Kurasu Singapore
Image credit: Kurasu Singapore Official Facebook Page
Situated in the relatively unknown building of Waterloo Centre away from the crowds of the CBD, Kurasu was first launched in Japan and expanded to Singapore in 2017. The menu is the same as their cafe in Japan. Kurasu Singapore features a minimalist interior that invites those wishing to unwind from a busy day in relative peace.
Image credit: Kurasu Singapore Official Facebook Page
Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 6pm
Address: 261 Waterloo St, #01-24, Singapore 180261
2. Jing Si Books and Cafe
Image credit: Jing Si Books and Cafe Official Facebook Page
Located within the heartlands of Singapore, Jing Si Books and Cafe can be found in the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Yishun. It is a cafe that exudes zen vibes and was founded by a Buddhist organisation; intended for people of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the scenic view of Yishun Pond.
The cafe is surrounded by large windows and natural scenery, prompting productivity and peaceful pondering for diners. On top of that, the menu offers natural tea that’s free of insecticides and pesticides. You know it’s of the finest quality when they use the leaves harvested from their own plantation in Taiwan to make their natural brews.
If you crave a bite or are more of a coffee person, there are two other cafes situated just next door: Slow Bakes and Real Food, which serve up fresh pastries and coffee.
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 11.30am to 7pm; Sat, 10am to 7pm; Sun, 10am to 6pm
Address: 30A Yishun Central 1, #01-07, Singapore 768796
Image credit: Jing Si Books and Cafe Official Facebook Page
Popular cafes in Singapore for solo dining
3. Apartment Coffee
Image credit: Apartment Coffee Official Facebook Page
Popular among avid coffee lovers in Singapore, Apartment Coffee has five awards for coffee brewing and roasting under its belt. The barista, Qing, is a former Singapore Brewers Cup champion and has many regulars. They present their coffee along with a simple menu: just five items listed. This way, deciding on what to do order has never been so stress-free.
The owner wanted to create the vibe of welcoming people home, thus the coining of the name, “Apartment”. Bathed in natural daylight, the white space is reminiscent of the hygge culture, a Norwegian word meaning well-being. It is used to describe a moment or feeling that is cosy, special, or charming. The hygge aesthetic is easily captured in this Instagrammable cafe. Take this as a cordial invitation to visit Apartment Coffee!
Image credit: Apartment Coffee Official Facebook Page
Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 6pm
Address: 161 Lavender St., #01-12, Singapore 338750
4. Coexist Coffee Co.
Image credit: Coexist Coffee Co. Official Facebook Page
This one is for the westies of Singapore! Coexist Coffee Co. is nestled in an expansive industrial area in Bukit Batok, where you’ll find wide open spaces, natural daylight, and a minimalist aesthetic.
The Instagrammble cafe also dominated Tiktok’s For You Page in 2020 for its iconic outdoor rooftop perched atop their indoor white and red “room-splitting” tiles.
Dining solo could be the most productive thing you could do, and this cafe is great for exactly that. Aspiring baristas and the average student alike can find their haven here. The owners even put up a Coffee University, where they offer several workshops and classes in house. They can even certify you as an official barista through accreditation courses.
Try it out and share a space with diners seeking a cosy place to rest amidst a quiet and unassuming warehouse!
Image credit: Coexist Coffee Co. Official Facebook Page
Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9am to 6pm
Address: 48 Hillview Ter, #08-00, Singapore 669269
5. Alchemist
Image credit: The Mill Official Facebook Page
The founders of Alchemist have a philosophy to deliver great coffee in a “simple and no-frills approach”. In 2019, their flagship store at Khong Guan Building was launched. Picture a sanctuary within a heritage building where you can enjoy a fresh brew of coffee, in full view of the roastery in action.
A cosy cafe with a modern feel, Alchemist boasts chains throughout the island which were popularised due to its gothic aesthetic appearance. Seeing as their branch in The Mill draws crowds, you should consider their other branches if you’re looking for some time alone. Their Design Orchard and International Plaza branches are less well known, which are more viable options for dining solo.
If the aroma of coffee is irresistible to you, you’ll find comfort and solace dining at any Alchemist branch.
Image credit (L-R): Tamlyn Richards; The Mill Official Facebook Page
Opening hours: Wed to Sun, 9am to 6pm
Address: 5 Jln Kilang, #02-02 The Mill, Singapore 159405
Also read: 6 Best Cafes in Singapore to Visit for A Rejuvenating Getaway
If this list strikes a chord with you, we hope that these cafes in Singapore will entice you to indulge in some self-care. Give yourself a break and rejuvenate your body and mind in this busy city!
