15 Hidden Cafes in Singapore That Are Worth the Road Trip

Hidden cafes in Singapore are quite rare. They range from the most overrated ones that have been flooding your feeds, to the quaintest bistros even your hipster friends don’t know about. And just when you think that you’ve visited them all, you’re bound to stumble upon yet another gem.

This is especially the case for cafes that are tucked in the quietest corners of this small nation. So grab your friends and make your first visit to these under-the-radar Singapore cafes!

Also read: VTL Destinations Guide: List of Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lanes

Hidden cafes in western / southern Singapore

1. Riders Cafe

Serving delicious contemporary comfort food in a relaxing space surrounded by lush greenery, Riders Cafe is located in Bukit Timah. Bask in nature with a coffee in hand and browse the menu where you can find favourite classics made lovingly with fresh ingredients.

This spot is quite literally a hidden cafe in Singapore, as it’s a little away from the main road — through winding roads and stretches of trees. If you want to visit a cafe that is far from the hustle and bustle of it all, then this is the place for you!

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 8am–9pm
Address: Bukit Timah Saddle Club, 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965

2. Canopy HortPark

Since you’re probably in the area to hike through Singapore’s southern trail, why not stop by for some grub at the aesthetic and lush forestation of Canopy HortPark? This dog-friendly, hidden cafe in Singapore is an oasis of shrubbery and garden dining, with plants lining the walls of the cafe. Both the alfresco and indoor dining options will bring you a sense of peace and calm as the restaurant greets you with a wash of natural light.

Crowd favourites include fish & chips, carbonara, and apple crumble pie!

Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 10.30pm
Address: #01-01, 33 Hyderabad Road, HortPark, 119578

3. Colbar

Too many of us have a stereotypical idea of what a good cafe should look like — chic interiors, high ceilings, and food served on fancy plates or semi-pretentious chopping boards. Colbar, however, is anything but that, and with old-school food to boot. Tucked in a little corner of Portsdown Road, its breezy set-up makes for a good weekend lunch hangout.

Dating way back to the 1950s, Colbar (short for Colonial Bar) used to serve the military soldiers living in Wessex Estate, and it kept its signature dishes on the menu even to date. Get ready for a wave of nostalgia as the food’s taste, smell, and appearance bring you back to a time long gone.

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 11.30am to 8.30pm
Address: 9A Whitchurch Road, Singapore 138839

4. Handlebar

Located in the heart of Gillman Barracks, Handlebar is probably nearer to Sentosa than to most of our homes. But despite the cafe’s obscure location in Singapore, this biker-themed establishment attracts its fair share of crowds every day.

Handlebar is the go-to eatery for biker dudes and chicks; every nook and cranny of the place is bike-themed, from Vespa chairs to walls lined with spare bike parts.

Handlebar’s interior isn’t the only thing that will grab your attention. Check out the menu, which has items like Slap Yo Mamma Pork Chop, Murderous Chili, and Cocaine Wings!

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 12pm to 11.30pm
Address: 10 Lock Rd, Singapore 108938

5. Old Habits Boutique & Cafe

Looking for a unique place to hang loose with some friends? Then Old Habits Boutique & Cafe is the place for you. This part vintage boutique-part cafe is owned by Donovan Goh, a vintage lover who has been collecting many vintage items since his early 30s.

The menu for the weekend is also always changing, making a visit here fresh every time! Check out their Facebook page for new updates on the dishes sold here.

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 11am to 9pm
Address: 2 Telok Blangah Way, Mt Faber, #01-04 Next to the Swimming Pool, SAFRA, 098803

6. W39 Bistro & Bakery

A family-friendly and pet-friendly cafe, W39 Bistro & Bakery is the perfect cafe to feast on familiar favourites with a modern twist, funky drinks, and handmade cakes. With an outdoor alfresco area, this cafe offers a chill space where you can relax and enjoy your food. The food menu is also varied with pasta, sandwiches, and main dishes including Chicken Roulade, Angus Ribeye, Pan-seared Duck Breast, and more!

Opening hours: Thu to Fri, 11.30am to 9.30pm; Sat to Sun, 9am to 9.30pm
Address: 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637

7. Little House of Dreams

Little House of Dreams is a bespoke homegrown bakery where you can find a variety of cakes and cookies. Decorated tastefully in pink, it is as though you stepped right into a life-sized dollhouse! Charming for both the young and old, this hidden cafe in Singapore is the perfect place to catch up with your friends over some sweet treats.

But, that’s not all! If you are craving something more, this dainty cafe also boasts a full menu of brunch food, salad bowls, rice bowls, pasta, pizzas, and more! You could also order simple sides like wings and fries if you’d like something lighter. 

Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 10am to 8.30pm; Fri, 10am to 9.30pm; Sat, 9am to 9.30pm; Sun, 9am to 8.30pm
Address: 200 Turf Club Rd, 01 06A, Singapore 287994

8. Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar

Reminiscent of Australian brunch cafes, Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar is one of the most unique hidden cafes in Singapore; thanks to its location on the ground floor of an apartment building in one-north.

Think rich, aromatic brews, and good ol’ avocado and smoked salmon toast atop freshly baked sourdough — all with big portions at affordable prices. On top of that, the ambience and service here will make for a cherry on top to an already enjoyable afternoon!

Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 4pm
Address: #01-51 One-North Residences, 9 One-north Gateway, 138643

Cafes in eastern Singapore

9. The Coastal Settlement

Like its southern counterpart Handlebar, The Coastal Settlement is the obscure representative for eastern Singapore. And just for the fun of it, we checked out the travelling distance between the two — at least three bus transfers and a two-hour journey of public transport nausea.

Tucked away along the far-flung Netheravon Road in Changi, this Singapore cafe and its soothing ambience won us over despite the disoriented navigation earlier. The Coastal Settlement boasts the perfect blend of kampong-modernity, with elaborated old-school decors amidst the rustic and tranquil overall atmosphere.

Its menu also has a wide mix of western and local dishes, from Singaporean’s all-time favourite dishes like Nasi Lemak and Seafood Mui Fan to fancier ones such as Prosciutto Pizza and Truffle Eggs and Mushrooms; all contributing to its status as one of the best hidden cafes in Singapore.

Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 10.30am to 11pm; Sat to Sun, 8.30am to 11pm
Address: 200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529

10. Refuel Cafe

Hailed as one of the best brunch places in the east, Refuel Cafe is known for its big portions and value for money. While this hidden cafe in Singapore isn’t quite the most hipster spot, it is well-loved for its scrumptious food more than anything.

Some of the dishes sold here include pasta and salads, while the mains includes BBQ ribs, Baked Chicken with Spicy Sauce, Baked Crust Salmon, and more! The signature items include all-day breakfast, pancakes, and baked salmon.

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 12pm to 4pm, 5pm to 10pm
Address: Cassia Cres, 01-50 Block 32, Singapore 390032

11. Sweet Garden Dining Cafe

Free WiFi, nett prices (i.e. no service charge and GST!), and food prepped by an award-winning chef hailing from a five-star hotel: These are precisely what you can expect at Sweet Garden Dining Cafe!

A favourite among residents and even those who are simply looking for an affordable brunch option, this cafe tucked away in the Mountbatten area is one that you should definitely check out.

Opening hours: Wed to Mon, 9am to 9pm
Address: Blk 744, Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3029, Singapore 470744

Cafes in northern Singapore

12. Bistro Gardenasia

Part plant nursery, part diner, Gardenasia Bistro is a fusion cuisine eatery nestled in the heart of the Kranji countryside’s lush greenery.

Opt for the alfresco dining when you’re there for a scenic lake view as you indulge in some of the most interesting fusion dishes you’ll ever find, such as Assam Fish Chowder and Slipper Lobster Hor Fun. Yum!

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, and Sun, 10.30am to 4.45pm; Fri to Sat, 10.30am to 9.45pm
Address: 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718898

13. Hangar66 Cafe

Located in the emerging Seletar Aerospace area, this hidden cafe in Singapore might not be a stranger to you if you’ve ever ventured on a bicycle ride to the nearby Rower’s Bay Park. Next time you’re in the area, why not hop on over to Hangar66 Cafe for a little fuel? Themed after what Seletar Aerospace is known for, after all, aeroplanes, the restaurant boasts runway decals and artwork of planes! You can even choose to sit by the window and enjoy a view of the nearby Seletar Airfield. How cool, right?

Look out for their alcohol promotions and VIP section as well if you’re looking for a little more privacy and peace as you dine!

Opening hours: Mon, Wed to Fri 11am to 10.30pm; Sat to Sun, 9am to 10.30pm
Address: 66 Seletar Aerospace View WOA Aviation Hangar 66 Level 1, Singapore 797509

14. Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe

Now that you’re already in the Seletar Aerospace area, why not check out Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe? The reason it’s a bicycle cafe is because of the bicycles that line the exterior and interior of the building; and of course, unless you’re driving, the other easiest way to reach this hidden cafe in Singapore is if you cycle there!

Since it’s located right next to the Seletar Airfield, why not opt for an alfresco dining option instead? The whole experience is certain to immerse you into the heart of what’s significant about Seletar Aerospace.

Opening hours: Tue to Sun, 10am to 10pm
Address: 80 #01-01 MAJ Aviation Building, Seletar Aerospace View, 797563

15. Whisk & Paddle

Whisk & Paddle is a riverside cafe by Punggol Waterway where you can find all-day brunch, pastries, and dessert. Enjoy a flavoured iced tea with homemade treats as you bask in the serene ambience where the cafe is situated. At night, have an ice-cold beer with your friends under the stars at the veranda!

If you’re looking for a bigger and heartier meal, there are also many mains on the menu including Duck Confit, Ribeye Steak, Lamb Shank and more! Located away from the city, this cafe sitting quietly in the corner of Punggol Settlement is a nice refuge away.

Opening hours: Currently temporarily closed for renovation 
Address: #01-01, 10 Tebing Lane, Singapore 828836

Also read: 8 Best Al Fresco Dining Spots in Singapore

And there you have it: 15 hidden cafes in Singapore that you can head to on a scenic driving route or cycling trail! We’re sure that venturing to these far-flung, lesser-known cafes are sure to add an interesting spin to your dining experience. So, what are you waiting for?