Review Crew: Coffee in Singapore

Expat Living’s Review Crew was at it again this month, prowling around Robertson Quay in the morning hours, in search of the perfect cup of coffee in Singapore. In each spot, we tried a black, a cappuccino and a house speciality. Which of the 15 caffeine-laced concoctions left us buzzing for more? Grab a cup of coffee and read ahead.

Craftsman

33 Mohamed Sultan Road

This is the kind of place you can sit and work all day, with super-friendly servers and coffee in bright, happy crockery that puts a smile on your face. The coffee was downright delicious, though perhaps the cappuccino could use a bit more foam on top.

Book Café

20 Martin Road

Just a few steps away, this spot had a completely different vibe. The book-lined walls, café tables and comfy couches are perfect for just hanging with friends, gabbing over a cup of java. The coffee was good, but what had us gaga was the Iced Mocha with Ice Cream, a coffee float with chocolate ice cream. Slurp!

Grounded

22 Martin Road

This cosy spot in a yoga studio is affiliated with the very popular Common Man, which is just downstairs. Here’s the honest truth (hey, you want honest, right?): we didn’t like it much. The service was painfully slow and the coffee wasn’t worth the wait. But the calm, quiet nook did have a nice vibe when you want to slow things down. If you’re after coffee, perhaps it’s best to grab a cup downstairs.

Toby’s Estate

8 Rodyk Street

There’s a reason this joint has been an institution for the past seven years. Perched on the Singapore River with a big, bright comfortable room, Toby’s serves a truly wide variety of offerings, each pretty darn good. However, the Tiger Coffee, named for the tiger nut ingredient, had a bit of a bite (worse than a tiger, perhaps). Best to steer clear and just stick with the more typical stuff.

Kith

7 Rodyk Street

Popular with young families, Kith also sits on the Singapore River. Kids can play while mommies sit and sip. The coffee had rocket-fuel like strength. Pow! The speciality coffee was one of our favourites of the day: honey coffee. Yup. Coffee with bees’ best work. The inside of the glass is coated with the sticky stuff and the result is pure decadence.

So, What’s the verdict?

Wondering where our Review Crew car (courtesy of ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car) will turn up next? Or perhaps you’re keen to be on our next Review Crew outing? Email us at contribute@expatliving.sg for your chance to take part.

Like this? Read more in our Wine and Dine section:

Review Crew: Ice cream in Singapore
Best champagne brunches in Singapore

This article first appeared in the November 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Melinda Murphy

Melinda does Special Projects for Expat Living which includes pulling together big stories, videos — all sorts of cool stuff. It all builds on her background as a television correspondent, producer and author back in the US. Her life is kind of a special project, too, with two young kids, an old dog, a ridiculous number of volunteer activities — and a very understanding hubby.