Top 10 Coffee Brands in Singapore: A Caffeine Lover’s Guide

Singapore is a bustling metropolis that boasts a thriving coffee culture. With a plethora of coffee brands, cafes, and specialty coffee shops, the city-state has become a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a traditional Kopi O, a rich Espresso, or a creamy Latte, Singapore has something to offer for every coffee lover. In this article, we will explore the top 10 coffee brands in Singapore, each offering unique flavors and experiences that cater to various tastes and preferences.

1. Top 10 Coffee Brands in Singapore: Ya Kun Kaya Toast

Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a household name in Singapore, known for its iconic kaya toast and Hainanese coffee. Founded in 1944, this brand has been serving traditional Singaporean breakfast for generations. The coffee, often referred to as “Kopi,” is a robust blend of coffee beans and sweet condensed milk, creating a strong and aromatic cup that pairs perfectly with their kaya toast.

• Kaya Toast Set: This iconic Singaporean breakfast includes kaya toast, a delectable spread made from eggs, sugar, and coconut milk, paired with soft-boiled eggs. It’s typically served with a cup of traditional Kopi or Teh (tea). The Kopi is a strong coffee made by blending coffee beans with sweet condensed milk, offering a unique and robust flavor that perfectly complements the creamy kaya spread on the toast.

Pros:

• Heritage and Tradition: Ya Kun Kaya Toast boasts a rich history, making it a beloved part of Singapore’s heritage.
• Affordability: Their offerings are reasonably priced, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.

Cons:

• Limited Coffee Variety: While their traditional Kopi is exceptional, the coffee menu is somewhat limited compared to specialty coffee shops.

2. Toast Box

Toast Box is another popular coffee brand in Singapore that specializes in traditional Kopi and kaya toast. Their coffee is brewed using a unique method called the “sock filter,” which results in a rich, full-bodied brew. The blend of coffee beans and condensed milk offers a delightful sweetness and a slightly bitter kick, making it a favorite among locals.

• Kopi: Toast Box is renowned for its traditional Kopi, which is prepared using a unique method known as the “sock filter.” This technique results in a robust and full-bodied coffee. The blend of coffee beans and condensed milk in Kopi offers a delightful sweetness, coupled with a subtle bitterness, creating a classic Singaporean coffee experience.
• Nanyang Old Coffee: This is another favorite, known for its rich and bold taste. It’s made from selected coffee beans and a secret sauce, giving it a unique flavor profile.

Pros:

• Authenticity: Toast Box is known for its authentic Singaporean breakfast experience.
• Traditional Kopi: Their unique method of preparing Kopi appeals to those who love traditional Singaporean coffee.

Cons:

• Lack of Specialty Coffee: If you’re looking for specialty coffee or single-origin options, Toast Box might not be the best choice.

3. Chye Seng Huat Hardware (CSHH)

For those who appreciate specialty coffee, Chye Seng Huat Hardware, often abbreviated as CSHH, is a must-visit. Located in the vibrant Jalan Besar neighborhood, CSHH is a specialty coffee roastery and cafe that takes coffee seriously. They source high-quality beans from around the world, roast them in-house, and brew them to perfection. Their coffee menu is diverse, offering everything from Espresso to Pour-Over, ensuring a unique coffee experience.

• Espresso: CSHH excels in specialty coffee, and their Espresso is a masterpiece. It’s a classic shot of espresso that captures the essence of the coffee bean’s unique characteristics. The baristas take great care in crafting a shot that’s rich, aromatic, and filled with flavors.
• Single-Origin Pour-Over: CSHH offers a diverse range of single-origin coffees. Each cup is meticulously prepared using pour-over methods, allowing coffee enthusiasts to explore the distinct flavors of beans from different regions, whether it’s the bright acidity of an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or the nutty sweetness of a Brazilian bean.

Pros:

• Specialty Coffee: CSHH is a paradise for specialty coffee enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of single-origin and carefully brewed coffee.
• Coffee Education: They often conduct coffee workshops and events, making it an excellent place to learn about coffee.

Cons:

• Price: Specialty coffee can be relatively more expensive than traditional coffee brands.
• Limited Food Menu: The focus is primarily on coffee, and the food menu is somewhat limited.

4. Nylon Coffee Roasters

Nylon Coffee Roasters is a well-regarded coffee brand in Singapore, known for its commitment to sourcing and roasting the finest beans. They offer an array of single-origin and blended coffees that cater to various taste preferences. Nylon Coffee Roasters’ cozy café is a great place to savor their carefully crafted brews or purchase freshly roasted beans to enjoy at home.

• Espresso: Nylon Coffee Roasters’ Espresso is a true masterpiece. The beans are meticulously roasted in-house to bring out their unique flavors. The Espresso they serve is aromatic, balanced, and carries the character of the beans used.
• Filter Coffee: If you prefer a different coffee experience, try their filter coffee. It can be prepared using pour-over or AeroPress methods, offering a cleaner and nuanced taste that highlights the beans’ intricate profiles.

Pros:

• Quality Roasting: Nylon Coffee Roasters excel in roasting high-quality beans in-house.
• Diverse Coffee Offerings: Their diverse range of beans and brewing methods cater to a variety of coffee preferences.

Cons:

• Limited Seating: The café may have limited seating, which can be a challenge during busy hours.

5. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee

Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee is one of the oldest and most respected coffee brands in Singapore, with a history dating back to 1960. The shop has maintained its reputation for high-quality beans and a meticulous roasting process. Tiong Hoe offers an extensive selection of beans from different regions and a range of roasting profiles to suit different tastes, making it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

• Ethiopia Yirgacheffe: This is a single-origin coffee with floral and fruity notes. It’s often praised for its bright acidity and vibrant flavors. Tiong Hoe’s baristas ensure that the brewing process showcases the unique characteristics of this exceptional bean.
• Espresso Blend: For a more traditional experience, Tiong Hoe’s Espresso Blend is a harmonious combination of carefully selected beans. It results in a well-balanced, full-bodied espresso with a hint of sweetness.

Pros:

• Legacy: With a history dating back to 1960, Tiong Hoe is a trusted source for coffee beans and expertise.
• Wide Bean Selection: They offer an extensive selection of beans from different regions, allowing customers to explore various coffee profiles.

Cons:

• Limited Café Experience: Tiong Hoe’s café focuses more on selling beans and equipment, and the café experience is relatively simple.

6. Common Man Coffee Roasters

Common Man Coffee Roasters, often referred to as CMCR, is a brand with a global presence, originating from Singapore. Their commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing is evident in their range of single-origin coffees. The café provides an inviting atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts, and their skilled baristas ensure that every cup is a work of art.

• CMCR Espresso: Common Man Coffee Roasters’ house espresso is known for its balanced and aromatic profile. Whether enjoyed as a straight shot or in a milk-based coffee, it’s a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of the coffee bean’s flavor.
• Nitro Cold Brew: If you’re looking for a refreshing and innovative coffee experience, try their Nitro Cold Brew. The infusion of nitrogen gives the cold brew a velvety texture, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Pros:

• Global Presence: Common Man Coffee Roasters is an internationally recognized brand, ensuring consistent quality.
• Sustainability: They are committed to ethical and sustainable coffee sourcing.

Cons:

• Pricing: The high-quality coffee beans and specialty nature of this brand can be reflected in the prices.

7. Oriole Coffee + Bar

Oriole Coffee + Bar is a popular coffee brand in Singapore, offering an extensive range of coffee blends and brew methods. Their signature blend, the Oriole Signature Blend, is a harmonious combination of beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala, resulting in a well-balanced and full-bodied cup. The café also boasts a wide selection of alcoholic coffee concoctions for those who enjoy a little extra kick.

• Oriole Signature Blend: Oriole’s Signature Blend is a well-balanced masterpiece made from beans sourced from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. This blend offers a cup of coffee with rich chocolate and fruity notes, making it an all-time favorite among their customers.
• Espresso Tonic: For a refreshing twist, you can opt for the Espresso Tonic, which combines a shot of espresso with tonic water, creating a bubbly, citrusy coffee experience that’s perfect for Singapore’s hot climate.

Pros:

• Signature Blend: The Oriole Signature Blend is a well-balanced coffee with a delightful flavor profile.
• Innovative Coffee Drinks: They offer creative coffee beverages and alcoholic coffee concoctions for those seeking something different.

Cons:

• Crowded Space: Popular with both locals and tourists, the café can get quite crowded, leading to potential wait times.

8. Stranger’s Reunion

Stranger’s Reunion is another specialty coffee brand that has made a name for itself in Singapore. They offer a variety of single-origin coffees that cater to different palates. Their commitment to showcasing the unique flavors of each region’s beans sets them apart. Visitors can enjoy meticulously brewed coffee and indulge in delicious brunch offerings in a cozy atmosphere.

• Single-Origin Pour-Over: Stranger’s Reunion takes pride in offering a rotating selection of single-origin coffees. These pour-overs allow coffee enthusiasts to explore the unique flavors and aromas of coffee beans from different regions. Each cup tells a story of its origin.
• Iced Magic: A unique and popular choice at Stranger’s Reunion is the Iced Magic, which blends espresso with homemade orange-infused milk. This delightful concoction combines the zest of orange with the boldness of coffee for a one-of-a-kind taste.

Pros:

• Rotating Single-Origin Coffee: Their selection of single-origin pour-overs allows coffee enthusiasts to explore unique coffee flavors.
• Artistic Coffee Presentations: The café is known for its visually stunning coffee presentations.

Cons:

• Limited Seating: The café space may have limited seating, which can be a challenge during peak hours.

9. Jewel Coffee

Jewel Coffee is a contemporary coffee brand in Singapore that has gained popularity for its vibrant café spaces and a commitment to serving top-notch coffee. They source beans from all over the world, roast them in-house, and provide a diverse range of coffee styles, from Espresso to Cold Brew. Jewel Coffee’s friendly staff and modern aesthetics create a welcoming environment for coffee lovers.

• Black Gold: Jewel Coffee’s Black Gold is a special blend, known for its rich and smooth taste. This dark roast coffee has a touch of chocolate notes, offering a comforting and bold coffee experience.
• Cold Brew Latte: For a refreshing option, try their Cold Brew Latte. It’s a creamy and chilled coffee beverage that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

Pros:

• Modern Aesthetics: The vibrant café spaces and modern design create an inviting atmosphere.
• Diverse Coffee Offerings: They offer a range of coffee blends and brewing methods to cater to different tastes.

Cons:

• Pricing: Specialty coffee and modern aesthetics may come with a slightly higher price tag.

10. Dapper Coffee

Dapper Coffee is a hidden gem in the heart of Amoy Street, known for its innovative and unique coffee creations. In addition to the classic Espresso and Latte, Dapper Coffee offers creative coffee beverages like the Dirty Chai Latte and Salted Caramel Cold Brew. The café’s artistic flair extends to its visually stunning coffee presentations, making it a favorite among Instagram-savvy coffee enthusiasts.

• Dirty Chai Latte: Dapper Coffee offers a creative twist with the Dirty Chai Latte, combining the flavors of chai spices with a shot of espresso and milk. It’s a delightful blend of aromatic spices and coffee for a unique taste.
• Salted Caramel Cold Brew: If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, the Salted Caramel Cold Brew is a perfect choice. It features a cold brew coffee base with a caramel twist, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Pros:

• Innovative Coffee Creations: Dapper Coffee is known for its creative drinks, such as the Dirty Chai Latte and Salted Caramel Cold Brew.
• Aesthetic Presentation: Their coffee creations are visually appealing and perfect for Instagram.

Cons:

• Limited Food Menu: The food menu is relatively small, with the primary focus on coffee.

Conclusion

Singapore’s coffee scene is a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation, catering to every coffee lover’s taste. Whether you’re craving a traditional Kopi, a meticulously brewed single-origin pour-over, or a creatively crafted coffee concoction, you’ll find a coffee brand in Singapore to satisfy your caffeine cravings. These top 10 coffee brands represent the diversity and quality of coffee experiences available in this bustling city-state. So, embark on a coffee journey in Singapore and savor the unique flavors and atmospheres offered by these outstanding coffee establishments.

These special drinks capture the essence of each coffee brand, showcasing their commitment to providing a diverse and unique coffee experience for their customers. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Kopi, specialty coffee, or innovative coffee creations, you’ll find something to satisfy your coffee cravings in Singapore.

Each of these coffee brands has its unique strengths and appeals to different customer preferences. While traditional brands like Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box offer an authentic taste of Singapore, specialty coffee brands like Chye Seng Huat Hardware and Common Man Coffee Roasters cater to those seeking a more refined and diverse coffee experience. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, whether it’s tradition, innovation, or a blend of both.