Small, but mighty — that’s probably the best way to describe Balestier’s food scene.
Where are the best things to eat at Balestier?
Balestier cafes
1. Balance Coffee — Scandinavian-style cafe known for their Santa Teresa Geisha brew
2. Brown Sugar — specialised in brown sugar milk tea
3. Thank You Come Again — social hub to connect with communities
4. La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery — Italian brunch with garden setting
5. Love, Joy, Coffee — Instagrammable dessert cafe
6. Old Hen Coffee Bar — popular for their cold brew
7. Lam Yeo Coffee — traditional Nanyang-style coffee powder
Balestier restaurants
8. Bao Er Cafe — famous Hokkien mee and kaya toast
9. Chuan Yang Ji — Mongolian-style mutton soup and steamboat
10. Boon Tong Kee — Michelin guide Hainan chicken rice
11. Kai Juan Eating House — classic Teochew-style bak kut teh
12. Balestier Bak Kut Teh — light Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh with sugarcane
13. Swee Choon — popular HK and Shanghai-style dim sum spot
14. Sum Dim Sum — Instagrammable and modern dim sum
15. Mui Kee Balestier — known for their HK-style congee
16. Trunk Bar & Bistro — perfect for late night bites
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Here are more cafes near Holland Village.
7 best cafes in Balestier
1. Balance Coffee
Balance Coffee is a budget friendly and charming Scandinavian-style cafe brought to you by Geisha Specialty Coffee. The cafe is known for its exceptional specialty brews, the exquisite Santa Teresa Geisha with a complex profile.
Here, you can enjoy affordable drinks starting from just $2.5, their signature drinks include White Geisha ($8.5) and Santa Theresa Caturra Drip ($5). Plus, they offer delightful food menus like Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich ($8.9) and Truffle Fries ($6.9).
Location: 207 Balestier Rd, #01-02/03 Citadines Balestier, Singapore 329683
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 7.20am-8pm
Sat-Sun: 8.30am-8pm
2. Brown Sugar
If you’re a big fan of milk tea, you should visit Brown Sugar Café which offers their standout Brown Sugar Milk Tea for just $3.5.
With a hip, minimalistic setting, the café also serves a variety of affordable dishes like Prawn Laksa Noodles, Curry Chicken with Rice, and Truffle Noodle Drunken Chicken, all under $9, making it a hidden gem in the area.
Location: 218 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329684
3. Thank You Come Again
Thank You Come Again (TYCA) is a social hub for communities to connect, work, and inspire.
The cafe is set in an indoor space with a lush greenery theme and modern cosy setting. Perfect to head down with your friends, the cafe features a hearty menu such as Smashed Cheeseburger ($15), Cream Bacon Macaroni ($13), and Poke Bowl ($13.5).
If you’re up for dessert get their TYCA BBQ Smores ($8) to share.
Location: 355 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329782
Opening hours:
Monday: closed
Tues-Sun: 10.30am-11.30pm
4. La Ristrettos Coffee Roastery
La Ristrettos offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. This cosy cafe combines hearty all-day brunch dishes with expertly brewed coffee in a serene garden setting.
Their menu includes Italian trattoria with a modern twist with crowd’s favourites like Chicken Sriracha Bruschetta ($15.8) and Ultimate Pancakes ($16) that features sourdough pancake and Italian sausage. Pair it up with their Cafe Latte ($5.5) or the popular Chai Latte ($6.5)
Location: 10 Sinaran Dr, #08-37, Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm
Saturday: 8am-2pm
Sunday: closed
5. Love, Joy, Coffee
Love, Joy & Coffee seamlessly blends comfort and quality, making it the perfect spot for café hopping or getting some work done in a cosy environment.
Among their standout offerings are the delightful Strawberry Matcha Latte ($7.8) and the rich Einspanner ($7). For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Signature Banana Bread with Espresso Mascarpone ($9.8) and the unique Strawberry Tiramisu ($10.8).
Location: 238 Thomson Rd, #02-K9 Velocity @ Novena Square, Singapore 307683
Opening hours: 8am-6pm
6. Old Hen Coffee Bar
If you’re looking for a great cold brew in Singapore, Old Hen Coffee is a top choice. Located on Rangoon Road, they specialise in both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options. Their Cold Brew Black ($6.9) showcases unique tasting notes, while the Cold Matcha Milk ($8) is a must-try.
For a hearty meal, opt for Truffled Mushroom & Cheese Toast ($14) or Spiced Chicken Pita ($16) to satiate your hunger.
Location: 88 Rangoon Rd, #01-03, Singapore 218374
Opening hours: 9.30am-6pm
7. Lam Yeo Coffee
Coffee lovers will appreciate Lam Yeo Coffee Powder for its traditional Nanyang-style brews, roasted with sugar and margarine for a distinctive flavour.
Established in 1959, this coffee powder shop also offers specialty Arabica beans from South America and South Africa, blending old-school charm with modern coffee trends.
Do note that Lam Yeo Coffee Powder is not a dine-in or takeaway coffee shop. They only sell coffee beans and ground coffee.
Location: 328 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329760
Opening hours:
Mon-Tues: 9.30am-6.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thu-Fri: 9.30am-6.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am-5pm
Sunday: Closed
9 best restaurants in Balestier
8. Bao Er Cafe
Located on the second floor of Balestier Plaza, Bao Er Cafe has emerged as a local favourite, celebrated for its impressive hokkien mee and kaya toast.
Highlights include their viral Kaya Toast ($5), generously spread with housemade kaya and cold butter, and the Signature Deluxe Hokkien Mee (S$9), featuring a delectable mix of seafood, including prawns and scallops
Location: 400 Balestier Rd, #02-01, Singapore 329802
Opening hours: 8am-8pm
9. Chuan Yang Ji
Chuan Yang Ji is popular for its Mongolian-style mutton soup and steamboat dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including tender lamb ribs, mutton rolls, and goat tripe, often praised for their quality and flavour.
Crowd’s favourites are flavourful Mutton Soup Steamboat (from $8) and BBQ Skewers, complemented by a homemade chilli sauce that enhances the meal.
Location: 432 Balestier Rd, #01-434 Public Mansion, Singapore 32981
Opening hours: 11.30am-11pm
10. Boon Tong Kee
Boon Tong Kee is a culinary gem that has mastered Singapore’s iconic chicken rice, proudly featured in the Michelin Guide.
Since 1983, this flagship location has been delighting diners with succulent, perfectly boiled chicken that melts in your mouth, served in three generous sizes. Though the brand has expanded island-wide, this branch is the heart of it all.
Location: Balestier Rd, #399 401 & 403, Singapore 329801
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11am-10.30pm
11. Kai Juan Eating House
Kai Juan famous bak kut teh is a must-visit for those seeking a classic Teochew-style bak kut teh experience. With over 50 years of history, this stall is known for its clear, peppery broth—a hallmark of the Teochew broth.
Priced at around $8 per bowl, it’s one of the most affordable spots in Singapore for this hearty dish. Alongside the hearty bak kut teh, you can enjoy traditional sides such as salted vegetables and youtiao.
Location: 395 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329799
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat: 8am-12.30am
Sunday: 8am-2pm
12. Balestier Bak Kut Teh
If you’re looking for a light Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh with a twist, visit Balestier Bak Kut Teh. What makes this light peppery soup special is the use of sugarcane in the soup preparation, a tribute to Balestier’s history as a former sugarcane plantation.
We suggest starting with the Classic Bak Kut Teh ($7) for a hearty and traditional option. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, opt for the Premium Loin Ribs ($12), which offer a richer and more tender cut.
Location: 365 & 369 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329785
Opening hours: 24 hours
13. Swee Choon
Swee Choon has been a beloved name in the dim sum scene since 1962, known for their artisanal Hong Kong and Shanghai-style dim sum.
Popular picks include Swee Choon Big Bao, Sweet Potato Salted Egg Ball, Mee Suah Kueh, and many more. As they are open until 4am, you can easily swing by to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Location: 183/185/187/189, Jln Besar, 191/193, Singapore 208882
Opening hours:
Monday: 7am-4am
Tuesday: closed
Wed-Sun: 7am-4am
14. Sum Dim Sum
Nestled in a charming shophouse with a striking blue storefront, Sum Dim Sum captivates diners with its inviting ambiance and unique modern dim sum offerings
The restaurant’s pandan Signature Crispy Pork Buns ($7.5) and the indulgent Golden Liu Sha Bao($5.6) are standout favourites. If you want to try something different, their viral Fresh Prawn Tiffany Blue XL Hargow ($7.5) is also worth to try.
Location: 161 Jln Besar, Singapore 208876
Opening hours:
Monday: 11.30am-3pm, 5pm-12am
Tuesday: 11.30am-1am
Wed-Thu: 11.30am-3pm, 5pm-12amFriday: 11.30am-1am
Saturday: 10.30am-1am
Sunday: 10.30am-12am
15. Mui Kee Balestier
For indulgent comfort food in the area, look no further than Mui Kee. Renowned for its authentic HK-style congee, this beloved eatery serves up the flavours of Wok Hei Congee.
Highlights from their menu include the Garoupa Belly Congee ($15.8) and House Made Pork Meatballs ($10.8). For something heartier, try the Beef Brisket Claypot ($26.8) or try their side dish Roasted Duck Pleated Cheung Fun ($7.5).
For budget-friendly dining, be sure to visit during weekday lunch or dinner for their set meal at just $12.8.
Location: 360 Balestier Rd, #01-27 Shaw Plaza, Singapore 329783
Opening hours: 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm- 8.30pm
16. Trunk Bar & Bistro
For a chill place to go during night out with friends, try Trunk Bar & Bistro. The place offers a casual dining experience with a blend of Western and Asian favourites.
Their menu features dishes like Fish & Chips, Lamb Keema Meatballs, and Tandoori Chicken Burgers. It’s an ideal spot to relax and unwind after a long workday.
Location: 101 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329678
Opening hours: 4pm-11.30pm
Cafes and restaurants near Balestier
If you can’t find any suitable cafes in this area, hop over to the nearby neighbourhoods. We have compiled various guides of the best things to eat near Balestier:
- Orchard cafes (2 MRT stops away)
- Botanic Gardens cafes (3 MRT stops away)
- Somerset cafes (3 MRT stops away)
- Dhoby Ghaut cafes (4 MRT stops away)
- Ang Mo Kio cafes (4 MRT stops away)
- City Hall & Raffles Place cafes (5 MRT stops away)
- Bukit Batok cafes (5 MRT stops away)
- Holland Village cafes (5 MRT stops away)
- Buona Vista cafes (6 MRT stops away)
- Bugis cafes (6 MRT stops away)
Follow us for more content!
Insatiable cravings? Here are more desserts to indulge in at the best cafes in Singapore:
- 11 best cheesecakes in Singapore including vegan & halal options
- 15 best matcha desserts & drinks in Singapore
- Not a cop, but here are 7 bakeries for the best donuts in Singapore
- 4 cafes in Singapore that serves the best chai
- Bagels in Singapore — 7 cafes in Singapore to get your bagels fix
- 8 best breakfast sandwiches in Singapore
- 10 best croissants Singapore, including burger & onigiri croissants
