Whether we like it or hate it, although I am fairly confident the former dominates the poll, minimalism has taken over the interior design industry. Mainstream aesthetics have seen a dramatic shift from quirky plaids and retro prints, over-the-top decorations and a mish-mash of antiques to immaculate white walls, potted plants and a selection of ornaments.
This style might be scorned at for being inviolate of character, but it emanates cleanliness and serenity. That being said, here are the ten best minimalistic white cafes in Singapore.
1. Degree Celsius
Already disputing the aforementioned argument, Degree Celsius possess an amiable persona despite being decked in white. You can identify the phantom of Taiwanese cafes from stalks of dried fauna and the wall of postcards and polaroids
Degree Celsius’s menu is constrained to a small selection of cakes and pastries to go with their coffee. We highly recommend the Yuzu Honey and Lychee Guava cakes ($6.5) which are perfumed with a mellow fruity aroma. Non-coffee patrons can also choose to indulge in their Signature Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.5), one of the best matcha drinks in Singapore, with its jammy flavour with an astringent undertone.
Location: 9 Penang Rd, Singapore 238459
Opening hours: 7:30am- 6pm (Weekdays); 8:30am- 6pm (Weekends)
2. Fahrenheit Coffee
Part of the temperature theme, but founded by different people, Fahrenheit Coffee is a subsidiary of SPA CLUB, so you’ll instantly be enveloped in a sheath of tranquillity when you enter. Like Degree Celsius, the food items remain limited, with a selection of caneles and viennoiserie. Espresso-based coffee starts from $4 for a shot of espresso. Meanwhile, among the selection of single-origin for their Filter Coffee, the award-winning Ethiopian costs $12, promising a harmony of elderflower, grape candy and peach.
Location: 75 Beach Rd, #01-00A, Singapore 189689
Tel: +65 9049 5324
Opening hours: 9am- 6pm
3. Dough Coffee
From Fahrenheit, take a walk down to CHIJMES for a breath of freshly-baked bread. Dough Coffee, the latest concept by the team behind Glyph Supply Co. is a Korean-inspired bakery with a fine selection of coffee beans. The crowd’s favourite, Strawberry Brioche ($5) is baked with a crispy layer of meringue and rouged with dehydrated strawberries. Other bakes include Passionfruit Black Tea Cake ($5) and Smoked Duck Focaccia ($6).
Location: 30 Victoria St, #01-30, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: 10am- 6pm
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4. Glyph Supply Co.
And of course, there is Glyph Supply Co, the cafe roastery concept space at 111 Somerset, serving one of the best cups of coffee in Singapore. Their Iced Latte ($6.5) was nutty and light-bodied while the White Cold Brew ($6.5) possessed the Sumatra Musfaha’s smoky aroma that mingled with the ambrosial fragrance of the honey. Their arsenal also includes a wide selection of kombucha and filter coffee, of which we recommend the Andres Guaca for its rum top note and dark chocolate base.
Location: 111 Somerset Rd, #01 – 06, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: 8:30am- 8:15pm
5. Apartment
Speaking of which, Apartment Coffee is notable for their filter coffee. You will first notice the large bar counter in the centre of the cafe, resembling a dining table, an essential in every apartment. But it is more than that, allowing the baristas to infuse a personal touch in their masterpiece as they get to know their guest. A handful of separate tables are also available for those who yearn for isolation. It gets a little noisy during lunch, but mornings are perfect.
Location: 161 Lavender St, #01-12, Singapore 338750
Opening hours: 10am- 6pm
6. %Arabica
Shifting back to espresso-based coffee, one of my favourite places on this list is %Arabica, albeit being the most expensive option here from $9 per cup (for Iced Lattes). I always have to justify its price to myself, reminding me that it’s a Japanese brand (I’m biased) and the founder has his own coffee farm in Hawaii. Anyway, there is a list of blends and single origins that are roasted in-house, and we recommend the Jose Julian Corea 158 blend from Nicaragua for its fruity and piquant tasting notes.
Location: 56 Arab St, Singapore 199753
Tel: +65 6291 3887
Opening hours: 8am- 8pm
7. Alchemist
Do note that Alchemist has several locations around the island and the only minimalistic white outlets are the ones located at Design Orchard and Khong Guan Building. Their espresso blend changes seasonally, so you will have to check with baristas if you’re picky about the flavour profile of your coffee!
Location: 250 Orchard Rd, #03-01, Singapore, 238905
Opening hours: 10am- 7pm
8. The Kin’s
The symmetry of the cafe reminded me of Kinsfolk. White, oak, splashes of green, and the word ‘kin’. Handcrafted speciality coffee, all-day brunch and gorgeous alfresco dining for extra endorphins from the sun. It is also worth mentioning that The Kin’s claim to have the best Basque Burnt Cheesecake in Singapore, with a smokey char and gooey interior.
Location: 2 Jln Mat Jambol, #01-08/09, Singapore 119554
Tel: +65 8286 2230
Opening hours: 9am- 7pm (closed on Wednesdays)
9. Twenty Eight Cafe
High-ceilings, natural light and a touch of industrial chic, Twenty Eight Cafe is the ideal haven for isolation from the outside world to do your own thing. In fact, its large tables and abundance of electrical sockets ensure productivity as you do work. The coffee here is a little more generic tasting, but you would be surprised by some of their dishes such as the Sakura Ebi Angel hair-Ebi-Kombu ($18) and Cold Truffle Pasta ($20).
Location: 28 Wilkie Rd, #01-06, Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9628 2829
Opening hours: 7:30am- 5pm (Weekdays); 8am- 5pm (Weekends)
10. Platform
Hidden in the corners of Amoy Street, Telok Ayer, Platform has a sort of rustic allure, decked in white a muted palette. It’s a “modern day to night sensory concept space focusing on light profile drinks”. In addition to the usual coffee and matcha latte, Platform has an array of interesting brews such as Osmanthus, Sage and even cocktails and mocktails.
Location: 19 Amoy St, #01-01, Singapore 069854
Tel: +65 8280 0292
Opening hours: 2pm- 10:30pm (Tue- Sun); 5pm- 10:30pm (Mon)
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