Cafes To Visit In 2015

Enough said.

Oriole Coffee + Bar at Somerset re-opened its doors in January after a 2-month period of refurbishment, bringing back their much-loved signature Yellowbird and Raven blends and a larger food menu. Start the day with a flat white and Rueben sandwich, and for a hearty lunch or dinner, go for the Fried Wild Rice or Beef Cheek Tagliatalle. Cold brews are very much welcomed in this heat, and Oriole's Taisho M.A.D. milk is a stellar hit -- a heavenly blend of freshly brewed coffee with a non-diary concoction of macadamias, almonds and dates (hence the M.A.D.). Their coffee milkshake and series of coffee-based cocktails prove to be great hits as well! Conveniently located in town, drop by and satisfy your cafe needs whenever you're around.

Walking distance from Kovan MRT, Hatter Street has already won the hearts of many with their whimsical touch and delightful array of cakes, waffles and drinks. While they don't serve savoury food, this is just the spot to visit during tea time or after dinner (they're open till 10pm). If waffles are what you're after, go for the seasalt or pandan gula melaka Whoaffles ($8.90). A must-try dessert is their Smoked Sawdust Pudding ($5) -- a truly innovative dessert of whipped milk pudding and biscuit crumble with a plume of aromatic smoke trapped in a jar!

Housed in a quaint little space under an Everton Park HDB block is Nylon Coffee Roasters, a micro-roastery coffee joint set to spread a passion for great coffee, one cup at a time. It all begins with sourcing great beans from all over the world, where they take pride in committing to direct, personal relationships with producers. Their dedication extends to roasting, and ends with the act of brewing that perfect cuppa behind the doors of their now-iconic seafoam green shutters. This small space isn't for spending long hours at, but is more of a "cup-to-go" and "let's stand and chat for a bit" kind of place. You'll be surrounded by small groups of friends and residents from the area, a lovely communal spirit reminiscent of local coffeeshops. It's worth a trip down to Everton Park -- even if it's just for that one cup.

The folks of CMCR are dead serious about their coffee. This cafe is dedicated to making top-notch coffee available to the common man, and believes that great coffee ought to be paired with amazing grub. Start the day with their Turkish Breakfast comprising a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg, crispy feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and hummus served with pita bread. Their Organic Eggs Benedict is another favourite, with a twist of tender braised ox cheeks in place of ham. For a lighter option, grab their flaky Croissant Croque Monsieur which comes stuffed with provolone cheese, ham, and amazing bechamel sauce. Plus a cup of coffee, and you're good to go!

Fronted by the original signage of a store built in the mid-70s, a.e.i.o.u.'s concept revolves around going 'back to basics', showcased in their decor, food and atmosphere. Unique up-cycled furniture, mismatched chairs and one-of-a-kind standing lamps give this cafe nothing but character. With a laid-back vibe, this is an interesting place to stop by for an Iced Avocado Coffee (yes, avocado!) in a repurposed vodka bottle. Food-wise, go for the Beef Cheek Pasta and end off with their super zingy Lime Tart. For a vegetarian options that don't fail to satisfy meat-eaters, go for the Mushroom Soup, and the Roasted Pumpkin Salad with quinoa, raisins, chick peas and greens!

The Lokal probably needs no introduction, and it certainly deserves to be re-visited, time and time again. There aren't many places where you can "pimp your breakfast" quite so well, and in such a lovely space. While there are many items to choose from, don't hesitate to include their scrambled eggs ($5), delectable house-smoked salmon($6), sauteed mushrooms ($4) and always, always add ricotta ($5). Desserts and coffee are certainly their strong points, so don't leave without trying either the French Toast ($15) with sauteed apple, house-cured bacon, and maple cream (a true contender to Ronin's similar rendition), or their Toasted Banana Bread ($12) with vanilla yoghurt and caramelized bananas.

If you're itching for a refreshing caffeine fix on a hot day, stopping by Old Hen Coffee for a bottle of their famous cold brew would be a wise choice. Just a 3-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT station, this cafe dishes out light cafe bites, desserts and coffee. For something savoury, the Croque Monsieur comes highly recommended, as is the case for their Breakfast Toast -- a delicious combination of egg mayo, turkey bacon and cornflakes. Popping in for just a cuppa and some sweets? Choose from a selection of cakes and tarts on display. You'd be silly to leave without first getting hold of a bottle (or two!) of their Creamy White Cold Brew. Slightly sweet, creamy, and with little acidity, this is a truly refreshing beverage!

Fans of the renowned global affairs and culture magazine would be delighted to know that Monocle is finally in Singapore, with a brand new Monocle Cafe and retail store set up in Holland Village. Located in the residential street of Jalan Kelabu Asap, you can look forward to enjoying a great cuppa brewed with La Marzocco beans from New Zealand’s Allpress, and flip through copies of Monocle in their outdoor garden area. You can even do a spot of shopping in their retail space! It's easy to miss, but for chilled-out alfresco vibes and a stellar long black, keep your eyes peeled. Might be a good idea to visit this spot while waiting for your seat at a certain popular waffle and soft serve cafe nearby ;)

If you enjoy spending time with a very good cuppa and basking in the beauty of gorgeous coffee brewing equipment, it's about time you made a coffee pilgrimage to The Tiny Roaster. Reminicent of Nylon's in-house roasting and coffee-only concept, it's worth setting aside some time to experience the seriousness of this coffee studio. Hidden in an estate beside West Coast Plaza, sit back and enjoy your Iced White Brew ($5) or an aromatic Studio Brew ($4) while being inspired to brew your own coffee at home. You can buy roasted and unroasted beans alongside filters and drippers. They even offer classes on home roasting and brewing, coffee appreciation and cupping!

Serving incredibly satisfying Nordic-inspired fare like sandwiches on freshly baked sourdough, vibrant Nordic salads, and freshly ground coffee, it's no surprise that Gaest has developed a loyal following. For a simple weekend brunch, their Eggs-in-a-hole Sourdough Toast is the perfect choice. Not forgetting their ever-popular Pork Sandwich -- a delightful combination of roasted pork, crispy crackling, refreshing red cabbage slaw and apple slices on sourdough. There's something so refreshing about this unpretentious, sincere cafe that makes you want to come back. For uncomplicated, deliciously wholesomefare that won't break the bank, this is it.

Situated within POMO in the Dhoby Ghaut area, Montana Brew Bar is a cosy cafe that serves a variety of burgers, waffles, sandwiches, and pastries. They boast a rather extensive waffle selection that comprises both savoury and sweet. No visit is complete without trying their signature Truffle Jalapeño Mac & Cheese 2.0 Waffle ($11.50) -- it's really quite shiok. For dessert, Montana offers a choice of either crispy or fluffy soufflé waffle bases for all sweet waffles. Whichever your choice may be, indulge in their Matcha Strawberry Fields ($9.50) with mango passionfruit spheres and white chocolate sauce. On the coffee front, Montana offers artisanal coffee blends -- from single origin roasts to their own special house blend.