Common Man Coffee Roasters Review: Cosy Brunch Spot In Restored Joo Chiat Shophouse

Common Man Coffee Roasters is a popular cafe in Joo Chiat

If I were hosting a friend visiting Singapore for the first time, I’d bring them to the Joo Chiat ‘hood. The area is packed with gems, from iconic hawkers such as Janggut Laksa to charming brunch cafes. For the latter, Common Man Coffee Roasters would definitely be one of my top picks.

Housed in one of Joo Chiat’s unmistakable heritage shophouses, the interior of this new cafe is decked in light wood, with striking blue and brass finishings, and both indoor, and outdoor seats.

Food at Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat

The menu spans all-day breakfast favourites, specialty brews, and creative dishes with local influences.

We started with one of the most popular breakfast mains, the Ox Cheek Eggs Benedict ($28++): sourdough toast topped with braised ox cheeks, two poached eggs, and hollandaise, served alongside rocket leaves.

This is a favourite for good reason; the tender braised meat was packed with flavour, while the runny yolks added an extra layer of richness. However, the combination made the toast turn soggy after a while, so we recommend digging in straight away.

A newer addition to the Common Man menu is the Asian Flavours section, which features six Asian-fusion mains. We went for the Hokkaido Pork Katsu ($32++), a Japanese-inspired plate featuring a crispy Hokkaido pork loin coated in fresh panko, served with kimchi, gremolata, pickled daikon, yuzu kosho tartare, and brown rice.

The katsu was surprisingly light and crispy on the outside, with a tender middle that rivalled some Japanese katsu spots we’ve tried. However, we felt that short-grain rice would have been a better fit for the dish. At $32, it also felt a little steep for what was served.

As someone with a major sweet tooth, I had to order the Mixed Berry French Toast ($23++).

This was everything I’d dreamed of. The fluffy, slightly custard-like bread paired beautifully with the vanilla mascarpone cream and mixed berry compote, creating a heavenly combination.

It also comes with maple butter on the side for drizzling, though I found it made it a little too jelak.

You’d be remiss to visit Common Man without getting a cuppa. After all, the cafe takes pride in its house-roasted beans and dedicated barista training programme.

The White (from $6.50++) is made with the CMCR Espresso Blend, which features notes of cherries, stone fruits, and chocolate. There wasn’t much to fault here, though I would have preferred a cortado or magic, as I usually enjoy my coffee with less milk.

The Kaya Toast Latte ($9.50++) was the standout instead. This beautifully layered drink features the same espresso base, topped with oat milk and a dangerously addictive kaya foam that added a sweet, nostalgic twist.

Ambience at Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat

Image credit: Common Man Coffee Roasters via Google Maps

Housed in a restored 1920s shophouse along Joo Chiat Road, Common Man Coffee Roasters blends specialty coffee culture with the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage. The bright and airy space pairs old-school charm with modern interiors, making it a relaxed spot for weekend brunches and casual coffee runs.

When we visited on a weekday for lunch, the cafe was fairly crowded, and the space felt a little warm. We’d recommend visiting outside peak meal times if you prefer a more comfortable dining experience.

The all-day cafe is a short bus ride from Dakota and Eunos MRT Stations.

Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat — Eatbook review

Overall, Common Man Joo Chiat checks most of the boxes: solid brunch fare, good coffee, generous portions, and a cosy setting. While prices lean towards the higher side, the quality remains consistent, making it a worthwhile spot for a brunch date in the East.

If you’re looking for a failproof Singapore itinerary, check out our 48-hour Singapore food guide, curated by a local! We also have our guide to the best mooncakes in Singapore for 2026, for those looking for gifts.

Address: 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456
Opening hours: Mon 7:30am to 5:30pm, Tue-Sun 7:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Common Man Coffee Roasters is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Heather Ng and edited by Nathania Tay.
This was a media tasting at Common Man Coffee Roasters.