This Hidden Food Court Stall Has Specialty Coffee And Matcha By An Award-Winning Barista

Diff is a hidden specialty coffee stall in Kallang

Getting a proper cup of specialty coffee usually means seeking out a dedicated cafe, but there’s now one hiding in plain sight at a food court in Kallang. Diff is a specialty coffee stall tucked inside Local Chapter, the kopitiam at CT Hub 2, serving cafe-standard brews and matcha that don’t break the bank.

The stall is helmed by Khai, who placed fourth in the Singapore National Coffee Championship 2023 under the Barista category.

What makes Diff a genuine hidden gem is its setting. The stall sits in an open-air food court in an office building, just a five-minute walk from Bendemeer MRT Station. FYI, the coffee bar is right opposite Kali Kali, a new bakery serving shio pan-inspired bagels!

There is no plush seating here, just a sleek stainless steel counter, warm wood accents, and a La Marzocco machine set up between the everyday stalls of a working kopitiam inside an office building. Customers share the same tables and stools as the rest of the food court, so a pour-over can easily be paired with a plate of hawker fare from a stall a few steps away.

The Iced Black ($5.50) is a good gauge of what the stall is about. It’s smooth and light, with a citrusy finish that comes courtesy of the current batch of Kenyan beans on rotation. The bean selection changes every few months depending on availability, so regulars can expect a slightly different cup from one visit to the next.

For something more seasonal, the Earl Grey Matcha (price TBD) is a limited-time special, and arguably the standout order. It’s not overly sweet, and the bergamot notes from the tea come through clearly without drowning out the matcha. Floral and citrusy on one end, with the soft bitterness of matcha on the other, this is one of the more well-balanced matcha drinks I’ve tried.

If you’re looking for more eats in town, check out our guide to the best Orchard Road cafes. Those heading across the Causeway can visit our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in JB instead!

Address: 114 Lavender Street, #01-68, Local Chapter, CT Hub 2, Singapore 338729
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am to 5:30pm
Website
Diff is not halal-certified.

Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was a media tasting at Diff.