Food By Themes

20 Under-HDB Cafes In Singapore For Affordable Pasta, Award-Winning Gelato And More


Best HDB cafes in Singapore


For hidden-gem, under-HDB dessert cafes and coffee spots around the island, look no further. We’ve gathered a list of the best HDB cafes in Singapore, including ice cream and waffle spots, as well as atas bakery cafes.


1. Rise


Nestled in the sleepy Potong Pasir neighbourhood, under an HDB block, Rise has amassed a steady following thanks to its IG-worthy pink and concrete interiors. They also offer a plethora of bakes that taste as stunning as they look. Highlights include their spring menu, which sees Strawberry Yogurt Sakura Cake ($9.50) and Dirty Matcha Cloud Latte ($8.50). The former features a fluffy cake with fragrant notes of sakura, tangy strawberry curd, and honey yoghurt cream. Don’t sleep on their Fresh Berries Waffles ($17.90), too, which pair well with their ice cream lineup.

Read our Rise cafe review.

Address: 148 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, #01-53, Singapore 350148
Opening hours: Wed-Thurs, Sun-Mon 11am to 7pm, Fri-Sat 11am to 9pm
Website
Rise is not a halal-certified eatery.


2. Rookie’s Coffee Shop


Blink and you might miss it: Rookie’s Coffee Shop is an under-the-radar cafe with chill vibes and great coffee, nestled under an HDB block in the old Bukit Merah estate. Try their Iced Bandung ‘Spro ($6), a pretty latte that’s served with distinct layers: rose syrup, fresh milk, and espresso. If you’re hankering for a sweet treat, the cafe offers a small range of bakes, including Brownie ($4), Chocolate Chip Cookie ($4), and Lemon Bar ($5.50). Do note that their bake menu changes from time to time. 

Check out our Rookie’s Coffee Shop feature.

Address: 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-112, Singapore 150123
Opening hours: Tue-Wed & Fri 10am to 5pm, Thurs 11:30am to 5pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 6pm
Website
Rookie’s Coffee Shop is not a halal-certified eatery.


3. Abundance


Abundance is a cosy and casual Taiwanese cafe tucked in the sleepy estate of Lengkok Bahru, Redhill. The under-HDB cafe is known for their Gua Bao ($7.90++): fluffy bao stuffed with thick pork belly, topped with pickles, coriander, and roasted, ground peanuts. They also offer other Taiwanese classics such as Beef Noodles Soup ($16.90++) and Red Hot Chilli Dumplings Noodles ($9.90++). Before you leave, try their famous Peanut Ice Cream Roll ($6.90++), a popular street snack comprising vanilla ice cream, crushed peanuts, and fresh coriander in a popiah-like skin.

Read our Abundance review.

Address: 63A Lengkok Bahru, #01-378, Singapore 151063
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Abundance is not a halal-certified eatery.


4. Cafe Lilac by Whisking Bakes


If you’re big on orh nee, you have to visit Cafe Lilac by Whisking Bakes on Crawford Lane. Located under an old HDB block, this clean and minimalist cafe serves up unique yam-infused treats at wallet-friendly prices. For something different, try their Taro Einspanner ($7+), which is essentially an iced black coffee with yam paste topped with taro cream. There’s also Strawberry Taro Latte ($7.50), which replaces the iced black coffee and taro cream with milk and strawberry jam.

Read our Cafe Lilac by Whisking Bakes review.

Address: 466 Crawford Lane, #01-08, Singapore 190465
Opening hours: Mon 11:30am to 5pm, Tue-Fri 11:30am to 7pm, Sat 10am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
Website
Whisking Bakes is not a halal-certified eatery.


5. Daily Mujo


Daily Mujo is for those living in the Bedok neighbourhood. This under-HDB cafe offers value-for-money mains that are under $20, including Laksa Hokkien Mee ($11) and Pandan Chicken Chop ($15): tender, pandan-infused chicken thigh paired with pineapple salsa, fries, and coleslaw. You’ll also find local kopi on the menu, in the form of Kopi Latte ($4), where kopi bing is topped with a creamy milk foam. Else, go for their aesthetically pleasing Mango Matcha Latte ($7), which combines sweet mango puree with earthy matcha and milk.

Read our Daily Mujo review.

Address: 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-27, Singapore 460084
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 9pm
Website
Daily Mujo is not a halal-certified eatery but does not use pork or lard.


6. No Horse Run Cafe


If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to dine at, No Horse Run Cafe is one for the books. Here, pasta and baked rice are all priced under $20, with the cheapest Mac and Cheese starting from $9.90. Alternatively, the Grilled Chicken Aglio Olio ($11.90) and Fish Baked Rice ($11.90) are equally hearty and delicious options to consider. 

Read our No Horse Run Cafe feature.

Address: Block 202 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #01-1682, Singapore 560202
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7am to 10pm
Website
No Horse Run Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.


7. Denzy Gelato


For award-winning gelato, head to Denzy Gelato in Hougang. The gelato here isn’t only top-notch in terms of quality, but there are also interesting flavours that are hard to come by elsewhere. When we tried the award-winning gelato comprising Pear, Ginger, and Ginger Flower flavours, we were in awe of how zesty, fruity, and refreshing it was. FYI, a single scoop costs $4.20, while a double scoop costs $7.50. There are plenty of flavours here, with the likes of Lychee Sorbet, Caramelised Banana & Chocolate Chips, and Yoghurt Speculoos

Read our Denzy Gelato feature.

Address: 684 Hougang Avenue 8, #01-953, Singapore 530684
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12:30pm to 10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12:30pm to 11:30pm
Website
Denzy Gelato is not a halal-certified eatery.


8. One18 Bakery


Another East side gem is One18 Bakery, an under-HDB bakery that sells legit croissants in an assortment of sweet and savoury flavours. Their concept is relatively unique, as you can mix and match three items for $10. You’ll find croissants packed with Beef Rendang, Chicken Satay, Pistachio and more.  

Read our One18 Bakery feature.

Address: 826 Tampines Street 81, #01-118, Singapore 520826
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 8pm
Website
One18 Bakery is a Muslim-owned eatery.


9. Cafe FuFu


Cafe FuFu specialises in artisanal Italian sourdough pizzas that are fired up on-site. Order their signature Pizza Fufu ($18+/$28+), which stars coriander pesto, fresh tiger prawn chunks, semi-dried tomatoes, and chilli flakes for added heat. Alternatively, the popular Pizza Salami ($16+/$24+) is worth trying. This tomato-based pie is finished with oregano-infused olive oil and salami, and then baked till crispy in the wood-fired oven.

Read our Cafe FuFu review.

Address: 63 Lengkok Bahru, #01-362, Singapore 152063
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 10pm, Sat 9am to 10pm, Sun 9am to 4pm
Website
Cafe FuFu is not a halal-certified eatery.


10. Hundred Acre Creamery


If you live in the East, check out Hundred Acre Creamery, a hidden under-HDB cafe serving ice cream and waffles. Go for their freshly baked waffles, available in flavours such as Coconut Pandan Waffle ($7). It features a coconut and pandan-infused waffle that comes with a soft and chewy mochi middle, great for pairing with your choice of ice cream. There’s the Chrysanthemum Honey ($5.50), which nods to Pooh’s honey obsession, and the vegan-friendly Ispahan Sorbet ($4.50) for those who can’t take dairy.

Read our Hundred Acre Creamery review.

Address: Block 824 Tampines Street 81, #01-24, Singapore 520824
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Website
Hundred Acre Creamery is not a halal-certified eatery.


11. Desert Dessert


Image credit: @desertdessert.sg

Desert Dessert is a Korean-themed cafe tucked away in the Redhill neighbourhood. They have an extensive range of coffee, cakes, and croffles for you to indulge in until 11pm every day. The Matcha Latte is priced from $6 here, best paired with their Classic Croffle (from $5.50). Otherwise, go for the classic Cafe Latte ($7) or iced Chocolate ($7)

Read our Desert Dessert feature.

Address: 63B Lengkok Bahru, #01-350, Singapore 152063
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Website
Desert Dessert is not a halal-certified eatery.


12. Eleven Strands


Image credit: @elevenstrands

Eleven Strands has taken over the spot of the now-defunct Kombi Rocks. Boasting a chic, gorgeous minimalist interior, their speciality is fresh, handmade pasta. Try their Mushroom Risotto ($23+) or Seafood Risotto ($25+), the latter starring all kinds of fresh seafood such as mussels and tiger prawns. There’s also a range of pizzas here, spanning Spicy Chilli Prawn ($21+), Burrata Cheese ($22+), Smoked Salmon ($21+) and more.

Address: 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11am to 9:30pm, Sat 10:30am to 10pm, Sun 10:30am to 9pm
Website
Eleven Strands is not a halal-certified eatery.


13. Lickers


Image credit: @lickerssg

Lickers is a popular spot frequented by students for a midday cool down. The vibe here is hip and chill, with cheeky neon lights that jazz up the interior. You can get a plate of warm, fluffy waffles topped with two scoops of ice cream for $12.50. The cafe serves unique, but not over-the-top, flavours such as Yakult Oreo and Oolong with Lavender, which is refreshing and delectable.

Address: 124 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1446, Singapore 530124
Opening hours: Mon 6:30pm to 12am, Tue-Thurs 1pm to 2am, Fri-Sun 12pm to 2am
Website
Lickers is not a halal-certified eatery.


14. Delato


Image credit: @delato.sg

Delato is another East-side secret that offers freshly baked waffles with gelato. The cafe, which only opened in August 2023, serves Sicilian-style gelato, which swaps out egg yolks for cornstarch for a smooth and thick mouthfeel. Flavours rotate from time to time, with up to 12 available daily. Must-tries include Maple Walnut Pie, Cereal Milk Chocolate Swirls, Mango Basil, and Biscoff Speculoos. Each scoop is priced from $4.20.

Read our Delato feature.

Address: 477 Tampines Street 43, #01-154, Singapore 520477
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 2pm to 11pm, Fri 1pm to 1am, Sat 12pm to 1am, Sun 12pm to 11pm
Website
Delato is not a halal-certified eatery.


15. Percolate Coffee


Image credit: @percolatecoffee

Percolate Coffee serves cuppas made from freshly roasted beans. Going beyond the usual flat white, the cafe offers drinks such as Apple Americano ($8.50), Espresso Tonic ($8.50), and Ginger Latte ($6.50). There are tea options too, of course, with the likes of Iced Genmaicha ($6.50) and Kombucha ($7.50) in six different flavours. 

Address: 136 Bedok North Avenue 3, #01-152, Singapore 460136
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 7pm
Website
Percolate Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.


16. Geometry


Image credit: @geometry.sg

Geometry stays comfortably nestled amongst mamak shops at Jalan Bukit Merah. Perfect as a post-lunch treat is their ice cream, which comes in unique flavours such as Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin and Paddle Pop. Ice cream here is priced at $3.80 for a single scoop and $7.20 for a double scoop, with premium flavours available at a top-up of $0.80 per scoop. Unlike other cafes that serve ice cream with just waffles, Geometry gives you the option to have your ice cream with a Handmade Brownie ($6.50).

Address: 2 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-5142, Singapore 150002
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10:30pm
Website
Geometry is not a halal-certified eatery.


17. New Deli Bakery


Image credit: New Deli Bakery

Tampines residents are lucky, with the addition of New Deli Bakery to their hood. This Tampines bakery recently moved from MacPherson, offering freshly baked croissants and pastries alongside a small drinks menu. It’s also run by a baker who used to work at Tiong Bahru Bakery! You won’t go wrong with their signature Chocolate Croissant ($4.80), said to be flaky and buttery. Else, their Vanilla Kouign-amann ($4.80) is equally delicious. FYI, this bake stars premium French butter and vanilla bean pods from Papua New Guinea.

Read our New Deli Bakery feature.

Address: 462 Tampines Street 44, #01-66, Singapore 520462
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 8:30am to 5pm
Website
New Deli Bakery is not a halal-certified eatery.


18. Hey Sugar


Image credit: Hey Sugar via Google Maps

Hey Sugar is known for its saccharine pastel pink walls, warm lighting and homely interior. This cosy cafe serves a decent selection of ice cream, usually in classic flavours such as Earl Grey, Gula Melaka, and Pistachio Crunch, which you can pair with a Waffle ($3.90). A single scoop of ice cream costs $4.30, while a double scoop is priced at $7.80. Premium flavours require a top-up of $0.80 per scoop. Try their desserts with any of the iced brew shaken teas for a refreshing kick. Their Strawberry Elderflower Iced Brewed Shaken Tea ($4.90) comes with a great balance of lightness from the elderflower tea and slight tartness from the strawberries.

Address: 818 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, #01-06, Singapore 680818
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 2pm to 10:30pm, Sun 3pm to 10pm
Website
Hey Sugar is not a halal-certified eatery.


19. Parvifolia


Image credit: Rainie Green via Google Maps

Located in Bedok and open till 2am on selected days, Parvifolia is where you can head to for floral-infused ice cream. A Classic Scoop here costs $5.20, while a Double is priced at $7.70. We recommend pairing their gelato with the Signature Waffle (from $7.70) for the best dessert experience. Alternatively, you can enjoy freshly baked Banana Cake ($3.50) or Lemon Pound Cake ($4.50) as well, perfect for tea time.

Read our Parvifolia feature

Address: 510 Bedok North Street 3, #01-75, Singapore 460510
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm to 12:30am, Fri-Sat 12pm to 2am
Website
Parvifolia is not a halal-certified eatery. 


20. SL Bakehouse


Image credit: @lickscreenfortaste

We know the term “hidden gem” is overused, but SL Bakehouse in Jalan Besar is one that really fits the title. There’s a display of affordable tarts and viennoiseries, alongside drinks to go with your bakes. It’s been extra hot in Singapore, so we recommend getting their French Toast with Caramel Ice Cream ($12) along with a cup of Soya Milk ($2) or Choco Matcha ($4.60) to beat the heat. 

Read our SL Bakehouse feature

Address: 637 Veerasamy Road, #01-121, Singapore 200637
Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 11am to 7pm, Fri-Sun 10am to 7pm
Website
SL Bakehouse is not a halal-certified eatery. 


Guide to HDB cafes in Singapore


If you love cafe hopping but are too lazy to travel far, KIV this list of neighbourhood cafes for good food in your hood. For more cafes around town, check out this list of beautiful cafes in Singapore or our list of the best coffee cafes.

Rachel Yeo

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Rachel Yeo