Non-touristy cafes in Singapore
Singapore may be small, but our food options are aplenty. And one of the main reasons why travellers visit Singapore is for our slew of great food. So whether you’re looking for die die must try food to bring your Airbnb guests to, or a backpacker looking for cool cafes and restaurants that are not packed with tourists, this list of non-touristy cafes in Singapore will definitely be nifty. Plus, all these places boast a unique ambience too, so your mate can up their ‘gram game and show loved ones back home that they know what’s hot no matter where they are around the world.
1. Cereal CitizenÂ
Cereal Citizen is decked in pastel pink tones and neon signages, making it an uber kicky spot to have breakfast at. Plus, it’s located in the sleepy heartlands of Hougang, so your overseas friend can have a glimpse into the life of everyday Singaporeans.
A must-order is the Crododo + Milkshake Combination ($10.90), which comes with a cup of milkshake and a croissant donut that’s decorated with cereal.
Check out our full review of Cereal Citizen.
Address: 1187 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-47, The Midtown, Singapore 533971
Opening hours: Thur-Tue 10am to 9pm (last order at 8pm)
Tel: 8575 0786
Website
2. Blue Willow
Sure, travelling to Avatar’s Pandora is impossible, but you can scoot over to Blue Willow. The Avatar-themed cafe serves a wide selection of blue grub, all of which are naturally dyed with butterfly pea. A stunning dish that tastes as good as it looks is this scrummy Eywa Natural Blue Carbonara ($14+).
Be sure to request for a seat at the al fresco area, where a tree is strewn with mesmerising blue fairy lights to resemble the Tree of Souls.
Check out our full review of Blue Willow.
Address: 28 Clementi Road, Singapore 129754
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat-Sun 11am to 12am
Tel: 6803 7472
Website
3. Muugu Fork
Swing by Muugu Fork after touring around Arab Street with your overseas pal. The place is mostly frequented by Singaporeans in the know, as it is tucked away from the main touristy stretch.
Prepare your phones for that ultimate cheese-pull shot when your order the MuUnicorn Rainbow Cheese Dippers ($9.90+), filled with rainbow-coloured mozzarella cheese. A dish that showcases Singapore’s desserts but with a modern twist is the Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($8.90+).
Check out our full review of Muugu Fork.
Address: 142 Arab Street, Singapore 199828
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 12pm to 10:30pm, Fri-Sun 1pm to 11:30pm
Tel: 6292 7363
Website
Muugu Fork is a halal-certified eatery.
4. Enchanted
Hidden in plain sight at bustling Little India is Enchanted. The fairy-tale themed cafe boasts a whimsical garden theme, with mismatched furniture, potted plants dangling from the ceiling and a twig mirror on a brick wall. It sorta remind us of a scene in Alice In Wonderland!
The spread is as interesting as its decor, with unique items such as Ngoh Hiang Burger ($18.90). Here, tender pork patty is marinated in a five-spice seasoning and mixed with chunks of water chestnut for added crunch. Wash down the burger with the theatrical Sorcerer’s Elixir ($9.90)!
Check out our full review of Enchanted.
Address: 88 Rangoon Road, #01-04, Singapore 218374
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 10pm, Sat 10:30am to 11pm, Sun 10:30am to 8pm
Tel: 8813 1086
Website
5. Big Fish Small Fish
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be one with nature at Big Fish Small Fish. Located at Punggol East’s container park, expect to be fully satisfied when you order the Dory ($6.90) featuring a huge, chunky fish fillet in a paper cone filled with thinly cut potato crisps.
Here’s a fun tip for you and your travelling companion: cycle around the untouched park and marvel at Singapore’s natural beauty, before settling here to have your meal. Then, check out the other cafes and bars located around the area, all of which are also housed in colourful, refurbished storage containers!
Check out our full review of Big Fish Small Fish.
Address: 50 Punggol East, #01-K36, Singapore 828826
Opening hours: Sun-Thur 12pm to 12am, Fri-Sat & eve of PH 12pm to 1am
Website
6. Out of The Cake Box
In 10-seater Out Of The Cake Box, local desserts are transformed into quality bakes and treats. This place is mostly for take-away, which is cool by us – just dabao your sweets and enjoy them at one of the nearby void decks!
Great for the ‘gram is their Bao Jiak ($6.50), where packed in a plastic bag is actually a durian cake featuring Mao Shan Wang puree sandwiched between plain sponge and green bean sago mousse.
Check out our full review of Out Of The Cake Box.
Address: 45 Telok Blangah Drive, #01-173, Singapore 100045
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12pm to 8:30pm, Sat 12pm to 9pm, Sun 10am to 5pm
Tel: 6271 1975
Website
7. Nasi Coco
Nasi Coco dishes up a scrumptious nasi lemak tempura dish – Nasi Lemak Supreme ($9.90) – that’s great for tourist pals who aren’t very adventurous when it comes to food, but still want to experience local flavours. The massive plate is filled with fluffy coconutty rice, sambal, and an array of golden tempura items.
What we love about this chic joint, besides its minimalist aesthetics, is that it’s located far off in the West and is a hidden gem even amongst locals!
Check out our full review of Nasi Coco.
Address: 1 West Coast Drive, #01-73, NeWest, Singapore 128020
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 930pm
Tel: 6255 9030
Website
8. Upeh
Introduce your friend to homely, traditional Malay dishes in a comfortable setting at Upeh Cafe. Layered with rice, ikan gulai (fish curry), sambal bilis and fish floss is their Nasi Tumpang Ikan ($7+). If they are up for it, be sure to also order the Durian Balls ($8.90+), where a mochi-like skin is filled with pulpy durian flesh, before being deep-fried.
Adopting a chic industrial concept, the 28-seater space is decked with wooden and steel furnishing that’s totes inviting and great for a photo.
Check out our full review of Upeh.
Address: 67 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169371
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 9pm
Tel: 8748 4902
Website
Upeh Cafe is a Muslim-owned cafe.
Take a little trip around Singapore town at these non-touristy cafes
Skip all the touristy restaurants and those highly recommended on TripAdvisor; these non-touristy cafes in Singapore are the ones to hit up for a legit good time on our Little Red Dot!
For more unique eats, visit these unique lunch treats in Telok Ayer and hipster hawker centres!
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