North-East cafes from Punggol to Serangoon
There are plenty of cafes in Singapore, although most of them tend to be concentrated in the city centre. The North-East has a fair share too, with plenty of cool joints that leverage on their remote locations to craft unique and picturesque brunch experiences. From Serangoon to Punggol, discover 28 North-East cafes that will inspire you to ditch Tanjong Pagar and Tiong Bahru on your next cafe-hopping adventure.
Hougang cafes
1. Lickers
Image credit: Lickers
Lickers is a chameleon of a cafe. In the daytime, this ice cream parlour is bright and cheerful, with cute, family-friendly decor. At night, it morphs into a different being, with dim lighting and neon signs featuring cheeky taglines that give the space a cool urban vibe.
Classic flavours such as Roasted Pistachio and Dark Chocolate are, of course, available. A single scoop is priced at $3.90, with premium flavours costing $0.80 more. But if you’re feeling bold, there’s a range of unique flavours to try too. The most famous is the Yakult Oreo, which combines two Singaporean childhood favourites. The tangy Yakult and sweet Oreo jive unexpectedly well, and are even better stacked on a Waffle (from $5).
Save up to 15% off your total bill at Lickers for a limited time only with Grab Dine Out. All you have to do is open the Grab app, tap on ‘Dine Out’, search for Lickers, and enter the total bill under ‘Pay bill’ to have the discount applied automatically.
New Dine Out users can also get an additional $5 off their first order by using the code ‘DINEOUTNEW’, with a minimum spend of $10.
Browse more deals on Grab Dine Out.
Address: 124 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1446, Singapore 530124
Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 1pm to 2am, Fri-Sun 12pm to 2am, Mon 6:30pm to 12am, Tue 12:30pm to 2am
Website
Lickers is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Icebar
Our list of North-East cafes isn’t complete without Icebar, a gelato cafe at Hougang Green Shopping Mall that made quite the splash on social media when they opened in 2021, thanks to their ‘gram-worthy neon decor. The gelato cafe has quite a selection of flavours to choose from, which you can enjoy on waffles.
We recommend getting the Combo for 20% off waffles, your chosen gelato, toppings, and beverage. Else, opt for Single scoops that start at $4.50. Plus point: Ice Bar is open till 2am every day, making them a great pick for a sugary supper.
Read our Icebar review.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
Website
Icebar is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. alkove
Image credit: alkove
For wallet-friendly, French-inspired brunch fare in Hougang, visit alkove. This neighbourhood cafe is helmed by renowned Chef Haikal Johari, who also heads the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Alma by Juan Amador on Scotts Road.
Image credit: alkove
You won’t break the bank here as most mains are under $25++. There’s the quintessential Croque Monsieur ($17.90++), which pairs smoked Bayonne ham with Comte cheese, sandwiched between toasted brioche. They also have pasta and meaty mains such as Duck Leg Confit ($24.90++) and Iberico Pork Stew ($20.90++).
Check out our Alkove Bistro feature!
Website
alkove is not a halal-certified eatery.
This French-Inspired Cafe By One-Michelin-Starred Chef Has Brunch Under $20 In Kovan
4. Ola AcaiÂ
Stretch your dollar at Ola Acai, a cosy cafe in Kovan serving affordable acai bowls from $6.50. They also have healthy smoothies and gelato with waffles if you want something more indulgent!
The under-HDB cafe offers Small, Medium, and Large acai bowls, priced at $6.50, $10.90, and $14.50 respectively. There’s the Nutz 4 Nuts, packed with banana, granola, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, caramelised cookie crumbs, and your choice of drizzle. Alternatively, get the Island Gal, which swaps out the nuts for strawberries and mango chunks.
Read our Ola Acai feature, or check out our full guide to the best acai bowls in Singapore!
Website
Ola Acai is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Sweedy Patisserie
Tucked away at Hougang Rivercourt is Sweedy Patisserie! This is where you can get their famed fatcarons AKA macarons filled with layers of buttercream. The fatcaron flavours change every month, but their ever-popular Mao Shan Wang Fatcaron ($6.50+) is a mainstay flavour that regulars love.
They also serve up tasty croffles here. Get the Crispy Matcha Croffle ($16++) for a flaky croffle with white chocolate matcha, kunafeh, and a side of vanilla bean gelato. For something more filling, have one of their brunch items such as the Breakfast Sammie ($15++).
Read our Sweedy Patisserie feature.
Website
Sweedy Patisserie is not a halal-certified eatery.
Get The Viral Banana Pudding Matcha At This Popular Hougang Cafe
6. Denzy Gelato
Denzy Gelato is where you go for award-winning gelato as the cafe had previously earned the title of Singapore’s best gelato in 2019 by the Dessert Association Singapore. The last time we went, they launched their new no-sugar-added gelato flavours such as Chrysanthemum Goji,  Black Sesame, and Hazelatte. Fun fact: prebiotic fibres are added to these new flavours to prevent your blood sugar level from spiking after enjoying them.
Pair your gelato (from $4.20 for a single scoop) with their warm Brownies ($6.30 for one piece). The melty chocolate chips within the sweet treat complemented the Roasted Bronte Pistachio gelato really well. We liked the nutty blend of chocolate and pistachio while enjoying the hot-cold contrast between the brownie and gelato.
Read our Denzy Gelato feature.
Website
Denzy Gelato is not a halal-certified eatery.
Denzy Gelato: Under-HDB Dessert Cafe With Award-Winning Gelato In Hougang
Serangoon cafes
7. Joji’s Diner
Step inside Joji’s Diner and you’re greeted by a space styled to look like Americana diners of days past, complete with cherry red booth seats and a jukebox machine. Known as one of the most popular North-East cafes, many customers love their diner fare as well: think deliciously greasy breakfast sets, alongside mains such as Chicken & Waffles ($14.90++), burgers, and buttermilk pancakes.
Grab a milkshake to enjoy with your meal for maximum vibes. There are three flavours to choose from: Strawberry Milkshake ($8.90++), Banana Milkshake ($8.90++), and Choco Milkshake ($11.90++).
Read our Joji’s Diner review.
Website
Joji’s Diner is not a halal-certified eatery.
Joji’s Deli Opens With Crab Butter Pasta, Loaded Sandwiches And More Under $20
8. The Better Scoop
The Better Scoop offers something a little different from the usual gelato-and-waffles combo. The Serangoon cafe has made quite a wave for their Nian Gao Waffles ($6.80), where buttermilk waffle batter is laced with actual, chewy bits of nian gao for added chew. The gelato flavours here are unique as well, with options such as Honey Chamomile & Butterfly Pea Flowers and Black Sesame Soy Milk, priced at $4.20 for a single scoop in a cup.
Situated just a five-minute walk from Serangoon MRT Station, the cafe is great for chill catch-ups with friends over dessert.
Read our The Better Scoop review.
Website
The Better Scoop is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Apollo Coffee Bar
Apollo Coffee Bar has been a Serangoon Gardens fave for years now for two reasons: great food, and equally stunning interiors. Apollo Coffee Bar is run by the folks behind Atlas Coffeehouse and Columbus Coffee Co., so you know they’ve got the goods.
Swing by to feast on their brunch offerings available from 9am to 3pm, of which there are bites including Summertime French Toast ($19.50+): shokupan paired with citrus-infused cream and fresh fruits. They also have Cereal Prawn Pasta ($20.90+), which takes inspiration from the zi char classic, mai pian xia. Be prepared to queue for a table, as it can be quite crowded during peak hours.
Read our Apollo Coffee Bar review.
Website
Apollo Coffee Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.
These Are The Best Zi Char Places In Singapore, According To Google Ratings
10. Eleven Strands
Image credit: Eleven Strands FB
Eleven Strands is located just opposite Serangoon Stadium and is a great cafe to visit if you’re craving French and Italian fare. Their Beef Ragout Pasta (from $24++) is a crowd favourite, where fork-tender slow-cooked beef ragu is tossed with your chosen pasta and a red wine sauce.
Image credit: Kok Kiat Ow via Google Maps
Their Wagyu Cheese Burger ($26++) is another popular choice, where a marbled, juicy Wagyu patty is served on buttery brioche, then topped with caramelised onions and cheddar cheese. The bistro seats 70 people, spread across an indoor area, their long bar, and an airy, dining room at the back of the unit.
Website
Eleven Strands is not a halal-certified eatery.
42 Best Italian Restaurants In Singapore For All Budgets—$7.90 Pasta, Fried Pizza And More
11. Chu And Co
Image credit: @shann0mm
Chu And Co is a hip bakery housed in Serangoon Gardens. This casual cafe offers quaint al fresco seating, where you can enjoy their crafted coffees, famed bakes, and cheesy sammies. They even have a rotating menu, which offers a fresh selection of tasty mains weekly.
Image credit: @cafehopping.archive
The Portobello Grilled Cheese ($17) is a popular pick, comprising grilled portobello with house-made red pesto, mozzarella, French onion bechamel and more. Otherwise, opt for their Brasied Beef Cheek Sando ($18), a hearty sandwich filled with braised lemongrass beef cheeks, crisp shallots, and cilantro sauce, all served with a side of garlic mash. They’ve got lots of fresh bakes on offer, too, such as the Smoked Duck Cacio & Pepe Egg Yolk Butter ($9) and Pistachio Curd Kouign Amann ($8).
Website
Chu And Co is not a halal-certified eatery.
12. Clovelly
Image credit: @chewwwie
If you love pasta, bookmark Clovelly, a cafe that takes over Wimbly Lu’s previous space. This Serangoon cafe offers all-day brunch and handmade pasta at wallet-friendly prices: think Traditional Carbonara ($18.90++) and Mushroom Pesto ($19.90++).
Image credit: @saltyaaron
Their Crab On Crab ($24.90++) is another signature main that comes with handmade gemelli pasta tossed in a creamy white wine sauce that’s cooked with butter and garlic. You also get a whole soft-shell crab.
Do note that the nearest train station is Lorong Chuan MRT Station instead of Serangoon MRT Station.
Read our Clovelly feature.
Website
Clovelly is not a halal-certified eatery.
This New Serangoon Cafe Has Handmade Pasta, Crab Croissant And More
Woodleigh and Potong Pasir cafes
13. Folk Yard
Located in Upper Serangoon, right next to Potong Pasir MRT Station, Folk Yard is known for their thick sandwiches, all well-priced under $20 each. Prices are nett, too! They’ve been touted as one of the coolest North-East cafes in Singapore.
Their Breakfast Sandwich ($15) is a must-try; this hearty, sweet-savoury sandwich comprises shokupan with cheesy scrambled eggs, maple hashbrowns, and candied bacon. Otherwise, go for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich ($15), which comes with a sinful mix of deep-fried chicken, curry aioli, and coconut slaw.
Read our Folk Yard review.
Website
Folk Yard is not a halal-certified eatery.
14. Surrey Hills Grocer
The Woodleigh Mall, directly connected to Woodleigh MRT Station, is home to a slew of hip dining spots, including Surrey Hills Grocer. This North-East outlet offers Australian-famous Pancake Parlour stacks, including the Classic Stack ($22++): fluffy pancakes served with vanilla creme Chantilly, whipped butter, and maple syrup. Each week, the pancake mix is flown in fresh from Melbourne.
Their Pork Belly Benny ($28++), which stars a massive slab of sous-vide, and then deep-fried, pork belly, is another must-try. If you want something even heartier, go for the Lava Wagyu Burger ($32++): brioche buns sandwiching a thick Wagyu beef patty, drenched in a skillet of melted cheese.
Read our Surrey Hills Grocer review.
Website
Surrey Hills Grocer Woodleigh Mall is not a halal-certified eatery.
Surrey Hills Grocer Opens At VivoCity With Rainforest Theme, Handmade Pizzas And More
15. Rise Bakehouse Potong Pasir
Located just a stone’s throw away from Folk Yard is another popular cafe Rise Bakehouse Potong Pasir, which focuses more on desserts. Expect a range of pretty teacakes, sweet concoctions, and delicious gelato waffles here. This is one of the prettiest North-East cafes, so drop by if aesthetics is important to you.
If you’re big on cakes, give their artisanal bakes a go, which are proudly displayed at the storefront. Else, their tasty gelato paired with fluffy brown-butter waffles is also worth a shot. The Fresh Berries Waffles ($17.90++) is another popular option. As for drinks, we recommend the pretty, purple-tinted Grape Yakult Honey Sencha ($8++) if you want a switch-up from the usual slew of caffeinated beverages.
Read our Rise Bakehouse Potong Pasir review.
Website
Rise Bakehouse Potong Pasir is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Rise Review: Pastel Cafe In Potong Pasir With Brown Butter Waffles And Black Sesame Cakes
Kovan cafes
16. Fatto Catto
Image credit: @cqieat
You may have heard of the defunct FATCAT Ice Cream & Coffee Boutique, the homegrown ice cream bar that rose to fame as one of Singapore’s OG waffle-ice-cream bars. Now, they’ve returned as Fatto Catto, offering ice cream, fresh bakes, and matcha drinks.
Image credit: @cqieat
Enjoy ice cream at $5.50 for a single scoop in a cup, or $10 for a double. Else, Fatto Catto also does plated desserts, such as their Brown Butter Waffle ($8) and Chocolate Brownie ($6). Don’t miss out on their matcha drinks, including the Tropicat Whisk ($9.50), for earthy matcha with fresh mango and coconut milk.
Website
Fatto Catto is not a halal-certified eatery.
17. Three Nuts Baker
Image credit: @pickled.fork
Three Nuts Baker is a quaint hole-in-the-wall cafe in Kovan, best known for their bakes. The Gooey Cinnamon ($6 per piece) has been a huge favourite with fans, with crisp pecans crowned atop a sticky and buttery cinnamon roll.
Image credit: @threenutsbaker
The menu also sees a handful of bombolone and fudgy chocolate desserts. If you want to get their bakes, swing by after 12pm. The space is small and only seats three, so takeaway is recommended.
Website
Three Nuts Baker is not a halal-certified eatery.
18. BakeOpedia X The Bread Rack Singapore
Image credit: @thebreadracksg
Fans of freshly baked bread and pastries can head to BakeOpedia X The Bread Rack Singapore, an artisanal bakery-cafe located at Space @ Kovan. The industrial-themed space has an L-shaped glass display case, where diners can choose between classic pastries such as Almond Croissant ($5) and Granny Smith Apple Danish ($5.50), or freshly baked loaves to take home, with prices starting at $10.50 for sourdough.
Image credit: @thebreadracksg
For more substantial bites, pick from their selection of croissant sandwiches, or the Big Breakfast ($20.90), which comes with all your classic breakfast fixings. They’ve also got a range of coffees, teas, and other beverages, making this a solid pick for a quick catch-up with friends.
Website
BakeOpedia X The Bread Rack Singapore is not a halal-certified eatery.
19. Lola’s Cafe
When talking about the best North-East cafes in Singapore, you can’t leave out Lola’s Cafe, an absolute stalwart in the scene. Located near Kovan MRT Station, Lola’s provides a casual family environment, while serving up simple comfort food. It comes as no surprise that this homely joint is packed to the rafters on weekends. Expect to queue for up to an hour during peak periods.
They’ve got their signature Spicy Tomato Crab Rigatoni ($20++), studded with crab chunks, alongside the Tsukune Sando ($17++), also available at their Holland Village outlet. The Pulled Pork & Avocado Eggs Benedict ($17++) is another crowd fave, served with tender, smoky pulled pork atop avo toast. Otherwise, try their Crab Cake Benedict ($20++) for something less predictable!
Read our Lola’s Cafe feature.
Website
Lola’s Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Lola’s Cafe Opens 3rd Outlet In Tampines With New Outlet-Exclusive Dishes
20. Tom’s Palette
The OG gelato cafe, Tom’s Palette, has a branch in Kovan! This branch is decorated with lots of yellow paintings, presenting a warm, comforting environment for diners to indulge in their wide array of speciality gelato flavours.
If you don’t already know, the cafe is known for their wide variety of creative gelato flavours. These flavours change every month, which means you can try a new flavour every visit. A Single scoop of gelato in a cup is priced from $5.80. Pair this with their crisp Belgian Waffle ($3.80 for a half serving).
Read our Tom’s Palette feature.
Website
Tom’s Palette is not a halal-certified eatery.
Tom’s Palette Opens In Kovan With Putu Mayam Cone And New Gelato Flavours
Sengkang cafes
21. The Apricus Coffee & Food Co.
Another popular kid on the North-East cafe block is The Apricus Coffee & Food Co., run by The Populus crew. This Sengkang gem serves up classic Aussie-style brunch fare all day. Diners can choose between big breakfast sets, pastas, other mains, and even desserts. We highly recommend their Norwegian Salmon Brown Butter Linguine ($23+), which comes with a generous slab of crispy-skinned salmon, and al dente linguine tossed in a nutty brown butter sauce.
Bonus points to the cafe’s airy, high ceilings and the lush green plants that decorate the space, both of which help the cafe feel open, even on a busy day.
Read our The Apricus Coffee & Food Co. review.
Website
The Apricus Coffee & Food Co. is a Muslim-owned eatery.
22. Eat 3 Bowls Compass One
For casual, no-frills Taiwanese fare in Sengkang, head to Eat 3 Bowls at the basement of Compass One. Here you’ll find a wide range of legit Taiwanese dishes, including the signature Eat 3 Bowls ($14.50): three petite-sized bowls of Braised Pork Rice, Oyster and Pig Intestine Mee Sua, and Shredded Chicken Rice.
Out of the three, we liked the Oyster and Pig Intestine Mee Sua the most. This is especially due to their well-cooked and silky mee sua and QQ pig intestines. If you prefer to have just the bowl of noodles, you can get its regular portion for $8.50.
Read our Eat 3 Bowls Compass One review.
Website
Eat 3 Bowls Compass One is not a halal-certified eatery.
Eat 3 Bowls Review: Affordable Taiwanese Cafe With Egg Crepe Rolls And More In Sengkang
Punggol cafes
23. Well Collective
Northshore Plaza is Punggol’s hottest food haven, as the mega mall has a whole slew of eateries in its directory. One of the trendiest spots to visit is Well Collective, a French-Japanese cafe with gorgeous, mid-century modern interiors and a pet-friendly al fresco area.
The menu’s got a mix of healthy eats—think acai bowls and vegetarian options aplenty—and a good mix of Asian fusion, as well as classic brunch dishes. We loved their Madame’s Truffled Egg Croissant ($19++), where buttery, flaky pastry is stuffed with bechamel sauce, Emmental cheese, creamy scrambled eggs, and an indulgent shaving of black truffle. Desserts here aren’t to be missed, as their selection of crafted cakes all look as good as they taste.
Read our Well Collective review.
Website
Well Collective is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
24. Anna’s
Since its launch in 2023, sourdough cafe Anna’s has been making waves online. Started by The Soup Spoon’s founder Chef Anna, the Punggol gem offers brunch and dinner menus that are centred around house-baked sourdough bread.
Their Dribs and Drops Diversity Board ($20++) is a must-order; this sharing platter comes with six slices of sourdough toast, sourdough crackers, six different dips, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. Other signature mains include Boston Clam Chowder Sourdough Bread Bowl ($16++), Beef Brisket on Sourdough ($24++), and a selection of handmade sourdough pasta.
Read our Anna’s review.
Website
Anna’s is a halal-certified eatery.
https://eatbook.sg/annas-cafe/
25. Three Little Coconut Singapore One Punggol
Located in One Punggol, Three Little Coconut Singapore is Mr Coconut’s first-ever cafe! The cosy 30-seater offers a wide range of coconut-centric desserts, including Coconut Cendol ($4.90+), which features coconut-flavoured snowy ice, topped with creamy coconut ice cream, Nyonya cendol, red beans, and a gula melaka coconut cream drizzle.
If you prefer something hot, go for their Croffle, priced from $7.60+. You get to choose between chocolate or gula melaka sauce, and there’s the option of adding a scoop of coconut ice cream for $1.30 too! Don’t miss out on their Signature Coconut Shake (from $5+), too.
Read our Three Little Coconut Singapore One Punggol feature.
Website
Three Little Coconut Singapore One Punggol is not a halal-certified eatery.
The First Cafe By Mr Coconut Opens In Punggol With Chendol Cheesecake And More
26. Rise & Grind Coffee Co.
Image credit: @riseandgrindco
Punggol’s Oasis Terraces is home to a handful of eateries, including Rise & Grind Coffee Co. The cafe was founded by two former Raffles Hotel chefs, who both have a passion for good food and equally good coffee.
Image credit: @flovers.sg
Grab their mains, including pizza, pasta, and western dishes, from 11am onwards. Prices here are pretty affordable too, as you can get a full meal for under $20! Their Big Brekkie ($19.90++) has all the works to keep you satiated: pork bratwurst sausage, hickory smoked bacon, sauteed mushrooms, guacamole, tomatoes, poached eggs, and sourdough toast.
Website
Rise & Grind Coffee Co. is not a halal-certified eatery.
Seletar cafes
27. Wildseed Cafe & Bar
Image credit: @ngweelee
Surrounded by beautiful lush gardens, the botanically-themed Wildseed Cafe & Bar is tucked inside the ulu Seletar Aerospace Park. The scenery itself is worth a trip, with verdant greens enveloping the colonial building that houses the cafe. It’s not all for show though, as the cafe adopts a farm-to-table concept, utilising ingredients that are freshly harvested from the gardens.
Image credit: Wildseed at The Summerhouse FB
Inside, there’s a good balance between routine cafe fare and innovative dishes. Their Pulled Pork Burger ($28.50) caters to the less adventurous, but they also have more interesting options such as Smoked Pork Pizza ($29.50) and Soft Shell Chilli Crab Linguine ($31.50). The cafe is pet-friendly, too!
Website
Wildseed Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Guide to the best North-East cafes
If you’re looking for an area to host a chill day of cafe hopping with your pals, these North-East cafes are as good as any. Check out these North-East cafes the next time you’re looking to hang out with friends or the fam over quality coffee and brunch fare.
We also have guides to the best cafes in every other Singaporean district! Here are our guides to the best cafes in the East and the best cafes in the West.
This post is brought to you by Grab.
25 Best Cafes In The East For Brunch—Breakfast Platters, Wagyu Sando And More
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
