Toa Payoh is an underrated hood with a plethora of delicious food options. Upon some digging, we also found that there are a handful of cafes in the area that are worth checking out! Some of these restaurants and coffee spots are near Toa Payoh MRT Station and HDB Hub, so you can easily pop by after your appointment. Here’s our list of the best Toa Payoh cafes to visit for hearty brunch fare, freshly baked waffles and more.
If you love ending the night with some ice cream and waffles, head to OC Cafe for an extensive selection of gelato and other offerings. A single scoop here costs $5, while a double scoop is priced at $9. Some of the popular flavours include Honey Chrysanthemum, Roasted Pistachio, and Dark Chocolate Sorbet, with premium flavours priced at $1 more than the regular ones. For the best experience, pair your gelato with their waffles that come in two options: Original Belgian ($7) and Coconut Pandan ($8). Else, their Croffle ($6) is another great option for something crispier and sweeter.
Address: 79E Toa Payoh Central, #01-75, Singapore 315079
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Website
OC Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Opened in June 2024, Wanglee Cafe is a Nanyang-style eatery that offers traditional meals from breakfast to dinner under $7 in a quaint, old-school setting. If you’re dropping by in the morning, get their Kaya Butter Toast Set ($5.20), consisting of the usual soft-boiled eggs, kaya butter toast, and a cup of kopi. For something more filling, their crowd-favourite Chilli Pan Mee ($6.80) or Mee Hoon Kuey ($5.80) is a good choice too.
Read our Wanglee Cafe review.
Address: 92 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-274, Singapore 310092
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 7pm
Website
Wanglee Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Under-HDB cafe Providence Cafe & Bakery is the place to visit for fresh bakes, pastries, and coffee. For those always on the go, we recommend getting a quick bite such as the Blueberry Muffin ($1.80) or the heartier Chicken Mayo Sandwich ($2.60). There’s also a croissant option for the latter, priced at $3.50! Another interesting fact about this cafe slash bakery is that they offer Hot Desserts ($2.50) in three different flavours: red or green bean, pulut hitam, and sweet potato.
Address: 234 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, #01-270, Singapore 310234
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 6pm
Website
Providence Cafe & Bakery is not a halal-certified eatery.
GIG Cafe is a quick six-minute walk from Toa Payoh MRT Station, and they offer a lovely range of starters, mains, and desserts. For the fickle-minded, go straight for their Carbonara Pasta (from $11.90++), starring mushrooms, onions, and chicken or bacon in cream sauce, topped with an onsen egg. If you prefer rice to noodles, get their Cheesy Chicken Cutlet Rice Don ($12.90++) instead; a hearty bowl comes with lots of greens, a cheesy chicken cutlet, and an onsen egg. Finish your meal with the popular MSW Durian Ice Cream Waffle ($14.90++), topped with fresh berries, a scoop of durian ice cream, and lots of chocolate drizzle.
Address: Blk 186 Toa Payoh Central, #01-436, Singapore 310186
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Website
GIG Cafe Toa Payoh is not a halal-certified eatery.
SOD Cafe currently has two outlets in Singapore, with one in Hougang and the other in Upper Thomson. While you’re here, it’s a must to try the Mentaiko Fried Chicken Sandwich ($16.90+): a loaded sandwich with grilled chicken thigh, fresh prawns, and mozzarella cheese, served with a side of greens and tater tots. Alternatively, fans of sweet-savoury foods will love the Signature Fried Chicken Deluxe ($15.90+), starring house-made marinated deep-fried chicken thigh and maple syrup, alongside a buttered brioche or waffle depending on your liking. Meals aside, their drinks menu sees some interesting options such as the Orange Latte ($5.50+) and Tiramisu Black ($5.50+).
Address: 183 Upper Thomson Road, Longhaus, #01-05, 574429
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 10:30am to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm
Website
SOD Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
One of the most popular Toa Payoh cafes is The Larder Cafe dishing up quality brunch dishes and desserts at value-for-money, nett prices. A popular dish at this Toa Payoh cafe is the Pork Ribeye Steak ($18.50+), which comes with seasonal veggies, baby potatoes, and a garlic soya sauce. There’s also a decent range of pasta dishes to choose from, including Mushroom Aglio Olio ($14+), Carbonara Spaghetti ($14.50+), and Chicken Linguine ($14.90+).
Address: Block 177 Toa Payoh Central, #01-124, Singapore 310177
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6253 8382
Website
The Larder Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Tucked inconspicuously among a row of shops, Shrove Tuesday serves up both sweet treats and hearty mains. Their signature Nonya Chendol Waffles ($14.90) is a crowd favourite, comprising waffles stacked with two scoops of chendol gelato and vanilla soft serve that’s topped with azuki red beans, gula melaka syrup, desiccated coconut and chendol jelly. Alternatively, DIY your dessert by getting the Charcoal Waffle ($6), topped with your choice of gelato (from $3.80).
Address: Blk 94 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-32, Singapore 310094
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm to 9pm, Fri-Sat 12pm to 10pm
Tel: 8778 3862
Website
Shrove Tuesday is not a halal-certified eatery.
Venture a little further and you’ll find homegrown ice cream cafe Creamier. Since opening its flagship in Toa Payoh over a decade ago, the popular dessert parlour now has four outlets islandwide, including Punggol and Tampines. Prices start at $4.90 for a single scoop and $5.90 for premium flavours. Fans love their house-made Waffles ($7.50), which are proper thick with crispy edges. Top up $4 to pair this with a scoop of ice cream.
Read our guide to the best ice cream waffles in Singapore.
Address: 131 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-02, Singapore 310131
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10pm
Website
Creamier is not a halal-certified eatery.
Kopifellas first started as a humble stall at Timbre+, before opening multiple outlets across the island—including a casual cafe next to HDB Hub, Kopifellas Cafe. Here you’ll find a good mix of their signature toasts, hawker-inspired noodle dishes, and caffeinated concoctions to help you power through your day. Out of the lot, their Premium Toast caught our attention, as you get the lesser-seen Matcha Milk and Earl Grey Milk toast options. A set costs $6, while the toasts alone are priced at $3.
Address: 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #01-532, Singapore 310190
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 5:30pm
Tel: 9877 8088
Website
Kopifellas Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
If you’re bored of run-of-the-mill cafes, head to Tim’s Restaurant & Cafe. This homely Toa Payoh cafe has been around since 2006, serving up delicious Nepalese and Western fare to Toa Payoh residents. A must-order is the Mexican Roast Chicken, priced at $14.50++ for half a chicken and $23++ for a whole. FYI, this comes with wedges and salad on the side!
Address: 95 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-52, Singapore 310095
Opening hour: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6250 5246
Website
Tim’s Restaurant & Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Whether you’re in the mood for a savoury breakfast platter, or delicious desserts after your meal, bookmark these Toa Payoh cafes the next time you’re in the area. Time to rope in your food kakis to explore the neighbourhood.
If you love cafe-hopping as much as we do, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore. Alternatively, check out Il Piccolo Pizzeria, where we met a Chinese-born hawker who runs an Italian stall in Toa Payoh.
Feature image adapted from @thelardercafesg, @creamier_sg, @taroxtaco, @sod_hougang and @onlycreamery
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